Chapter 78 - Wedding
“Senior, I've contemplated this for several days, and ultimately, I've come to the conclusion that I need more training to strengthen myself. My natural talent is rather lacking, and my dantian has been damaged. If I were to join the Soaring Wisdom Sect, the environment of such a prominent sect would be far more comfortable than that of the Wide Ocean Sect. To me, it would only erode my determination.”
Cheng Liuxian stood before Guo Fan, resolute in his words. “I deeply understand that I require more than just cultivation resources. I need a catalyst. Focusing solely on the Immortal Dao Discussion doesn't suit me. I absolutely cannot afford even the slightest opportunity to indulge my current condition, or my own potential will hold me back. Therefore, Senior, I implore you to allow me to join the Devil Cult… I will claim that I was oppressed by the Wide Ocean Sect and that Mao Li attempted to recruit me. It would be perfectly reasonable to locate the members of the Devil Cult and expose their identities.”
Guo Fan gazed at Cheng Liuxian, his expression complex.
He even felt a pang of shame.
The protagonist template truly lived up to its name. Uttering phrases like “30 years in the east, 30 years in the west, do not bully the poor youth” required a fierce personality. It was only logical that such a character possessed patience, determination, and an unyielding spirit.
In comparison, he, a transmigrator who had been deceiving his wife, appeared rather feeble and lacking.
Nevertheless, his aspirations didn't include world domination or becoming the most formidable figure in the cultivation world. He simply aimed to live comfortably, find a good card, and strive to be strong enough to survive the Asura Arena.
Guo Fan cleared his throat and stated, “It's undoubtedly a positive development that you've recognized this. I have faith in your ability to resist the Devil Cult's allure and threats. Originally, if I couldn't defeat the Third Elder undercover, I would have arranged for you to infiltrate the Devil Cult. However, you must always remember your conscience!”
Cheng Liuxian, observing Guo Fan's unwavering trust in him rather than skepticism, responded with excitement, “I won't let Senior down, I promise!”
He raised his hand and swore, “Cheng Liuxian solemnly swears here that he will never forget his original purpose. He'll remember his duty to vanquish evil and uphold the path of righteousness in the darkness. If he strays, the heavenly lightning will seal his fate!”
A white light flashed and vanished. A cryptic rune materialized on the back of Cheng Liuxian's hand, drawing upon the power of the heavens and earth as a binding force. Any deviation from his pledge would invoke heavenly retribution.
The rune disappeared from his hand, and Cheng Liuxian's determination intensified. He clenched his fist and declared, “I will repay Senior's guidance, regardless of the devil religion's ruthless methods. Senior has instilled in me a profound belief, one that allows me to have faith in myself.”
No, I'm not, I'm not.
I merely imparted a technique that demands substantial effort and endurance from you; everything else is a product of your own imagination.
But… why does it seem like he's even somewhat enthusiastic?
Guo Fan's gaze is discerning, and he can't help but feel like he's dealing with someone quite peculiar.
Nonetheless, the issue had already been resolved, leaving no room for his dissuasion. All he could do was sigh, hoping that Cheng Liuxian would value himself. In passing, he applied the Vajra Subduing Devil Curse.
The following day, Cheng Liuxian took vengeance on the two Wide Ocean Sect disciples who had once looked down on him, wearing an air of arrogance. During the altercation, he recounted his past life, marked by deep-seated grudges and betrayal. After his defection from the Wide Ocean Sect, he sought refuge in a stronghold affiliated with the cult, courtesy of Mao Li's assistance.
This stronghold was the sole valuable tidbit Mao Li provided. During his undercover stint, he operated under the directives of the Third Elder and didn't possess extensive knowledge, essentially serving as a pawn.
Looking at it this way, Mao Li seemed to be in a pretty bad situation.
The only stronghold he was familiar with was the one that had been briefly mentioned. It was only through Guo Fan's efforts in organizing the information he possessed that he could confirm that this stronghold was a minor sect.
As Cheng Liuxian departed, he made sure to settle scores with those individuals who had previously insulted him. He didn't dwell on feeling wronged; instead, he expressed his disdain for associating with unsavory characters.
Guo Fan, however, believed that Cheng Liuxian spoke the truth, and he was willing to go to great lengths to prove himself. Whether it meant betraying the sect or operating undercover, he was unswayed by the judgment of others.
Cheng Liuxian was just sixteen years old, an age marked by adolescence. When his rebellious spirit intensified, there seemed to be no limits to his actions. Rational persuasion had little effect.
Following Guo Fan's acceptance into Luoyang's fold, he successfully brought Gu Chao to Frost River Manor for instruction. Gu Yaling also joined them in their pursuit of knowledge. Meanwhile, Wide Ocean Sect was still quite occupied, and Su Feng stayed at Frost River Manor for a certain duration.
Surprisingly, they got along quite harmoniously. The only occasional source of tension was Yijun's intermittent appearances, which made Su Feng somewhat envious.
Gu Yaling and Yijun were close in age, but their personalities were quite different. Gu Yaling was vivacious and talkative, while Yijun was reserved and spoke sparingly. When they were in each other's company, Gu Yaling felt somewhat stifled. Fortunately, her passion for cultivation and the presence of Guo Fan made her content, even during the less exciting aspects of training.
For someone like Gu Yaling, who had been labeled a “spoiled girl” by the system, adapting to this new environment was no small feat.
Moreover, the object Guo Fan interacted with most frequently each day had become the hammer he had acquired not too long ago.
Every day, he kept it close, fondly stroking its smooth and sleek fur, and listening to its increasingly melodious meows. Initially, it might have been an act, but as time passed, he genuinely began to behave like a doting parent.
Guo Fan could be said to have experienced the most tranquil and comfortable period of his life since his transmigration. As for the marriage arrangement prepared by Su Feng, it had transformed into an amusing topic following a private conversation between Gu Yaling, Su Feng, and Guo Fan, ultimately leading to an unconventional scenario where the three of them were getting married.
Of course, it was in private.
Ostensibly, due to the master-disciple relationship between Gu Yaling and Guo Fan, a direct marriage seemed impossible, prompting Gu Yaling to even contemplate a scheme of betrayal.
Nonetheless, this scheme remained dormant, and the union between Guo Fan and Su Feng never came to fruition.
Their days of happiness alongside Su Feng and Gu Yaling, following the resolution of the Wide Ocean Sect's issues, lasted for less than a month. During this brief respite, a piece of news that sent shockwaves throughout the cultivation world emerged.
Blistook Pavilion, one of the two prominent Daoist Sects affiliated with the Soaring Wisdom Sect, was led by Sun Fen, who was also the younger sister of the Pavilion Master of the Destiny's Song Sword Cultivator. Recently, she had abruptly emerged from seclusion, embarking on a journey southeastward, her sword in tow, for reasons unknown.
Rumors suggested that she exhibited a belligerent demeanor, hinting at a quest for vengeance.
Owing to the tumultuous state of affairs within the Wide Ocean Sect in recent days, the news arrived somewhat belatedly. By the time the information reached their ears, Destiny's Song Sword Cultivator had already reached the southeastern border of the Middle Continent.
In other words, they would arrive within three days, sword-flying from a location roughly ten thousand miles to the west of the Wide Ocean Sect.
On the day Guo Fan received this disconcerting news, he was joyfully engaged in play with Hammer. Employing Dog Tail Grass as a makeshift cat teasing wand, he observed the plump Orange Cat frolic merrily on the ground, his own spirits soaring.
Then, he solemnly uttered, “The Destiny's Song Sword Cultivator is advancing toward the Wide Ocean Sect.” His radiant smile instantly froze.
Hammer tore Dog Tail Grass into two pieces with his claws, mirroring the abrupt disruption of their carefree moment.
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