Chapter 93: The Tragic Life of Zhang Er Gou

I shall ascend to the summit and overlook the lesser peaks.

But for Zhang Erdog at this moment, his life seems to be on the brink of ruin.

With pitiful eyes, he gazes at the waist-high weeds swaying in the breeze, so lively and enchanting.

Endless expanse stretches before him, with only a small wooden two-story house breaking the monotony.

Poverty isn’t terrifying; what’s truly frightening is poverty that leads to despair.

Could it be that I, Zhang Erdog, am really destined to live here forever? Will I really become a disciple of this place?

No…

Zhang Erdog looks up to the sky, desperately holding back tears, for this situation truly saddens him.

Despair, deep and profound, with no glimpse of hope for the future.

…

“How is it?” Lin Fan gazes at the mountain that now belongs to him, feeling much more cheerful. At the entrance stands a stone tablet inscribed with three characters that symbolize everything for the Saint-Demon Sect.

“Excellent! A paradise on earth, a paradise on earth indeed! How close this place is to nature, how far it is from the noise of the crowd. The autumn breeze blowing against my body is so refreshing. Sir, this is truly a blessed land,” Zhang Erdog says solemnly, his expression serious.

“Indeed, I think so too. Well then, allow me to introduce myself.”

“I am Lin Fan, the sixth-generation Sect Leader of the Saint-Demon Sect and the current master of this unnamed peak.” At this moment, Lin Fan’s expression turns solemn as he stands at the edge of the mountain, hands behind his back, gazing into the distance.

His long, flowing hair dances in the wind.

Zhang Erdog is momentarily mesmerized. What a commanding man he is.

…

“From this moment on, I entrust you with an important mission—one that will determine whether the Saint-Demon Sect can endure for countless generations and truly rise again. Are you willing to accept it?” Lin Fan stares intently at Zhang Erdog, his tone serious and sincere, as if bestowing a great responsibility.

Zhang Erdog, who had already lost all hope for the future, is deeply moved by Lin Fan’s solemn tone. The expression of grief that had clouded his face instantly vanishes.

With nowhere else to go, returning to the chores department would only lead to certain doom. Why not stay here and become a proud disciple of the Saint-Demon Sect? If this sect ever prospers in the future, he, Erdog, would at the very least be the second most important person in the sect.

“Master, please give your orders. Erdog will go through fire and water without hesitation!” Zhang Erdog exclaims excitedly.

“Excellent! Very good. I am truly pleased,” Lin Fan says with a nod. Choosing Erdog wasn’t a mistake—his determination is the greatest victory.

“Do you see all these lush, green lives before you?” Lin Fan gestures grandly toward the endless sea of green grass.

“Yes, I do. The vitality of these green plants makes me realize that we, too, should persist and live on relentlessly,” Zhang Erdog replies with a nod. He has made up his mind now: returning is impossible, so he will dedicate his life to this place. If the Sect Leader is so inspiring, the future of the sect surely won’t be bleak.

“Good! Now, with all your might, lay a solid foundation for an immortal sect. Eradicate everything before you—root and branch!” Lin Fan declares with great passion.

To Lin Fan, this is a massive project, one that requires tremendous effort.

Without sufficient determination, such a task can never be completed.

“Yes, sir!” Zhang Erdog doesn’t even fully hear what the Sect Leader says. He simply feels inspired by Lin Fan’s passionate words, his blood surging with excitement.

“Ahh…” But just a moment later, his excitement fades as he suddenly freezes.

“Master, what exactly did you say? I didn’t quite catch it clearly,” Zhang Erdog stammers, his face blank. He had been so moved by the Sect Leader’s speech that he had agreed without even thinking.

Now that he’s finally regaining his senses, he begins to grasp the situation—and is overcome with fear.

Lin Fan looks at Zhang Erdog, shakes his head slightly, then turns away and walks toward a large rock. He gently strokes its rough surface, his expression gradually turning nostalgic.

“Long ago, there was a disciple in the Saint-Demon Sect who was unfortunate to be born with a hearing impairment. Sometimes, he couldn’t hear what others said. One day, an elder told him something, but he said he hadn’t heard clearly. And then…” Lin Fan sighs, lightly slaps the rock, and it instantly shatters into pieces.

“Master, what happened next…?” Zhang Erdog swallows nervously.

“Then, he became like this rock,” Lin Fan says, pointing at the broken pieces on the ground.

Upon hearing this, Zhang Erdog’s face pales instantly.

“You didn’t hear clearly just now, right? Then let me repeat it,” Lin Fan says.

Zhang Erdog shudders, glances at the Sect Leader’s hand, and quickly nods. “I heard clearly this time. I heard clearly.”

Seeing Zhang Erdog’s reaction, Lin Fan smiles slightly.

“Good. If you heard clearly, then why are you still hesitating?” Lin Fan says.

“Yes, sir!” Without further hesitation, Zhang Erdog dives headfirst into the dense sea of weeds.

Throwing himself into the grass, tears welling in his eyes, Zhang Erdog grabs his sword and begins working with a mixture of snot and tears.

At this moment, he realizes the truth—he was brought up this mountain to cut grass.

The lofty goals he once dreamed of feel impossibly distant now. Whether he will ever achieve them or simply collapse from exhaustion in this field of weeds remains uncertain.

Watching Zhang Erdog’s back, Lin Fan nods in satisfaction.

At this moment, Lin Fan believes it’s time to start planning for the future.

Regardless of how quickly the sect must be rebuilt, the first step is to clear the area, as he intends to live here permanently.

In the Saint Sect, Lin Fan considers two skills to be of utmost importance: alchemy and forging.

Lin Fan has already mastered the art of forging high-grade weapons as a secondary profession, but he has yet to learn alchemy.

Currently, he sees three ways to improve his cultivation.

First, self-cultivation.

Second, consuming pills.

Third, defeating monsters.

Judging by the speed of improvement, defeating monsters would be the fastest method outside the sect, while within the sect, pill consumption is the only option.

However, Lin Fan will not abandon any of these methods. Whenever an opportunity arises, he will seize it.

“Keep cutting the grass diligently. I need to go down the mountain for a while,” Lin Fan says to Zhang Erdog, who is still toiling amidst the weeds.

“Yes, Master. Please go with peace of mind,” Zhang Erdog replies without looking back.

Lin Fan gives him a sidelong glance. Those words seem to carry a different meaning in his ears, but he shrugs it off—better to go learn alchemy first.

Lin Fan has already made plans: he will both create and consume pills.

If things go smoothly, his cultivation should rise quickly.

Then he can properly develop the sect. Before long, he will restore its former glory.

Nine Great Sects, Heavenly Empress, Yan Emperor—you’d better prepare yourselves. Wait for me to make you weep.

Daring to destroy my sect? You’ve got guts!