Volume 1 Volume 5 Chapter 134

Volume 5 Chapter 134: Action, Gathering, Different Sides (Part 1)

On "Ronghua Mountain," the sect leaders of the Righteous Alliance were directing the cultivators to control various formations to defend against the continuous attacks of demon beasts. Their faces were filled with exhaustion and anxiety. For the past two months, they had been in a state of high tension, having no time to rest at all.

The various spirit stones and precious materials that the sects had cherished for many years seemed to have no value left, as they continuously provided resources to the formations and the cultivators controlling them to repair the damaged formations and replenish the nearly exhausted Spirit Qi within those controlling the formations.

Upon hearing the report that Xu Qingfan, who was supposed to be on a mission outside "Ronghua Mountain," had suddenly appeared, everyone, including the sect leader, was truly startled and quickly rushed to the spot where Xu Qingfan had appeared.

Ting’er, Zhang Ningmei, and Bai Yu were staying beside the masters as a support team. When they heard their master’s message, they disregarded others’ objections and hurried to catch up with the sect leaders towards where Xu Qingfan had appeared.

The sect leaders did not strongly stop them out of respect for Xu Qingfan. Moreover, Xu Qingfan’s sudden and strange appearance must mean something important, so it was better not to offend him.

When they arrived at the place where Xu Qingfan appeared, they saw his shadowy figure and were all slightly stunned. But quickly, they understood why. Liu Huaxiang, Ting’er, and the others felt relieved at Xu Qingfan’s appearance, while the sect leader and two elders of the "Mercy Cloud Temple" also relaxed, thinking that Bo Guangyan was still safe.

However, seeing Xu Qingfan’s much older face and his grey hair, they were secretly shocked, not knowing why Xu Qingfan had aged so quickly in such a short time.

After Xu Qingfan’s gaze lingered on Liu Huaxiang, Ting’er, Zhang Ningmei, and Bai Yu for a moment, he didn’t wait for the sect leaders to speak and said first, "Dear elders, the ‘Buddha Appearance’ technique cannot last for long. Please do not speak; I will briefly explain the situation."

Xu Qingfan spoke, but there was still no sound; his shadowy figure only projected his thoughts, which resonated directly in the hearts of everyone.

This was communication between Original Souls.

"Daoist Friend Xu, please go ahead."

Xu Qingfan’s words eased the anxiety and panic that had built up in everyone during these days of being besieged by beasts. Qinglingzi, who was leading, spoke to Xu Qingfan even more politely than before.

"’Ronghua Mountain’ is now in a situation that I, as a junior, somewhat understand. I am currently gathering forces to unite the strength of the Righteous Alliance outside of ‘Ronghua Mountain’ and trying to find the masters who have gone out. However, I am unsure how long the savings and power of ‘Ronghua Mountain’ can resist the demon beast horde. I kindly ask the esteemed elders for guidance."

Upon hearing Xu Qingfan’s words, the masters felt a surge of joy in their hearts, knowing that the "Buddha Appearance" technique indeed could not last for long. Thus, Qinglingzi did not delay; after a brief calculation, he said to Xu Qingfan, "The resources of various sects have been stored in ‘Ronghua Mountain’ for many years, but the demon beast’s attacks are extremely fierce, consuming much. We can hold on for about less than three months."

Xu Qingfan nodded and said, "I understand."

After a slight hesitation, Xu Qingfan asked again, "Do the esteemed elders truly not know where the masters have gone? To defeat the Southern Wasteland demon beast, it is crucial for the masters to join the battle. Even if I can reunite the strength of the Righteous Alliance scattered outside ‘Ronghua Mountain,’ it will still be very difficult to find the masters in the vast Shenzhou Continent."

Upon hearing Xu Qingfan’s question, the faces of the sect leaders showed a look of disappointment as they shook their heads in response. It seemed that the masters had indeed not spoken to anyone about their departure.

What surprised Xu Qingfan was that the last person to answer his question was none other than Fan Xiaoyao, the sect leader of the "Xingyin Sect," with whom he harbored intense hatred.

After a moment of slight hesitation, Fan Xiaoyao finally said, "According to what my master said before leaving, they are going to capture the Four Spirits and form the Four Spirit Formation to deliver the final blow to the ‘Nether’ organization."

"What?"

Upon hearing Fan Xiaoyao’s words, everyone was taken aback in shock.

Four Spirits, namely the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, Vermilion Bird, and Black Tortoise, are said to be the Mythical Beasts that protect the Shenzhou Continent. Together with the central Kylin, they guard the entire Shenzhou Continent and lead all beings except humans and the ancient Shura Clan. How could the masters think of capturing them? It seems that the masters at the Mahayana Stage, with their high cultivation level and extraordinary realm, are beyond what the golden core cultivators can imagine, even though it sounds like the Golden Core Stage is the closest to the Mahayana Stage.

Fan Xiaoyao, ignoring the differing expressions on the faces of the sect leaders, said coldly, "Before capturing the Four Spirits, the masters borrowed the treasure ‘Star Chart’ from my ‘Xingyin Sect’ to confirm the location of the Four Spirits. From my observation yesterday, three of the Four Spirits have already been taken by the masters, and they are likely heading to North Iceland to capture the remaining ‘Black Tortoise.’ If my Taoist friend wants to find the masters, you should go to North Iceland."

The "Star Chart" is the treasure of the "Xingyin Sect." It harnesses the power of the stars and can predict many events in the world based on changes in the stars. Even in the entire cultivation world, it is one of the rare treasures.

Seeing Xu Qingfan’s surprised expression when he looked at him, Fan Xiaoyao snorted coldly and thought to Xu Qingfan, "This is not to help you gain fame but for the sake of the entire Righteous Alliance. Our grudge is not yet resolved."

At this moment, Xu Qingfan was in his Original Soul state, but he could hear Fan Xiaoyao’s thoughts and couldn’t help but smile slightly. Then he said to the sect leaders, "Since that’s the case, we shouldn’t delay. I will go now. Please hold on for these three months. Before I leave, is there anything you would like to tell me?"

Hearing Xu Qingfan’s words, the sect leaders exchanged glances, and then Qinglingzi, representing everyone, bowed to Xu Qingfan and said, "Our Righteous Alliance is now facing an unprecedented crisis. Whether we survive or perish depends on you, Taoist Friend Xu. Please be careful in your actions."

Xu Qingfan also bowed to the sect leaders, and the Original Soul shadow he projected gradually faded away until it completely disappeared.

On the other side, watching Xu Qingfan appear and then vanish without saying a word to them, Xu Qingfan’s three disciples—Ting’er, Zhang Ningmei, and Bai Yu—felt a sense of loss in their hearts. Although they knew Xu Qingfan was pressed for time and needed to discuss important matters with the sect leaders, the relentless attacks from countless demon beasts on the Righteous Alliance made them fear for their lives. They wished so much for their dependable master to encourage them, but unfortunately, Xu Qingfan had never spoken a word to them.

It was only as Xu Qingfan’s figure slowly disappeared that Ting’er, Zhang Ningmei, and Bai Yu suddenly heard Xu Qingfan’s calm voice in their hearts.

"Live well, I will come to save you."

Without realizing it, after hearing Xu Qingfan’s words, the three of them felt much more at ease, and a small smile of relaxation appeared on their faces.

When the masters heard Xu Qingfan’s plan, they knew that although the demon beasts were endless, the Righteous Alliance still had hope, and they also felt much more relaxed, easing the fatigue they had carried for many days.

※※※※

As Xu Qingfan’s image slowly faded in "Ronghua Mountain," in the blood-colored valley, under the care of five monks from "Mercy Cloud Temple," the image of "Ronghua Mountain" in front of Xu Qingfan also gradually disappeared.

When the scene in front of Xu Qingfan was only the blood-colored valley, after a while, he finally woke up from the strange daze of existing in two worlds at once.

Looking around, he discovered that the five monks from "Mercy Cloud Temple," who had cast spells for him, were now collapsed on the ground, looking much older and completely exhausted.

Meanwhile, the others watched Xu Qingfan in surprise, as just moments ago, when the golden light scattered, Xu Qingfan’s expression suddenly became blank, his eyes lost their sparkle, yet he kept saying some words, as if he were already in "Ronghua Mountain," leaving everyone amazed.

After recovering from his dazed state, Xu Qingfan first helped the five monks from "Mercy Cloud Temple" to their feet, giving them some magical elixir to regain their strength, and then he turned and quietly looked at the other cultivators.

After looking for a moment, Xu Qingfan began to assign tasks. He kept Lv Qingshang, Jin Qinghan, Dongfang Qingling, Xu Xiurong, and the five monks from "Mercy Cloud Temple" close by. He said to Li Yuhan, Lv Ziqing, and the other six, "Time is tight. I already know where our masters are, in North Iceland. But it is vast and the weather is harsh. So I need Junior Brother Jin, Junior Martial Sister Dongfang, Senior Brother Lv, and Martial Sister Xu to search with me. As for contacting the other teams, I’m afraid that is up to you. After we find our masters and the five masters from ‘Mercy Cloud Temple’ recover, we will also reach out to the other teams. If we get in touch with anyone from those teams, please make sure to tell them that even if we don’t find everyone, we still must meet at Wolf Howling Mountain, three hundred miles north of Ronghua Mountain, in two months. Do you all understand, my Taoist friends?"

"Understood. Taoist Friend Xu, please rest assured."

"Venerable Diyang, please don’t worry. We will not delay."

After hearing Xu Qingfan’s words, everyone responded in agreement.

Xu Qingfan then turned to the five monks from "Mercy Cloud Temple" who were barely standing and said, "Masters, after you recover, please search for the traces of the other teams with these five Taoist friends."

"Venerable One, don’t worry."

The five monks from "Mercy Cloud Temple" all replied, and one monk hesitated for a moment before asking, "If we act separately, what will happen to my Martial Brother Bo Guangyan?"

Xu Qingfan replied, "You will contact the other teams of the Righteous Alliance across Shenzhou Continent. It’s dangerous out there, so Master Bo Guangyan will stay with me. Martial Sister Xu from Qingxu has pure water-based magic and is our best protector. She will specifically ensure Master Bo Guangyan’s safety."

Upon hearing Xu Qingfan’s words, the five monks from "Mercy Cloud Temple" showed relieved expressions.

After settling down, Xu Qingfan looked around at the cultivators in front of him once more and slowly said, "Everyone is responsible for contacting the other teams from the Shenzhou Continent. During this time, demon beasts are rampant, and there are remnants of the ‘Beast Madness cultivators’ and ‘Eight Wilderness Hall,’ making it very dangerous. Please be very careful; the survival of our Righteous Alliance depends on us."

After saying this, Xu Qingfan bowed deeply to everyone.

Hearing Xu Qingfan’s words and thinking about the safety of the important people on "Ronghua Mountain," everyone showed a spirited expression and nodded in agreement.

Then, with a wave of Xu Qingfan’s hand, Li Yuhan, Lv Ziqing, and the other six, without any hesitation, quickly flew off in different directions, following the green slips where Li Yuhan had recorded the locations of each team, searching for them.

Watching the six people fly away, Xu Qingfan let out a slight sigh. As he had said before, the Righteous Alliance was in great danger. These six, along with five monks from "Mercy Cloud Temple," were searching for the teams alone, not knowing how many would return in the end.

After the six went to find the other teams, Xu Qingfan, along with Dongfang Qingling and the other three, stayed in the Blood-red Valley for three whole days. During this time, they managed to rescue Little Black from the collapsed mountain, thanks to the path that "Ri" had previously dug; otherwise, it would not have been so easy to dig Little Black out.

When Little Black was freed, it appeared lively and energetic. Despite the heavy supply of death energy, it showed no signs of exhaustion. It immediately flew to Xu Qingfan’s shoulder, returned the emerald green skeleton to him, and nuzzled its head against Xu Qingfan’s face. Xu Qingfan gently patted Little Black’s black feathers on its back to comfort it. These past few months had indeed made Little Black feel trapped.

After Little Black was freed, Xu Qingfan officially set out with Jin Qinghan, Lv Qingshang, Dongfang Qingling, Xu Xiurong, the dazed Bo Guangyan, and the young beast Little Gold on a journey to find the masters.

At the same time, after three days of rest, the five monks from "Mercy Cloud Temple" also regained some strength, but they did not stay longer and also set out to find other teams of the Righteous Alliance.

When Xu Qingfan and the others reached the edge of North Iceland, the six cultivators who had gone to search for the small teams had already found their target. Some of these teams were hiding from a sudden attack by a group of demon beasts, while others were still focused on their tasks, unaware of the situation. Upon hearing Xu Qingfan’s plan and the current circumstances, they reacted with either joy or shock. Then, following Xu Qingfan’s commands, the members of these found teams were told the locations of the other teams and dispersed to search for them again.

In this way, the strength of the Righteous Alliance, scattered throughout the Shenzhou Continent, grew larger and larger like a rolling snowball, gradually gathering together.

In the face of the endless demon beasts, the Righteous Alliance finally had the strength to fight back.

※※※※

Just as Xu Qingfan and the others stepped into North Iceland, gazing at the sparkling world and the howling snowstorm, unsure of where to search, another person at the border of the Eastern Sea and the bustling Middle-earth was also at a loss.

This person was the master of the Zhong family, who had been searching for the holy artifact for three months.

At this moment, although the Zhong family master held a green staff filled with powerful death energy, his eyes were still filled with panic and confusion.

In the past three months, he had made no progress. Let alone finding the holy artifact of the Zhong family.

The reason for all this was the smiling middle-aged scholar-like cultivator standing in front of him.

This cultivator has kept him here for a whole three months. Although the master of the Zhong family was very angry, he had no intention of acting, because the person in front of him was as terrifying as the ancestor of the Zhong family. If he acted recklessly, even with the Green Staff in hand, he would still meet a terrible end.

"Senior Zhang, by doing this, you are making an enemy of the Zhong family. Have you thought about the consequences? If our ancestor becomes angry, the outcome is something no one wishes to see."

Although the master of the Zhong family felt helpless and anxious, he forced himself to calm down and said coldly to the person in front of him.

Hearing the master of the Zhong family, the middle-aged scholar sighed softly and shook his head, saying, "This is already the eighth time in three months that you’ve threatened me with the same words, right? This is why your Zhong family has been trapped on the lonely island in the East Sea for so many years; you rely too much on Zhong Kui, and now your Zhong family still doesn’t have anyone capable."

Anger flashed in the eyes of the master of the Zhong family as he asked, "Senior, why are you blocking me here?"

The middle-aged scholar shook his head and smiled, saying, "I have already told you, some things must proceed according to my plan, and I don’t want you to disturb it."

Faced with this person who could not be scolded, beaten, or understood, the master of the Zhong family felt even more helpless. Listening to this middle-aged scholar play tricks with him left him feeling powerless.

Just then, the master of the Zhong family suddenly felt a change in his body as a tremendous pressure suddenly emanated from him. The panic and confusion in his eyes transformed into a dark and confident control over life and death.

"Taoist Friend Zhang, we meet again."

When the master of the Zhong family spoke again, his voice had become extremely old, as if it were the voice of the ancestor of the Zhong family.

The ancestor of the Zhong family had placed his original soul into the master of the Zhong family.

"Long time no see."

Zhang Xusheng’s expression did not change; he seemed to have expected this and smiled as he nodded in greeting.