50 - A Farewell to Mr. Luo

Watching the varied expressions of the cultivators beneath her, Bai Fan replayed the interpretations she had just recorded in her mind. She noticed that although they all stemmed from the same scripture, each annotation ended up producing distinctly different interpretations. "In my view," she began, "everyone's interpretations are essentially personal understandings of the Dao. However, each person's comprehension of this passage differs, likely influenced by their unique experiences in cultivation. Therefore, I find it difficult to judge which is better or worse. To me, none of these interpretations stand out as the best." After Bai Fan voiced her perspective, even those disciples who initially opposed her fell silent, contemplating her words instead of retorting as they had before. Xuan Guang Zhen Ren nodded approvingly at her explanation and then probed further, "In that case, how do you think this passage should be interpreted?" Bai Fan felt a pang of embarrassment upon hearing his question. She had no clue about proper interpretations and was merely bluffing her way through. However, she possessed a thick skin and maintained her composure, pretending to be confident even though she was internally fraught with anxiety. After organizing her thoughts, Bai Fan responded, "As Zhen Ren just mentioned, the Dao has no single definitive explanation. Dao laws are natural; all beings are aspects of the Dao. Claiming to understand the Dao based on interpreting one passage would be laughable. The best approach, in my opinion, is to compile all the annotations, select the finest elements, and merge them together." "Oh, it can be done that way?" Xuan Guang Zhen Ren stroked his chin thoughtfully. Then, he ordered the annotations to be brought forward and selected the best pieces from each one. After consolidating the excerpts into a single document, he reviewed it and was struck with sudden clarity. "Child, read this to everyone," he instructed. A young disciple stepped forward to take the compiled manuscript from Xuan Guang Zhen Ren and began reading aloud. The disciples below fell silent, listening intently. Compared to the previous individual annotations, this collective compilation seemed much superior. After hearing it, the crowd found it marvelous. It encompassed all the best aspects of the different interpretations and lacked any discernible flaws. It was unanimously considered the finest interpretation of the session. "It does seem quite reasonable." "I also find this compilation excellent." "But this doesn't count as his sole interpretation; it’s merely a compilation." "That's right. It shouldn't be considered his interpretation." Bai Fan, listening to the discussions, felt relieved. Talent isn't something everyone possesses, but cleverness can substitute temporarily. Fortunately, her quick-wittedness had paid off this time. Seeing the crowd's reaction, Xuan Guang Zhen Ren appeared to make a decision. "Since everyone finds it satisfactory, this compilation will be awarded as the top interpretation for this session." As soon as he declared this, the crowd erupted. "What? The top interpretation is this compilation? Does it belong to those previous disciples or to her on the platform?" "This clearly isn't her interpretation. How can it be credited to her?" "But wasn't it her idea to compile it?" "Indeed." Bai Fan wasn't interested in the top interpretation; she just wanted to get off the stage quickly as the experience was too stressful. When the disciple finally invited her to step down, she swiftly retreated like a rabbit. Back at her seat, she felt the gazes of many, some envious and others disdainful. Zhou Zhi approached her and whispered, "So, Bai Shidi has such talents. I couldn't have come up with what you said just now. It seems Xuan Guang Zhen Ren sees something extraordinary in you. I must visit you someday for guidance." Bai Fan laughed awkwardly, "You're flattering me too much, Zhou Shixiong. I was just making things up up there." Zhou Zhi merely chuckled and didn't continue the conversation. As the session concluded, it remained unclear who would receive the top award. The final document was acknowledged as the best but wasn't attributed to a single author since so many contributed. Those who aimed for the top award felt somewhat disinterested as it merely awarded a shared document, not to any individual. Given that they only offered one page from the Cang Dao scripture, it was insufficient for everyone to share. On the way back, Zhou Zhi felt he had gained much and intended to return and properly contemplate the annotations, believing his cultivation would improve after some seclusion. Bai Fan, too, retained the interpretations in her mind, reviewing them repeatedly. The more she reviewed, the more insights she gained. It turned out that absorbing others' digested ideas made understanding far easier. As they departed, most disciples, heads down and silent, reflected on their newfound wealth of knowledge. Little did Bai Fan know, this session had brought her considerable fame within Xuan Ming, regardless of whether it was for better or worse. After the interpretation session, Bai Fan resumed her usual tranquil cultivation routines. However, not all external turmoil could be evaded. No matter how vast Xuan Ming was, it couldn't escape the sweeping changes occurring throughout South Zhou. One day, Bai Fan, heading to Yi Xi Zhen Ren's place for a lecture, encountered several haggard disciples who seemed to have just escaped with their lives. Their clothes were tattered, and they looked like they had been fleeing. One of them dropped his sword at Bai Fan's feet in his hurry. Bai Fan was startled. "What happened to you?" The disciples wore common attire, making it hard to discern their affiliation. Gasping for breath, one of them, seeing her dressed as a direct disciple, called out, "Shidi, run! We encountered demonic cultivators on the road!" "Demonic cultivators?" Bai Fan was stunned. Weren't demonic cultivators despised and hunted by everyone? How dare they openly chase Xuan Ming disciples right to their doorstep? Before the demonic cultivators could reach them, a figure burst into Xuan Ming's territory. His hair, wild and black, fluttered in the miasma. Rolling black energy surrounded him, and with his Yuan Ying level cultivation apparent, Bai Fan was taken aback. "You so-called righteous ants," he sneered, "always flaunting your banners and slaughtering us rogue cultivators. Today, I shall purge your sect for you." With that, he raised his demonic hand to strike the disciples down. Seeing the threat, Bai Fan could not stay idle. This was her sect's territory, and yet someone dared to come and kill their disciples. She immediately took action. With an upward motion of her hands, she conjured a thundercloud. The clear sky darkened with clouds, and in an instant, Bai Fan brought down a bolt of lightning that barely intercepted the descending demonic hand. The near-dead disciples took refuge behind Bai Fan, one of them cautioning, "This demonic cultivator uses the Blood-burning Technique. It's insidiously lethal. Shidi, be careful. One of our peers was turned to ash just now." Despite her full-powered attack, Bai Fan's lightning cloud was easily dismissed by a mere wave from the demonic cultivator. "Hmph, mere trickery. You think you can stop me?" The demonic hand pressed down again. Bai Fan, unable to evade, faced an opponent too formidable. Her foundation-stage cultivation was insufficient to fend him off, and she appeared doomed when a thunderous shout echoed from afar. "Hmph! When did it become anyone else's right to discipline my Xuan Ming disciples? You are not worthy of purging our sect." A huge pair of water-formed hands emerged from a distance to clash with the demonic hands. The impact of the massive spiritual wave sent Bai Fan and the disciples flying. Recognizing the familiar voice, Bai Fan exclaimed, "Master!" The disheveled group scrambled to their feet, and from afar, Yi Xi Zhen Ren's voice instructed, "Stay back to avoid getting caught in the fight." "Yes, Master." Leading the battered disciples, Bai Fan retreated to a safer distance. She watched her master engage in a true, intense battle of spells, with neither side showing any respite. The demonic cultivator's techniques were vicious, designed to claim lives, making Bai Fan's heart race with anxiety. Due to the heavy reliance on defense with the profound Xuan Shui techniques, Yi Xi Zhen Ren found himself on the defensive, constantly warding off the aggressive assaults. Forming a wall of water to fend off an attack, Yi Xi Zhen Ren's opponent snarled malevolently, "Taste the might of the Blood-burning Technique." The demonic cultivator's entire body erupted with pulsating blood vessels, the blood rhythmically throbbing. With a roaring shout, his skin turned blood red, and his eyes became entirely crimson. His arms transmuted into blood, crafting them into two swords that lunged towards Yi Xi Zhen Ren's water wall. Yi Xi Zhen Ren's face changed dramatically as he barely had time to react—the two blood swords corroded his water wall instantly, turning the spilled water into a pool of black liquid as if it had been contaminated. Bai Fan realized the danger immediately. The water wall was constructed from his spiritual energy, and if it was contaminated, it would amount to his spiritual energy being eroded. "Master!" In a panic, Yi Xi Zhen Ren severed his connection with the water wall, which immediately collapsed into a pool of black water upon losing its spiritual support. "How dare a demonic cultivator cause chaos at Xuan Ming Sect! Aren't you afraid of our elders exterminating you?" The demonic cultivator retracted his two blood swords, raised his arm-swords, and stared at Yi Xi Zhen Ren with a raised chin. "Your Xuan Ming elders won't bother with me. Today, I aim to kill not just these disciples but also you. This will pave the way for demonic cultivators to reclaim their place in the cultivation world." With an evil smirk, his body suddenly split into two, one of which darted toward Bai Fan and the other disciples. The blood-red blades were about to strike Bai Fan's head when she twisted her neck in an unnatural way, narrowly avoiding the deadly blow. Seeing Bai Fan narrowly escape, Yi Xi Zhen Ren finally sighed in relief, thinking he almost lost his newly accepted disciple today. Bai Fan's heart pounded wildly. In that critical moment between life and death, she remembered she was still a snake—her flexibility saved her life. Despite appearing extremely odd, survival was paramount. The demonic cultivator was surprised to see Bai Fan dodge his attack and, noting her shape-shifting movement, sneered, "Unexpectedly, even Xuan Ming disciples resort to such useless physical techniques." He continued his assault on Bai Fan, possibly motivated by her calling out "Master." He fixated solely on eliminating her, ignoring the other fleeing disciples. Both Bai Fan and Yi Xi Zhen Ren found themselves entangled with the demonic cultivator. Fortunately, Bai Fan was only being chased by one of his doppelgangers. Bai Fan fled in disarray, lacking the ability to fly on her sword, tripping and stumbling. The vast Xuan Ming Sect remained unaware of the commotion. The demonic cultivator laughed maniacally as he gave chase. Xuan Ming had many uninhabited areas, and Bai Fan, focused solely on survival, didn't know where she was running. The dense forest seemed familiar, but she couldn't recall its identity. Soon, she realized she had run into the Misty Forest. The wind rustled the leaves, and countless eyes watched from the shadows. The sudden intrusion disturbed the creatures lurking in the forest. As Bai Fan and the demonic cultivator rushed through, the resident beasts discreetly took cover, observing them. Running chaotically through the forest, Bai Fan soon lost her bearings. Looking back, she saw nothing but the pursuing demonic cultivator and identical surroundings. "Oh no, I've run into the Misty Forest." "Stop running! You have no escape. Come and be sacrificed," the demonic doppelganger taunted. Bai Fan's thoughts raced, knowing she couldn't outfight her high-level opponent. As she backed away cautiously, she keenly listened to her surroundings, her heightened senses detecting many beasts hiding nearby. Any movement could attract the beasts, who thrived on blood and were ferocious compared to Bai Fan, a reincarnated snake demon with far greater intelligence. The demonic cultivator's Blood-burning Technique emitted a strong scent, further agitating the beasts. "How dare you chase me here. Do you even know what place this is?" Bai Fan scolded, trying to give the impression that powerful beings lurked behind her. The demonic doppelganger laughed, "You think you can outsmart me with your words? Do you believe you can escape unscathed?" "Humph, you really are uninformed. This is Xuan Ming’s Misty Forest. Once inside, you'll never get out," Bai Fan said arrogantly. The demonic doppelganger paused, then casually raised his blood swords, "I am a mere doppelganger. It doesn't matter if I can't leave, as long as my main body exists. You've dragged yourself into your own doom." Bai Fan's face went pale. It seemed the demonic cultivator couldn't be tricked. As his blood swords glowed redder, the surrounding beasts grew increasingly agitated. Evidently, the blood scent had a potent allure for the beasts. "I'm a Xuan Ming disciple. I can leave whenever. Once my master deals with your main body, he'll come and destroy you." "Ha! Your master can’t save you now. Xuan Ming disciples have grown weak over centuries. Today, I'll show you true power." The demonic doppelganger’s blood swords emitted an even stronger scent, which almost made Bai Fan's throat itch and eyes redden. The beasts around began growling with excitement. Just as the demonic doppelganger prepared to strike, a loud roar echoed through the forest, startling both Bai Fan and her adversaries. Agile and poised to flee, Bai Fan sprang into the depths of the Misty Forest. The demonic doppelganger paused mid-attack, his blood swords poised. "Who's there?" A growl answered, stirring the lurking beasts into action. Bai Fan felt a jolt as the roar cleared her mind. With a low stance, she bolted further into the forest. With beasts chasing and roaring, Bai Fan prayed they would delay the demonic doppelganger. When she finally slowed down, exhausted, the roar had faded into the distance. Surrounding her was an eerie silence, with white mist rising from the ground, heightening her alertness. Walking cautiously, Bai Fan assessed her surroundings for danger. The dense undergrowth, some as tall as people, created a dark and foreboding atmosphere. Looking up, the thick canopy blocked out almost all light, creating an unsettlingly dark environment. Despite her human form finding it challenging to navigate, the snake within her felt attuned to this setting. Transforming into a white python, Bai Fan slithered deeper into the forest. The demonic doppelganger, drenched in beast blood, took deep breaths as he surveyed the beast-slaughtered forest. Realizing he had lost sight of Bai Fan, he let out a furious roar. Meanwhile, the main body of the demonic cultivator fought Yi Xi Zhen Ren and a few other realmen who had joined the fight. Overwhelmed, the demonic cultivator was finally forced into retreat, but not before shouting, “Even if you defeat me today, I shall return. Your disciple has probably been devoured by beasts by now, hahaha…” Yi Xi Zhen Ren frowned deeply. With his fellow elders in seclusion and the sect leader absent, the demonic cultivator had brazenly invaded. Had the disciples of the Illusory Sword Pavilion not been dispatched, the demonic cultivator wouldn’t have dared such insolence. "Are you alright, Zhen Ren?" asked one of the realmen urgently, noting their concern. “I am fine, thanks to your timely arrival,” Yi Xi Zhen Ren replied. "But that doppelganger is still pursuing my second disciple." "As long as she’s within Xuan Ming, we should be able to find her. Let's ask Xuan Guang Zhen Ren for help and locate her quickly." Yi Xi Zhen Ren nodded, anxiously watching in the direction Bai Fan had fled. Deep within the Misty Forest, Bai Fan continued to flee, sensing the demonic doppelganger gaining on her even though many beasts failed to stop him. Despite the enormous number of the beasts, none of them were a match for a shape-shifting demon or the sheer quantity of other demonic spirits. Nevertheless, it was astonishing that they couldn't hold out for even an hour. Running for some time, Bai Fan reverted to her human form and attempted to climb up from the bottom of a cliff. Suddenly, footing gave way beneath her in the tall grass, and she fell. Tumbling down, Bai Fan hit several rocks, feeling a sharp, piercing pain in her forehead accompanied by a concussion. She lost consciousness. The terrain at the bottom of the cliff was unusual, featuring a cave shrouded in pitch darkness. She could hear the chattering of bats as she descended. Waking up with her hand on her throbbing forehead, Bai Fan was greeted by the smell of bat droppings and found herself in a sticky, unpleasant mess. She retrieved a night pearl, illuminating the cave dimly. Looking down, she saw the ground smeared with bat droppings. Raising her head, she noticed a multitude of small red eyes staring down from the cave ceiling. The sound of dripping water echoed in the cave. Bai Fan used the night pearl to find a clear spot near a trickle of water, where she washed off the bat droppings, and then set out to find an exit. She realized the only apparent exit was the way she had fallen in from above. "Am I supposed to wait here until I die? It's way too high to climb up." Holding the night pearl, she wandered the cave, eventually discovering a narrow entrance that only half a person could fit through in their human form. However, Bai Fan could easily transform. Turning back into a snake, she held the night pearl in her mouth and slithered slowly through the tight passage. While far too small for a person, it was just wide enough for a snake. The passage was long and occasionally had puddles of water. Emerging from the tunnel, Bai Fan raised the night pearl and was stunned by what she saw. In front of her was a colossal skeleton, and in her human form, she would be the size of just one of its toes. The diminutive light of the night pearl was insufficient to fully illuminate the creature. "What kind of animal is this? How can it be so big? My gosh, why did such a powerful creature die?" Bai Fan touched the skeleton, feeling the cold, jade-like bones radiating immense spiritual energy, which left her awestruck. If this being were a beast, what kind of scene must it have created? And how vast must this cave be for this skeleton to fit inside? What secrets did the Misty Forest hold that even Xuan Ming couldn’t uncover? Swallowing her nerves, Bai Fan followed the skeleton, climbing over its enormous rib cage, each rib resembling a vast cave. The deeper she went, the more peculiar the creature seemed. Its many ribs resembled those of a snake. But could such a massive snake exist? ※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※※ Thank you to the little angels who have cast overlord votes or irrigated with nutrient solutions~ Thank you to the little angel who gave [Whack] support: kanbujian 1 time; Thank you to the little angels who irrigated [Nutrient Solution]: Thank you all for your support, I will continue to work hard! Previous Chapter Table of Contents Next Chapter Homepage Computer Version Bookshelf Novel Collection Popular Novels