Pure Yang!

Chapter 472 Zhang Tianqi's Close Friend! A Long-Forgotten Phone Call

The Zhang family of Longhu Mountain, after the great calamity of Taoism eighty years ago, was divided between the north and south by the last Celestial Master Zhang Taixu.

Thus, the vast lineage of Daoist masters, spanning over two thousand years, embarked on different paths.

“When the lineage of Nan Zhang was passed down to your grandfather, it had been less than twenty years since the great calamity of the Daoist sect. They were considered the second generation of Nan Zhang disciples,” Xu Xuanxiao said solemnly.

Strictly speaking, he was also a figure of that era, having experienced that most incredible upheaval.

That catastrophe had a profound and lasting impact, which continues to this day.

Among the second-generation disciples of the Southern Zhang family, the three brothers Zhang Tianqi, Zhang Tiansheng, and Zhang Tianyang were the most outstanding.

From them onwards, the gap between the Northern Zhang and the Southern Zhang became apparent.

If this lineage is passed down from generation to generation, the glory of the Northern Zhang lineage will eventually fade away.

"Of the three Zhang brothers in the south, Zhang Tianyang was the most low-key and easygoing, yet he was also a figure who was deified and received a high-ranking Taoist title."

"Your grandfather was the most quick-witted and agile, and his personality was also unrestrained. He was never bound by worldly rules. Although he came from the Zhang family, he had a wide circle of friends and even had an unclear relationship with the Wuwei Sect."

Having said this, Xu Xuanxiao sighed softly: "With his temperament, he is destined to face many calamities in this life!"

"even……"

The conversation ended abruptly there.

Zhang Fan didn't press further; he naturally understood Xu Xuanxiao's meaning.

The Southern Zhang lineage, because of Zhang Tiansheng, has a great hope for prosperity. They even see a future that their predecessors could hardly reach, resolving the thousands-year-old feud between the Daoist and Wuwei sects, unifying the world, and uniting the people's hearts.

Unfortunately, it was also because of this man that the seeds of Nan Zhang's downfall were sown.

"As for Zhang Tianqi..." Xu Xuanxiao said solemnly, "I haven't had many dealings with this person. The few times we met were when we went to Nan Zhang to discuss your grandmother's and grandfather's marriage."

"However, among the three Zhang brothers, Zhang Tianqi has the highest talent and the strongest strength..."

"At that time, he was practically the number one expert in Nanzhang, and his reputation was unparalleled in Jiangnan," Xu Xuanxiao said in a deep voice.

"He was highly respected in both Nan Zhang and Bei Zhang."

"Then why did my grandfather say that if a traitor were to emerge from Nan Zhang, it would be him?" Zhang Fan asked, looking puzzled.

“I’m also completely baffled. Logically speaking, given his cultivation level, status, and position at the time, there was no reason for him to betray Nan Zhang,” Xu Xuanxiao said, shaking his head.

"Moreover, after Nan Zhang's incident, he also disappeared without a trace. Some people say that he died in that great calamity."

"Alas... that great calamity almost extinguished the incense offerings of Nan Zhang, and very few people actually survived."

“That’s why he never came to see me. Now that I think about it, what your grandfather said back then was really a bit of a mess…” Xu Xuanxiao sighed.

Zhang Fan remained silent, lost in thought. After a moment, he asked, "Uncle, what else do you know about my great-grandfather?"

“Zhang Tianqi’s personality is the exact opposite of your grandfather’s. He rarely interacts with outsiders and has very few friends because he is aloof and arrogant,” Xu Xuanxiao pondered.

"As far as I know, he only has one person he can truly call a friend."

"Is that person still alive?" Zhang Fan couldn't help but ask.

“Alive, and living well, and you should at least have heard of him,” Xu Xuanxiao said softly.

"Who?" Zhang Fan asked instinctively.

"Zhenwu Mountain..."

"Chu Chaoran!"

"Master Chu!?"

Zhang Fan's eyes flickered slightly; he was quite surprised to hear this name here.

In his memory, Master Chu was truly detached from the world. Although he was invincible in the mortal world, he seemed to have no entanglement with the secular world or the Taoist sect. Apart from the former number one master in the world, he had no karmic ties with anyone else.

But now...

Chu Chaoran and Nan Zhang, and Zhang Tianqi actually had some connection, some past connection!?
"That was many years ago. The passing tides always stir up waves later... Perhaps this is the sorrow of being in the mortal world, burdened by everything and never able to find peace."

Suddenly, Xu Xuanxiao stood up, put his hands behind his back, and looked at the vast sky.

Under the azure sky, only a large moon hangs high.

"Eternal fame is but a cup of dust, and no old friends return to this world... Those who are no longer here will never come back, Zhang Fan, you don't need to think too much about it." Xu Xuanxiao sighed softly.

Looking at that aged figure, Zhang Fan felt only desolation and loneliness.

Perhaps, even if one comprehends the great realm of heaven and man, one will still cherish the past and look back at the once-shining era.

Perhaps it is because of this looking back that we feel the loss of our loved ones even more.

"Zhang Fan, you can stay here for now and prepare well. We'll probably be heading to the Xu family's ancestral home in the next couple of days," Xu Xuanxiao suddenly said, changing the subject.

"The Xu family's ancestral home!?" Zhang Fan's heart skipped a beat.

Only then did I realize my current situation.

With such a commotion at the Water Mansion, and him being the only one to enter, how could the Xu family possibly let him go?

"Uncle, I..." Zhang Fan looked embarrassed.

"Don't worry, I'll go with you. I'll just ask as usual," Xu Xuanxiao said calmly.

"You just happened to be there; the changes in the Water Palace have nothing to do with you."

“But they all saw me go in…” Zhang Fan couldn’t help but say.

"They just watched you disappear in front of the Water Palace. Who said you went inside?"

Before Zhang Fan could finish speaking, Xu Xuanxiao interrupted him.

"Huh!?" Zhang Fan was stunned.

That's right, that water palace doesn't even have a door, so who said he went in?
“A strange phenomenon occurred in the Water Mansion. Since you are not a member of the Xu family, you were naturally driven out. I happened to discover you and brought you back.”

"Is this still possible?"

Zhang Fan's eyes lit up as he suddenly realized that Xu Xuanxiao's account of the truth was perfectly reasonable and irrefutable.

"Uncle, you are truly insightful and perceptive," Zhang Fan couldn't help but praise.

"Even so, they will definitely still want to see you over there," Xu Xuanxiao said softly.

Zhang Fan nodded and remained silent.

The Xu family is not entirely under Xu Xuanxiao's control. In fact, the power of the eldest and second branches is now significantly stronger.

"I'll have someone prepare a room for you. Just stay here for the next couple of days."

As he spoke, Xu Xuanxiao paused slightly, then added, "If you have any questions about cultivation, you can ask me."

"Thank you, Uncle."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Fan was overjoyed. The person before him was a master of the Celestial Master realm. How much hard work he could save by studying in isolation after receiving guidance from such an expert!

However, Zhang Fan was unaware that Xu Xuanxiao usually lived a secluded life and rarely gave guidance on cultivation matters, even to his two granddaughters and grandsons, Xu Jiuzhi and Xu Jiuliu.

……

And so, Zhang Fan settled into this old house, and even his luggage was moved there overnight.

Originally, he was staying at the hotel where Lin Jianyue was staying.

"You really didn't enter the Water Palace!?"

In the middle of the night, when Xu Jiuzhi and Xu Jiuliu returned and saw Zhang Fan, their expressions were quite interesting.

They had been asking around at the ancestral home and were still worried about Zhang Fan. Who would have thought that as soon as they entered the house, he would move in right away.

Therefore, Xu Jiuzhi voiced all her doubts.

"I've said it over and over again, and they still wouldn't let me in. I was kicked out immediately," Zhang Fan said softly as he packed his luggage.

"By the way, I'll contact your family later and get the three days deducted back to you."

Xu Jiuzhi crossed her arms and looked at Zhang Fan, who had moved into her home, still harboring suspicions.

If she was so suspicious, one can only imagine how much more suspicious the Xu family's higher-ups were. "If you don't believe me, ask your grandfather. He's the one who picked me up," Zhang Fan said casually.

"Sis, why are you asking so many questions? Isn't it great that Brother Zhao is staying with us? I happen to have a lot of things to ask Brother Zhao about cultivation." Xu Jiuliu grinned.

He looked at Zhang Fan with eyes full of admiration.

Even within the Xu family of Chunyang, he had never seen or even heard of anyone who had cultivated an inner core at such a young age.

Right now, Zhang Fan is like a god in his heart.

"Alright, then you can settle in here. If you need anything, just come to me," Xu Jiuzhi said softly.

"Sis, can Brother Zhao ask you for anything he needs in his daily life?"

Just then, Xu Jiuliu changed the subject.

“Of course, your brother Zhao is now a distinguished guest in our family, so of course I have to treat him well,” Xu Jiuzhi said casually.

"Brother, are you married?" Xu Jiuliu suddenly asked.

"Huh!?" Zhang Fan was taken aback.

"What nonsense are you talking about?" Xu Jiuzhi's beautiful eyes trembled, and she instantly understood what her younger brother meant. She hurriedly scolded him angrily.

"Sis, didn't you say I could come to you if I needed anything in life?" Xu Jiuliu said, pursing his lips.

“If my brother weren’t married, he would be in such high demand…”

"Cough cough..."

Zhang Fan smiled awkwardly and coughed twice.

"If you keep talking nonsense, I'll throw you out." Xu Jiuzhi glared at him fiercely, glancing at Zhang Fan out of the corner of her eye, but didn't get a reply. For some reason, a sense of melancholy rose in her heart.

Xu Jiuliu's words unintentionally stirred up some thoughts in Xu Jiuzhi.

With her third wife's family dwindling and her younger brother being useless, and being a woman herself, she had always wanted to find a capable and virtuous man to entrust her life to.

In this way, if Xu Xuanxiao were to pass away one day, not only she, but the entire third branch of the family would have someone to rely on.

Unfortunately, she was born into the Chunyang Xu family and was extremely outstanding herself, so there were very few men who could catch her eye and whom she could entrust her life to.

But now...

"elder sister……"

Just then, Xu Jiuliu's voice pulled Xu Jiuzhi back to reality.

"What? What kind of marriage?" Xu Jiuzhi asked subconsciously.

"Um!?"

Xu Jiuliu was stunned for a moment.

"I mean, stop talking nonsense, it'll embarrass the guests," Xu Jiuzhi said calmly.

"Sis, I wanted you to see this."

As he spoke, Xu Jiuliu took out a wooden box from Zhang Fan's luggage. When he opened it, he found a wooden sword inside, a worn-out wooden sword.

"The Pure Yang Magic Sword!?" Xu Jiuzhi picked up the wooden sword and couldn't help but say, "This is a special edition."

“Sure,” Zhang Fan’s eyes lit up.

As a member of a prominent family, he was accustomed to worldly affairs and could tell at a glance that he and the Chunyang Sword were imitations, unlike Zhang Wuming who thought he had stolen the Chunyang Sword from Zhenwu Mountain.

"My sister has one too."

Xu Jiuliu pointed to the nameplate number on Zhang Fanjian's body: "Brother, yours is number 007, my sister's is number 008."

"Isn't that a coincidence?"

"Hmm, what a coincidence," Zhang Fan chuckled.

"It's not just about fate, you also need money." Xu Jiuliu couldn't help but say, "My sister's sword was bought at an auction, do you know how much it cost?"

"How much?" Zhang Fan asked instinctively.

"one million."

Xu Jiuliu held up one finger.

“One hundred…” Zhang Fan was speechless.

As far as he knows, even the special edition, which has a total of ten units, has an official price of only 58888 yuan.

When he was in Yujing City, he saw a regular version of the sword. At that time, he heard that the merchandise related to the Pure Yang Sword was incredibly popular, and a special edition had sold for a staggering one million at auction.

At the time, he thought it was Zhenwu Mountain promoting itself in secret, never expecting that it was Xu Jiuzhi who was so good at spending money.

"Brother, look how destined you are for my sister..."

Before Xu Jiuliu could finish speaking, Xu Jiuzhi grabbed him by the ear and pulled him directly in front of her.

"If you say another word, I'll tear your mouth apart."

"It hurts, it hurts... Sister, it hurts..." Xu Jiuliu screamed in agony.

"We'll be going now, so as not to disturb your rest."

Xu Jiuzhi hurriedly greeted them and then dragged Xu Jiuliu out of the room.

……

Zhang Fan then settled down in the old house.

In the two days that followed, aside from spending time with the Xu siblings and exchanging Taoist techniques, he spent almost all his time asking Xu Xuanxiao questions and doubts about cultivation.

After all, such an opportunity is extremely rare.

Although the demon chief of Tongluo Mountain is also a master of the Celestial Master level, he is, after all, a demon. His cultivation methods are quite different from those of humans, so his reference value is greatly reduced.

"That's it for today."

On this day, in the quiet courtyard, Xu Xuanxiao suddenly spoke.

"Go back and prepare yourself. You'll be coming with me to the ancestral home tomorrow."

Xu Xuanxiao's voice was calm and slow, but Zhang Fan's heart skipped a beat.

We're finally going to the Xu family ancestral home!

"Uncle, will everything be alright?"

"Are you afraid?"

"It's not that I'm afraid, it's just that I'm a little worried," Zhang Fan said with an awkward laugh.

“It’s okay to be afraid. Having thoughts and intentions is a form of cultivation. Didn’t your father teach you that?” Xu Xuanxiao said softly.

"Been taught a lesson."

As he spoke, Zhang Fan stood up, bowed, and respectfully withdrew from the courtyard.

Xu Xuanxiao watched Zhang Fan's departing figure and the swaying courtyard gate, and murmured, "The Zhang family's prosperity has truly reached its peak under his care."

As soon as he finished speaking, he slowly got up and swayed into the dilapidated old house. Sunlight streamed through the window and fell on the rustic table.

There was an old-fashioned telephone there.

Xu Xuanxiao hesitated for a moment, then picked up the phone, turned the dial, and dialed a number.

beep...beep...beep...

After a short wait, a long-lost voice came from the other end of the phone.

"Hey……"

Upon hearing the aged voice, Xu Xuanxiao raised an eyebrow, his expression changing slightly. After a brief silence, he finally spoke.

"Second brother, you haven't been back for a long time!"

(End of this chapter)