55: Chapter 55 Elder Tianchi Takes a Fulfillment

In front of the Fuwei Inn, the Righteous Alliance's contingent had already finished assembling.

Master Liu Cang stood at the front of the ranks, his posture upright.

Chen Fan followed behind him; the wound on his back was no longer a major concern.

The massive group set off towards the Qingyang Taoist Temple.

The mountain road wound ahead, flanked by lush vegetation, though it lacked a certain vitality. With winter approaching, all things were bleak and desolate.

Stepping onto the mountain path of the Qingyang Taoist Temple once more, waves of emotion surged in Chen Fan's heart.

The last time he came, his identity was Zhao Long, the son of the magistrate, and he had walked this same path with Zhang Shan.

Now, he was called Chen Jinzhong, a "penitent" Disciple of the Longxing Sect, and he was also a "deep-cover agent" for the White Lotus Sect. His complex identities were exhausting.

On one side of the mountain path, an orange shadow suddenly darted out from the bushes—an orange cat. It nimbly wove through the Righteous Alliance's ranks with incredible speed. Subconsciously, Chen Fan reached out and steadily caught the fluffy creature in his hands.

The orange cat struggled in his palm, emitting a few short meows; it seemed to dislike being restrained.

Chen Fan stroked it gently, his fingertips gliding along the cat's spine.

The orange cat's body gradually relaxed, and it let out a satisfied purr from its throat, narrowing its eyes as it enjoyed the familiar petting.

Chen Fan's lips curled imperceptibly; this was the cat he used to tease often. It would even follow him to the back mountain.

He played with it for a moment, then placed the orange cat back on the ground.

The orange cat flicked its tail and walked away unhurriedly, not sparing Chen Fan another glance, as if the previous intimacy had been nothing more than an illusion.

Chen Fan quickly caught up with the group.

In the main hall of the Qingyang Taoist Temple, incense smoke swirled. In the center of the hall, Daoist Master Xuan Yangzi, dressed in a green Daoist robe and looking vigorous, was chatting happily with Alliance Leader Song Yuanxing, who sat in the seat of honor.

On both sides of the hall, the Sect Heads and Elders of various Schools were seated. Master Liu Cang led Chen Fan to a spot near the back, and Chen Fan lowered his head, watching the crowd in silence.

When Daoist Master Xuan Yangzi mentioned Zhang Shan, his words were full of pride. He introduced Zhang Shan's martial talent to everyone, his language filled with praise.

"Zhang Shan is a brilliant child with extremely high Comprehension Ability," Daoist Master Xuan Yangzi said, stroking his beard, unable to contain his joy.

"In less than a year, he has already reached the Seventh Rank. His potential to become a Grandmaster is by no means an empty claim."

As soon as these words were spoken, the hall erupted in commotion.

"Seventh Rank?"

"Less than a year?"

"Such cultivation speed is truly unheard of!"

"There is hope for the Heavenly Pool!"

The crowd whispered, their voices echoing in the hall.

They looked at the youth beside Daoist Master Xuan Yangzi. Zhang Shan stood tall with an upright posture, his aura restrained. He had a refined face, yet possessed a sharp, keen edge.

Chen Fan was also observing Zhang Shan; the boy had changed a lot and become much more composed.

He had once acted on a whim, never expecting it would lead to the Zhang Shan of today.

Master Liu Cang's face also showed surprise. He whispered to Daoist Master Xuan Yangzi, "Temple Master Xuan Yangzi, how did you discover such talent?"

Upon hearing this, Daoist Master Xuan Yangzi's expression became sentimental.

"It is embarrassing to say, but I was also the recipient of someone's favor back then." He paused, memories flooding his mind. "It was a dissolute young master who brought this child to my sect."

Daoist Master Xuan Yangzi's words made the hall quiet down again. Everyone was curious about who had such insight to discover such an unpolished gem.

"Although that young master acted absurdly, he had unique insight. If not for him, I would not have been able to take in such an excellent Disciple." Daoist Master Xuan Yangzi shook his head and sighed softly, his voice filled with sincere gratitude.

Chen Fan stood behind Master Liu Cang, his heart calm and unruffled.

He was that dissolute young master.

He was Zhao Long.

The benefactor whom Daoist Master Xuan Yangzi praised.

Chen Fan looked at Daoist Master Xuan Yangzi's sincere face, then looked at Zhang Shan, the face that had once been full of reverence for him.

He had once thought it was just a random act of kindness.

He never expected that this casual act would lead to the Zhang Shan of today.

This Karma made him feel a hint of absurdity.

Was this considered saving someone on a whim, only to end up with an SSR character?

He looked up at Zhang Shan, who seemed to sense something, and his gaze happened to land on this side.

Their eyes met.

A trace of confusion flashed across Zhang Shan's face.

Chen Fan just smiled faintly.

He felt Zhang Shan's gaze, which carried a sense of inquiry.

With his current identity, Zhang Shan could not recognize him.

He was now Chen Jinzhong, a Disciple of the Longxing Sect.

Not the Zhao Long of before.

Chen Fan averted his gaze from Zhang Shan.

He simply stood quietly in place.

Zhang Shan's confusion seemed to deepen.

The youth frowned imperceptibly.

He looked at Master Liu Cang beside Chen Fan.

Then looked at Chen Fan again.

As if struggling to recall something.

Zhang Shan withdrew his gaze.

He turned to Daoist Master Xuan Yangzi and whispered a few words.

Upon hearing this, Daoist Master Xuan Yangzi smiled slightly and patted Zhang Shan on the shoulder.

The atmosphere in the hall became lively again.

Alliance Leader Song Yuanxing also stood up and walked towards Zhang Shan.

"Nephew Zhang Shan, I have long admired your name," Alliance Leader Song Yuanxing said in a gentle voice.

Zhang Shan bowed respectfully: "Sect Head Song."

Alliance Leader Song Yuanxing observed Zhang Shan and nodded in approval.

"Truly, heroes come from the youth."

"The Elder of the Heavenly Pool has sent word to our Righteous Alliance."

Alliance Leader Song Yuanxing's words caused the clamor in the hall to instantly subside.

Everyone looked at Alliance Leader Song Yuanxing.

The Heavenly Pool!

This was the Holy Land in the hearts of all Martial Artists.

Alliance Leader Song Yuanxing continued, "The Elder of the Heavenly Pool intends to take Nephew Zhang Shan as a Disciple."

As soon as this was said, there was an uproar in the hall.

The Sect Heads and Elders of the various Schools had faces filled with envy and jealousy.

The Elder of the Heavenly Pool is taking a Disciple!

This was a great Opportunity to leap over the Dragon Gate!

Zhang Shan's future was limitless.

Daoist Master Xuan Yangzi was even more overjoyed, his beard trembling with excitement.

"Thank you, Sect Head Song, for the recommendation!" Daoist Master Xuan Yangzi bowed deeply to Alliance Leader Song Yuanxing.

Zhang Shan also appeared surprised; he bowed to Alliance Leader Song Yuanxing again.

Chen Fan's heart, however, was filled with mixed emotions.

He watched Zhang Shan, watching this youth about to step onto a higher stage.

Perhaps there was a trace of... gratification in his heart?

Alliance Leader Song Yuanxing looked at Zhang Shan, then at Daoist Master Xuan Yangzi.

"However, the Elder of the Heavenly Pool had a condition."

Alliance Leader Song Yuanxing paused.

"To enter the Heavenly Pool, one must undergo a trial."

"A trial?" Daoist Master Xuan Yangzi asked eagerly.

"Exactly," Alliance Leader Song Yuanxing nodded.

"The Elder of the Heavenly Pool said that the White Lotus Sect is causing chaos in Xiushan Province."

"If Nephew Zhang Shan can assist the Righteous Alliance in quelling the chaos of the White Lotus Sect."

"Then he will have passed the trial."

When this was said, the hall became quiet again.

Everyone's gaze was focused on Zhang Shan.

This was both an Opportunity and a challenge.

Chen Fan's heart skipped a beat.

Quelling the White Lotus Sect chaos?

He looked at Zhang Shan.

The youth's expression was solemn.

How would he choose?

Chen Fan's heart was suddenly filled with curiosity.

He watched Zhang Shan, and a trace of determination flashed across the youth's face.

Zhang Shan stepped forward.

"This Disciple is willing to serve the Righteous Alliance."

"To slay demons and eliminate evil is my bounden duty!"

Zhang Shan's voice echoed in the hall.