Slapping himself across the face, Zhang Xiaofan stood rooted to the spot, panting slightly. It took a long while before his emotions finally calmed. He shook his head with a wry smile and muttered to himself, “Zhang Xiaofan, oh Zhang Xiaofan, who do you think you are? A mere disciple of the Qingyun Sect, so lowly in rank, yet you dare question the doctrines handed down by the Ancestors. How utterly presumptuous. The Qingyun Sect has been revered for over two thousand years; it must be right. What place is there for your doubts?” With this thought, he felt a wave of relief wash over him. Although it was self-consolation, it was surprisingly effective. No longer plagued by these thoughts, he lay down, seeking solace in slumber.
Yet, just as he settled in, a sharp, ear-piercing sound suddenly broke the silence, carried by the night air. Zhang Xiaofan leapt to his feet, gazing up at the sky. In the distance, a white streak of light, like a meteor on a summer’s night, streaked across the sky, followed by several other lights of red, yellow, and white hues.
Recognizing the aerial combat, Zhang Xiaofan knew it was a cultivator using sword techniques to evade pursuit. Surprised to find such a battle on this remote island, he assumed it was a fight between righteous sects and the Cult of Evil. After days of searching in the vast East Sea, Zhang Xiaofan was growing anxious. Overjoyed at the prospect of finding either side, and knowing that one must be from the righteous sects, he wasted no time. Pointing a finger, the Firewood Stick soared into the air, carrying him upwards.
The Firewood Stick emitted a mournful sound as it darted through the night. The cultivators in the sky, surprised to find someone on the island, suspected a trap. The fleeing figure thought it was an ambush, while the pursuers assumed it was a ploy. All shouted in unison, redirecting their magical instruments toward Zhang Xiaofan.
Zhang Xiaofan, startled, realized he was now in a perilous position. But the speed of the magical instruments gave him no chance to explain. He abruptly halted mid-air, plummeting headfirst like a stone. The four skilled cultivators, reacting swiftly, also turned their magical instruments toward him, relentless in their pursuit.
As the four beams of light raced toward him, Zhang Xiaofan clenched his teeth, knowing he could not avoid them. He pivoted in mid-air, raising the Firewood Stick, which glowed with a deep blue light, blocking the attack.
A resounding boom echoed across the sea. The four beams recoiled, and Zhang Xiaofan, along with the Firewood Stick, crashed heavily into the water, sending a massive splash.
Ripples spread across the water’s surface. The four cultivators, both those fleeing and pursuing, paused in mid-air, sensing something amiss.
After a moment, a person slowly floated to the surface, lying unconscious. The four cultivators, wary of each other, cautiously approached, using the starlight to discern the figure.
“Xiaofan!”
Two shocked cries rang out simultaneously from both sides.
※※※
The cold seawater enveloped Zhang Xiaofan, making him feel as if he were still in the Heartless Sea beneath the Dead Spirit Chasm on Kongsang Mountain. But how could the stars be so bright in the sky?
Shaking off the daze, he looked around. He was half-lying on the shore, with four people standing on the distant beach. One was a green-clad woman, and the others were a woman and two men, wearing the robes of the Qingyun Sect.
Zhang Xiaofan, steadying himself, looked at the two familiar men: Master Brother Song Daren and Sixth Brother Du Bishu. The woman, with her stunning features and red attire, was instantly recognizable. His heart raced, and his mind buzzed. “Sister!” he shouted.
The red-clad woman turned, smiling brightly. “You scoundrel, I knew you wouldn’t die so easily!”
What words could describe such joy? Zhang Xiaofan felt a flood of emotions, all rushing to the surface. Staring at her, he shed tears, overwhelmed by gratitude and longing.
“Sister, Sister, Sister!” he repeated in his heart, overjoyed to see her.
Just then, a voice full of reprimand called out, “Zhang Xiaofan, you deadbeat, don’t even look at me?”
Startled, Zhang Xiaofan, along with the three others, turned to see a beautiful girl in green, with a furious expression. It was none other than Bi Yao.
Zhang Xiaofan, feeling a bit flustered, stammered, “W-what are you doing here?”
Bi Yao glared at him, then noticed Tian Ling’er. Her anger intensified, seeing Tian Ling’er’s beauty and grace.
She had left Haiyun Pavilion in Changhe City, met her father, and traveled to Liu Bo Mountain, where both righteous and evil forces gathered. Unable to bear waiting, she had snuck out to find Zhang Xiaofan, but instead, she ran into Tian Ling’er and others.
Seeing Zhang Xiaofan, Bi Yao felt a mix of anger and relief. She had been worried about him after their harrowing experience in the Blood Cave. Now, seeing him fawning over Tian Ling’er, her anger flared.
Suddenly, Zhang Xiaofan coughed up blood, shocking everyone. It was a minor injury, caused by the impact of the four magical instruments earlier. Tian Ling’er and Bi Yao, both concerned, rushed to him, but Song Daren and Du Bishu, mistaking Bi Yao’s intentions, attacked her.
Bi Yao, deftly dodging, retaliated with her Heartbreak Flower. The ensuing battle was intense, with Bi Yao outmaneuvering them. Eventually, she fled, cursing Zhang Xiaofan in her heart.
※※※
The next day, the battle between the righteous and evil factions raged on. Zhang Xiaofan, watching from the sidelines, felt a mixture of relief and confusion. The familiar faces of Fa Xiang and Fa Shan, from Tianshan Temple, appeared. They greeted him warmly, congratulating him on his survival.
Fa Xiang, with a hint of mystery, said, “Zhang Xiaofan, you should visit Lu Xueqi. She was very worried about you.”
Zhang Xiaofan, looking at Lu Xueqi, felt a pang of disappointment. Despite her cold demeanor, she still held a special place in his heart. As he watched her, he felt a sense of loss, but also a strange sense of relief.
The world of cultivation was a tumultuous one, and Zhang Xiaofan, with his newfound friends and enemies, had to navigate it with courage and wisdom.
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