wuxianovels18 Chapter 196 : Zhang Xiaofan’s Gratitude and the First Volume of the Heavenly Book
Chapter 196 : Zhang Xiaofan’s Gratitude and the First Volume of the Heavenly Book
Chapter 196: Zhang Xiaofan’s Gratitude and the First Volume of the Heavenly Book
Several days later, Lu Xueqi slowly awakened within the side chamber.
Sensing the slight increase in the spiritual energy within her body, there was no joy in her expression—the cultivation speed was too slow. Now that the Spiritual Energy of Heaven and Earth was excessively thin, progress was difficult.
However, she clearly perceived that the Spiritual Energy of Heaven and Earth in this world was steadily increasing. It was not a short-term fluctuation. This slightly eased her somewhat vexed mood.
Even so, the rate of growth remained slow. If it were to support her rapid cultivation, it would still require some time.
While pondering, Lu Xueqi suddenly recalled the volume of the Heavenly Book she had failed to obtain beneath the Dead Spirit Abyss. Her heart stirred: perhaps she should try seeking out Zhang Xiaofan and see whether she could acquire it.
Although the Heavenly Book was no longer essential to her, the principles of Heaven and Earth recorded within it were insights of a Great Divine Ability cultivator. If she could obtain it, it would still be beneficial to her.
After brief contemplation, Lu Xueqi set off for Dazhu Peak.
With a flash of her figure, she disappeared from Xiaozhu Peak, reappearing outside Dazhu Peak.
Within Dazhu Peak, Tian Buyi sensed the disturbance and hurried out to greet her. Upon seeing Lu Xueqi, a clear smile appeared on his face. He cupped his hands and asked, “Martial Niece Lu, what wind has blown you to my Dazhu Peak?”
Lu Xueqi looked at Tian Buyi’s courteous manner, knowing that her current status within the Qingyun Sect was extraordinary. Though merely a disciple, she was regarded as the stabilizing pillar. Everyone showed her respect, and Tian Buyi was no exception.
In a gentle tone, she explained her purpose: “Martial Uncle Tian, I have come to ask Junior Brother Zhang about something. May I know where he is now?”
Tian Buyi was momentarily stunned, not expecting her to be seeking Zhang Xiaofan. He then replied, “Xiaofan was punished due to matters concerning the Demonic Sect and is currently in seclusion at the Taiji Cave on the Back Mountain. If Martial Niece Lu wishes to see him, I will take you there.”
Lu Xueqi nodded. “Many thanks, Martial Uncle Tian.”
She then followed Tian Buyi toward the Back Mountain.
When the two arrived outside the Taiji Cave, they suddenly heard Tian Ling’er’s voice coming from within:
“Xiaofan, won’t you feel lonely staying here alone? How about I come visit you often in the future? Do you think the sachet I just made looks nice?”
Upon hearing this, Tian Buyi showed an embarrassed expression and explained in a low voice, “My daughter is close to Xiaofan. Since he was confined here, she has often come to visit him. I hope Martial Niece Lu will not take offense.”
Lu Xueqi shook her head, indicating it was of no concern.
Seeing this, Tian Buyi coughed lightly and deliberately raised his voice. Inside the cave, Tian Ling’er turned her head in panic. When she saw her father and Lu Xueqi standing at the entrance, she exclaimed, “Father, why have you come?”
Tian Buyi feigned sternness. “Ling’er, I have long said that Xiaofan is here to receive punishment. Do not disturb him. Why do you still keep coming?”
As he spoke, he kept signaling to his daughter with his eyes.
Tian Ling’er immediately understood and hurriedly said, “Yes, Father, I know I was wrong. I won’t come so often in the future.”
Only then did Tian Buyi nod.
After all, Zhang Xiaofan was here to receive punishment. If word spread that he was engaging in romance here with his daughter, it would harm Dazhu Peak’s reputation.
Lu Xueqi paid no attention to such matters; her gaze fell upon Zhang Xiaofan.
At this moment, Zhang Xiaofan also saw his master and Lu Xueqi and quickly rose to salute. “Master, Senior Sister Lu.”
Tian Buyi said, “Xiaofan, your Senior Sister Lu has business with you.”
Then he glanced at Tian Ling’er and added, “Ling’er, come out with me.”
Though reluctant, Tian Ling’er did not dare defy her father and could only comply.
After the two left, Lu Xueqi looked at Zhang Xiaofan, her eyes flickering slightly.
Since she had arrived in this world, the storyline had already deviated from its original course: Zhang Xiaofan had not betrayed the Qingyun Sect, and Bi Yao had not died. As for how the future would unfold, even she could not say with certainty.
Seeing her expression, Zhang Xiaofan asked in confusion, “Senior Sister Lu, may I ask what brings you here?”
Lu Xueqi came back to herself and said, “First, I wanted to see how you are doing. Second, there is something I wish to ask you.”
Upon hearing this, Zhang Xiaofan felt somewhat moved. Since his confinement, aside from his senior brothers and sisters, no one else had come to visit him. He had not expected that Lu Xueqi would come to see him.
He quickly responded, “Many thanks for Senior Sister Lu’s concern. Please ask—Xiaofan will speak of everything he knows.”
Lu Xueqi asked, “Junior Brother Zhang, do you still remember our journey to the Dead Spirit Abyss? In the Dripping Blood Cave, I saw a fragment of the Heavenly Book. By the time I went to retrieve it, it had already been destroyed. Did you record that Heavenly Book?”
Zhang Xiaofan suddenly understood. Though surprised that Lu Xueqi needed the Heavenly Book, he did not ask further and nodded. “Senior Sister Lu, I did record that Heavenly Book. If you need it, I will transmit it to you now.”
Lu Xueqi nodded. “Many thanks, Junior Brother Zhang.”
Zhang Xiaofan then began reciting the First Volume of the Heavenly Book.
Relying on her Heaven-Defying Comprehension, Lu Xueqi instantly grasped the contents of the First Volume of the Heavenly Book.
The First Volume served as the general outline, elaborating upon the principles of Buddhist, Daoist, and Demonic techniques alike.
After comprehending it, her understanding of the techniques of the three paths deepened, and her insight into the Dao of Heaven and Earth became even more thorough.
After thanking Zhang Xiaofan, Lu Xueqi pondered briefly before saying, “I also possess a volume of the Heavenly Book. I will transmit it to you as well.”
Before Zhang Xiaofan could respond, she flicked her finger, and the contents of the Fifth Volume of the Heavenly Book surged into his mind.
Zhang Xiaofan was greatly astonished, not knowing when Lu Xueqi had obtained this volume.
He felt secretly puzzled. In his memory, he indeed possessed the contents of the Fifth Volume, which he had obtained in the Illusory Moon Ancient Cave. But whether Lu Xueqi had also acquired it there, he did not know.
After a moment of thought, Lu Xueqi waved her right hand, and a pill bottle instantly appeared before Zhang Xiaofan.
Zhang Xiaofan stared in astonishment and asked, “Senior Sister Lu, this is?”
Lu Xueqi immediately explained, “Inside this bottle are medicinal pills I refined in my spare time. They can enhance cultivation. Your strength has now reached the Eighth Level of the Jade Purity Realm. If you wish to break through to the Upper Purity Realm, it will still take some time. These pills will help you.”
Zhang Xiaofan nodded repeatedly but hesitated and waved his hands in refusal. “Senior Sister Lu, that’s not necessary. Didn’t you just transmit a volume of the Heavenly Book to me?”
Lu Xueqi shook her head. “There is no need to decline. I am giving you these pills only in the hope that you can raise your strength as soon as possible.
You have seen it yourself—this time the Qingyun Sect suffered heavy losses. Many disciples and elders of the various peaks have fallen. A new generation urgently needs to step forward.
Zhang Xiaofan, I think highly of you. I believe you have the potential to become a strong cultivator. Consider these pills my investment in you. Accept them.”
After hearing these words, though still somewhat hesitant, Zhang Xiaofan accepted the pill bottle and cupped his hands in gratitude. “Many thanks, Senior Sister Lu.”
Lu Xueqi waved her hand. “If that is so, then I shall take my leave.”
As her voice fell, her figure flashed. Before Zhang Xiaofan could respond, she had already disappeared from the Taiji Cave. This time, she did not alert Tian Buyi, leaving Dazhu Peak directly and returning to Xiaozhu Peak.
Not long after Lu Xueqi left, Tian Ling’er and Tian Buyi entered the cave, their gazes falling upon Zhang Xiaofan.
Tian Buyi’s expression was somewhat complicated. Previously, he had always regarded Zhang Xiaofan as his successor and even as a future son-in-law. Yet he did not know the purpose of Lu Xueqi’s visit, and he could not help muttering inwardly: Could there really be something between them?
At this thought, Tian Buyi glared at Zhang Xiaofan irritably.
This sudden look left Zhang Xiaofan, who had just seen his master and senior sister, utterly confused, completely unable to understand how he had offended his master.
Tian Ling’er, however, quickly stepped forward and asked anxiously, “Junior Brother, what did Senior Sister Lu come to see you for?”
As she spoke, she stared fixedly at Zhang Xiaofan, fearing there might be some intimate relationship between him and Lu Xueqi.
Seeing the vigilance in Tian Ling’er’s eyes, Zhang Xiaofan hurriedly shook his head in explanation. “Senior Sister Lu only asked about the matters of the Dead Spirit Abyss and what happened after she disappeared. Nothing else.”
Tian Ling’er looked unconvinced. “Junior Brother, is it really that simple?”
Zhang Xiaofan quickly nodded. “Senior Sister, it’s just that simple. Nothing more.”
Only after hearing his firm answer did Tian Ling’er somewhat believe him.
After all, in her impression, Zhang Xiaofan had always been honest and simple, not someone who would lie.
Seeing that Tian Ling’er did not press further, Zhang Xiaofan secretly breathed a sigh of relief, thinking silently in his heart: Senior Sister, I’m sorry. Regarding the Heavenly Book, I cannot tell you.