The sunlight filtering through the forest, passing through the lush branches and leaves, spilled onto Tian Naiyi and Zhang Xiaofans bodies. Zhang Xiaofan stood in front of Tian Naiyi, feeling ashamed, and after a long while, he called out softly: "Master..."

  Tian Bu Yi looked at him and saw that the small disciples originally pale face suddenly had some color, hummed a sound, and turned around.

  Zhang Xiaofan was at a loss, not knowing what to say, but the secret deep in his heart was suddenly discovered by the person he had always admired most, and the feeling of horror has not dissipated until now.

  Tian Ye stood there with his hands behind his back, silent for a long time. Zhang Xiaofan stood behind him with his head bowed, not even daring to breathe loudly.

  After a while, Tian Bu Yi slowly said: "So to speak, the one who privately transmitted the Taiji Xuanqing Dao Fa Jue to you that day was also Ling Er?"

  Zhang Xiaofans heart skipped a beat again, but since it involved Tian Linger, he immediately became clearer and hastily said: "Master, that has nothing to do with Shizhi, it was me, I asked Shizhi to teach me..."

  Tian didnt easily turn around, staring at Zhang Xiaofan for a moment. Zhang Xiaofans voice immediately became softer, knowing that no matter what he said, he probably couldnt deceive this master anymore.

  In the woods, between master and apprentice, a silence fell.

  Zhang Xiaofan lowered his head, his heart in a mess. At this moment, he heard Tian Buyis voice: "Old Seven."

  Zhang Xiaofans heart skipped a beat, and he looked up to respond: "Master."

  Tian Bu Yi looked at him and said, "Youve been under me for almost five years now, right?"

  Zhang Xiaofan said in a low voice: "Yes."

  Tian said with a faint smile: "When I accepted you as my apprentice that day, I actually didnt think much of your talent. Your achievements today are truly beyond my expectations."

  Zhang Xiaofans body moved slightly, but deep down, he didnt know why, there was a faint sense of joy.

  Tian didnt continue: "As for your private love affair with Linger..."

  Zhang Xiaofans heart was anxious and he said: "Master, this is all my fault, I shouldnt have..."

  Tian didnt rise to the bait but instead glared at him and said, "Did I say you were wrong?"

  Zhang Xiaofans mouth suddenly opened wide, and this time Tian Naiyi was really frightened.

  Tian hummed and said, "Youre still young, not one of those monks from Tianyin Temple. Growing up with Linger since childhood, youve developed some feelings for her - whats strange about that? Do you think your master has been living in vain all these years? Cant even figure this out?"

  Zhang Xiaofan lowered his head, and suddenly felt a surge of warmth in his eyes. All the warm words in this world put together might not be able to compare with Tian Naiyis cold words.

  "Just then Tian paused for a moment, and continued: But now things are different, I can see that Linger probably really likes Qi Hua. As for you? Shes probably just treating you like a younger brother, do you know that?"

  Zhang Xiaofan nodded, but his eyes were fixed on the ground, and he said in a low voice: "Yes, Master."

  Tian said slowly, "I used to oppose Linger and Qi Huans interactions, not because of Qi Huan himself, but because..." He paused suddenly, furrowed his brow, and changed the subject: "To be honest, although your progress in Taoist magic is faster than I expected, it still lags far behind Qi Huan."

  Tian didnt easily look at Zhang Xiaofan deeply and slowly said: "Do you understand what I mean?"

  Zhang Xiaofan bit his lip tightly and nodded after a while: "Yes, I understand, Master."

  Tian nodded slightly, let out a sigh, walked over, patted his shoulder and said: "Let bygones be bygones."

  Zhang Xiaofan felt his masters broad and warm hand patting on his shoulder, his heart warmed up, and he nodded heavily.

  Tian didnt say anything for a while, then said: "Lets go back!"

  After finishing speaking, he walked back the way he came.

  Zhang Xiaofan raised his head, facing upwards, took a deep breath and relaxed his clenched fists.

  But that thread of confusion, as if it existed and yet didnt, always lingered in his mind.

  He forced a smile and followed after them with renewed determination.

  When the two of them walked back to the row of caves on the mountain waist, people from various sects were already stirring and getting up. Tian Linger and others were standing at the entrance of the cave, with anxious expressions on their faces, looking around in all directions, apparently very worried.

  Zhang Xiaofan saw from afar and felt a pang in his heart, lowering his head.

  As soon as Tian Naiyi and Zhang Xiaofan returned, Tian Linger ran over, not saying a word. She looked Zhang Xiaofan up and down to make sure he hadnt been "bullied" by Tian Naiyi before softly asking: "Xiaofan, where did you and Father go so early in the morning?"

  Zhang Xiaofan saw that she was full of concern, her bright eyes fixed on him, and his heart felt an inexplicable pain, but he forced a smile on his face and said: "Its okay, Master took me out for a walk, taught me a few words, and now Ive forgiven you."

  Tian Bu Yi walked ahead, seemingly having heard the young apprentices words. He grunted and slowly turned back. Seeing his wife Su Rou standing at the entrance of the cave, looking at him with a gentle smile, he couldnt help but have a change in expression on his face. He gave her a white eye and didnt say anything, then walked inside.

  Up to now, this small storm has also passed.

  In the following days, Zhang Xiaofan spent day and night with his long-separated senior brothers. He had grown up under their watchful eyes since childhood, and now that he was back, it felt very familiar. Song Darens heart was broad-minded, and he didnt hold Zhang Xiaofans rudeness from that day in mind. Moreover, Su Rou had also privately mentioned a few words to him, so he was even more understanding and affectionate towards this younger brother.

  This time, the orthodox sects that came to Liubo Mountain are naturally divided into three major factions: "Qingyunmen", "Tianyinsi" and "Fengxianggu". However, there are also many smaller-scale orthodox sects.

  Many of them were unknown to Zhang Xiaofan, and they must have been for the sake of upholding justice and not coexisting with the remnants of the demonic sect.

  As for the three major factions, this time except for Qingyunmen who came with Cangsong Dao and Tian Buyi, the other two factions did not have any elders coming, so in a way, everything was taken care of by Qingyunmen.

  Three days passed in this way, and Zhang Xiaofan suddenly saw several familiar faces on Liubo Mountain.

  Among them, Li Xun from Fengxiang Valley and Yan Hong also arrived at Liubo Mountain the next day; shortly after, he saw a stone and an old man standing beside it in the Tianyin Temple.

  Zhang Xiaofan went up to greet him with great joy. Shi Tou, seeing that it was him, was also very excited and said a few words before wanting to introduce his master "Dali Zunzhe" to him. He turned around and said to the old man who was talking to Fa Xiang: "Master, this is the Zhang brother from Qingyunmen I told you about."

  The old man turned his head, and Zhang Xiaofan saw his face for a moment, and was taken aback. Originally, he had imagined that the master of the "Golden Gate" sect would be called "Great Power Respecter", and must be an invincible giant. Unexpectedly, in front of him was this rather thin and small old man, which made him really stunned.

  The stone however didnt think that much, hehe smiled and said: "Zhang brother, why dont you quickly pay respects to my master."

  Zhang Xiaofan suddenly came to his senses and hastily paid respects, saying: "Elder, I am Zhang Xiaofan, your junior. I have long admired your great name."

  The old man grunted and said faintly, "Forget it." He turned his head back and asked the Dharma Master, "So to speak, your master Pu Huan Shangren has been in closed meditation until now, hasnt he?"

  Fa Xiang smiled and said, "Thats right. Although Master Pu Kong is the abbot of this temple, I have always assisted him in managing secular affairs. This time, when the Demon Sect revived, Master Pu Kong also wanted to come, but unfortunately, there were many things to attend to in the temple, so he had to send me instead."

  Dali Zunzhe nodded and said, "With you here, thats enough. However, before I came, I thought your master Puhong and the two divine monks Puxu wouldnt come, but your fourth uncle Pufang would definitely come to hate the demonic sect, how could he not..."

  Seeing the puzzled gaze of Daluo Zunzhe, Faxiang sighed and said: "Senior has something unknown, since the sudden death of San Shi Shu Puzhi Shen Seng five years ago..."

  Zhang Xiaofans heart skipped a beat.

  At this moment, Fa Xiangs gaze seemed to be intentionally or unintentionally looking in his direction for a moment before moving away and continuing: "Master Pu Fang and Master Pu Zhi had a very deep relationship. After that, they stayed in the temple to meditate and study Buddhist scriptures, no longer going out."

  Dali Zunzhe let out an "ah" and seemed to be filled with emotion.

  Fa Xiang smiled and said: "But this is not necessarily a bad thing."

  Dali Zunzhe burst out laughing and said, "Not bad, not bad. All of you divine monks naturally still prioritize your own complete virtues and merits. Unlike me, this old fellow has no affinity with the Buddha, so I spend my days running around in all directions."

  Fashang smiled and said, "Elder is joking, you and our Tianyin Temple have a common origin, this point was specifically entrusted by both Master En and Master Pu Kong when we came. Come, please sit inside, Elder."

  Dali Zunzhe yielded a few words and then went in with him.

  Zhang Xiaofan watched the two of them walk in, suddenly had a feeling, turned his head to look aside, but saw Shi Tou pulled him once, whispered: "Do you see? This young Dharma seems to be the leader of this group of monks from Tianyin Temple!"

  Zhang Xiaofan nodded, and over the past few days, he had been in contact with these Orthodox people every day, and many of them were masters from Tianyin Temple. Although Fasheng was young, among the "Fa" generation monks who came to Liubo Mountain this time, Fashengs demeanor stood out, with a subtle aura of leadership. It was usually him who spoke on behalf of the group, while some older monks beside him remained silent. Apparently, Fasheng was an outstanding figure being groomed by Tianyin Temple.

  However, in his heart at this moment, he was still thinking about just now when Fah Xiang was talking about Pu Zhi and suddenly looked over with a gaze. He didnt hear what Shi Tou was muttering beside him, only hearing the last sentence that seemed to say: "I think hes nothing special, and he even said something wrong."

  Zhang Xiaofan was taken aback and asked: "What did you say?"

  The stone looked around and said in a low voice, "I remember hearing that if someone from the Buddhist sect has completed their merits and dies a good death, they should be called Nirvana. But he just now spoke nonsense about passing away, which makes people uncomfortable. Its as if Master Puzhi is... Hmm, Brother Zhang, why does your face suddenly look so bad?"

  Zhang Xiaofans mind was in a mess, and he forced a smile as he nodded at Shi Tou before walking back to the location of Qing Yun Men. This left Shi Tou standing in his original spot, confused for half the day.

  Its been half a month since Zhang Xiaofan arrived at Liubo Mountain. During this time, the orthodox sect and the demonic cult have remained in a stalemate, with frequent encounters during the day often leading to battles. However, what puzzles the orthodox sect is that the demonic cult seems unwilling to engage in prolonged combat, often retreating after just a few rounds of fighting.

  In the past, it was said that the demonic sect would gather in this desolate place to plot evil plans to harm the world, so the righteous knights came to eliminate the demons. But now that Ive seen it, it doesnt seem like that after all.

  If its said that they are enemies of the righteous way, then they should come out and fight a decisive battle; if theyve heard that there are two figures from the Qingyun Gate in the righteous way and are afraid that their own strength is not enough, then they should take the initiative to retreat.

  The demonic cult was neither fighting nor retreating, and the terrain of Liubo Mountain was vast, with clear targets in sight. However, if one wanted to delve deeper to find the lair of the demonic cult, it would be no easy task. As time dragged on, days turned into a prolonged delay. The righteous sects were abuzz with speculation - what did the remnants of the demonic cult want to do on this remote and desolate island?

  Zhang Xiaofan has been searching for demonic sect members on Liubo Mountain with his master and senior brother these days.

  But in private, he had another concern, which was that he feared running into Bi Yao and didnt know what to do.

  Its strange to say, but Bi Yao also came to Liubo Mountain on this island, but after that stormy night, she never appeared again. On the other hand, other people from the Demon Sect, including Zhang Xiaofan and Xue Qi, who knew Lao Da and Ye Gou Dao Ren, appeared very frequently, looking as if they were searching for something.

  Cang Song Dao Ren and Tian Bu Yi were both hundreds of years old in cultivation, and encountering such a situation also made them feel somewhat tricky. On this day at night, the two called on the people from Tian Yin Temple and Fen Xiang Valley to gather together for discussion.

  Representing the Tianyin Temple, it was naturally Fa Xiang. The person who came from Fengxiang Valley was also an acquaintance, Li Xun. These two people looked like they were both young and outstanding, but in front of Cangsong Dao Ren and Tian Bu Yi, their expressions were extremely respectful.

  After the courtesy, Cang Song Dao Ren said faintly: "Two masters and apprentices, this time we have come to eliminate demons among the various factions of the Orthodox Church, and there are many places where we need your help. I would like to thank you in advance."

  Fa Xiang and Li Kun bowed at the same time: "I dare not, if there is a need, please instruct Master Cang Song."

  Tian waved his hand, letting the two sit down first, and said: "We dont need to say much nonsense. Until today, we have been on this deserted island in the East Sea for half a month. Although it is true that there are remnants of the Demon Sect here, but looking at their mysterious behavior, I couldnt guess what they are up to. Do you two masters and apprentices have any opinions?"

  Fashang and Li Kun exchanged a glance and shook their heads simultaneously.

  Cang Song said to Li Xuan: "Li Shizhong, this time the news was released by your Burning Fragrance Valley first. I dare ask if your sect knows the purpose of the Demon Sect?"

  Li Kun, in front of the renowned Cang Song Dao Ren, had a humble expression on his face, and said: "Please report to Master Cang Song, this times information was also unintentionally obtained by our sect. After the revival of the Demon Sect, a large number of remnants suddenly went to Donghai Liubo Mountain, but for what purpose, it is unknown."

  The green pines and fields cant easily meet each others gaze.

  "Two masters, according to my observations over the past few days, the demonic sect members have been searching every mountain peak carefully, as if they are looking for something important."

  Cang Song murmured: "Thats right, I and Tian Shidi also think so, but what are they looking for that is so important?"

  Tian did not wrinkle his brow and immediately said: "In that case, we cant guess it anyway."

  However, the Demon Sect has always been sinister and poisonous. After you return, you must also be vigilant and prepared. We will intensify our search during the day and once we find the Demon Sects lair, we will eradicate them in one fell swoop and rid the world of this scourge."

  Fashang and Li Kun said in unison: "Yes."

  After that, they discussed for a while and Fa Xiang bid farewell with Li Xun. Watching them leave, Cang Song suddenly said: "Tian Shidi, the talent of these two young people is really not bad!"

  Tian nodded slowly.

  "Especially the Dharma appearance of Tianyin Temple, I observe that his eyes are black and clean, but the edges seem to have a faint golden light. His eyes are warm and not scattered, Im afraid he has already made great progress in the Mahavairocana Sutra at Tianyin Temple."

  Tian Bu Yi sneered and said, "Dont underestimate that Li Xuan either. Although he was deliberately low-key in front of us just now, according to my useless little disciple, his Taoist skills in the Empty Mulberry Mountain and the Fire Dragon Cave are probably not inferior to those of Fa Xiang."

  Cang Song hummed and said, "Tianyin Temple and Fengxiang Valley have been secretly thinking of replacing me as the leader of Qingyunmen for hundreds of years. Now they deliberately cultivate these outstanding disciples and send them out, mostly to show off their strength to us."

  Tian didnt look at him again and suddenly said, "It doesnt matter, as long as there are those outstanding disciples under Master Cangsong, we wont be afraid of them."

  Cang Songs face changed, and he said coldly, "Tian Shidi, what do you mean by this?"

  Tian Bu Yi slowly stood up, his voice calm and collected: "What could I possibly mean? One of my disciples, who is not even that skilled, managed to win a few matches in the Seven Veins tournament and was allowed to go out and gain experience with one of your esteemed disciples. But unexpectedly, while they were in the territory of the Demon Sect, after engaging in a fierce battle with members of the Demon Sect, he was abandoned in that ancient cave. If it werent for his cheap life, Im afraid I wouldnt have even seen him again."

  Cang Songs face flashed with anger, saying: "Tian Shidi, you must speak clearly. What was abandoned in the ancient cave? After Qi Huan and the others returned, I also asked him carefully at that time. It was indeed because Xiao Zhu Fengs 6th Snow Chi was too seriously injured, and after searching for several days, there was no news of your disciple. In that Dead Spirit Abyss, there were many yin spirits and demonic beasts, so they had to give up. What intentional abandonment are you talking about?" His voice grew louder towards the end.

  Tian Bu Yi didnt flinch at all, and instead looked him in the eye, shouting loudly: "Hmph! If your disciple was left down there, dead or alive, wouldnt you have already made a big fuss about it!"

  The two of them raised their voices, which carried outside the cave, and the disciples under the Qingyun Gate immediately became agitated. Each one stuck their head in to take a look. Tian Bu Yi and Cang Song were after all men of integrity and would not do anything untoward in front of these younger generations. Tian Bu Yi hummed softly and walked out without looking back.

  After a moment, Qi Huan and Lin Jingyu walked in. They were the two disciples that Qing Song Dao Ren valued the most, and only they dared to approach him when he was not in a good mood.

  "Master, why did you and Master Tian have a falling out?"

  Lin Jingyu said indignantly beside him: "This person is the most petty, really has no seniority at all..."

  "Cang Song suddenly shouted: Shut up!"

  Lin Jingyu was startled and lowered his head, saying: "Yes, Master."

  Cang Song glanced at him and turned to Qi Huan: "He still remembers the day you gave up searching for Zhang Xiaofan."

  Zhi Hao was stunned.

  Cang Song hummed and said, "You shouldnt look at how he seems to not care about that disciple on a daily basis, but thats within his own sect. Once outside, he is extremely protective of him. Moreover, this time Zhang Xiaofan showed his face for him at the Seven Veins Gathering, I heard privately that he was actually extremely pleased in his heart." Pausing here, he turned to Qi Huan and said, "Do you know that this time Zhang Xiaofans narrow escape from death and safe return is greatly beneficial to you?"

  "What?"

  Cang Song sneered and said, "Arent you close with his daughter Tian Linger?"

  Zi Haos face turned red.

  Cang Song said, "Although I asked the Master to speak for you, he reluctantly agreed to your interactions. But judging from his expression today, its clear that he still has reservations about this matter. If Zhang Xiao Fan hadnt returned alive this time, Im afraid you would have had more trouble in the future."

  Zi Hao woke up and nodded repeatedly, saying: "Thank you, Master, for helping your disciple."

  Cang Song waved his hand and walked slowly to the entrance of the cave, looking towards the mountain cave where Tian Bu Yi lived. His face was expressionless and he remained silent. However, Lin Jing Yu and Qi Huan saw that his eyes were gleaming with intensity, clearly thinking about something.