Chapter 184

The next day, morning.

At the Qilu City high-speed railway station, Zhang Fan and his group finally concluded their Dongshan trip and set off on their return journey.

Wei Qingsong came specially to see them off and even brought Zhang Fan local Dongshan specialties: ten jin of long beans and twenty bags of braised chicken.

This time, he could be considered to have successfully curried favor; not only did he fully heed Zhang Fan's instructions, but he also built good relationships with Shi Shougong and Su Shiyu, just waiting for the transfer order from Shangjing City to arrive.

In Wei Qingsong's heart, this group of Daoist priests from the Bai He Temple would surely not let down his sincerity.

"Brother Fan, is the matter here settled?"

After boarding the train, Liu Xingchui couldn't help but ask.

"Mm."

Zhang Fan nodded without saying much more; the fewer people who know about certain things, the better.

For example, the existence of the 【Master of the Jianggong】. Seeing this person yesterday was like parting the clouds to see the blue sky; Zhang Fan himself was startled, only then realizing how vast the world is and that there are people beyond people.

For the Wu Wei Sect to have such a master, it is no wonder they have been able to pass down to this day without being extinguished.

Looking at the world, the Wu Wei Sect is only one corner of it; learning has no end, and the Dao is boundless. He still has a very long road to walk.

Fortunately, Liu Liu Nan Xu rushed over from Mount Zhenwu; otherwise, relying solely on the strength of Laoshan Sect Leader Li Chengge, he truly could not have blocked that terrifying 【Master of the Jianggong】.

Of course, Liu Liu Nan Xu came this time mainly to clean up after Zhang Fan.

His explanation was exactly the same as Li Chengge's: divine abilities must not be used recklessly, as the impact is too great and the variables are too many.

Especially since Zhang Fan's divine ability, 【Three-Flavor True Fire】, is a third-rank divine ability. Although the resulting phenomena cannot be considered earth-shattering, some people with profound cultivation and keen perception can still detect it.

Like Li Chengge, who was in Dongshan Province himself; being close by, he naturally had some sensing.

Besides that, the Daoist techniques Liu Liu Nan Xu practices sense heaven and man; even from as far away as Mount Zhenwu, he could detect a slight trace.

The Master of the Jianggong, Ming Shenshou, also followed the scent and rushed over.

This is the special nature of divine abilities; like the butterfly effect, pulling one hair affects the whole body, especially upon reaching the 【Three Tian Shi】 rank, where one follows nature and the heart merges with heaven and earth, making it even easier to generate sensing.

Of course, divine abilities are divided into seven ranks, and not every type of divine ability can cause such a big commotion.

Generally speaking, once a divine ability enters the fifth rank, it will produce phenomena, though there are differences.

The 【Ten Thousand Things as Talismans】 of Wu Qilu of the Noon Horse is a fifth-rank divine ability, and it leaves no trace when performed.

Just like Li Changgeng's 【Severed Head Regeneration】, which is a fourth-rank divine ability, it does not produce overly bizarre phenomena that can be captured and sensed by others.

In the final analysis, it is because Zhang Fan's 【Three-Flavor True Fire】 is too heaven-defying; it is top-tier even among third-rank abilities, and it specializes in killing. Once it gets rowdy, the energy naturally shifts, attracting attention.

For this reason, Zhang Fan couldn't help but feel worried. Clearly, that 【Master of the Jianggong】 has set his sights on this divine ability of his. Can there be anything good about being targeted by such a monster?

If it were someone else, it might be fine, but the Master of the Jianggong's original divine ability is 【Stealing and Turning Divine Mechanism】, which is a power specifically for forcibly seizing others' divine abilities. Once targeted, one is not far from death.

The four divine abilities hidden on his body were all stripped from other people.

Regarding such worries, Liu Liu Nan Xu did give Zhang Fan a reassurance.

"There is a great master hidden in Yujing City, enough to rank in the top five of the world. With this person here, even an existence like the 【Master of the Jianggong】 would not dare to act recklessly."

In Zhang Fan's mind, Liu Liu Nan Xu's exhortations to him echoed.

"A great master in the top five of the world!?" Deep suspicion welled up in Zhang Fan's heart.

Among the ranks of the world's great masters, the first chair naturally belongs to Chu Chaoran. Since this living True Person of the current age defeated the former world's number one master, the Three-Corpse Daoist, his status has been unshakable.

For sixty years, he has lived deep in Mount Zhenwu, rarely involving himself in worldly affairs, yet his influence is everywhere.

Besides that, Jiang Your Majesty of the Bai He Temple is mentioned alongside Chu Chaoran as "South Chu, North Jiang," and his strength can be imagined; he can also occupy a seat in the world's top five.

With just these two, the world's top five already has two occupied.

Looking at the four seas, the ten great Daoist famous mountains, the provincial Daoist alliances, and the many hidden cultivation masters like Zhang Lingzong, not to mention that mess of the Wu Wei Sect... in such a vast Daoist Jiang Hu, how many masters and geniuses are there? How difficult is it to rank in the world's top five?

"What Three Tian Shi Liu said should not be false." Zhang Fan was thoughtful.

Liu Liu Nan Xu's knowledge naturally cannot be compared to the current Zhang Fan, and he is naturally more familiar with the anecdotes of the world's masters. Since he is so certain, then the great master hidden in Yujing City must have the strength of the world's top five.

"Top five in the world... If there is a chance, I really want to see them and ask for advice." Zhang Fan's mind became active.

On this Dongshan trip, he had a bountiful harvest; not only did he step into the 【High Merit】 rank and bring back Jiang Lai, but he also obtained 【Zhang Beijiang】 and the 【Jin Xia Treasure Box】, figured out Li Changgeng's background, and successfully made contact with the Evil God.

Now, he is wholeheartedly wanting to succeed in merging his spirit and completely escape the tribulation.

Not to mention that Zhang Fan has already been targeted by an existence like the 【Master of the Jianggong】, Li Changgeng alone is like a fishbone in his throat; heaven knows when he will kill his way back.

This time, Li Changgeng was weakened again and again under the repeated schemes of Zhao Jiexuan, first by the 【Group Demon Birthday Celebration Painting】 and then by the 【Jin Xia Treasure Box】, only then being slashed back by Zhang Fan.

Next time, he will definitely face Li Changgeng in his peak state.

At this moment, Zhang Fan craves power more than ever, craves to become stronger.

"Dividing the spirit is easy, merging the spirit is hard." Zhang Fan sighed in his heart.

He knows the only hope is likely to fall upon the 【Jin Xia Treasure Box】. Back then, the Three-Corpse Daoist was the one who penetrated the mystery of the golden glow in the box, only then successfully practicing the legendary 【Three-Corpse Illumination】.

It's just that the golden glow in the box is very dangerous. Zhang Beijiang's formidable body, which does not fear the might of true fire, almost lost two arms and showed signs of carbonization just because he opened the box once.

Jiang Lai also opened the box once; although her body surface looked fine, ever since she came down from Mount Luoxia, her spirit has been somewhat listless and extremely sleepy.

Thinking of this, Zhang Fan turned his head to look at Jiang Lai, who was sitting beside him.

At this time, Jiang Lai was fast asleep, leaning slightly on Zhang Fan's shoulder.

Zhang Fan could even hear Jiang Lai's light breathing, and within his gaze, her long eyelashes trembled lightly under the sunlight.

"The Jin Xia Treasure Box is very dangerous." Zhang Fan slowly withdrew his gaze, not daring to move recklessly, lest he disturb Jiang Lai's sweet dream.

"I'll study it after I get back."

Zhang Fan made up his mind; most of his hope is still placed on the 【Jin Xia Treasure Box】. This thing cannot see the light of day and can only be studied behind closed doors.

If he truly has no leads, perhaps he can seek out that so-called top-five master in the world to ask for advice and see if he can penetrate the mystery of the Great Spirit-Dividing Technique.

Originally, Zhang Fan wanted to return to Mount Zhenwu to ask Chu Chaoran for advice in person.

After all, when it comes to cultivation and knowledge, who can compare to this living True Person of the current age!?

However, although Zhang Fan bears the name of a Mount Zhenwu disciple, he is treated as if he were free-range; Liu Liu Nan Xu subtly expressed that the old True Person is currently in seclusion and is not suitable for receiving guests.

"It's too ridiculous; having a sect is the same as not having one, having parents is the same as not having them."

Thinking of this, Zhang Fan couldn't help but mutter. He discovered that his fate is truly too strange; it looks like he has a mountain of background, but when things really come to a head, he is helpless and alone.

If Zhang Lingzong were by his side, he wouldn't need to beg grandfathers and grandmothers and look for connections everywhere.

"Old Dad, where exactly did you drift off to?" Zhang Fan's mouth was bitter.

"Daddy's daddy is a monster, daddy's mommy is a monster..."

Just at this moment, a pleasant mobile phone ringtone sounded. Zhang Fan covered his pocket and turned his head to see that Jiang Lai hadn't woken up; he hurriedly took out his phone and pressed mute, but the caller ID was:

Li Yishan! "Hey, where the hell did you die?"

Zhang Fan answered the phone and offered a sincere greeting. In the past few days, he almost couldn't contact Li Yishan at all; if he hadn't had things on his plate, he would have reported it to the police first.

"Don't mention it, I went to Dongshan Province."

Li Yishan's long-lost voice came from the other end of the phone.

"You're in Dongshan Province? What did you go there for?" Zhang Fan was stunned for a moment, then asked.

"To visit an elder." Li Yishan said indifferently.

"Your family still has relatives in Dongshan Province?" Zhang Fan asked.

"Not really relatives, just an elder who likes collecting things, so he runs around everywhere. It just happened to be in Dongshan, so I came to visit." Li Yishan said casually. "Collecting what?"

"God-knows-what kind of stuff. Where are you?" Li Yishan changed the subject.

"I'm in Dongshan too, but I'm heading back today."

"What a coincidence. Come out for hot pot tonight."

Li Yishan's voice became excited: "I ordered a black dog; it's very nourishing."

"Nourish yourself to death. See you tonight!"

Zhang Fan grinned and hung up the phone. After being tense outside for so long, it was time to relax.

Outside the window, the rolling mountains continuously retreated. The high-speed train, like a silver-white giant dragon, moved away from Dongshan, heading toward Jiangnan Province and Yujing City.

Laoshan, Three Pure Ones Hall.

"Sect Leader Brother, Three Tian Shi Liu has already been settled."

Daoist Jueyuan walked over from afar and bowed to Li Chengge, who was sitting calmly.

"Daoist Brother Liu is going to stay on the mountain for a short period. You are responsible for his daily life; do not be negligent."

Li Chengge looked at the sea of clouds and mist before him without turning his head.

"That goes without saying." Daoist Jueyuan nodded.

The arrival of Three Tian Shi Liu from Mount Zhenwu at Laoshan counts as a major event for the sect; no matter who it was, they wouldn't be negligent.

"Brother, did Three Tian Shi Liu really rush all the way from Mount Zhenwu just for that... young man?" Daoist Jueyuan couldn't help but ask.

"Can't you tell? Liu Liu Nan Xu came representing the Old Master; that is no ordinary young man."

The Old Master in Li Chengge's mouth naturally refers to Chu Chaoran.

"A few days ago, was it this young man who fought with Li Changgeng of the Bai He Temple!?" Daoist Jueyuan hesitated.

That night, he saw both the phenomenon of the Three-Flavor True Fire and the phenomenon of the Golden Light of Earth-Traversing.

Now it seems that the one who fought with Li Changgeng was this young man named Zhang Fan.

It's just that he found it quite strange; he had never heard before that Mount Zhenwu had such a disciple, brilliant and talented, bearing divine abilities, actually able to trade blows with Li Changgeng of the Bai He Temple, though no one knew the outcome.

"Don't ask too much. Regarding this matter, we at Laoshan know nothing." Li Chengge shook his head.

If Zhang Fan didn't have Mount Zhenwu standing behind him, then he wouldn't care, but Liu Liu Nan Xu came, and he came representing Chu Chaoran; the meaning within is worth pondering.

"But... the Bai He Temple side has already called several times, asking if we have had any unusual movements in Dongshan Province recently." Daoist Jueyuan said in a deep voice.

Li Changgeng did not return to the Bai He Temple; his tracks in Dongshan Province are clearly known to them. As for whether they sensed the phenomenon of the Three-Flavor True Fire, that is unknown.

Now that the person is gone, it is reasonable for Laoshan, as the gateway to Dongshan Province, to be asked.

"Just say we don't know." Li Chengge shook his head.

"That might not be appropriate; they will definitely be able to find some clues." Daoist Jueyuan hesitated.

If the Bai He Temple sensed the traces of the Golden Light of Earth-Traversing and detected the anomaly of the Three-Flavor True Fire, connecting the two, they could deduce that Li Changgeng had a fight with someone in Dongshan Province.

With Laoshan sitting in Dongshan Province, saying they know nothing, I'm afraid no one will believe it.

"The Old Master is still here." Li Chengge didn't say much more.

Daoist Jueyuan was silent for a moment and nodded.

"By the way, tell the Bai He Temple side that the 【Master of the Jianggong】 has appeared in Dongshan." Li Chengge added.

"Understood."

Daoist Jueyuan bowed and turned to leave.

"Wu Wei Sect... it's been almost twenty years since I left the Wu Wei Sect."

Li Chengge looked at the sea of clouds and mist before him, murmuring softly, his voice barely audible, as if only he could hear it.

Shangjing City, Bai He Temple.

Inside an ancient palace, incense smoke curled, like hazy green gauze, winding around an old man, making his shadow appear even more illusory.

"Teacher..."

Just at this moment, a middle-aged Daoist walked in, wearing a prominent purple robe, his brow carrying an unforced authority.

"Laoshan has replied."

The purple-robed Daoist looked at the old man before him, showing a respectful attitude, and spat out four words.

"Know nothing at all."

The curling incense smoke dispersed, filling every corner of the palace. The old man seemed to be in meditation, unmoved.

Seeing this, the purple-robed Daoist couldn't help but continue: "But there are signs of divine ability manifestation in Dongshan Province; someone traded blows with Changgeng."

"Laoshan couldn't possibly not know."

"Little Li is as slippery as ever."

Just at this moment, the old man spoke. In this Bai He Temple, the only one who could call the dignified Laoshan Sect Leader "Little Li" is the one revered as the half-mountain of the Daoist world...

Jiang Your Majesty!!! "Teacher, Changgeng he..." The purple-robed Daoist hesitated.

"Rest assured, his lamp flame is still bright; he is still alive..." Jiang Your Majesty murmured softly.

"Tribulation is the medicine for longevity; being too smooth may not be a good thing..."

"As long as he is alive, he can be immortal."

Once these words were spoken, the purple-robed Daoist bowed deeply.

"I have noted Teacher's teachings."

"North Zhang has sent someone..."

Just at this moment, Jiang Your Majesty changed the subject, which caused the purple-robed Daoist's expression to tighten suddenly.

"Is it for Zhang Lingzong!?"

"The person has been found; he is still hiding in Mount Ailao, and he can only hide in that place." Jiang Your Majesty said indifferently.

"Teacher, his Divine Demon Holy Fetus is nearly complete; he has escaped the fifth Great Night-Bright Tribulation. He is too hard to kill." The purple-robed Daoist sighed.

"Does he think that by practicing the Divine Demon Holy Fetus, he is invincible in the world?" Jiang Your Majesty's voice became as cold as frost.

"Heaven creates all things; for every strength, there is a counter."

"The nine great inner alchemy methods are passed down in the human world, and there are also nine great Dharma artifacts hidden in the human world. Those nine artifacts are the nemesis of the nine methods."

The secret Jiang Your Majesty spoke of was something even the purple-robed Daoist had never heard of.

The world all thinks the nine great inner alchemy methods are invincible, but they don't know the secrets of the human world, where nine Dharma artifacts are hidden in the secular red dust, each restraining one of the nine great inner alchemy methods! "Find him; Zhang Lingzong has lived too long." Jiang Your Majesty said indifferently.

"After all, South Zhang only has this one lineage left."

"Yes, Teacher!" The purple-robed Daoist said respectfully.

(End of chapter)