Zeng Shushu spotted Zhang Xiaofan slowly approaching from the distance. He flicked open his folding fan with a flourish and called out cheerfully,
"Junior Brother Zhang, you're far too slow! We've been waiting here for nearly an hour."
Lu Xueqi, standing beside him, gave a gentle nod, her lips curving into the faintest smile.
Qi Hao, however, remained silent. His expression was heavy, his eyes flicking briefly to Lin Hao before turning away, his heart tangled with unspoken frustration.
Zhang Xiaofan lingered for a moment, his gaze drifting back toward the lofty Jade Purity Palace.
It had been five years since he had crossed through time and awakened in this body as Zhang Xiaofan.
Now, at last, he was descending the mountain to step into the boundless, vibrant world below.
His thoughts stirred....about the fabled Demon Cult Saintess Biyao, and about the tragic yet beautiful tale of the three-tailed and six-tailed foxes. Perhaps fate would even allow him to save the six-tailed fox, Xiaoliu.
With his Great Brahma Prajna technique, infused with blazing yang energy, his cultivation already at the Upper Purity Realm, and having even endured the trial of the Mysterious Fire Mirror, he possessed the ability to dispel the chilling poison lodged in her body.
But beyond all of this, there was something he longed for most...the Heavenly Book. The most mysterious treasure in the world, the key to transcending mortality. Only by obtaining it could one hope to reach true immortality.
"Xiaofan, what are you staring at?" Zeng Shushu's voice broke his reverie. "Reluctant to leave the mountain?"
Zhang Xiaofan gave a quiet nod. "Yes. Qingyun is my home… but more than that, I long for the vast world beyond. I want to see all that lies under heaven
and perhaps, even become an immortal."
He raised his hand. In an instant, the firestick appeared, glowing with a crimson aura. He stepped lightly onto it, and in the blink of an eye, it transformed into a streaking arc of light, carrying him into the skies.
"Immortal?" Zeng Shushu echoed, shaking his head with a rueful smile.
"From the founding of Qingyun until now, no one has achieved such a dream… But if anyone has a chance, it's you."
With a flick of his fan, the Xuanyuan Sword sprang free from its sheath, humming as it hovered at his feet. He leapt onto it and followed.
Lu Xueqi's eyes lingered briefly on Zhang Xiaofan's fading silhouette before she unsheathed her Tianya Sword.
It flashed into a gleaming streak of sword-light, lifting her gracefully skyward.
Qi Hao stood motionless, his jaw clenched. He was the eldest brother of Longshou Peak, the most senior among them, entrusted with authority, and even entrusted with missions to hunt down the demonic cult.
By rights, the others should defer to him.
Yet they had flown ahead without so much as a glance in his direction. Zhang Xiaofan, again....always Zhang Xiaofan! Ever since Xiaofan had defeated him in the Seven Clans Martial Arts Competition, his own reputation had been overshadowed. Even Zeng Shushu and Lu Xueqi seemed to unconsciously drift closer to Zhang Xiaofan's orbit.
"Hmph!" Qi Hao snorted coldly. With a sharp motion, his Ice Sword leapt into the air, and he ascended to catch up.
The four figures streaked across the evening sky. The wind roared against Zhang Xiaofan's face, but he did not raise a protective shield.
Instead, he welcomed the rush, as though savoring the feeling of freedom itself.
Hours passed in flight, and by dusk, the sprawling outline of a city came into view.
Zeng Shushu, still poised elegantly on his Xuanyuan Sword, pointed ahead with his fan. "That's Heyang City...the largest and most prosperous city within a hundred miles." With a laugh, he tilted downward. "Let's go!"
The others followed. Soon, they touched down outside the city walls, their weapons dissolving back into spiritual light as they walked toward the bustling gates.
Inside, the streets overflowed with life. Merchants cried out their wares, children darted through the crowd, and fragrant smoke drifted from food stalls.
The vitality of the mortal world pulsed all around them.
Confidently leading the way, Zeng Shushu fanned himself idly, his handsome features and elegant robes drawing curious glances. "This way," he said with a grin.
"I'll take you to Shanhaiyuan, the finest restaurant in Heyang. The dishes are exquisite."
The waiter at the entrance spotted their Qingyun Sect attire, and his eyes widened with awe.
Rushing forward, he bowed deeply. "Honored immortals, please, this way!"
He ushered them to a clean table, his smile practically glowing.
To the common folk, Qingyun disciples were living legends....soaring through the skies, commanding great spells. Their very presence was a blessing.
Once seated, Zeng Shushu leaned forward, fan half-raised in mock secrecy.
"Curious why I seem so familiar with this place? Truth is, I've snuck down here more times than I can count."
Qi Hao's lips tightened. As Cangsong's senior disciple, he lived by the sect's rules. Leaving the mountain without permission was forbidden.
Yet what punishment could truly fall upon Zeng Shushu. the only son of Fenghui Peak's master? With a helpless sigh, he let it pass in silence.
Before long, steaming dishes arrived: Mapo Tofu, Dongpo Pork Knuckle, Three Fresh Mushroom Soup, and the famed Steamed Sleeping Fish.
"Smells wonderful," Zhang Xiaofan said, breathing in the fragrance. He picked up his chopsticks and tasted the fish.
Years of cooking at Dazhu Peak and the Ancestral Temple had sharpened his palate. He nodded in approval.
"The ginger cuts the fishy scent perfectly. Tender, fragrant, sweet....the chef truly deserves his reputation."
The waiter's eyes lit up. "You have quite the discerning tongue, sir! But truth be told, even the greatest chef would fail without the freshest mullet. That is the true secret of this dish."
"Freshest mullet? What nonsense!"
A sharp, playful voice drifted down from the second floor, interrupting.
The four froze, glancing upward
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