Chapter 298: Ten Thousand Mountains

The pale moon is like a plate, black clouds stretch endlessly.

Tonight, Hongfu Hongfu Huayuan appears exceptionally quiet, the flickering streetlights looking as if they could burst at any moment.

In Zhang Fan's home, under the dim light, Lin Jianyue's Soul-Aspect emits a faint radiance, like a great moon flowing, like starlight arising and perishing. After swallowing the 【Blessed Field Rice Paste】, she finally awakens, a wisp of elixir energy melting, revealing an unusual fragrance.

"You finally woke up."

Zhang Fan looked at Lin Jianyue and couldn't help but sigh.

To save this little rabbit, he gritted his teeth and spent more than 2 million.

"You actually brought me out of 【Tai Sui Village】?" Lin Jianyue's eyes revealed strange light as she looked at Zhang Fan.

As a member of the Thirteen Zodiacs, as the Rabbit, she knew better than anyone the eerie unpredictability of 【Tai Sui Village】. Even they found it difficult to fully know the secrets of that village, let alone an outsider who entered the village, entered the 【Rabbit Palace】, and actually brought her Soul-Aspect out.

"Your injuries were too severe. If I didn't bring you out, I fear I would have had to wait until the year of the monkey to fully recover," Zhang Fan said lightly.

The natal palaces of the Thirteen Zodiacs are quite mysterious. There, they can enjoy incense and repair their injuries in sequence, but that is a long process, and Zhang Fan couldn't wait.

"I will remember this favor," Lin Jianyue said solemnly.

She didn't need to ask to know how much risk Zhang Fan took to bring her out.

"Fine, no need for polite words. I want to know where Zhao Zhao Jiexuan is now?" Zhang Fan asked directly.

That was his evil god, so naturally, he couldn't leave him alone.

Ever since he realized the secret of the Golden Glow Treasure Box and refined the thought hidden within it, Zhang Fan had wanted to find Zhao Zhao Jiexuan and attempt to merge their souls.

Now that the person was gone, he feared no one was more anxious than him.

"He encountered a great enemy and suffered a trial."

Lin Jianyue's expression was solemn as she recounted what she had encountered in the 【Ten Thousand Mountains】 of Guixi Province.

"Li Li Changgeng..."

"He really is a disaster!" Zhang Fan's expression was cold.

When he heard that Zhao Zhao Jiexuan had found the ancient painting of 【Eight Kings Carrying a Coffin】 in a dilapidated Daoist temple in the Ten Thousand Mountains, he was already moved.

As an evil god, Zhao Zhao Jiexuan understood the existence of the 【Nine Vessels】 earlier than Zhang Fan. Perhaps he went to the Ten Thousand Mountains to find the Nine Vessels.

Who would have thought that Li Li Changgeng, that successor of the Bai He Temple, would actually appear out of nowhere and block Zhao Zhao Jiexuan on a dead end.

"The people with him should be from the Northern Zhang," Zhang Fan pondered.

Li Li Changgeng was not alone; he had powerful enemies by his side. According to Lin Jianyue's description, those people should be Northern Zhang disciples.

Thinking of this, Zhang Fan's gaze became increasingly cold.

Their family and the Northern Zhang lineage could be said to have a deep-seated hatred.

The destruction of the Southern Zhang back then was orchestrated by the Northern Zhang and the Bai He Temple.

Ten years ago, under Long Hu Mountain, their family was ambushed, and the shadow of the Northern Zhang was there too.

"Good, we finally met," Zhang Fan said coldly.

Although Zhang Lingzong had called back last time and repeatedly warned him not to go north, he thought it was also because he didn't want Zhang Fan to meet those people.

However, in the unseen, there is destiny. As the last blood descendant of the Southern Zhang, he naturally couldn't avoid it.

"Whether Zhao Zhao Jiexuan is dead or alive... I don't know either," Lin Jianyue sighed.

"He should be safe for now, but it's hard to say..." Zhang Fan pondered.

Zhao Zhao Jiexuan was his evil god, and Zhang Fan knew his methods and strength. That day at the Prison Immortal Temple, he planned step by step, set a trap, invited the guest into the urn, and constantly weakened Li Li Changgeng, missing only one step to behead this successor of the Bai He Temple.

Although this trial was dangerous, he should still be alive for now, otherwise Zhang Fan would definitely have sensed it.

"What now?" Lin Jianyue asked.

"It seems I have to make a trip myself," Zhang Fan's gaze was like a line.

"You want to go to the Ten Thousand Mountains?" Lin Jianyue revealed a worried look.

The Ten Thousand Mountains are a dragon's pool and a tiger's den. Li Li Changgeng's destiny is overwhelming, and the Northern Zhang lineage is eyeing them covetously. Besides, heaven knows what other risks are hidden in that place?

Perhaps those people were just waiting for him to go.

"This trip must be made, but I also have to make some preparations," Zhang Fan muttered softly, slowly closing his eyes. His breathing became steady, continuous as if it would last forever. At this juncture, he was instead calm and composed, his emotions hidden, his thoughts untraceable.

Such a performance made Lin Jianyue marvel.

The next day, Zhang Fan went to the Jin Ling Hotel and found the Qi Qi Delong and Qi Dongqiang brothers who were staying there.

"Zhao Zhao Jiexuan really met with an accident."

"You want to go to the Ten Thousand Mountains!?"

Qi Qi Delong's expression was solemn, knowing the risks of Zhang Fan's trip.

"Correct, I must go."

"The Ten Thousand Mountains are no small matter. Do you know that is the final battlefield of the seventh Mountain-Clearing Temple-Destroying?" Qi Dongqiang changed the subject and said suddenly.

"The seventh Mountain-Clearing Temple-Destroying!?" Zhang Fan was moved.

The nine Mountain-Clearing Temple-Destroying events in Daoist history can be considered the explosive culmination of contradictions accumulated over time between various Daoist sects and the Wu Wei Sect. Once both sides go to war, heaven and earth collapse, you die and I live, almost affecting the world's pattern, sweeping through mountains, seas, demons, and ghosts.

The final battle of the seventh Mountain-Clearing Temple-Destroying was in the Ten Thousand Mountains.

The Wu Wei Sect had been hidden in the human world ever since, and hadn't recovered its vitality for over a hundred years.

"Li Li Changgeng is deep in his schemes and has strong methods. You tricked him at the Prison Immortal Temple, and this trip is likely inviting the guest into the urn," Qi Qi Delong said solemnly.

"Your trip is fraught with danger."

"Even if it's a dragon's pool or a tiger's den, I have to break through," Zhang Fan said coldly.

"We will go with you."

Qi Qi Delong pondered slightly and finally stated his attitude.

"Brother..."

"You must think clearly. Going with me means being an enemy of the Bai He Temple. You are a successor of Mount Mount Laojun, your identity is too special," Zhang Fan shook his head, not rushing to accept Qi Qi Delong's stance.

"The world's ten great Daoist famous mountains all maintain independent inheritance and will, never attaching themselves to any sect or faction..." Qi Qi Delong said lightly.

"Our Mount Mount Laojun is also not a vassal of the Bai He Temple and has enough say in the Daoist Alliance headquarters."

"Besides, this is my personal choice. Even if something goes wrong, it has nothing to do with Mount Mount Laojun."

"Good."

Zhang Fan nodded. At this moment, he didn't pretend to decline: "You should go back to Mount Mount Laojun first and give the elders in the sect a heads-up, so you won't be passive when the time comes."

Zhang Fan knew very well that this trip would definitely be a life-and-death battle, earth-shattering. Heaven knows what kind of disaster would be caused.

"I do need to go back to Mount Mount Laojun and request a magic treasure," Qi Qi Delong said solemnly.

The trip to the Ten Thousand Mountains must be a dragon's pool and a tiger's den. Besides Li Li Changgeng, there were people from the Northern Zhang lineage, and perhaps other experts from the Bai He Temple.

They were weak and alone, so returning to the mountain gate to request a magic treasure for protection was the only safe way.

"Good, you go back first, and come meet me when everything is ready."

After discussing with the Qi brothers for a while, Zhang Fan stood up and left, then turned to invite Fang Fang Changle.

"Your trip is too dangerous."

Fang Fang Changle heard Zhang Fan's general idea, and his expression also became solemn.

As a Maoshan successor, he naturally knew what kind of place the Ten Thousand Mountains was, and also knew what Zhang Fan would face on this trip.

"You should know that I won't change my mind once I've decided."

"I'll entrust Bai Bai Yujing to you," Zhang Fan said solemnly: "The Liu brothers, as well as Shi Shi Shougong and Su Su Shiyu, I'll still have to trouble you to look after them."

"What kind of talk is this?" Fang Fang Changle raised an eyebrow, revealing displeasure.

"You and I have a friendship that goes through life and death. You are breaking into a dragon's pool and a tiger's den, and I can stay out of it?"

"Old Fang, you are a Maoshan successor..."

"Fine, no need to say more. If we weigh the pros and cons, don't talk about brotherly friendship. I know the stakes better than you do."

Fang Fang Changle waved his hand, interrupting Zhang Fan's words. He knew very well what the latter was going to say.

"The Bai He Temple hasn't unified the Daoist Sect yet, and Li Li Changgeng isn't invincible in the world," Fang Fang Changle said lightly.

He had just broken through to the Great Being realm, full of spirit, exactly at the time when his heart was at its peak. Since it was a contest among the younger generation, how could he be missing?

"I'll go with you."

"Good." Zhang Fan was silent for a moment and nodded: "But you just broke through, so you should consolidate for a few days. And it's best to go back to Maoshan and give the elders in the sect a heads-up."

"That works... perhaps I also need to request a magic treasure," Fang Fang Changle said solemnly.

For a disciple of his level, requesting a 【Blue Feather Magic Treasure】 was no problem at all, just like Meng Meng Qiwu's 【Thunder Origin Bead】 that day.

"When do you plan to set off?" Fang Fang Changle asked.

"Tomorrow."

"So fast?" Fang Fang Changle said with some worry.

"Time waits for no one. Besides, I'm going there to scout the situation first," Zhang Fan said solemnly.

Lin Jianyue's physical body was still in Guixi Province, so he had to help her Soul-Aspect return to her body first. Besides, the Ten Thousand Mountains were boundless, and finding Zhao Zhao Jiexuan wouldn't be that easy.

"Then I have to hurry back to Maoshan."

That day, Fang Fang Changle left Bai Bai Yujing City and returned to his sect.

Qi Qi Delong also took advantage of the night to board a plane to Luoyang.

Also that night, Zhang Fan made a call to Zhenwu Mountain and gave Brother Daoist Pojie some instructions. Although he hid the various reasons regarding the evil god, the meaning between his words was very clear: he had formed a grudge with the Bai He Temple, and Li Li Changgeng now viewed him as a major threat to be dealt with quickly.

After all, Zhang Fan carried the name of a Zhenwu Mountain disciple. Reasonably and emotionally, he had to give an account. Otherwise, if he were to poke a hole in the sky, not only would he be unlucky, but Zhenwu Mountain would also be extremely passive.

Late night, Zhenwu Mountain.

Qingwei Palace.

Bright moonlight melted into the ancient Demon-Locking Well, and the heavy chains were already covered in mottled rust.

In the distance, on a blue stone, a figure sat cross-legged, thin, with wide Daoist robes fluttering in the wind. Primordial energy rose from the center of his brow, with boundless power.

"Junior Sister, your talent is truly like a demon. You have gone even further in the Great Being realm," Daoist Pojie looked at Xia Xia Weisheng and couldn't help but sigh.

It must be said, such talent was a unique existence even on Zhenwu Mountain.

"Senior Brother, did you just say Zhang Fan is going to the Ten Thousand Mountains to clash with the people from the Bai He Temple?" Xia Xia Weisheng slowly opened her eyes and said leisurely.

"I don't know how he formed a grudge with Li Li Changgeng either," Daoist Pojie said solemnly.

Li Li Changgeng's reputation in the Daoist Sect was not prominent, but anyone with some status knew his great name.

Such an existence, deeply hidden, rarely even leaving the capital. Daoist Pojie racked his brains and couldn't figure out why Zhang Fan had formed a grudge with him.

Besides, what kind of cultivation did Li Li Changgeng have? What kind of strength was worth him killing him to the last?

"Zhang Fan... he really is an anomaly. He is progressing too fast," Xia Xia Weisheng said solemnly.

"Progressing too fast?"

"Senior Brother, how long has it been since you last saw him?" Xia Xia Weisheng asked in return.

"It's been a while," Daoist Pojie said in a daze.

When Zhang Fan first went up the mountain, he was just an ordinary person who had just awakened his Soul-Aspect.

"Perhaps he is already very strong, maybe even stronger than Senior Brother," Xia Xia Weisheng said lightly.

"How long has he been cultivating? Only a year..." Daoist Pojie raised an eyebrow and said solemnly.

"Extraordinary people, how can they be viewed with normal standards?" Xia Xia Weisheng shook her head and subconsciously looked at the Pure Yang Hall in the distance.

"I always feel that Master seemed to have known him a long time ago."

"Regardless, he is too reckless," Daoist Daoist Pojie shook his head.

The tone set for the development of the Daoist Sect for the next ten years at last year's Daoist annual meeting was unity and stability.

Now, Zhang Fan being so tense with Li Li Changgeng was truly inappropriate. Most importantly, he also dragged the Qi Qi Delong and Qi Dongqiang brothers, as well as Fang Fang Changle, into the water.

"The successor of Mount Mount Laojun?"

"The successor of Maoshan?"

Hearing this, Xia Xia Weisheng was slightly stunned, then the corners of her mouth curled slightly, and a different kind of brilliance appeared in her eyes.

"Zhang Fan!"

"Li Li Changgeng!"

"Junior Sister, what are you laughing at?" Daoist Pojie asked in a daze.

"Senior Brother..."

"The heroes of this world are truly like carp crossing the river!"

As the words fell, Xia Xia Weisheng slowly stood up. Her gaze was leisurely, looking outside Zhenwu Mountain, looking at the distant clouds and sky.

"Junior Sister, what do you want to do?" Daoist Pojie's heart skipped a beat, and he couldn't help but ask.

"Go down the mountain!"

The next day, evening.

Zhang Fan arranged everything in Bai Bai Yujing City, packed simply, and boarded a plane to Guixi Province.

On this trip, he traveled light. Apart from the 【Zhang Zhang Bei Jiang】 he carried with him and Lin Jianyue's Soul-Aspect, he had nothing else. It could be considered his first time traveling far away alone.

However, today's Zhang Fan was no longer the rookie he once was. With the cultivation of the Great Being's fifth layer, having refined Daoist True Fire, awakened heaven-sent supernatural powers, carrying the God-Demon Holy Embryo, and having a heaven-born exotic treasure like the White Bone Relic by his side, the world was vast enough for him to roam.

"I hope I can successfully merge my soul on this trip," Zhang Fan whispered in his heart.

On this trip, he didn't just want to find Zhao Zhao Jiexuan, but also to successfully merge his soul, completely break free from the Night-Never-Bright trial, and remember the past.

After all, he had forgotten too much, far too much.

"Excuse me, please let me through, the inside is my seat."

Just at this moment, a light and melodious voice came from beside him.

"Good..."

Zhang Fan nodded subconsciously. Just as he stood up and looked at the graceful figure standing beside him, he was completely stunned.

At this moment, the other party was looking at him with a smile, a trace of teasing and cunning hidden in her eyes.

"Mr. Zhang, we meet again. What a coincidence, you are also taking this flight?"

"Li Li Miaoyin!?" Zhang Fan was stunned.

(End of chapter) ===== CHAPTER 299 =====

(End of Chapter)