The night is deep and dark, with wind and rain blowing between heaven and earth. Leaves that have fallen from who-knows-where are floating gently in the wind and rain, drifting away with the breeze.
Under the green oil-paper umbrella, her clothes fluttered gently, with a few strands of black hair stuck to her snowy cheeks.
Zhang Xiaofan stood still, but in that instant, a sense of confusion flashed across his mind. In this foreign lands deep night, in an unfamiliar place, there was a wind and rain that seemed familiar...
He walked slowly, and went past, into the wind and rain.
Behind him, in the depths of the faint darkness, there were profound eyes silently watching.
As I walked closer, the whole world seemed to quietly calm down.
Her gaze was fixed on what lay ahead.
As gentle as this.
"How come you havent gone to sleep yet?" Zhang Xiaofan said slowly.
Bi Yao didnt respond, she just looked at him, her bright eyes like water, reflecting his shadow.
The rainwater gradually wetted his clothes, from the gaps between them, slowly condensed into small and crystal clear water droplets, flowing over his black hair, lightly dripping down, and sliding down from his face.
"What about you?" she asked back: "Why havent you slept yet?"
Zhang Xiaofan fell silent for a moment before saying, "Shitou snores loudly when he sleeps, its too loud and I couldnt sleep."
Bixiao was taken aback for a moment, then "pfft" sounded, and she laughed lightly, her eyes flowing with waves, the faint light that surrounded her seemed to suddenly brighten up.
In Zhang Xiaofans eyes, she was like a lily that bloomed quietly in the rain on a deep night.
She smiled, stretched out her hand and grasped Zhang Xiaofans hand, causing him to involuntarily take a step forward. In the wind and rain, that small green umbrella was held horizontally above his head.
Under the umbrella, it was her soft breathing sound.
Zhang Xiaofans heart suddenly beat faster, and he shifted his gaze away from her, not looking at her anymore. However, the faint, subtle scent that seemed to emanate from her body lingered around him.
"Are you going to Liubo Mountain tomorrow?" Biyao said quietly.
Zhang Xiaofans heart skipped a beat, and he said, "Yes!" As he spoke, he looked up at her and asked, "What about you?"
Bi Yao smiled faintly and said, "Ill go too!"
Zhang Xiaofans face changed, and he furrowed his brow, saying: "Dont be childish, there are many upright people in that place, and my masters temper is even worse. If you go, youll be in danger."
Bi Yao didnt say anything, she just silently stared at him. Zhang Xiao Fan had a faint feeling of unease in his heart, but couldnt express it, thinking to himself that standing with her in the rain on such a deep night wasnt good, so he said: "Then Ill head back first."
Bi Yao didnt respond, so Zhang Xiaofan left her side and walked back.
But just as he had walked halfway, her voice suddenly came from behind him in the rain.
"Xiao Fan!"
Zhang Xiaofan was stunned, this was the first time Biyao had called him so intimately.
He slowly turned around, the wind and rain between them seemed to have grown stronger, so Bi Yaos face also appeared somewhat blurry, but her voice was transmitted over clearly.
"Just now when I was standing here alone, I thought that if the two of us had died in the Blood Cave and couldnt escape, it wouldnt have been bad either."
Zhang Xiaofans body shook slightly, and he immediately forced a laugh, saying: "Dont joke around." As he spoke, he quickly walked away.
Bixiao gazed at his figure, slowly lowering her head, and softly said in a voice that only she could hear: "At least, I wont regret it."
Zhang Xiaofan walked onto the corridor, leaving the wind and rain behind, and his heart seemed to have relaxed as well. He didnt know why, but whenever he faced Bi Yao, this beautiful woman from the demonic sect, he always felt an inexplicable tension, perhaps it was the pressure brought by her identity.
He secretly sighed and couldnt help but look back, seeing that the woman was still standing in the wind and rain, shook his head and walked back to his room.
Not long after he left, Bi Yao walked up to the corridor with a green oil-paper umbrella, standing there and gazing in the direction he had gone, silent and speechless.
At this moment, in the dark place behind her, the darkness suddenly moved, and a woman in black clothes walked out, with even her face covered with a black veil, and stood beside her.
Bixiao turned her head and said faintly: "Youyi."
The woman in black glanced in the direction Zhang Xiaofan was going and said calmly, without emotion: "Lets go! Your dad is waiting for you at Liubo Mountain!"
Bixiao nodded slowly.
At dawn, Zhang Xiaofan, who had just fallen asleep with great difficulty, was loudly awakened by Shi Tou: "Zhang brother, get up quickly."
Zhang Xiaofan struggled to open his eyes and saw that Shi Tou was in high spirits, full of energy and clearly had a great sleep last night!
He let out a wry smile, said nothing, and got up to wash his face at the nearby basin with bleary eyes. Shi Tou sat on his bed, laughing: "Zhang brother, its not me saying this, but youre so young and a cultivator too - after waking up in the middle of the night, you should be refreshed. But looking at your appearance, it seems like you didnt sleep all night!"
Zhang Xiaofan muttered to himself: "With you around, who can sleep?" But on the surface, he could only force a bitter smile and nod.
The two of them finished washing up, and Shi Tou pulled Zhang Xiao Fan to get ready to set off with Bi Yao together. Zhang Xiao Fan secretly frowned, his heart was actually unwilling, but he couldnt say it clearly to Shi Tou. Unexpectedly, after knocking on the door for half a day, there was no response, and when they asked the shopkeeper, it turned out that Bi Yao had settled the bill and left last night, and also calculated their accommodation fees clearly.
The stone was stunned for a moment, shook his head and felt strange. Zhang Xiaofan stood aside, thinking in his heart, listening to Wangs words, roughly after he parted with Bi Yao, she left not long after.
Actually, Zhang Xiaofan had been worried about Bi Yao going with him to Liubo Mountain all along, but when she suddenly left without saying goodbye, he felt a pang of loss in his heart.
The stone standing beside him happened to come over and discuss with Zhang Xiaofan, but unexpectedly, at this moment, Wang Zhuangju looked at him a few more times and suddenly said: "May I ask, sir, is your name Stone?"
The stone was taken aback and said: "Thats right, how did you know?"
The shopkeepers face showed a happy expression, and he took out a letter from under the counter, saying: "This was left here by a guest this morning, saying it was for a young man named Shi Tou with a strong build. That must be you, sir."
Shitou took the letter and saw that it was indeed addressed to him, so he opened it and read it. Zhang Xiaofan also came back to his senses and looked over at this time. Shitous brow furrowed as he read, and he involuntarily exclaimed: "Master!"
Zhang Xiaofan was shocked and asked: "Whats wrong with your master?"
"The stone shook his head and said: I dont know, but this letter was written by my master. He wants me to go to the City West Land Temple immediately to see him. Brother Zhang, I think we have to part ways for now."
Zhang Xiaofan nodded and said, "Its okay, you go ahead, Im also in a hurry to go to Liubo Mountain to see my masters!"
Shi Tou smiled and said: "Wait until I see Master, and have a word with him. Most likely the old man will also go to Liubo Mountain. Well meet again then."
Zhang Xiaofan had spent many days with him and also felt a bit close in his heart, smiling: "Good!"
The stone nodded and turned around and left.
Zhang Xiaofan saw him off to the inn entrance, watching his tall figure disappear into the crowd, standing still for a moment, then turned around and headed east alone.
After they had all gone far away, Zhou Yixian and his granddaughter Xiao Huan slowly walked out of the main hall of Haiyun Building.
"Fortunately, we almost ran into an enemy," said Xiao Huan in a low voice. He glanced at Zhou Yixian and continued, "Its all because of you, grandfather. Wherever you go, youll inevitably run into people who have been deceived by you. Im probably the most wronged person in the world."
On Monday, Xianbai glanced at Xiaohuan and ignored her. At this time, Wang Zhuang saw the old immortal come out and naturally came to welcome him, serving tea and dishes with enthusiasm. Zhou Yixian was also unceremonious, sitting down with Xiaohuan and chatting idly with Wang Zhuang.
Wang said: "Old immortal, did you know? Last night we heard that something big happened outside Changhe City?"
"Whats going on?"
Wang said, "Im not very clear either, but I heard that the Orthodox Daoist cultivators who gathered here in recent days encountered the demonic sects people on the west side of the city last night and started a fierce battle. According to the people from the west side of the city, even the city walls were shaking!"
Xian asked on Monday: "Have the Devils Cult and the Orthodox Sect started fighting?"
Wang Zhanggui shrugged and said, "The news has been passed on early, but most of it wont be false!" He said with great concern, "Old immortal, the Orthodox sect is all about cultivating immortals. I heard that even the ordinary people of the demonic sect wouldnt come to bother us common people. But your skills are profound, if someone wants you to take action to punish the demonic sect, you must be careful!"
"Pfft", the little ring beside him was drinking a mouthful of tea and suddenly couldnt help but spit it out.
On Monday, Xian glared at Xiaohuan. Xiaohuan suppressed her laughter and saw Wang Zhuangs concerned expression as he looked over, she struggled to maintain a normal tone: "Ah! Wang Zhuang, Im fine, its just... haha, I choked on water, haha, thats all..."
The Donghai flows eastward for seven thousand miles, entering the sea at the worlds easternmost point, where it merges with the vast and boundless ocean.
This place is extremely remote, and it was originally desolate and uninhabited. However, just a few days after Zhang Xiaofan and the others entered Kong Sang Mountain, demonic sect members suddenly emerged from all directions. Within a few days, dozens of immortal cultivation sects were destroyed by the demonic sect, causing a stir throughout the land. The demonic sect rose again after 800 years, with great momentum.
The various major sects of Zheng Dao, including Qing Yun Men, Tian Yin Temple and Fen Xiang Gu, hastily convened an emergency meeting.
Just then, news suddenly came from the Valley of Burning Incense that a large number of figures from the Devil Sect would gather at Liusha Mountain in the East China Sea, for unknown reasons.
What is meant by "justice beheads, power cannot stand together" - a righteous persons indignation fills their chest. Before long, the three major sects took the lead, sending out elite disciples from each school, led by elderly cultivators with deep cultivation, to head towards Donghai Liubo Mountain in a grand manner. Along the way, many more orthodox cultivators joined in, intending to sweep away the evil forces and bring blessings to all living beings under heaven.
Zhang Xiaofan inquired all the way and learned about what had happened, his blood boiling with indignation, which only strengthened his determination to head to Donghai.
However, this land in the far east is extremely distant. The Demon Sect chose this place, probably because they saw that although the Central Plains are a rich and prosperous land, it is also a place where the three major sects have deep roots, so they were willing to run to the edge of the wilderness on a large island. Who would have thought that nowadays the Orthodox Sect is flourishing, and in the hearts of all the Orthodox people, righteousness comes first, and from afar, they still rush over to destroy them!
On this journey, Zhang Xiaofan was in a hurry to rush on the road. Except for resting, he was flying through the air with his burning firework. After about two days, they left the sea and at first could still see some small islands. Another ten days passed, and as they flew further away, all that could be seen were the blue sea and sky, with high clouds and a pale mist.
Often flying non-stop for a day and night, the sea is clear and azure, if not for the waves rippling, its almost like a crystal-clear beautiful gemstone under his feet, but there isnt even a shadow of an island.
At this time, Zhang Xiaofan was stunned in mid-air, the sea breeze blew over, refreshing his face, but he was anxious and worried.
Its been ten days since he flew out of the East China Sea, and this time he hasnt found an island to rest on for a day and two nights. He didnt expect to get lost in the vast ocean.
But in these days, he has been sleeping in the wind and dew, nothing else, his skill of flying in the air has greatly improved, and he is no longer as frightened as before.
At this moment, he looked up at the sky and then down at his feet at the deep blue sea, and couldnt help but let out a bitter laugh.
Just as he was lost in thought, Zhang Xiaofan suddenly heard a clear and crisp bird call in front of him. He looked up to see a pure white seagull soaring through the sky above the vast ocean.
Zhang Xiaofans heart moved, at the beginning of his voyage, he had seen many such seabirds, but they flew far away, and the birds couldnt keep up, so he couldnt see them anymore. Unexpectedly, in this vast ocean, he could still see seabirds, it seemed that there must be islands nearby.
At the thought of this, Zhang Xiaofan suddenly became excited and flew towards the direction of the seagull without hesitation. The vast ocean stretched out endlessly, with no horizon in sight, and the distant landscape merged into a single color, like a poem or a painting.
Flying in the sky between heaven and earth, suddenly there is a desire to rise above the dust, with a heart full of joy and a spirit at ease, as if the whole person has merged with the universe.
After flying for another short period of time, a small island indeed appeared in front of them. From the sky, the entire island was lush and green with dense vegetation all over, and the seawater around the nearby islands was crystal clear and azure, like transparent blue jade.
Zhang Xiaofan flew for a long time, and his body was also somewhat tired. He then rode the fire whip to land on this island and rest for a while. As soon as he stepped onto solid ground, Zhang Xiaofan looked around in all directions, only to see that the scenery on the ground was different from what it looked like in the sky, and even clearer.
The clear seawater washed the white sandy beach wave by wave. Near the sea, a kind of tree that was not found in the middle earth grew, with tall trunks but no branches on the sides, straight into the sky, and only at the top of the tree did large pieces of leaves branch out, under which hung fruit as big as a childs head.
Deeper into the island, apart from these tall trees, low shrubs also began to thrive. The forest was dense, but there were no visible roads, it seemed that this place had not been visited by humans for thousands of years.
Above, seagulls were crying and circling in the sky above the island. The fresh sea breeze blew from the surface of the sea, cool and refreshing. Zhang Xiaofan took a deep breath, and in this desolate and isolated place, a wave of fatigue rose up. He looked around, but there was nothing unusual, so he found a clean spot, lay down with his clothes on, and soon fell fast asleep.
This sleep was quite fragrant, the island was quiet, except for the sound of the waves and sea breeze, there were no other movements, naturally, no one would come to disturb him, Zhang Xiaofan slept until the sky turned yellow at dusk before waking up.
He stretched his waist, stood up, and walked to the beach with a leisurely pace. He looked up and gazed out at the sea view at dusk, which was completely different from that of daytime. The setting sun was like blood, casting a reddish glow on the clouds and seawater along the western horizon. The clouds were surging and transforming into various shapes. The sea breeze blew towards him, and he couldnt help but open his arms wide and take a deep breath.
A comfortable feeling filled his body, in this place that seemed like a paradise on earth, as if the whole person had relaxed.
At that moment, he couldnt help but think that if he could live in this peaceful place every day, accompany Linger Shizi and watch the beautiful sunset, it would be a worthwhile life.
As soon as he thought of Tian Linger, Zhang Xiaofans heart heated up again. From the time he came down from the mountain to now, it had been over a month, and since he entered Qingyun Gate, he had never been separated from his master sister for such a long time. Now on this quiet little island, thinking that his master sister might be on another sea island nearby, Zhang Xiaofans heart immediately churned up again, and he could no longer calm down.
Standing for a long time, the fluctuating emotions slowly calmed down, and only two "gulps" were heard, but it was just that his stomach was hungry. Zhang Xiaofan sighed, since being trapped in the Blood Drop Cave on Kong Sang Mountain, he seemed to get hungry especially easily. Fortunately, the dry rations on him were still enough, only the clear water was left with not much.
Zhang Xiaofan looked around and finally his eyes fell on the fruit of a tall tree, he jumped up and picked a few down.
Unexpectedly, the shell was extremely hard, and Zhang Xiaofan had to smash it on a stone for dozens of times before finally cracking it open. However, what flowed out from inside was white fruit juice. Zhang Xiaofan was overjoyed and drank an entire fruit in one breath, feeling that although it was slightly astringent, the taste was sweet and delicious, and it was indeed a rare delicacy.
With this natural delicacy, Zhang Xiaofan was satisfied and had a full meal. Seeing that the sky was darkening, he thought of continuing his journey the next day.
At this time, the sky was getting late, and the sea breeze blew on his body, which was even cooler. Zhang Xiaofan frowned, walked towards the forest, but hesitated for a moment, and finally didnt go in, only to find a sheltered place on the periphery, lay down and rested.
The night deepened, the bright moon rose from the east, the stars twinkled all over the sky, as if they were a group of mischievous little kids, jumping out one by one, winking their eyes in the night sky.
After sleeping for most of the afternoon, Zhang Xiaofan couldnt fall asleep at this moment, tossing and turning, his mind involuntarily recalling what Wan Ren said to him that day at Gu Dao Tea Stall.
He picked up the fire poker stuck in his waist, reflecting the faint light of the stars above. The originally black fire poker emitted a faint cyan glow, especially the inner red blood vessels that seemed to have life and fresh blood flowing inside.
Is this what people call my lifeblood?
Zhang Xiaofan muttered a sentence in his heart, and for a moment, he felt a mix of emotions. He still clearly remembered the scene that day in the secluded valley, where the Blood-Drinking Pearl had sucked out a large amount of fresh blood from his palm...
Zhang Xiaofans body shook slightly, and he forcefully shook his head, unwilling to think about those past events again.
Its just that this treasure is still so clear in front of him, and even the unique cool feeling is still so familiarly swimming in his body, as if it were a part of his body.
That day, although he said some magnificent words to thousands of people, when it came to himself, it was not so easy to bear.
After all, for him, a young disciple who grew up in a famous sect from a young age, to suddenly accept that his treasured artifact is an evil object of the demonic teachings, this isnt an easy thing.
Thinking of this, he couldnt help but look at the burning fire again, looking at the blood threads that were clearer at this moment, and thought to himself: This treasure, how many innocent souls have been buried?
The blood in this is likely to hide many peoples grievances!
He couldnt help but shudder.
But he suddenly thought that if what the crowd said was true, then what about the "Heavenly Exterminating Sword" in the Xuan Yue Dong Fu on Tong Tian Peak of Qing Yun Mountain?
Is justice and evil in this world really as Master and senior brothers taught, existing since ancient times and remaining unchanged?
Suddenly, an unprecedented idea emerged in his mind: Who said that our righteousness must be just?
At this thought, Zhang Xiaofan suddenly jumped up, without hesitation, closed his eyes and "cracked" first.
He slapped himself hard on the face and shouted loudly: "You scoundrel, youre dead! How dare you have such a rebellious thought!"
Note 1: "Classic of Mountains and Seas, Volume 9 - Great Wilderness East Classic": In the middle of the Eastern Sea, there is a Flowing Waves Mountain, which extends into the sea for 7,000 miles. On its top, there is a beast that resembles an ox, with a dark body and no horns, having only one foot. Whenever it moves in or out, there must be wind and rain. Its light is like the sun and moon, its sound is like thunder, and its name is Kui. The Yellow Emperor obtained it and used its skin to make drums, using the Thunder Beasts bones as drumsticks. The sound was heard 500 miles away, and it was used to awe the world under heaven.