"Good!"

  Thunderous applause, "Qian" position under the stage, is a completely different world. Everyone was shouting loudly, infatuated with the two beautiful figures on stage.

  The amber-red glow of the setting sun illuminated the entire scene, while the endless blue light of the Tianqiao divine sword cast a mystical aura, making this place seem like an earthly paradise. But what was even more breathtaking were the two young women darting back and forth, their duel having lasted from morning till now, with one hour passing without either side gaining the upper hand. Especially remarkable was Tian Linger of Dazhu Peak, who had managed to hold her own against Xue Qians Tianqiao divine sword for so long without showing any signs of defeat, leaving everyone in awe.

  Below the stage, Tian Yi, Su Rou, Shui Yue Dashi and other senior figures of the two factions were all seated below, not to mention that even the sect leader Dao Xuan Zhenren was sitting in a chair, watching the wonderful competition with a smile on his face, nodding frequently, feeling extremely pleased.

  Tian Bu Yi and Su Rous relationship was not easy, but seeing Tian Ling Ers skillful and agile swordplay, he felt a bit more at ease. Tian Bu Yi glanced at his wife beside him, saw her tense expression, and softly said: "Relax, Ling Er will be fine."

  Su Ru turned her head to glance at her husband, smiled slightly, and then looked back at the stage. Tian Bu Yi shook his head slightly, suddenly realizing that the disciples surrounding him were in an uproar, even those from other sects in the distance.

  He turned his head and looked over, for a moment he was also stunned by his profound cultivation.

  In the narrow path that was automatically cleared by the crowd, Zhang Xiaofan slowly walked over, his entire body covered in charred clothing, with some areas still emitting light smoke. His face, hands, and body were all covered in large patches of black ash, and a pungent smell wafted through the air. Everyone could see that he was walking with great difficulty, as if every step took all his strength, but for some reason, he continued to walk forward, doggedly.

  Tian Bu Yi silently watched as his youngest disciple slowly walked over, without a word, he stood up from his seat with his short and stout body. Su Rou felt something was off and looked at her husband in confusion, then followed his gaze and immediately turned pale, quickly standing up as well.

  At this time, more people looked over here.

  Zhang Xiaofan walked in front of Tian Naiyi, who looked at this disciple he usually neglected the most. He saw his inexplicable stubbornness and suddenly felt an uncontrollable surge of anger in his heart. This anger was so strong that despite his efforts to suppress it, everyone still heard his anger: "Old Seventh, which guy hurt you like this? Isnt winning enough?"

  Su Rus body shook slightly, and she heard that her husband was actually enraged for the sake of this younger brother who had been looked down upon before. She felt a little worried, pulled Tian Naiyi, but her eyes immediately fell on Zhang Xiaofan again.

  On both sides, the disciples under Da Zhu Fengs gate were so shocked that they stood still on the spot, forgetting to help their younger brother.

  On the stage, Xue Qi and Tian Linger were in a fierce battle, with magical artifacts flying back and forth in mid-air, and an aura of immortals was palpable.

  Zhang Xiaofan took a deep look at the stage, then turned to his master in front of him, seeing the angry expression on his chubby face, as if there was also a thread of concern that was almost imperceptible.

  He shook his head in exhaustion and said softly: "No, Master, I won."

  After finishing speaking, he only felt a dizziness in his head, and suddenly the sky was dark and the ground was dark, with a thud, he fell to the ground and fainted.

  Zhang Xiaofan fell to the ground, unconscious, but what he said before he passed out stunned everyone from Tian Buyi on top of the Great Bamboo Peak to the younger disciples below. After a moment, Tian Buyi and the others came back to their senses and helped Zhang Xiaofan up.

  The field did not easily examine it carefully, and now this little apprentices body was almost like being roasted by a big fire, with wounds all over his body, but his internal organs were fine. He fainted mainly due to exhaustion, and he didnt know what happened in that trial just now. He hesitated for a moment, and the corner of his eye saw more and more people looking this way, he didnt want to stand here being watched by everyone, so he picked up Zhang Xiaofan and whispered to Su Rou: "Ill take Old Seven back, you stay here and watch Linger."

  Su Rous eyebrows were tightly furrowed, but she still nodded and glanced at Zhang Xiaofan, whose eyes were tightly closed. The anxious expression on her face could no longer be concealed. The people around Da Zhu Feng also gathered around, Du Bi said: "Master, Ill go with you too."

  Tian shook his head and said, "No need."

  At this moment, Lian Dao Xuan Zhenrens attention was also drawn over, and he said: "Tian Shidi, is this your disciple? Whats going on?"

  Tian said lightly: "Hes not skilled enough and got some minor injuries. Ill take him to get treated, excuse me."

  Dao Xuan Zhen Ren nodded, turned around and looked at the wonderful duel on stage. As Tian Bu Yi carried Zhang Xiao Fan out of the crowd, this matter also subsided, people re-excited for the two beauties on stage, only a few young disciples standing outside the crowd, inadvertently felt that the disciples of Feng Hui Peak were all pale, gathering in groups of three or five to gather in the distance.

  If Zhang Xiaofan were here, he would definitely see where Zeng Shushu tried.

  ※※※

  In the depths of the underworld, in the grand hall of Yanluo, everywhere was ablaze with raging fires, scorching the wailing and screaming people, the stench of blood and char filled the air, making one want to vomit. Zhang Xiaofan felt his head spinning, but only for an instant, he suddenly found himself back in a small mountain village many years ago, where the gentle breeze was soothing and refreshing.

  But a thunderclap, resounded through the sky, dark clouds like mountains, like angry waves surging and foaming, in the blink of an eye, the kind and amiable villagers turned into mountains of corpses, the peaceful village became a hell on earth!

  No!

  He strained with all his might, tensing every muscle in his body, a searing pain shot through his chest, making him gasp for air, his whole body trembling as he jolted awake.

  "Ah, awake, Xiao Fan is awake." The familiar voice that was almost carved into the depths of her heart rang out at the first moment, with a few parts worry and joy. Zhang Xiaofan opened his eyes and saw Tian Linger.

  It was as if she had returned to the past, wearing a red dress, with amber silk still wrapped around her waist, soft and smooth, flowing down from her white neck, setting off her somewhat pale face, and those bright eyes, pure pupils, Zhang Xiaofan even saw his own shadow in them.

  Sister! A cry from the depths of his heart.

  Zhang Xiaofan looked at her, without even blinking his eyes, if this moment became eternal, it would be great!

  Everyone in the room gathered around Da Zhu Feng. Tian Bu Yi stepped forward and took his pulse, nodding his head: "Its okay, nothings wrong."

  Everyone finally breathed a sigh of relief, each revealing a relieved smile.

  Zhang Xiaofan looked around and saw that everyone from Dazhu Peak was here. He himself was lying on the bed in the room, while his fellow disciples were standing on the ground. Tian Naiyi and Su Ru sat on chairs in front of the bed.

  "Whats wrong?"

  Tian Linger smiled and said, "You wont forget so quickly, will you? In the daytime, you had a trial with Peng Chang of Fenghui Peak and came back to faint, giving everyone a big scare. Fortunately, theres no major problem."

  Zhang Xiaofan moved his body, and indeed, except for some fatigue, he only had some chest pain, and other places were fine. He couldnt help but exclaim: "How is this possible? I clearly had..."

  Tian Bu Yi said, "Those charred parts are just superficial wounds. Apply the secret spiritual medicine of Qing Yun Men and they will be fine. Currently, you only have a severe impact on your chest, but your bones and meridians havent been displaced or shaken. Rest for a few days and youll recover."

  Su Rou, who was sitting beside him, smiled and said: "Xiao Fan, you still havent thanked your master. If he hadnt personally rescued you this time, even if it were just external injuries, you would have had to rest for at least half a year."

  Zhang Xiaofan was shocked and his heart was filled with surprise, but the feeling of gratitude still overflowed from his words. He said in a low voice: "The disciple is incompetent and has dragged down the master again."

  Tian hummed and his face turned cold. "Youre the most capable one now, youre the best in Dazhu Peak!"

  Zhang Xiaofan was shocked again, not knowing what Tian Buyis words meant, and could only say: "Master, I... am not like Shizhi, nor do I dare to compare myself with the senior brothers. They are all far superior to me." As he spoke, his voice grew softer, and he looked at the senior brothers standing in front of him, as well as Tian Linger, whose faces were all somewhat strange-looking, especially the eldest senior brother, who was standing in front of everyone. His complexion today looked particularly pale, and his entire person seemed to be on the verge of collapse.

  Su Ru sighed and said: "Daxin, move a chair for your eldest senior brother to sit on."

  Lü Daxin hastily responded with a sound, took a chair from the side and placed it next to Song Darin. Song Darin initially wanted to refuse, but his body swayed a few times, and he finally sat down, panting heavily.

  Zhang Xiaofan stared blankly and said: "Big Brother Master, whats wrong with you?"

  Song Daren let out a bitter laugh, but didnt say anything. Instead, it was Old Fourth He Dazhi who spoke up: "Young Master, now that the Seven Veins Gathering has reached its fourth round, our Great Bamboo Peak is down to just you alone." As he said this, he couldnt help but glance around him.

  Zhang Xiaofan was stunned for a moment, then suddenly remembered something and turned to Tian Linger sitting on the bed: "Sister, you too"

  Tian Lingers expression turned gloomy, and she said in a low voice: "Ive also lost."

  Zhang Xiaofan saw a hint of disappointment in her expression, and his heart ached, but at this moment, he couldnt afford to indulge in wild thoughts.

  Tian didnt raise his head, looked down and sized up Zhang Xiaofan, then lowered his face and said, "Old Seven."

  Zhang Xiaofans heart skipped a beat, and he heard a hint of anger in Tian Nanyis words. Looking at his masters face, which was extremely ugly, he couldnt help but feel some fear, saying: "Yes, Master, what is it?"

  Without waiting for him to finish, Tian Bu Yi stared at each of the people in Zhang Zhong one by one, only to see that the usually familiar and amiable senior brothers were also silent at this moment, with a hint of doubt in their eyes.

  No wonder, a usually silly and incompetent junior brother suddenly made a stunning move, which no one can accept in a short period of time.

  Under the gaze of Tian Bu Yis piercing eyes, Zhang Xiao Fans forehead was covered in sweat. For a moment, he almost blurted out to his master that he had been secretly cultivating a different schools technique. However, as the words reached his lips, he ultimately swallowed them back down.

  He is no longer the ignorant young man who knew nothing about the world five years ago. In his daily conversations with his senior fellow disciples, he had long known about the great reputation of Tianyin Temple and the true identity of that thin old monk named Puzhi on that night. Over the years, he has been practicing the "Mahavairocana" skill alone, but in the depths of his heart, his gratitude to Puzhi has never diminished.

  "I, no, Im a foolish disciple, my cultivation progress has been slow in recent years," Zhang Xiaofan lowered his head, not daring to face Tian Buyis gaze, and slowly said: "A few days ago, the disciple suddenly found that he could move some objects, but the disciple himself couldnt believe it, so, so I didnt dare tell Master and Mistress, didnt expect..."

  Tian couldnt help but sneer and said: "I didnt expect that this time would be a shocking success, making a big splash!"

  "No, no, its not like that, Master"

  The field is not easy to deceive, and he said coldly: "You say you can drive things, but at least you need to have the fourth layer of Yuqing Realm cultivation. I asked Daren, he only passed on the second layer of Fa jue to you, so can you tell me, this ignorant and inexperienced master, how did you bypass the third layer of cultivation to reach the fourth layer realm?" By the time he finished speaking, his voice was icy cold, with a few hints of killing intent, and everyones face changed.

  Zhang Xiaofan stopped talking, and the room fell silent.

  Just as Tian Bu Yis face was getting increasingly unsightly and everyones worried emotions were growing heavier, Zhang Xiao Fan quietly got up. It could be seen that he was still extremely fatigued, but he struggled to get out of bed. Then, in front of everyone, under Tian Ling Ers sparkling gaze, he knelt down in front of Tian Bu Yi.

  Tian did not bat an eyelid and calmly said: "What is it?"

  Zhang Xiaofan bowed his head deeply, his eyes fixed on the small patch of land beneath him, not daring to glance sideways even once. In a low voice, he said: "Master, please punish me."

  Everyone was shocked, Tian Bu Yis face turned red with anger, Su Rou frowned and said: "Xiao Fan, if you have any concerns, just tell your master directly, why do it this way?"

  Zhang Xiaofan knelt on the ground, motionless.

  Tian fei yi coldly smiled twice, extremely angry but laughing instead, said: "Good, good, good! Youre indeed a tough nut, Ive also taken in a good disciple!"

  Zhang Xiaofans body, which was crawling on the ground, trembled, and it was unclear what his emotions and expression were like at that moment. In this room, it seemed as if someone else was also present, and their breathing suddenly became rapid. All he heard was Zhang Xiaofan saying in a low voice, "Everything is my fault, please punish me, Master!"

  Tian Bu Yi suddenly stood up, and with a loud crash, the chair under him was shattered to pieces on the ground. The crowd changed color, and he glared at Zhang Xiao Fan, shouting: "Its all your fault! Do you know that betraying ones master and stealing their skills is a great taboo in Qing Yun Men? If its light, youll face the wall for decades; if its severe, youll be stripped of your cultivation and expelled from Qing Yun. Did you know?"

  Zhang Xiaofan suddenly lifted his head, looking at Tian Buyi, and saw that his masters face was full of anger, but there was not a single exaggerated expression, and his heart sank involuntarily.

  "How could it be like this?" He painfully muttered a sentence in his heart. When Tian Linger privately transmitted the technique to him at first, she didnt say it was like this.

  But he never looked back.

  The room was as silent as death, with no one uttering a single word.

  Only high and low anxious gasps remained.

  A persons heart, in this quietness, quietly and coldly froze, as if crazy but so rationally looking at oneself. Zhang Xiaofan closed his eyes, lowered his head again, like a desperate person slowly taking the last step out.

  "Disciple is unworthy, please master punish!"

  "Bang!" A surge of great force came rushing in, and Zhang Xiaofan flew backward, heavily crashing into the wall, and amidst the flying dust, he fell to the ground, spitting out a big mouthful of fresh blood.

  Everyone changed color, with Song Daren propping himself up on his knees, and the other disciples all knelt down in front of Tian Buyi, saying: "Master, please spare Little Shidi!"

  "Master, its me, cough, Im the one who taught him incorrectly, thats why my junior brother made a mistake. The fault lies with me, so please spare my junior brother."

  Among the crowds pleading voices, Tian Linger stood still on the spot, staring blankly at Zhang Xiaofan who was struggling in pain with blood splattered on his clothes, his face deathly pale without a hint of blood color.

  The field did not look at the disciples kneeling at his feet, but stared at Zhang Xiaofan still in the corner of the wall. His face was full of anger and he let out a loud hum, then turned around and walked away with a flick of his sleeve. Su Ru looked at everyone and shook her head, letting out a light sigh. She said to Song Daren and the others, "You can all get up now." As she spoke, she glanced again at Zhang Xiaofan in the distance, and then said to Song Daren, who was being helped up by He Dazhi, "You go take care of Xiaofan, Im going to go see your master.

  Song Daren and others hastily said: "Yes, Shifus wife."

  Su Ru let out another soft sigh and walked out.

  Inside the house, everyone was stunned, after a while, Tian Linger slowly walked over, with her back to the crowd, and helped Zhang Xiaofan up. Zhang Xiaofan had blood foam at the corner of his mouth, lying in her arms, and actually smiled slightly.

  In that instant, a drop of cool tears quietly fell onto his face amidst the bloodstains.

  ※※※

  It was already late at night, and above the sea of clouds, the cloud air was still drifting, as beautiful as a fairyland.

  Tian stood in the middle of the square, looking up at the sky.

  Yet in the night sky countless stars twinkle, the moon is cold as frost.

  Behind him, a familiar footstep approached, Su Rou walked to his side, looked up at the starry sky and smiled faintly: "Are you feeling any better?"

  Tian hummed and didnt say anything.

  Su Ru smiled slightly and said, "You can deceive Da Ren and Ling Er, but you cant fool me. That sleeve robe of yours, with just a slight touch, was probably intentionally used to shock Xiao Fans chest pulse, so that the stagnant blood in his chest would be forced out of his body, right?"

  Tian Bu Yi gazed at the night sky, silent.

  Su Ru shook her head and said, "Youre all several hundred years old, why are you still so concerned about saving face?"

  Tian turned his head, glared at his wife and said: "You didnt see that stinky little brat, Master, please punish me!". He imitated Zhang Xiaofans tone and said it again, angrily saying: "It was clearly his fault, but he spoke as if he was wronged. Is it that I, as the master, bullied him and forced him? This is outrageous!"

  Su Ru turned her head and glanced in the direction of the residence, saying: "I dont believe you didnt notice?"

  "What?"

  Su Ru said lightly: "Ling Ers appearance is quite strange, dont you think so?"

  Tian hummed softly.

  Su Ru smiled and said, "Youve also figured it out. Xiao Fan has been staying at the Great Bamboo Peak for five years without ever going out, so he must have learned from our sects disciples in private. Linger has always been close to Xiao Fan, and relying on our favoritism towards her, she might have dared to secretly teach him the third layer of the technique. Moreover, if she didnt have any ulterior motives, with her usual personality of taking charge for Xiao Fan in everything, why would she not say a single word this time? Who else could it be but her?"

  Tian Bu Yis face didnt show much surprise, but he was still angry and said with a hint of resentment: "Even if it was Ling Ers fault, you see Zhang Xiao Fan, this kid, in front of so many disciples, stubbornly refused to admit his mistake, truly infuriating!"

  Su Ru couldnt help but laugh, and gently patted her husbands shoulder, scolding him: "Youre also stubborn and never admit your mistakes, yet you blame others children. Besides, what Xiao Fan did was all for Linger, this kind of intention is hard to come by!"

  The field did not easily show its strange eyes again, but didnt say anything else.

  Su Ru looked at him and said, "Then how do you plan to wrap things up after you return? The crime of betraying ones master and stealing their art can be either severe or lenient. Lets not make it too excessive, considering Ling Ers sake. Tomorrow, let Xiao Fan return to Da Zhu Peak and face the wall in the back mountain for 30 to 50 years."

  Tian was taken aback for a moment, snorted, and said: "Its not easy for our sect to produce a talented disciple. Letting him face the wall would be letting Cang Song and Shang Zhengliang off easy. Dont even think about it. Tomorrow, no matter what, hell continue to participate in the trial."

  Su Ru smiled and walked up to take her husbands hand, saying: "I knew you were a softie at heart despite your tough exterior."

  Tians face, which was not easily ruffled, actually reddened for a moment, but immediately returned to normal. He glanced around and said, "Im an old man, you shouldnt be afraid of others laughing at us."

  Su Rou glanced at him with a smile in her eyes, saying: "How come, are you afraid now? Three hundred years ago, also on this Tongtian Peak, during the Seven Veins Martial Arts Competition, you secretly ran to my residence at midnight and called me here. At that time, my master Zhen Yun Dashi and my senior sister Shui Yue were nearby, but I didnt see you being afraid!"

  Tian Bu Yi snorted, laughing: "Your master was over 600 years old at that time, already an old fool, Im not afraid; as for your demonic sister, Ive been looking down on her for a long time. Shes destined to be alone for the rest of her life, yet she still wants to drag you down with her. I hate her so much, where would I find the time to fear her?"

  Su Ru glared at him and said, "Dont you dare speak ill of my master and senior sister! They have always been very kind to me."

  Tian didnt say a word, just shrugged his shoulders. Under the moonlight, his stout body shook slightly, looking rather comical. From his expression, it seemed he was still somewhat pleased with himself, as if to say that no matter how well they treated you, you would still end up marrying him.

  Su Ru couldnt help but scold him: "Youre so indecent."

  Tians mood was great, he reached out and took his wifes smooth jade-like hand, walking slowly in the sea of clouds.

  "Come to think of it, I forgot something important."

  "Whats wrong?"

  "That stinky kid actually used a fire poker as a treasure and its incredibly effective, I was so angry just now that I forgot to take it out and have a look."

  "Xiao Fan still secretly cultivates on his own, and when it comes to controlling and using the Law of Treasure, he probably doesnt know much. Why dont we find some time to guide him?"

  "Hmm, lets take a look. Last night, the sect leader called us over and said that after communicating with the spiritual master through divination, he felt that the spiritual master seemed to have sensed some ominous aura from a certain ferocious creature, but later on, it couldnt be found again."

  "Whats to be done?"

  "What else can be done, if it cant be found then its just not meant to be. The Spirit Master has lived for at least 6,000 years, your master was confused at the age of 600, so its no wonder that the Spirit Master is a bit confused now!"

  “”