When Zhang Xiaofan woke up, the sky had already darkened, and he was probably asleep for at least five or six hours. However, Bi Yao still hadnt woken up, her hands tightly grasping his clothes, looking like a frightened and timid little girl. Who would have thought that she was actually an important figure in the demonic sect?

  Zhang Xiaofan put his hand under his head, listening to the rustling sound of the trees in the forest as the mountain wind blew through them. Suddenly, he thought of the bamboo forests on Qingyun Mountains Dazhu Peak, didnt they also make this kind of sound?

  These days, Ive been missing in the ancient cave of Wan Bat, and the news might have already spread back to Da Zhu Peak. I wonder if Linger Shifu will be sad when she finds out? But if I suddenly appear in front of her, shell definitely be delighted too, right? Shell definitely grab my hand tightly, excitedly scolding: "You little brat, I knew you wouldnt die so easily!"

  A smile floated onto his face on that gradually darkening night, and even his eyes shone brightly in the darkness. However, he didnt notice another pair of bright eyes watching him quietly from beside him, nor did he know when they had started to do so.

  ※※※

  The sky is bright again, and the mountains are filled with the sweet songs of birds.

  Zhang Xiaofan walked to the edge of the stream, clasped his hands together, and scooped up a handful of water to splash onto his face. The cool sensation penetrated deep into his heart. He took a look at his left hand, unwrapped the bandage, and found that the broken bone had almost healed. Overjoyed, he removed the firewood tied to his hand and inserted it into his waist. He exerted some force to move his left hand around, and indeed, there was no major issue.

  "Is your hand okay?" Bi Yao walked up from behind him, took a glance at him, then squatted down to wash her face with the creek water.

  "Yes." Zhang Xiaofan said with great enthusiasm, "Nothing serious, no pain at all."

  Bi Yao gently wiped away the water droplets on her face with her sleeve and said, "You shouldnt move around too much either, its easy to strain your muscles and bones. Its better to rest for a few more days."

  "Alright." Zhang Xiaofan responded casually, then looked at Bi Yao, hesitated for a moment, and said: "Miss Bi Yao, were lucky to have escaped with our lives from that mountain. You and I can be considered friends, but after all, people with different goals cant work together. Lets part ways here today."

  Bi Yao crouched by the waters edge, not standing up, but her body seemed to shudder slightly. Zhang Xiaofan couldnt see her expression, and after a while, he only heard her say in a low voice: "Oh, is it because our paths are different?"

  Zhang Xiaofan nodded and said, "Yes, I am the Orthodox, you are the Devils Cult. Since childhood, my master has taught me that good and evil cannot coexist. Next time we meet, Im afraid we will be enemies, not friends. You saved me in the belly of that mountain, and I truly appreciate it. This kindness, if fate permits, I will naturally repay you someday."

  Bìi Yáo gazed blankly at the blurry figure reflected in the clear water, muttering softly: "Will you repay me?"

  Zhang Xiaofan responded with a "yes", saying: "We have our debts and gratitude clear, if it werent for you saving me, I wouldnt be able to survive, in the future if theres a chance for me to repay you, I will definitely do so." As he said this, he suddenly felt it wasnt right, and hurriedly added another sentence: "However, you cant make me do something that goes against my schools code of conduct."

  Bi Yao suddenly stood up, turned around and said: "I think youre also a talented person, why not join our Holy Sect? Ill recommend you to Father, hes always loved talent and will surely appreciate your abilities. Its better than being an unknown cook on Mount Da Zhu."

  Zhang Xiaofans face suddenly sank, saying: "Miss Biyao, dont talk nonsense. I am a righteous person and would rather die than enter the demonic path. In my opinion, being a small chef on Mount Dazhu is much better than being in your demonic sect where you can summon the wind and rain."

  Bixiaos mouth curled up in a cold smile, and her words became sharp and icy. "Righteous path cultivators? You righteous path cultivators have committed no less evil than us demonic path cultivators. In the great war between good and evil back then, didnt your divine ancestors and masters kill anyone they saw, sparing not even the old, weak, women, or children?"

  "Nonsense!" Zhang Xiaofan burst into a rage, "These are all the good deeds done by your demonic sect. Do you think I dont know? In those years, you killed people and filled the fields with blood, and lives were lost in vain..."

  "Bixiao angrily said: Did you see all those things with your own eyes? Or were they told to you by your superiors, who would only tell you the truth for their own sake?"

  Zhang Xiaofan sneered and said, "So have you ever seen it with your own eyes? Youre telling me here that the righteous way is evil and the demonic sect is right, isnt that just your elders words to whitewash their ancestors?"

  Bixiao was stunned, unable to speak for a moment. Zhang Xiaofan looked at her twice, thinking back to the days when they had shared life and death together, his heart softened, and he lowered his voice, speaking gently: "Miss Bixiao, no matter what happened in the past, lets not bother with it anymore. However, the rules of Qingyun Sect are strict, strictly forbidding disciples from interacting with demonic cult members. I was born into Qingyun and dare not violate this rule. Let us part ways today, and if fate permits, we will meet again in the future. If you can awaken to your mistakes and abandon the darkness for the light, I, Zhang Xiaofan, will guarantee your safety with my own life, allowing you to enter the righteous path..." He spoke eloquently, but stopped mid-sentence, only to see Bixiaos face filled with mockery and cold laughter.

  "You guys are full of crap, I wouldnt go even if you invited me. And whats with the abandoning darkness for light nonsense? Forget it, Ill show you a clear path and if you dont take it, then just be your usual self-righteous person. See you another day, and when that day comes, youll be the first one whose head Ill take!"

  Zhang Xiaofan was shocked, but he felt that this womans temper was even quicker than flipping through a book. However, he didnt want to argue and, facing Biyao, he still felt apologetic. He cupped his hands together and said, "Farewell." After speaking, he turned around and walked away without looking back.

  Bi Yao watched him walk away, and he didnt even turn his head back once. After his figure disappeared into the woods, suddenly, her heart felt empty, as if she had lost something important. Her whole body seemed to have lost its spirit, and she slowly sat down. Her gaze wandered aimlessly, inadvertently sweeping over the ashes of last nights bonfire where Zhang Xiao Fan had roasted rabbit. She stood there, stunned, and before she knew it, tears began to fall.

  She stared at the pile of ashes, sitting like that for a long time, until she suddenly realized that the clear and crisp bird calls in the forest behind her had all stopped, as if they felt something ominous and didnt dare to make a sound.

  Then she saw a dark shadow slowly emerging from behind her, enveloping her in it.

  Although it was daytime, somehow the sky seemed to have darkened as well.

  Bi Yao suddenly turned her head, staring blankly at the person behind her. After a while, she suddenly let out a sad cry and exclaimed: "Dad!......" Then she rushed into that persons arms.

  That shadow seemed to be stunned for a moment, as if he had never thought that Bi Yao would make such a move. He was overjoyed to see his daughter escape the great disaster, and that joy could no longer be concealed.

  ※※※

  Zhang Xiaofan walked in the mountains for a whole day before leaving the territory of Kong Sang Mountain. Originally, if he had flown through the air, he could have left in half a day, but considering his injured left hand, he was willing to walk an extra distance. However, Kong Sang Mountain has always been sparsely populated, and on this road, not even a single persons shadow can be seen.

  After spending a night in the wilderness, Zhang Xiaofan walked onto the official road. The road became wider and more people appeared. He asked passersby for directions and headed north.

  At noon, the sun was high in the sky, and it was extremely hot. Zhang Xiaofan had been traveling for half a day, feeling quite hungry and thirsty. He saw a small tea stall by the side of the road, set up under a large tree, with five or six customers already seated inside. It looked cool and shady, so he walked over, bought a bowl of tea to drink, and sat down to rest for a while.

  Also, the tea from this small tea stall was surprisingly refreshing and thirst-quenching. Zhang Xiaofan drank a bowl and immediately felt comfortable all over, as if the day wasnt so hot after all. He thought to himself that since his injury had almost healed, he could find a secluded spot in the afternoon and fly back using his qigong. This way would be faster, and he could see his master sooner.

  As he thought about it, he naturally thought that he would soon be able to see his senior sister Tian Linger and couldnt help but feel a warmth in his heart. Just then, he heard a gentle voice coming from the side of the road: "Boss, give me a bowl of tea."

  At noon, the rare breeze blew by, blowing the branches and leaves of the big tree swaying, filtering through the dappled sunlight, scattering onto the ground. The tea stall owner, who looked like he was in his fifties, responded with a grunt, bent down to pour tea, and Zhang Xiaofans gaze inadvertently swept past, never to be withdrawn again.

  A middle-aged scholar, with thin eyebrows and a square face, looked elegant, but his eyes were piercing, his forehead was full, and he had an air of majesty without being angry. He wore a Confucian robe, with a pale purple jade pendant at his waist, delicate and transparent, with a hint of auspiciousness, it was clear that it was not an ordinary object.

  Zhang Xiaofan looked for a while, suddenly realized that he was actually subdued by the middle-aged scholars demeanor, and felt that as soon as he walked in, including himself, five or six customers who were drinking tea at the tea stall were all speechless, being suppressed by his aura.

  Zhang Xiaofan withdrew his gaze, but in his heart, he was slightly amazed and deeply impressed by the middle-aged scholars demeanor. Although this person didnt look particularly handsome, this kind of temperament that came from within was truly rare.

  The scholar entered the tea stand, took over the tea water handed by the boss, sat down casually, and began to slowly taste the tea. The surrounding customers who were originally chatting and laughing all fell silent one after another. Inside the tea stand, the atmosphere suddenly became quiet and a bit strange, but only the middle-aged scholar was calm and composed, not feeling anything unusual around him, alone drinking tea and resting his feet.

  After a while, the other guests either rested enough or finished their tea and left one by one to settle the bill. The boss came over to collect the bowls, and under this big tree, only Zhang Xiaofan and the middle-aged scholar were left.

  Zhang Xiaofan didnt feel uncomfortable at all, but after sitting for a while, he felt that he had rested enough and was thinking of settling the bill and leaving when suddenly he heard a voice behind him.

  "Little brother."

  Zhang Xiaofan was taken aback, hearing the warm and familiar voice, turned his head around, only to see the scholar smiling peacefully at him, and asked in surprise: "Sir, are you calling me?"

  "Thats right," said Wen Shi with a smile, nodding his head. He stood up and walked over slowly, Zhang Xiaofan followed suit and stood up as well. When Wen Shi approached, he bowed with his fists clasped together and asked, "May I ask what brings you here, sir?"

  The middle-aged scholar looked up and down at Zhang Xiaofan, saying: "No, its just that the journey is lonely, and looking at the young brother is pleasing to the eye, come over and chat for a few words, does the young brother mind?"

  "Nothing like that, sir, please sit down."

  Na Wen smiled and nodded, saying: "Come on, little brother, you sit down too."

  The two sat down, and Wen Shi looked at Zhang Xiaofan and said: "May I ask your esteemed surname and given name, young brother?"

  Zhang Xiaofan grew up in Caomiao Village since childhood, and was later taken in by the Qingyun Gate. Over the years, except for his fellow disciple from Qingyun Mountains Dazhufeng, he had hardly spoken to anyone else. Of course, those days when he was trapped with the demonic sect girl Bi Yao at the bottom of the Dead Spirit Abyss didnt count. At this moment, as he spoke to the scholar, he somehow felt a few points of respect for him in his heart. He respectfully said: "I dare not, I am Zhang Xiaofan, may I ask what is your esteemed name, sir?"

  That scholar first read a sentence: "Zhang Xiaofan", nodded slightly and smiled, saying "My surname is Wan, and my pen name is Renwang."

  "Wàn rén wǎng!" Zhang Xiaofan muttered to himself, the name sounded ordinary, but it gave people a sense of grandeur and majesty. He couldnt help but look at him, Wan Renwangs face was warm and gentle, but between his eyebrows, there was an aura of power that seemed to be born with, extremely heavy, matching this name, it had a subtle implication of commanding the masses.

  Ten thousand people looked up and down at Zhang Xiaofan, smiling and saying: "Excuse me for asking one more question, may I ask if Brother Zhang is a cultivator of the True Way?"

  Zhang Xiaofan was shocked, he and Qi Huan and four others went down the mountain, in order to make it easier on the road, they all changed out of their Qingyun attire and wore ordinary clothes, looking no different from ordinary people, and its unknown how this middle-aged man could tell.

  He was in a state of shock, and just as he wanted to ask the middle-aged man how he knew, he saw the middle-aged man smile slightly and point northward, saying: "May I ask Brother Zhang, are you currently under the Qingyun Mountain Sect, the number one sect of the Righteous Path?"

  Zhang Xiaofan was even more shocked and couldnt help but stand up, looking at Wan with a crowd of people, he asked in surprise: "Excuse me, Brother Wan, how did you know?"

  Ten thousand people came with smiles and waved their hands, saying: "Please sit down, please sit down."

  Waiting for Zhang Xiaofan to slowly sit down, Wan Ren Wang smiled and said: "I see that Brother Zhang is full of energy and spirit, all the way here without any signs of fatigue. Looking at your young age, you are even better than many strong men. Nowadays, the trend of cultivating immortality is prevailing, I think you must be a person with extraordinary skills."

  Zhang Xiaofan bowed his head in modest thanks, but couldnt help asking: "Then how did you know about my sect, sir?"

  Ten thousand people laughed and said: "No other, I see the young brother is dusty and hurried, not staying in the north, with a thoughtful expression on his face, as if he has a homesick heart. The most famous Xiu Zhen Menpai in the north is Qing Yun Men. Speaking of which, I am also randomly guessing, speaking nonsense, and its funny to let Brother Zhang laugh."

  "Modesty aside, sir, you are indeed a keen observer to have discerned my true nature at first glance, despite our never having met before. I am truly impressed, truly impressed!" These words were spoken with genuine sincerity.

  Ten thousand people smiled slightly and said, "Qingyun Yimen is famous in the world for its true Taoist cultivation, with a long history and profound Taoist laws. It is admired by people all over the world. Little brother, you are young and have already entered this famous gate. Your future prospects are boundless!"

  Zhang Xiaofans heart skipped a beat upon hearing the four words "unlimited potential", and inexplicably, he thought of Long Fengs Qi Huan. In the end, Lin Jingyus figure also flashed through his mind. He shook his head and said: "Sir is overpraising me, among the disciples of Qingyunmen, there are hidden dragons and crouching tigers, I am just a rotten wood, not worthy to be used as material."

  The crowd was stunned for a moment and burst out laughing: "I didnt expect you, Zhang Xiao, to be able to tell jokes too."

  Zhang Xiaofan was unwilling to argue with him on this topic, so he asked him: "Wan brother, whats with the wind and dust all over you? Where are you headed?"

  Ten thousand people stood up leisurely, with their hands behind their backs, looked up at the sky and said: "This world is vast and boundless, I travel through the ages, great mountains and ancient seas, going wherever I please."

  "Ah!" Zhang Xiaofan exclaimed, "So thats how it is."

  Everyone turned their heads to take a look at Zhang Xiaofan, and suddenly a strange smile flashed across his face, saying: "Since Brother Zhang is under the Qingyun Gate, he must have profound Taoist skills."

  Zhang Xiaofan hastily shook his head and said, "No, no, I am just an unaccomplished person from the Qingyun Gate, how can I be said to have profound Taoist skills?"

  Ten thousand people smiled slightly and said: "Brother Zhang is too polite, I have an unreasonable request, and I hope Brother Zhang will fulfill it."

  Zhang Xiaofan was taken aback for a moment, then said: "Please speak, Brother Wan."

  "Sir, I have admired you as a superior being since I was young, but unfortunately, I didnt have the opportunity to meet you and learn from you. Moreover, I have always dreamed of seeing a magical treasure that can take me to the nine heavens. For decades, not a single day has passed without my yearning for it. As a renowned disciple, I wonder if you could fulfill this small wish of mine?" He then bowed deeply and paid his respects.

  Zhang Xiaofan was stunned, looking at Wan Rens gesture of respect, and became even more flustered, hastily supporting him. In his heart, he was truly troubled, hesitating for a moment, looking at Wan Ren who still had an expectant expression on his face. He sighed and said: "Dont laugh at me, Brother Wan, its not that Im unwilling to let you see it, but the treasure is not suitable for public display, I fear it may be...".

  Ten thousand people immediately said: "Whats the big deal? A fairy familys treasure, how can it not be put on the stage?"

  Zhang Xiaofans face turned slightly red, after all, he couldnt put down his dignity. He pulled out a lighter from his waist and handed it over. Seeing him hand over such an object, Wan Rens face showed a flash of surprise, but it quickly disappeared as he solemnly accepted it.

  Zhang Xiaofan looked at him with a serious expression, and sighed: "Dont mention you, even if its someone from my own sect, they often make fun of me." After saying this, Zhang Xiaofan suddenly felt a shock in his heart, feeling that he was acting strangely today, and for some reason, he wanted to tell this person everything.

  The crowd swarmed forward, but no one noticed Zhang Xiaofan. Everyones eyes were fixed on the firewood, and at first, his face was serious, but there was still a hint of casualness in his eyes. However, as he looked at it, his expression gradually turned solemn, and his eyes became fixed intently on that black, ugly stick.

  Zhang Xiaofan watched from the side, feeling that Wans behavior was quite strange. He held a foot-long fire poker in front of him, examining it carefully, his right hand supporting it and his left hands slender fingers gently stroking and tapping it lightly, being extremely cautious. He couldnt help but ask: "Brother Wan, is something wrong?"

  Ten thousand people were like being awakened from a dream, hesitated for a moment, and returned the firework to Zhang Xiaofan, saying: "Brother Zhang, I have read some books on the Taoist way because of my admiration for it. There are some things that need to be asked of Brother Zhang."

  "Please speak," said Zhang Xiaofan.

  Everyones eyes were on him as he glanced at the burning incense stick and asked, "Excuse me, Brother Zhang, does this treasure contain your refined blood?"

  Zhang Xiaofan was shocked, and in an instant, the terrifying scene that year in the depths of the valley behind Dazhu Peak flashed through his mind. He suddenly stood up, pointing at Wan Rens path: "You... what did you say?"

  Everyone looked at him and slowly said: "Excuse me, Brother Zhang Xiao, is this treasure a combination of two objects into one?"

  One of Zhang Xiaofans deepest secrets, hidden in the innermost recesses of his heart, was actually spoken out loud by this person. The shock was not minor, and he felt as if his head was buzzing with a loud humming noise, leaving him speechless.

  Everyone looked at Zhang Xiaofan in shock, and they naturally understood that their guesses were not wrong. They saw him slightly lower his head, as if he had thought of something, and faintly sighed, saying: "You dont know, do you? The pearl on this stick is actually a sacred object of the Demon Sect."

  Zhang Xiaofan was getting more and more shocked, almost holding his breath, but deep down in his heart, there was a voice, seemingly coldly laughing: "You knew it all along, you knew it all along, this staff is so evil, naturally its an evil object of the demonic sect."

  "What did you say?" Zhang Xiaofan panted heavily, staring at him, saying word by word.

  "This pearl was the relic of Hei Xin Lao Ren, the ancestor of the Devil Cult, eight hundred years ago." The words were like nails, one by one, piercing into Zhang Xiao Fans heart, "It is called Xue Xie Zhu (Blood-Drinking Pearl)."

  Zhang Xiaofan was stunned, holding his breath, but in his mind, countless thoughts were swirling around, yet one image refused to be shaken off: that skull inside the secret cave on Kong Sang Mountain!

  Everyone looked at him in shock, paused for a moment, and then said lightly: "Zhang Xiao, you know the origin of this pearl, but do you still want to know the origin of this black short stick?"

  Zhang Xiaofans body shook and he couldnt speak, he just stared straight at Wan Renwu.