In the heart of the bamboo grove, the shadows danced with the dappled sunlight that filtered through the leaves, casting a shimmering glow upon the clearing.
Zhang Xiaofan gazed into the distance, his eyes lingering on the swaying bamboo. In a hushed voice, he murmured, “Sometimes, I feel like such a fool. Shizhi clearly has feelings for Qi Hao, but I still… But when I saw the Kui Niu charging at her, I didn’t even think; I just rushed forward.”
Biyao leaned close to him, her voice sudden and soft. “If I were in danger, would you come to save me too?”
A sheepish smile spread across Zhang Xiaofan’s face as he scratched his head, hesitating before finally answering, “I… I don’t know.” After a moment of thought, he added, “I think I would.”
Biyao smiled, her eyes twinkling with amusement. She turned her gaze away, looking into the distance. “If you were in danger, I would willingly give my life to save you,” she said quietly.
Zhang Xiaofan was taken aback. He turned to look at her, noticing the serious expression on her face. “What did you say?”
Biyao smiled again, then suddenly had an idea. “Xiaofan, come away with me.”
Frowning, Zhang Xiaofan asked, “Where to?”
“Anywhere,” Biyao replied, her voice full of determination. “The world is vast, and we can go anywhere. If you do not wish to join our Holy Sect and become an enemy of your sect, then we won’t. We can travel the world together. If you stay in the Qingyun Sect, with those old traditionalists, it might be dangerous for you.”
Zhang Xiaofan fell silent, and Biyao watched him anxiously, waiting for his response.
Finally, Zhang Xiaofan looked at her, and Biyao, about to speak, saw him slowly shake his head.
“I can’t leave Qingyun, Biyao.”
Biyao’s face darkened. “Do you want to stay here and wait for death?”
After a moment of silence, Zhang Xiaofan replied, “Biyao, you don’t understand. Qingyun is my home. I was raised by my master and mistress. I can’t betray them.”
Biyao was furious. “Your master always scolds and punishes you, yet you still say they are good to you?”
Zhang Xiaofan stood up, a faint smile on his face. “Biyao, perhaps I may seem foolish to others, but I understand some things. My master may be strict, but he truly cares for me. I know he is sincere.” His voice lowered. “All these troubles are my fault, for deceiving him. I deserve any punishment, but I will never betray my sect.”
Biyao was struck speechless for a moment, then sighed. “You are not foolish at all; you are very clever. No wonder my father always tells me that although you seem quiet, you have a keen mind.”
Zhang Xiaofan blushed, surprised. “He, your father, said that about me?”
Biyao simply smiled, walking closer to him. “I know your nature, and I won’t force you to leave. But with the Holy Sect’s treasure and your connection to the Temple of Heavenly Sound, you are in great danger. Have you thought about how to handle it?”
Zhang Xiaofan laughed bitterly. “I’ll leave it to fate.”
Biyao looked deeply into his eyes, her voice soft. “Please, be careful.”
Zhang Xiaofan smiled, glancing at the sky. “You’ve been here for a long time. You should go back. If we are fated, we will meet again.”
Biyao shivered slightly, and Zhang Xiaofan felt a pang of bitterness. He turned and slowly walked out of the bamboo grove.
After a few steps, he heard Biyao’s voice from behind. “Xiaofan, I have one more question.”
Zhang Xiaofan turned, surprised. “What?”
Biyao hesitated, then asked, “At the small pond outside Xian Town, you once saw an ancient well on a full moon night. What did you see inside the well?”
Zhang Xiaofan was stunned. “Why do you want to know this?”
Biyao grew tense, her voice tinged with impatience. “Tell me!”
Zhang Xiaofan frowned. “What is so strange about that well that everyone is so interested?”
Biyao smiled enigmatically.
Zhang Xiaofan opened his mouth to speak, then paused, his face reddening. Finally, he said, “Next time we meet, I will tell you.”
Biyao was taken aback, then smiled. “Alright, remember to tell me!”
Zhang Xiaofan chuckled, feeling lighter after their conversation. He waved goodbye to Biyao and walked out of the bamboo grove.
Soon, the monkey Xiao Hui jumped down from a tall bamboo and landed on Zhang Xiaofan’s shoulder, looking back at Biyao.
Deep in the bamboo grove, Biyao watched Zhang Xiaofan’s retreating figure, unmoving.
***
The next morning, the moist air of the mountain lingered over Dazhu Peak, but the people of Dazhu Peak were already awake.
Tian Yisu, dressed and ready, walked with Su Ru to the open space in front of the Hall of Tranquility. The disciples were already gathered, with Zhang Xiaofan standing at the back.
Tian Yisu said calmly, “Da Ren, take Xiao Fan. The rest, stay here.”
Song Da Ren nodded, and the other disciples’ faces showed disappointment. Only Tian Ling Er stepped forward. “Father, I want to go too.”
Tian Yisu frowned. “What for? To cause trouble!”
Tian Ling Er bit her lip, pleading with Su Ru, “Mother…”
Su Ru sighed. “Let her go, Tian Yisu.”
Tian Yisu reluctantly agreed, glancing at Zhang Xiaofan. “Let’s go.”
With a flick of his sleeve, he summoned his flying sword and took off, followed by Su Ru.
On the ground, the other disciples gathered around. He Da Zhi coughed, saying to Zhang Xiaofan, “Little Brother, be careful.”
For the first time in days, Zhang Xiaofan saw genuine concern on his senior brothers’ faces. He whispered, “Yes.”
Song Da Ren sighed. “Little Brother, let’s go.”
Zhang Xiaofan followed, glancing at Tian Ling Er, who looked back at him with concern but said nothing.
With a whoosh, Zhang Xiaofan took off, following Song Da Ren into the sky. As they flew, the sky turned a deeper blue, much like the beginning of the Seven Pulse Martial Arts Competition, but without the excitement.
***
Tongtian Peak rose high into the clouds, majestic and untouched by the mortal world. It welcomed them with its ethereal aura.
Song Da Ren, Zhang Xiaofan, and Tian Ling Er landed on the cloud sea. The distant Jade Purity Hall seemed to ring with the distant sound of bells.
Tian Yisu and Su Ru were no longer in sight, likely already at the Jade Purity Hall. The cloud sea was filled with disciples from the main sect and other peaks. When Song Da Ren and the others arrived, a commotion stirred, and many eyes turned to Zhang Xiaofan.
Whispers floated through the air like the clouds themselves.
Song Da Ren and Tian Ling Er remained stern, ignoring the stares. Soon, a man approached them.
Zhang Xiaofan recognized him as Chang Jian, a disciple of the main sect whom Song Da Ren had fought during the Seven Pulse Martial Arts Competition.
Chang Jian bowed. “Senior Brother, you look well.”
Chang Jian glanced at Zhang Xiaofan, then continued, “Senior Uncle Tian Yisu has instructed me to lead you directly to the Jade Purity Hall.”
Song Da Ren nodded. “Lead the way, then.”
Chang Jian led them through the cloud sea, past the gazes of countless Qingyun disciples, to the Rainbow Bridge. They walked across it, and the first rays of dawn illuminated Tongtian Peak, creating a beautiful rainbow on the water.
Zhang Xiaofan took a deep breath, gazing at the vast expanse of the world, feeling like a mere speck in its grandeur.
They continued to the Azure Water Pool, where they saw the wide steps leading to the Jade Purity Hall. The spirit beast, the Water Kirin, was not in sight, probably still in the pool.
A bell rang from the Jade Purity Hall.
Chang Jian smiled. “We’re almost there. Let’s go.”
Song Da Ren glanced at Zhang Xiaofan, who stared blankly at the peak, his face unreadable.
As they ascended, the path was nearly deserted, except for a few young Taoist monks sweeping the grounds. They greeted Chang Jian respectfully.
Step by step, Zhang Xiaofan felt his heart grow heavier. The closer they got to the ethereal place, the faster his heart beat.
An unknown, inexplicable tension enveloped him. What awaited him?
The distant sound of the bell echoed through the mountains…
***
At the foot of Qingyun Mountain, four figures stood in a secluded spot, three men and one woman, silently gazing at the mountain.
After a while, Du Shen, the oldest, smiled. “I never thought I’d return here in my lifetime.”
Beside him, the Ghost King smiled faintly. “With you leading, we can not only return but also reach the peak of Tongtian Peak without issue.”
Du Shen shook his head, laughing. “The Ghost King, we’ve already decided. This mission will be led by the Yang Zi of the Longevity Sect.”
Turning to Yang Zi, he said, “Right, Yang Zi, haha.”
Yang Zi, the leader of the Longevity Sect, was handsome and youthful, though he was actually a centuries-old cultivator.
The Longevity Sect, one of the Four Great Sects of the Demon Cult, was responsible for guarding the holy site in the wilderness. Their goal was eternal life, achieved by any means necessary, unlike the righteous path’s pursuit of longevity through virtuous means.
This time, the Demon Cult had secretly gathered at Qingyun Mountain, and Yang Zi, after several discussions, was chosen as the leader. He was pleased. “For a hundred years, the Qingyun Sect has oppressed us. Today, we will seek justice.”
The Ghost King smiled. “Well said.”
He turned to the woman, Miao Xianzi, the leader of the Euphoria Sect. “We’ll rely on your formidable magic, Immortal Miao.”
Miao Xianzi, known for her beauty and icy demeanor, resembled Lu Xueqi of the Little Bamboo Peak.
Hearing the Ghost King, Miao Xianzi smiled. “All of you are great figures. We swore an oath to work together and avenge the shame of the Holy Palace. Please set aside your differences and fulfill the oath.”
The three men agreed. “Rest assured, Immortal Miao, we have no hidden motives.”
Miao Xianzi smiled, then turned to the Ghost King. “Why hasn’t your daughter joined us?”
The Ghost King was surprised. “Biyao, the little girl, is probably playing. Is there something important?”
Miao Xianzi’s tone was indifferent. “I heard that your daughter has acquired the Harmony Bell, a treasure left by Lady Golden Bell, the ancestor of our Euphoria Sect. Is this true?”
The mention of Lady Golden Bell made Du Shen and Yang Zi visibly react. Even for them, her name held great weight.
The Ghost King’s expression changed. “How did you hear this?”
Miao Xianzi, unperturbed, said, “I heard it. The Harmony Bell is our Euphoria Sect’s most treasured item. You must know this, right?”
The Ghost King, standing firm, said nothing. The atmosphere, once amicable, now seemed tense.
Yang Zi cleared his throat, looking at Du Shen, who was gazing at the distant Qingyun Mountain, clearly uninterested in intervening. Yang Zi stepped forward. “Let’s not get upset. Focus on the task at hand and settle this later, alright?”
Miao Xianzi and the Ghost King agreed, though the Ghost King inwardly scoffed at Yang Zi’s intentions.
Suddenly, Du Shen said, “Ah, the sun is rising.”
They looked at the mountain, where the sun’s rays shone brightly, illuminating the world and casting long shadows behind them.
***
Reaching the top of the stairs, Zhang Xiaofan stood before the imposing Hall of Jade Purity. Its grandeur made him feel insignificant.
Chang Jian said, “Let’s go in.”
Song Da Ren and Tian Ling Er nodded, and Zhang Xiaofan took a step, then stopped, seeing an old man sitting on the ground, muttering to himself.
It was Wang Er Shu, who had been mad for years.
Zhang Xiaofan’s heart ached. Before he could move, Song Da Ren pulled him back. “Little Brother, let’s go in first. You can visit Wang Er Shu later.”
Zhang Xiaofan, understanding, nodded and followed. Chang Jian, noticing, said, “If there’s nothing else, let’s go in and pay our respects to the elders.”
Song Da Ren and Zhang Xiaofan entered, and Tian Ling Er asked, “Elders? Are there guests from other sects?”
Chang Jian hesitated. “Yes, monks from the Temple of Heavenly Sound and elders from the Scorching Valley are here, asking about Zhang Xiaofan.”
Tian Ling Er paled, and Song Da Ren frowned.
Zhang Xiaofan, taking a deep breath, said, “Let’s go, Senior Brother Chang.”
Chang Jian nodded and led the way. Zhang Xiaofan, feeling the weight of his steps, followed, with Song Da Ren and Tian Ling Er trailing behind, their eyes filled with worry and helplessness.
As they entered the hall, Wang Er Shu, who had been sitting in the corner, stood up, watching Zhang Xiaofan’s disappearing figure. Like a child, he scratched his head and followed, vanishing into the Hall of Jade Purity.
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