Half an hour slowly passed.
The once-boiling lake finally began to settle. Its violent ripples faded into a glassy stillness, as if nothing had ever disturbed its depths.
But beneath that eerie calm, something profound had just occurred—the fierce battle between two ancient evils had ended.
The Bloodthirsty Pearl and the Soul-Snatching Rod, both filled with malevolent power, had merged into a single weapon.
The blood-colored glow that once surrounded them faded away, and what remained in Zhang Xiaofan's hand now appeared as nothing more than an ordinary, dark stick—weathered and plain, like a firewood branch picked up by the roadside.
Yet Zhang Xiaofan knew better.
He held the rod firmly in his hand, his expression unreadable.
But deep within his eyes, a flicker of awe and satisfaction glimmered.
"…It's done. The blood refinement has succeeded."
His voice was soft, nearly a whisper, but it carried the weight of resolve and hard-won triumph.
In the next instant, spiritual energy surged through his meridians.
With a golden flash, Zhang Xiaofan rose from the lake like an arrow loosed from a divine bow. Within seconds, he pierced through the misty surface and soared into the open air above the canyon.
As he ascended, the sound of rushing wind filled his ears. But his focus remained clear.
Tian Ling'er and Xiao Hui were waiting.
With a graceful arc, he landed beside them, catching Tian Ling'er gently in his arms.
She stirred slightly, still weary from the earlier battle.
Xiao Hui, the three-eyed monkey, climbed onto his shoulder with a quiet grunt.
The three departed together, flying swiftly out of the canyon.
Behind them, the black pool fell into silence, its secrets once again buried in darkness.
---
One Month Later – Dazhu Peak
The savory aroma of roasted meat filled the kitchen, curling through the halls of Dazhu Peak like an invisible feast.
Zhang Xiaofan stood by the stone stove, calmly stirring a bubbling iron pot.
Tucked casually into his waistband was the blackened Soul-Snatching Rod—now completely unassuming in appearance.
Yet Zhang Xiaofan knew the truth of what it contained.
The fire crackled beneath the pot, and rich steam rose from within, carrying the scent of slow-cooked beef and herbs.
Next to him squatted a large yellow dog—Dahuang, raised by Tian Buyi himself. Despite its lazy demeanor, Dahuang was unusually clever, having lived over a century on the mountain.
His tail wagged furiously as he inhaled the delicious scent, tongue lolling from his mouth.
Sprawled comfortably on Dahuang's back was Xiao Hui, resting with one hand under his chin, his legs crossed like a little immortal at leisure.
The monkey had grown quite attached to the dog over the past month, and the two had become inseparable—odd companions, yet perfectly at ease with one another.
Just then—
"Xiaofan!"
A bright, cheerful voice rang out from outside the kitchen.
Tian Ling'er bounced into the room, her smile radiant and carefree. Her figure, youthful yet undeniably captivating, moved with effortless grace.
Every step she took carried a playful energy that seemed to brighten the room.
Zhang Xiaofan glanced at her instinctively, then quickly turned his gaze away, face slightly flushed.
He muttered under his breath, "So many sins in this world…"
Still, he greeted her respectfully, "Senior Sister."
Tian Ling'er skipped to the stove and peeked into the pot with wide eyes.
She took in a deep breath, and her face lit up with delight.
"Beef stew! It smells heavenly!"
She turned toward him with a playful pout. "Ever since you started cooking, the meals here have actually become edible.
Sixth Senior Brother Du Bishu's food? Ugh… like poison."
Zhang Xiaofan couldn't help but smile. Her praise warmed him more than the fire beneath the pot.
"If I ever leave Qingyun Mountain, maybe I'll open a restaurant in Heyang City and become a renowned chef," he joked, stirring the pot with renewed pride.
Before the conversation could continue, the sound of heavy footsteps echoed down the hallway.
Thump, thump—
"Xiaofan! Junior Sister!" came a familiar, booming voice. "People from Longshou Peak have arrived.
As disciples of Dazhu Peak, we must go to the Guarding Hall to greet them!"
Song Daren entered the kitchen, his tall figure blocking the doorway.
His tone was cheerful as always, but carried the authority of a senior brother who knew his responsibilities well.
Zhang Xiaofan's expression shifted slightly.
Longshou Peak...
The name stirred a ripple of memories.
In the original story, Qi Hao had brought Lin Jingyu along to visit Dazhu Peak.
That reunion had been emotional—Zhang Xiaofan and Lin Jingyu, once close as brothers, had finally seen each other again. But their joy was short-lived.
As always, things between cultivators quickly turned into a test of strength.
Lin Jingyu, a natural genius, had advanced swiftly to the fifth level of Yuqing.
At that time, Zhang Xiaofan was only at the first level—and he was defeated in a single exchange.
Tian Ling'er, protective and impulsive, had jumped in to help, thinking Lin Jingyu was bullying her junior. She, too, was easily overwhelmed.
Then Qi Hao had arrived.
With a gallant flair, he intervened and "saved" Tian Ling'er—acting every bit the noble hero. But to Zhang Xiaofan, Qi Hao was anything but.
Despite being over a hundred years old, he constantly hovered around the much-younger Tian Ling'er, showering her with fake politeness and sly smiles.
Disgusting old fox.
Zhang Xiaofan's hands tightened into fists.
This time will be different. I won't lose to Lin Jingyu again.
And Qi Hao—don't think I'll let you get close to my Senior Sister.
Straightening his back, Zhang Xiaofan turned toward Song Daren and Tian Ling'er.
"Senior Brother, Senior Sister. Let's not keep the Master waiting."
The three of them quickly left the kitchen, heading toward Jingjing Hall with firm steps.
Outside, the wind stirred the pine trees, and the scent of clouds clung to the air—an omen of another fateful meeting to come.
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