Zhang Xiaofan stood frozen, not even raising his weapon, as the Spirit Master an enormous, terrifying beast charged toward him.
Its massive claws descended like falling mountains, ready to crush him into the ground.
Just then, a streak of green light flashed across the scene. Taoist Master Daoxuan appeared in front of Zhang Xiaofan, palm raised.
BANG!
With a single strike, the Spirit Master was hurled backward. The wound on its face....which had only just stopped bleeding....split open again, blood trickling down.
Daoxuan had not even used his full strength, yet as a Taiqing realm cultivator, his casual strike still sent the Water Qilin flying more than ten meters.
The qilin roared in pain, glaring at Daoxuan with a mix of fear and resentment. Then it shot Zhang Xiaofan a venomous look before diving back into the depths of the jade-green pool.
Off to the side, Taoist Master Cangsong's expression shifted. Watching Daoxuan casually repel the qilin, a dangerous thought crept into his mind:
Could Daoxuan have already broken through to the Great Purity (Taiqing) Realm?
Impossible. Absolutely impossible.
Only the legendary Patriarch Qingye, a thousand years ago, had ever reached that level. For centuries since, no one had touched that supreme realm.
Cangsong convinced himself that Daoxuan's strike, though it appeared effortless, must have drawn on all his strength.
Daoxuan ignored the speculation. Once he was sure the qilin wasn't coming back, he turned to Zhang Xiaofan.
"You're not hurt, are you?"
Zhang Xiaofan bowed respectfully. "This disciple is fine. Thank you for saving me, Master."
Daoxuan nodded. "You are a disciple of the Qingyun Sect. It's my duty to protect you."
He paused, then asked, "But tell me....why did Ling Zun glare at you as if he wanted to tear you apart? And that wound on his face…?"
Zhang Xiaofan replied with a calm expression, "It probably has to do with my weapon.....the fire staff.
It's forged from the Bloodthirsty Pearl and the Soul-Capturing Stick, so it might have provoked him.
"As for the wound, I have no idea. I'm only at the ninth level of the Jade Purity Realm. Against Ling Zun's strength, he could swat me into dust with one claw.....how could I possibly injure him?"
Standing nearby, Tian Ling'er heard this. The sixteen-year-old girl covered her mouth, struggling not to burst out laughing. She even gave her own cheek a light slap to help hold it in.
Her father, Tian Buyi, looked at her in confusion, thinking she'd gone mad.
Daoxuan, meanwhile, believed Zhang Xiaofan's explanation.
He knew the boy's weapon was forged from blood.....a thing the qilin, who had slain countless demonic experts over the centuries, would naturally find offensive.
He placed a hand on Zhang Xiaofan's shoulder. "Don't worry. As long as I'm here, Ling Zun won't dare attack you again."
Zhang Xiaofan felt a wave of relief. That was exactly why he had returned after escaping....he trusted Daoxuan would shield him.
Daoxuan looked around at the other sect leaders. "Everyone, go and rest. We still have the tournament tomorrow."
They all agreed and flew off toward their respective quarters.
Only Tian Buyi remained. He approached Zhang Xiaofan, peering into his eyes.
"I've watched you grow up, and I think you weren't telling the whole truth just now."
Zhang Xiaofan gave a helpless shrug. "Master, if I tell the truth, no one believes me. If I say I injured Ling Zun using the Supreme True Art, would you believe it?"
Tian Buyi snorted. "Believe it? If you could hurt Ling Zun, I'd take your surname! No...better yet, my wife would take your surname!"
That finally broke Tian Ling'er's restraint...she laughed so hard her stomach hurt.
Tian Buyi glared at her. "What are you laughing at? It's late! Why are you even out here?"
"Dad," Tian Ling'er pouted, grabbing his arm, "I was just playing with Xiaofan. If you want to blame someone, blame your beloved disciple."
Tian Buyi blinked. "Xiaofan brought you out here?" He looked between his daughter and Zhang Xiaofan.
Then, quite suddenly, his stern face softened into a smile.
He patted Zhang Xiaofan on the shoulder and said with a knowing look, "I understand. You young people carry on. I'll leave you to it. Xiaofan.
take care of Ling'er."
Zhang Xiaofan nodded seriously. "Yes, Master. I will protect Senior Sister."
Tian Buyi chuckled to himself as he walked away, laughter trailing behind him.
Watching him go, Zhang Xiaofan realized his master likely wanted him not only as a disciple, but as a son-in-law.
But Ling'er was still sixteen..beautiful, yes, with a slender figure...but too young in his eyes. He decided to wait a few years. Besides, his heart also held Bi Yao, and he had sworn she would not die under the Zhu Xian Sword in this lifetime.
Just then, Tian Ling'er called softly, "Xiaofan…" She lowered her head, closed her eyes—waiting.
Zhang Xiaofan coughed awkwardly. He couldn't bring himself to cross that line, so he simply reached out, pinched her nose gently, and teased, "You little imp!"
"Hmph! How am I little…" she began, puffing out her chest....only to trail off as a blush crept up her face.
Zhang Xiaofan turned to the pond, glaring at the dark water. "Evil beast! If you dare provoke me again, I'll peel your skin, pull your tendons, drink your blood, and grind your bones to feed Dahuang!"
The surface bubbled ominously...
clearly, the Water Qilin was furious....but it stayed submerged, thinking of Daoxuan and swallowing its rage. One day, it vowed, it would crush Zhang Xiaofan.
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