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墨書 Inktalez
As soon as the words fell, a thin layer of black mist slowly spread out from the boundless mountains and forests below.
The mist was so faint that the birds and beasts within it had not yet sensed anything unusual.
The mist had not yet reached the distant White Tiger Stronghold. In that Village, the rows of Bamboo Houses stood silently, their lights extinguished, and the Villagers were immersed in dreams.
In one of the Bamboo Houses, Xu Xiaofei was also asleep.
He slept uneasily, his brow slightly furrowed, and his breathing somewhat rapid.
He dreamed of a white tiger, its back arched, blocking the entrance to a cave with hostility, its eyes shining with a terrifying brightness. He took out a Meat Spirit Mushroom and asked the white tiger for a place to stay.
It seemed like he himself, but also… like another person very similar to him?
Beside "him" stood a child, quietly watching him with an affectionate gaze.
After a while, the dream faded away, and his breathing gradually calmed down as he fell into a peaceful deep sleep.
Oh? Was it still early?
When Xu Xiaofei woke up again, he first glanced out the window. It was dim outside, with a layer of mist obscuring his view.
“Xu Xiong, did I wake you?” Rong Han said apologetically as he pushed the door open and entered.
The upstairs of the Bamboo House had two rooms inside and outside; Xu Xiaofei slept in the inner room while Rong Han came in through the outer door.
He was also supporting Wei Xuanfeng, with one of Wei Xuanfeng's arms draped over his shoulder. Both of them reeked of alcohol.
"That's fine, that's fine," Xu Xiaofei said, "It's time to get up."
He got out of bed, put on his clothes, and continued, "Brother Rong, you two haven't been drinking until now, have you? Hurry up and lie down to rest."
After the celebration banquet last night, Rong Han still wanted to drink more. He took some alcohol and food and went out with Wei Xuanfeng.
Xu Xiaofei didn't go; he still had injuries.
"I didn't realize we drank until now," Rong Han said. "If it weren't for Brother Wei passing out, we could have kept going."
As he spoke, he supported Wei Xuanfeng and gently laid him down on the bed, removing his outer clothing and shoes.
Xu Xiaofei watched this scene, feeling somewhat speechless.
Brother Wei's drinking capacity was indeed the worst among the three of them, and he was quite drunk at the moment.
However, last night when he went out drinking with Brother Rong, it was a good opportunity to comfort a friend who was feeling down. How did he end up being the first to pass out? Truly, some people are beyond teaching.
After settling Wei Xuanfeng, Rong Han lay down on another bed and seemed to remember something: "When I came back, Aunt was making pancakes. Xu Xiong, you should go downstairs; you'll just in time for breakfast."
Xu Xiaofei walked down the stairs and indeed smelled a delicious aroma.
He suddenly realized he was hungry.
The young host warmly invited him to sit down, while Aunt hurriedly poured him a bowl of hot tea and served him three pieces of pancakes.
Xu Xiaofei had lost his memory; he had forgotten his childhood and had no impression of his parents.
Here, he felt as if he were at home. He chatted with the two while eating, discussing trivial matters of daily life.
"Bang—"
A faint sound of a gong suddenly floated in from outside.
"Bang, bang, bang."
The sound of the gong grew urgent.
The young man interrupted the conversation and said, "It's the clan leader calling everyone together; something important is happening!"
Just after the matter with the White Tiger had been settled, what could be so important?
Xu Xiaofei felt curious and decided to join in, following the young man to the clearing at the village entrance.
In the clearing, someone was persistently striking a bronze gong. The villagers gathered in small groups.
After a while, the sound of the gong ceased.
An elderly chief with graying temples first scanned the crowd and then spoke loudly, "There are two matters to discuss with everyone today. The first matter is that the Chiba Grass Field has been repeatedly targeted by thieves for several days now, and last night a significant amount was stolen again. Please keep an eye out; anyone who catches the thief will be heavily rewarded!"
A commotion arose among the crowd. The White Tiger Stronghold had protective barriers and strict guards, and it was located deep in the mountains, making it rare for thieves to intrude. Could there be an insider?
"The second matter," the Elder Chief continued after the villagers' discussions quieted down, "you all have seen the mist, right? Indeed, it is the Misty Veil. According to tradition, from today until the mist clears, the Stockade Gate will be closed, and no one is allowed to leave the stronghold."
Misty Veil, what could that be?
Xu Xiaofei quickly asked the boy beside him. It turned out this was also a tradition, a kind of omen that occasionally appeared after the ritual.
When the fog was at its thickest, not only could one not see their hand in front of their face, but being within it would also leave one feeling dazed, ultimately causing one's soul to dissolve like a candle.
Fortunately, this Misty Veil usually dissipated after three to five hours. The White Tiger Stronghold also had protective barriers, so there was no need for concern.
It seemed that they would be stuck in the White Tiger Stronghold for a few more hours, Xu Xiaofei thought. He originally planned to leave with Wei Rong and the others once they sobered up.
By evening, the two drunkards finally got up lazily. After hearing Xu Xiaofei's words, they were somewhat surprised.
They stepped out of the Bamboo House and looked around. The light mist from the morning had turned into a thick and gloomy haze by midday.
After discussing it, the three unanimously decided to stay in the Village for a few more hours and wait for the fog to clear before leaving.
Since it would dissipate in three to five hours, why take the risk?
That night, the darkness deepened.
Xu Xiaofei, lying on his bed, suddenly opened his eyes.
A mournful tiger's roar echoed in his heart, its origin unknown.
His expression became bewildered. The liveliness in his eyes gradually turned into a dull stare.
Then, from his pitch-black pupils, a greenish light burst forth.
He suddenly sat up. In the next moment, he flew out of the window without making a sound, like a ghost.
It was a quiet night, and the sky was dark, with not a single star in sight.
"Go, hurry up..."
A voice was guiding him from deep within his heart.
Following the instructions of that voice, he flew swiftly to the depths of Village, arriving at a wooden house with its door tightly shut.
Then, he kicked the door open.
He first saw two people: the village chief and another elder who seemed to be highly respected in the village. They were both kneeling before an incense altar, sincerely praying for something.
Hearing the noise, both of them turned their heads in surprise.
The smoke curled up, and a pungent scent of sandalwood filled the room. Dozens of candles on the altar formed a complex arrangement, with a bundle of hair from an unknown person placed in the center.
Although the candlelight was bright, it exuded a sinister aura. The two elders' aged faces appeared mysterious like ghostly shadows against the light.
Xu Xiaofei showed no joy or anger; he didn't regard these two at all. He stepped forward and leaped over to them, then swung his sword.
The wild sword energy swirled like a giant wave, instantly shattering everything on the incense altar.
The candlelight was extinguished. That bundle of hair turned to dust.
"What are you doing?!"
Only then did the two come to their senses, astonished and furious. Everyone in White Tiger Stronghold practiced sword techniques, and the two elders were no exception. Xu Xiaofei managed to strike successfully only because they were too old and their reactions had become sluggish.
But their swordsmanship remained sharp.
The two blades, honed over many years, were drawn from their sheaths, glinting coldly as they slashed toward Xu Xiaofei.
Fierce and relentless, showing no mercy.
Xu Xiaofei was no longer their guest!
When Rong Han and Wei Xuanfeng arrived, Xu Xiaofei was heavily surrounded by the villagers.
His body was covered in knife wounds, blood soaking through his clothes. He wore a face of indifference, fighting while retreating.
In the night, his eyes shimmered with a beastly green light.
"What have you done?!" Wei Xuanfeng shouted angrily. Yet, he swung his sword to deflect seven or eight knife strikes aimed at Xu Xiaofei.
"Xu Xiong, wake up! You've been bewitched again!" Rong Han also joined in, shouting loudly.
It hadn't been long since the last incident, and unexpectedly, Xu Xiaofei had caused trouble again... It seemed that the Soul Control Technique planted by the White Tiger had not dissipated. But wasn't the White Tiger already dead? Once the White Tiger died, the Soul Control Technique should have lost its effect!
This thought flashed through Wei Rong's minds.
However, what was most urgent now was to protect Xu Xiaofei. If he had truly committed a grave mistake involving lives, they could deal with it after ensuring his safety.
With their assistance, Xu Xiaofei regained his strength and broke free from the encirclement. He flew straight toward the main gate of the stronghold.
A White Tiger waited silently there.
A pair of tiger eyes floated in the dark night, resembling lanterns lit by ghostly fire.
The White Tiger Stronghold had already set up a barrier to prevent the mist from seeping in. However, breaking through from the inside was much easier than invading from the outside.
Xu Xiaofei's figure moved like lightning, charging out of the barrier without hesitation.
The mist outside the Village was already thick. Yet, around the White Tiger, the mist automatically parted.
Go.
The White Tiger issued a silent command, its wings spreading wide. A fierce wind rose from the ground, lifting its massive body into the sky.
Xu Xiaofei obediently followed like a puppet, flying away with it.
Wei Rong and another person also pursued closely behind.
These villagers who had never properly learned Spatial Technique could not keep up with their speed.
After flying for a while, the White Tiger and Xu Xiaofei dove into a cave at the foot of a mountain.
This place was not the cave where Shen Jinglan and her companion had stayed. The White Tiger, being a local lord, naturally had more than one dwelling.
The cave was damp and dark, with a vast space inside. Stalactites jutted out like fangs, obstructing visibility and creating a maze-like environment.
The White Tiger was extremely familiar with the terrain, leading Xu Xiaofei left and right to temporarily shake off their pursuers.
It stepped into a certain area when suddenly a mechanism activated; a massive stone moved silently to seal off this space.
In the secret chamber, only the white tiger's satin-like white fur shimmered with a faint glow.
Xu Xiaofei lowered his head, hands hanging at his sides, standing to one side.
He had lost all self-awareness and had become a servant of the white tiger.
Suddenly, his body trembled, and his gaze changed; the green in his eyes faded away, and he regained consciousness.
Where is this? What is happening?
As thoughts raced through his mind, a blade of energy formed in his hand, pointing at the white tiger. His combat skills had always been quite good.
Faced with his hostile gaze, the white tiger did not move at all.
It also looked at Xu Xiaofei and spoke in human language: "Hold on, I have something to say to you."
Xu Xiaofei's eyes widened in shock as he gasped.
He recognized that voice!
"Lu... Brother Lu?"
"It's me," the white tiger said quietly. Like ripples on water, the air transformed into the figure of Lu Zhi Feng.
Lu Zhi Feng said, "Time is of the essence, so I'll be brief. I came to find you because I need your help."
"What is it?" Xu Xiaofei asked in confusion. "How did you end up like this?"
"I was deceived and became a Sacrifice for the blood offering to this White Tiger," Lu Zhi Feng said calmly. "I can no longer return to human form, but I do not want to fulfill the White Tiger's wishes. The White Tiger cannot obtain my power and cannot suppress the ferocious beast Nightmare beneath, which is why this Misty Veil has formed. Enough of that; it has nothing to do with you. I brought you out here to urge you and Brother Rong to leave quickly. You are innocently implicated, and the Misty Veil is becoming denser. If you don't leave now, it will be too late! The barrier of White Tiger Stronghold won't hold much longer."
"What about the villagers? Are you not going to care for them?" Xu Xiaofei asked, sensing the implication in his words. "Aren't you planning to inform them?"
"Them?" Lu Zhi Feng smirked slightly, as if he were laughing. "They know already; I don't need to inform them. As for the grievances with them, I will handle it after you leave."
Though he smiled, there was no trace of joy in his eyes—only a deep void of silence.
"Earlier, the formation I manipulated to break..." he said slowly, almost as if talking to himself. "That formation was set up by the elder clan leader to extinguish my soul... I can sense it. If you hadn't destroyed it, within five moments my soul would have vanished without a trace, unable to enter reincarnation."
Xu Xiaofei gradually began to understand.
So this was the truth behind hunting the White Tiger and the night of Ascend. He recalled the scene he had previously spied on: Lu Zhi Feng gently whispering with fresh fruits and flowers before the Statue of Luzhi Tuan. If this was indeed the truth, then could it be... could it be...
"You..."
Xu Xiaofei was not a person who struggled for words, but at that moment, he found himself at a loss.
What kind of comforting words could possibly suffice before Lu Zhi Feng? They all seemed too pale!
"Let's go," Lu Zhi Feng said again. "Brother Rong and the others will find their way here soon. I will escort you out of this mountain range in my White Tiger form. Although my power has weakened, there is still some residual might that can push back the Misty Veil. If they find it strange later, just tell them that you have taken me as your Spirit Pet."
Xu Xiaofei did not respond; he hesitated in his heart.
He could feel that Lu Zhi Feng had lost all desire to live; he was seeking death wholeheartedly!
Did he also want to drag all the villagers of White Tiger Stronghold down with him?
Recalling the formation that was destroyed by his naivety, which exuded a sinister aura, there was a strand of black hair within the formation—so it was from Lu Zhi Feng. Xu Xiaofei felt a chill in his heart; how ruthless that clan leader was, how decisive in action! According to Misty Veil, this method had appeared more than once, and it was likely a technique passed down through generations of the clan leader of White Tiger Stronghold.
However, not everyone should be blamed... At least this truth was unknown to Lu Zhi Feng before, and the boy who hosted them overnight was also unaware. It seemed that all the warriors who fought wholeheartedly against the White Tiger were also oblivious. They were actually Innocent Persons.
He didn't know how to persuade them.
Lu Zhi Feng had likely fallen into a maze; it would be difficult for him to remember them and lead them away. Asking himself honestly, if he encountered such a situation, he wouldn't know how to go mad!
If I unknowingly killed Mo with my own hands...
If I realized that those I once held dear would drive me to despair...
What would I become?
Lu Zhi Feng's figure vanished, and he transformed back into the massive white tiger.
It took two steps past Xu Xiaofei and turned back to look at him: "You refuse?"
Xu Xiaofei replied, "I... I just remembered that child who hosted us. When he saw you, his eyes lit up with admiration. And that Aunt, her pancakes were truly delicious..."
After transforming into a white tiger, Lu Zhi Feng could not show any expression or discern the emotions in his tiger eyes. Upon hearing this, he seemed slightly taken aback, staring at Xu Xiaofei in silence for a while.
Xu Xiaofei observed his reaction and continued, "I understand your situation. Though my power is limited, I still want to help you as much as I can!"
"Help me?" Lu Zhi Feng scoffed, "What can you do to help me?"
"Help you eliminate Nightmare and eradicate the source!" Xu Xiaofei had thought of the answer in that brief moment and declared loudly, "Once the calamity is eliminated, this tradition will be severed, and no one will fall into this trap again. Once Misty Veil dissipates, the barrier will also be lifted. At that time, if you wish to seek revenge on anyone, you will have the opportunity; I will never stand in your way."
"You make it sound easy," Lu Zhi Feng sighed, "Even with our strength, and adding Rong and Brother Wei's power, we still wouldn't be a match for Nightmare!"
He had initially been quite resolute, but without realizing it, he had started to follow Xu Xiaofei's words. This was because Xu Xiaofei seemed to mention, whether intentionally or not, that if they did this, they could put an end to this man-eating tradition. What he hated most was this tradition passed down from his ancestors, which had harmed Luzhi Tuan, harmed him, and would continue to harm generations to come...
Not a match, huh? Xu Xiaofei sensed that he was speaking the truth. A sharp pain pierced his heart. Within the wide sleeves of his robe, he quietly clenched his fist.
Why... why am I still so weak? If only I were strong enough...
He suppressed his emotions and said, "I can send a message back and ask the sect to send someone over."
"Xiaoyao Sect?" Lu Zhi Feng shook his head. "It won't make it in time. The barrier of White Tiger Stronghold won't hold for many days. That's why Elder Chief is so eager to act on my soul."
His tone had turned calm.
After a moment, he added, "Brother Rong and the others are on their way here; they'll discover this place soon. We should leave."
Xu Xiaofei also sensed the increasingly close presence of his two friends.
Are we really going to give up like this?
His brows furrowed. He was unwilling... Would they really turn a blind eye to so many lives?
He anxiously thought of a solution.
What exactly would it take to break this situation? What kind of power would be sufficient to turn the tide?
Ah.
He let out a soft sigh, and suddenly two figures appeared before him. They were likely still lingering in this mountainous area.
He had a deep impression of the strength of these two individuals, especially that man who was bathing in the water and bore a striking resemblance to him!
Such overwhelming power was something he had rarely encountered in his life. Even when he met the leader of the Xiaoyao Sect, he did not sense such an unparalleled oppressive force.
That person should be capable enough to deal with the Nightmare.
Xu Xiaofei naturally did not forget that they were members of the demonic sect, while he was on the Righteous Path, which put them at opposing sides. Could he really persuade them to take action?
He had no confidence, not even a bit. Approaching them could very well put his life in danger.
However… Xu Xiaofei recalled that they had spared him yesterday, and one of them had some connection with him; they had let him go once and even saved his life on another occasion. He felt an inexplicable sense of closeness to this person, one that he could not quite understand.
He decided to give it a try.
“Boom!”
Outside the sealed stone door, Rong Han and another person seemed to be using their techniques, preparing to force their way in.
The stones trembled precariously.
Seizing this last opportunity, Xu Xiaofei suddenly asked Lu Zhi Feng, “Have you seen two people in the mountains? One looks very much like me, with a sickly appearance, and the other is dressed in white? If you have seen them, do you know where they reside?”
“Are you looking to seek their help?” Lu Zhi Feng glanced at him suspiciously. “Those two are from the demonic path with unfathomable realms; how do you plan to persuade them?”
“You won’t know unless you try!” Xu Xiaofei smiled. “Just give me one chance, will you?”
His eyes were blazing.
"Give me a chance, and... give yourself a chance too, how about that?"
I could tell that deep down, you didn't actually resent everyone in the White Tiger Stronghold. Even though you felt disheartened, you didn't want to drag everyone down with you.
"...Alright."
When the stone door shattered, Xu Xiaofei heard Lu Zhi Feng's voice reaching out to him.
As soon as the door broke, Rong Han and another person rushed in.
Both of them were armed and on high alert. Seeing that Xu Xiaofei was unharmed and had not been devoured by the White Tiger, they let out a sigh of relief, but were still worried that he might turn against them under manipulation.
Xu Xiaofei waved his hand and smiled, "I'm fine; I've already regained my senses. While the White Tiger is off guard, I managed to subdue it and take it as my Spirit Pet."
The White Tiger, Lu Zhi Feng, standing beside him, also cooperatively let out a low growl.
Really?
The two of them looked at him skeptically, still very cautious.
It sounded unbelievable that he had managed to tame this resurrected White Tiger.
Xu Xiaofei's eyes indeed lacked the green glow of the Curse, but it could just be an illusion meant to deceive them.
Knowing they wouldn't believe him, Xu Xiaofei had no choice but to bring two fingers together, channeling energy at several points on his chest and saying, "I've sealed my own spiritual power; you can check my pulse to see if I have any control issues."
His movements were straightforward, showing no signs of deception.
The White Tiger at his feet also silently stepped back a few paces.
Wei Xuanfeng stepped forward, grabbing his wrist and probing with a surge of spiritual power.
Sure enough, Xu Xiaofei's cultivation had been sealed by him, but his spiritual energy was stable, showing no signs of the chaos that should come from being controlled. Nodding slightly, he released the seal for him.
"You, my child," Wei Xuanfeng sighed deeply, "it's only been a moment since we last met, and you've already caused such a big mess! What exactly happened? No one was harmed, right?"
Xu Xiaofei replied, "I... I seem to have destroyed the shrine of White Tiger Stronghold, which greatly angered Elder Chief. I will apologize to him when I return. Fortunately, no one was harmed."
As for the truth about Lu Zhi Feng, it was clearly not suitable to be revealed, especially in front of Rong Han.
Rong Han said, "It was also our oversight. We thought this White Tiger was dead, but it turns out it is still alive. This White Tiger holds a very high rank; the Curse it placed on your mind cannot simply be removed with a good night's sleep. If we had been more cautious, we could have stopped you as soon as you left the house."
Xu Xiaofei shook his head and smiled, "Brother Rong, please don't blame yourself. It was my wandering outside that led me to fall victim to this White Tiger's soul-controlling technique. Ah, it's getting late; let's head back."
The three then left.
...
"Do I really have to drink this bowl of medicine?"
In the brightly lit and warm cave with a bonfire burning, Shen Jinglan held a bowl of light purple medicinal liquid, frowning slightly and smiling wryly as she spoke.
A fresh herbal fragrance wafted from the bowl. However, the taste of this medicinal liquid was a hundred times more bitter than the enticing herbal aroma.
Even Shen Jinglan felt a bit resistant.
"Well, drink up," Spirit Sword Destiny said.
There was no room for negotiation.
Shen Jinglan sighed, "I know this medicinal soup requires you to go through the trouble of stealing Thousand Leaf Grass every day, and it takes a lot of effort to brew..." As he spoke, he tilted his head back and drained the entire bowl of medicine in one gulp.
Seeing his actions, a hint of amusement appeared in Spirit Sword Destiny's eyes.
"Thousand Leaf Grass is extremely difficult to preserve; its potency is best right after picking. After three days, it becomes no different from weeds. The medicinal soup should be somewhat beneficial for your body... It's only because I happened to be here that I brewed it for you. If you were elsewhere, it wouldn't be available."
Shen Jinglan casually set the medicine bowl aside and cheerfully said, "If I drink all of this, how could I manage?"
"Here."
Spirit Sword Destiny produced an item from the Storage Bag, holding it in his palm and presenting it to him.
Shen Jinglan looked down and couldn't help but chuckle, teasingly glancing at him: "How old do you think I am?"
It was a piece of oil paper wrapped around a square, fragrant Osmanthus Cake.
"If the leader doesn't like it, that's fine," Spirit Sword Destiny said. "Hearing that your medicinal soup is too bitter, I took the liberty of bringing back a piece of cake when I stole the Thousand Leaf Grass. I've deduced that the properties of both do not conflict."
Though he said "that's fine if you don't like it," he didn't take the Osmanthus Cake back into the Storage Bag.
Shen Jinglan indeed accepted it.
Peeling back the oil paper, he took a bite.
A hawk landed on his shoulder, its eyes sharp and feathers bright. Suddenly, it chirped twice in his ear.
"Oh?" Shen Jinglan said, "That Xu Shaoxia has come looking for me."
Even while staying in the cave, his keen eyesight could keep track of many things from miles away.
"Is it him?" Spirit Sword Destiny remained seated but suddenly changed expression, transforming into another face.
...
As they flew through the air, Xu Xiaofei suddenly said, "By the way, I ran into a couple of friends in the mountains yesterday. They live nearby, and I need to go see them."
"It's rather late; it seems inappropriate. However, it wouldn't hurt to remind them about this Misty Veil," Rong Han said.
"It's fine; they probably haven't gone to sleep yet," Xu Xiaofei replied.
The white tiger Lu Zhi Feng had already used Divine Consciousness to communicate with him, and he could sense that the two people in the cave had not yet rested.
"Really? What a coincidence that you have friends here. Why not introduce them to me?" Wei Xuanfeng said. He always enjoyed making new friends.
Xu Xiaofei quickly replied, "My friend is a bit reclusive; maybe next time."
Hearing this, Wei Xuanfeng had no choice but to drop the subject.
Leaving the white tiger behind, Xu Xiaofei activated Spatial Technique and soared up to halfway up the mountain. There was an inconspicuous cave entrance that was barely noticeable at first glance.
Flying closer, Xu Xiaofei realized that the cave entrance was shrouded in a layer of mist, obscuring the view inside, resembling a barrier that separated the inside from the outside.
He reached out to test it and was indeed stopped.
With his hands clasped in a fist, he said loudly, "I am Xu Xiaofei from Xiaoyao Sect, and I humbly seek an audience."
He then patiently waited.
After a moment of silence, the mist blocking the entrance dissipated. Xu Xiaofei stepped inside.
The cave was clean and seemed quite comfortable.
Xu Xiaofei first caught sight of Spirit Sword Destiny, which could be considered an "old acquaintance" of his. He saw the delicate and handsome face he had encountered several times before.
This face is fake... he sighed in disappointment. He must find an opportunity to see this person's true appearance.
Then he turned his gaze toward Shen Jinglan.
Not only did they share similar looks, but he also felt an inexplicable and very close connection with this person.
This unclear bond seemed to have stretched on for a long time, merging into his blood and bones; no matter how fast the sword or how sharp the blade, it could not sever it.
However, what Shen Jinglan was doing made him pause for a moment.
Shen Jinglan was eating something that looked sweet and sticky—Osmanthus Cake.
Eating itself wasn't particularly interesting, but fortunately, Shen Jinglan's manner of eating was quite elegant.
Xu Xiaofei thought to himself, "So this person actually likes sweets..." He felt a bit more familiar with Shen Jinglan.
"There's no need to visit unless it's important," Shen Jinglan said. "You fled in a hurry after seeing me yesterday; what brings you here today?"
He looked at Xu Xiaofei with a calm expression, revealing no signs of anger or joy.
"I do have a request," Xu Xiaofei admitted.
He recounted the situation regarding Lu Zhi Feng and concluded by asking the two of them to help eliminate Nightmare.
Shen Jinglan listened patiently, not interrupting him.
Once Xu Xiaofei finished, he smiled and said, "The price for my assistance is never low. Can you afford it?"
"Dare I ask what the price is?" Xu Xiaofei gritted his teeth. "I know both of you possess exceptional skills that I cannot fathom. My entire fortune might not be enough. However, whatever you seek, I will do my utmost."
He glanced at Spirit Sword Destiny and added, "I remember that you have spared me twice and saved me once; I owe you my life. There is something I must accomplish, so I cannot die just yet. Once that matter is resolved, you can take my life if you wish."
The matter he must accomplish was to resurrect Lin Mo.
Spared twice and saved once?
Shen Jinglan also looked at Spirit Sword Destiny. It seemed there was quite a deep connection between them.
He then said, "You indeed have a good sense of self-awareness. It's true that no matter what treasures, spiritual materials, or texts you offer, they would hardly catch my interest. However, your request does leave room for negotiation."
Xu Xiaofei's eyes lit up. "Please state your conditions, senior."
Shen Jinglan glanced at him deeply. He harbored a certain suspicion in his heart.
This suspicion was somewhat bizarre, yet it resonated so well with the feelings that Xu Xiaofei had given him. Naturally, everything that Xu Xiaofei felt, he could equally sense.
When he first saw Xu Xiaofei at the night market, this feeling was not so intense.
Each time he saw the young man again, this sensation became increasingly clear.
Shen Jinglan waved his large sleeve.
A beam of white light swiftly flew into Xu Xiaofei's forehead.
"If you can master this technique," Shen Jinglan said, "you will betray the Xiaoyao Sect and come to Youzhou to join my Evil Sect."
Xu Xiaofei perceived it with his mind.
The white light spread in his mind, transforming into a mysterious tome.
Xu Xiaofei withdrew his focus. He couldn't help but say, "If I deliberately choose not to practice this technique, then it wouldn't matter whether I succeed or not. Wouldn't that mean you would be at a loss, Senior?"
"If you don't practice, then consider it my misjudgment," Shen Jinglan chuckled lightly. "My Evil Sect doesn't lack for one more disciple like you. As for the technique itself, it is indeed an excellent one; I haven't tampered with it. However, I have set restrictions; you cannot pass it on to others."
"I see now, I understand."
Xu Xiaofei once again cupped his fists in gratitude: "Thank you for your guidance, Senior. I will devote myself to practicing this technique."
He didn't know how long it would take to master it.
But Xu Xiaofei understood in his heart that by agreeing to this matter, he had almost betrayed the Xiaoyao Sect.
He could only find a way to repay the sect's kindness. In fact, from the moment he made up his mind to revive Lin Mo by any means necessary, he had this psychological awareness.
He was very likely to become a demon that the Righteous Path could not tolerate!
Xu Xiaofei took his leave.
Spirit Sword Destiny witnessed all of this.
"The technique given to him by the leader, could it be..." he suddenly spoke up.
"Half of the Divine Celestial True Technique," Shen Jinglan replied.
The Divine Celestial True Technique was the celestial-level technique that countless people coveted, which caused him to fall from being an elite disciple of a prestigious sect to the demonic path.
It was also the technique he personally taught to Spirit Sword Destiny.
"I passed on the part of the Divine Celestial True Technique that involves True Martial Physique to him. I suspect he has the same physique as mine, but due to his current low cultivation level, it has yet to manifest."
Although the Divine Celestial True Technique was excellent, it held particular significance for Shen Jinglan because it could compensate for the flaws of his True Martial Physique. Cultivating True Martial Physique allowed one to progress at a speed hundreds or thousands of times faster than ordinary people, but while his power surged, his Flesh continuously weakened until death.
Although Shen Jinglan obtained this technique, it was too late; there was no time to disperse his original cultivation and re-practice this technique. Over the years, he had become deeply entrenched and difficult to save.
"True Martial Physique..." Spirit Sword Destiny murmured, "In the vast cultivation world, I've only heard of the Shen Family, where one appears every few generations."
Shen Jinglan was one of them.
Xu Xiaofei If so, then his identity...
Spirit Sword Destiny His eyes darkened.
Anyone with a discerning eye could see that Xu Xiaofei's appearance was quite similar to that of the leader.
Seeing Xu Xiaofei flying back, Wei Xuanfeng called out, "Hey, you heartless one! You were chatting with your friend in the cave while we were left down here in the cold wind!"
Xu Xiaofei replied, "Actually, we discussed some serious matters. My friend is well-informed; he told me about the origin of Misty Veil. It turns out it comes from the Nightmare sealed beneath this mountain range."
He recounted the version without Lu Zhi Feng.
"What? This Nightmare is about to break free from its seal? Is White Tiger Stronghold really going to stay shut this time?" Wei Xuanfeng asked in shock. Rong Han also looked over with concern.
Xu Xiaofei nodded, "Fortunately, my friend has agreed to help. With him involved, not only can we reseal it, but we can also destroy the Nightmare."
The white tiger transformed from Lu Zhi Feng quietly listened to their conversation.
Shen Jinglan, being an old acquaintance of many years, was well aware of their strength. It wouldn't be a problem to enlist their help.
However, there was a deep-seated worry hidden in his eyes.
"According to what I've heard, the Nightmare is an ancient ferocious beast with exceptional combat power. Even if the three of us join forces, we might not be its match!" Xu Xiaofei confirmed. Wei Xuanfeng did not doubt this but sighed, "Your friend seems quite formidable. Xu Brother, you must find an opportunity to introduce him to me in the future!"
He had always enjoyed sparring and discussing ideas with others; he was still hopeful.
Xu Xiaofei dared not introduce this cult leader to Wei Xuanfeng. Although Wei Xuanfeng was a solitary cultivator without any sect affiliation, his style had always been aligned with the principles of the Righteous Path.
He could only respond perfunctorily, "If there is a chance, I will naturally introduce you."
Rong Han said, "Xu Xiong, when that friend makes a move, we should also go to assist."
"Yes, that's only natural. We should do our part."
In the cave, Shen Jinglan stood up and put on a large outer robe.
The black robe, embroidered with golden threads and dark patterns, billowed out. His body had been ravaged by illness, making him unusually thin, yet his shoulders remained straight as a sword.
He was not one to procrastinate. Since he had promised Xu Xiaofei, after a brief moment of rest, he intended to take action.
"Sigh..." Spirit Sword Destiny said, "I know that the leader will have to face Nightmare. I originally planned for that White Tiger Mountain Deity to fight with Nightmare for a while to weaken its strength before asking the leader to intervene. Now that Nightmare is at full strength, although the leader can defeat it, I fear he will still be injured."
Shen Jinglan smiled upon hearing this and did not take it seriously.
"It's rare to have an opponent worth my full effort; what's the harm in getting a little hurt? I'm actually looking forward to it!"
He understood Spirit Sword Destiny's concerns and spoke gently, "Don't worry, I know what I'm doing."
"What the leader wants to do is beyond my control," Spirit Sword Destiny shook his head and sighed with a smile. "The leader can act as he wishes; I will support from the side. By the way, Nightmare Pill, don't let your heart be shattered by your Purple Extreme Thunder; I still have use for it."
Nightmare Pill refers to the inner core of the fierce beast Nightmare.
"Alright." Shen Jinglan agreed readily.
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