Chapter 27: Returning to the Mountain for Training

"Elder, someone from the sect has arrived, asking you to meet him," Zhang Hu hurried forward and said.

"To see him?" Zhang Xiao's brows furrowed, but he said nothing more and followed Zhang Hu to the teleportation array.

Upon seeing the visitor, Zhang Xiao's expression grew darker. He had expected one of the sect's elders, but it was Wang Yanbo who had come.

Yet Wang Yanbo left Zhang Xiao even more stunned. The golden sash, the black hair, and the gilded crown were impressive enough, but what shocked Zhang Xiao most was Wang Yanbo's cultivation—he had already reached the Qi Refining stage and was on the verge of breaking through to the Foundation Establishment stage.

From what Zhang Xiao knew of Wang Yanbo, the latter definitely lacked such monstrous talent. In such a short time, he was already catching up to Zhang Xiao himself.

Seeing Zhang Xiao's astonished expression, Wang Yanbo grew even more proud. "Heh, Elder Zhang, you didn't expect this, did you? Ha! Well, Elder Zhang is always busy with the affairs of the outer sect. How can you have peace of mind for cultivation?"

"Ehm, Nephew Wang, your visit here—is it at the behest of the Sect Leader?" Zhang Xiao's pointed address as 'Nephew Wang' immediately dampened Wang Yanbo's pride, leaving him annoyed.

"Hmph. The Sect Leader commands you to return to the sect with me at once. Elder Zhang, you've caused quite a stir this time. The leader of the Ten Thousand Demons Sect, Demon Lord Tianmozi, has come to demand an explanation. I advise you—"

Before Wang Yanbo could finish, Zhang Xiao stepped into the teleportation array and instructed the nearby disciples, "Activate the array and send me back to the mountain gate."

Though Wang Yanbo had significant backing, Zhang Xiao, as the outer sect elder, commanded enough authority that the disciples dared not disobey. They quickly activated the teleportation array.

Wang Yanbo hadn't expected Zhang Xiao to be so dismissive. Clenching his fists tightly, he muttered, "Damn it, just wait. With sect resources, my cultivation will advance by leaps and bounds. Soon I'll surpass you, and then I'll trample you underfoot."

Mount Mao Sect, Grand Hall of Mount Mao. Sect Leader Kongxuan was seated at the head of the hall. A figure clad in black robes, shrouded in a veil of darkness, gazed at Kongxuan and said, "Kongxuan, let's not waste words. Tell me, how do you intend to resolve this? G Province is so close to my Ten Thousand Demons Sect. Such a big incident has happened—if you don't give me an explanation, it's hard for me to justify it."

Kongxuan waved his horsetail whisk. "Heh, you old demon. It wasn't Mount Mao that started this. Your inner sect disciples broke the rules first. How can you blame Mount Mao when you couldn't defeat us?"

The one Kongxuan addressed as 'old demon' was none other than the Sect Leader of the Ten Thousand Demons Sect, Demon Lord Wanmozi. Though the ways of the righteous and demonic differ, it was not yet the time for open conflict, and neither would tear the mask from their faces.

As the two stalemated, Zhang Xiao strode into the hall and bowed, "Disciple Zhang Xiao, greets the Sect Leader."

"Enough, rise. Now recount the incident with the G Province branch of the Ten Thousand Demons Sect in detail."

"Yes." Zhang Xiao began to explain everything, including his ambush of Zhao Yi and the others in the Bat Cave, leaving nothing out.

There was nothing to hide. Zhang Xiao knew that even if he kept silent, Daoist Kongxuan would find a way to uncover the truth. The reason he was made to report was simply to see if he would speak honestly.

Kongxuan sat upon his throne, his face emotionless as he said coolly, "Mhm, though you are not at fault in this matter, you used arrays to slaughter hundreds from the Ten Thousand Demons Sect, which goes against heaven’s order. Therefore, you are sentenced to three days of meditation in the rear mountain’s Cloud Cavern."

"Wait!" Wanmozi, shrouded in shadow, suddenly interrupted Kongxuan.

Kongxuan’s expression did not change; he simply looked towards Tianmozi, who met his gaze without flinching.

Bang! A muffled crash suddenly erupted in the hall.

Zhang Xiao’s chest shook as if struck by a heavy hammer, and he spat blood. Fear crept into his heart.

It was terrifying—whether Kongxuan or the mysterious figure cloaked in darkness, their strength was beyond Zhang Xiao’s imagination. Their mere exchange of glances caused the air to explode, and the resulting shockwave injured him.

Seeing Zhang Xiao hurt, Kongxuan flicked his finger, sending a point of glowing light into Zhang Xiao’s body. Though it was only a tiny glow, Zhang Xiao felt it as if it were a sun. Once inside, it became a wellspring of spiritual energy, restoring his internal injuries in an instant. The glow seemed to suffer no depletion, continuously sending forth thick spiritual energy.

If he could refine this spiritual light, his strength would soar; even without the Life Pill, he could easily reach the peak of Foundation Establishment, and with the pill, breaking through to the Golden Core stage would be within reach.

Was this the Sect Leader’s secret reward for him? Indeed, though he had struck a heavy blow to the Ten Thousand Demons Sect’s G Province branch, the incident was too public. The Sect Leader, even if he wished to reward him, could not do so openly, and instead had to punish him outwardly, lest he attract the schemes of those with ill intent.

"Wan Daoist, is there something you wish to say? Do you intend, as a sect leader, to personally punish him to quell your anger?" Kongxuan’s meaning was clear to Wanmozi—a reminder that it would be excessive for a sect leader to bully a junior.

Truth be told, Wanmozi did wish he could personally punish this Mount Mao disciple named Zhang Xiao. He could tell Zhang Xiao’s cultivation, and was astounded. In such a short time since the upheaval, this person had reached Foundation Establishment, far outpacing other disciples. Such talent was a true threat.

But Wanmozi did not know that Zhang Xiao’s cultivation was achieved step by step, without the deliberate nurturing that Kongxuan or Kongling had given to Wang Yanbo. Otherwise, Wanmozi might have been unable to restrain his murderous intent.

Withdrawing his gaze from Zhang Xiao, Wanmozi smiled, "Heh, Daoist Kongxuan, you misunderstand me. Matters between disciples should be resolved among them. If we intervene every time, it would be beneath us. Besides, now is not the time."

"Mind your words, Wan Daoist." Kongxuan’s face turned cold at the remark. Not the time? Zhang Xiao’s heart stirred, beginning to speculate.

At that moment, Daoist Kongling appeared in the hall, speaking, "Wan Daoist, may I ask what you mean by that?"

Wanmozi was startled, "You old immortal!" Turning to face Kongling, though Wanmozi’s expression could not be seen, his voice revealed deep apprehension toward Kongling.

Daoist Kongling merely smiled, unconcerned by the insult, for such a title was, in fact, a compliment to him. "Heh, Wan Daoist, you haven’t transcended yet. How could I dare go before you?"

"Hmph," Wanmozi turned away from Kongling, continuing, "As I said, matters between this generation of disciples should be resolved among themselves." He then turned to Zhang Xiao, "Heh, young man, your methods are seasoned and your talent exceptional. Though my sect was at fault this time, I, as a sect leader, did not come to apologize."

Hearing this, Zhang Xiao thought, "So it’s come to this. From their conversation, I’ve already guessed that this is the leader of the Ten Thousand Demons Sect. Now that he’s revealed his identity, it's clear that I won’t get away with a simple meditation as punishment."

Thus, Zhang Xiao respectfully replied, "Since Senior Wanmozi has come personally, naturally my punishment should not be so simple. May I ask how Senior wishes to deal with me?"

Wanmozi sneered, "Good. Don’t think reverse psychology will work on me. Listen well: in three days, I want you to come to the Valley of Ten Thousand Demons. If you can pass three trials, I will let the matter rest and even grant you a treasure as compensation. If you fail and perish in the trials, the matter will be settled. Agreed?"

"Wanmozi! You’re too reckless. If you set up the trials with malice, how could he escape your schemes with only Foundation Establishment cultivation?" Kongxuan rose from his throne in anger.

Wanmozi snorted, "Don’t try your righteous tricks on me. Though I cultivate the demonic path, it is the orthodox ancient Celestial Demon method. My word is my bond, and I won’t play mind games with a junior—he’s not worthy. One word: yes or no. If not, I’ll just leave."

Kongxuan looked to Daoist Kongling, whose opinion carried great weight. Seeing Kongling nod, Kongxuan agreed, "Very well. In three days, I will personally escort him to your Valley of Ten Thousand Demons. I wish to see what manner of trials you have devised."

"Good. In that case, I’ll prepare a banquet in the valley and await your arrival." Wanmozi, clearly uncomfortable under Kongling’s pressure, transformed into a gust of black wind and departed the hall.

Only three days to prepare? Zhang Xiao began to plan how best to use the time to advance his cultivation.

"Zhang Xiao! Though you struck a blow against the demonic path, you’ve invited great trouble. Wanmozi is ruthless—if we don’t accept his terms, you may face endless troubles in the future. Still, rest assured, I will personally escort you and ensure your safety." Kongxuan gently patted Zhang Xiao’s shoulder in reassurance.

Zhang Xiao quickly bowed, "Thank you, Sect Leader. Three days is short—I must go to prepare."

Kongxuan waved, "Go. In three days, come to the hall. Also, dismantle the array you set outside the Ten Thousand Demons Sect branch."

Zhang Xiao replied affirmatively and strode out of the hall. Watching his departing figure, Kongxuan smiled wryly, "Brother, this youngster is truly troublesome. You taught him the method to refine the Yin-Yang Hundred Ghost Banner, and before long, he used seven spiritual treasures to create a Seven-Star Hundred Ghost Array. Though its power doesn't match even a first-grade magic treasure, it left the Ten Thousand Demons Sect unable to break it—unless one of our generation intervenes. If that array were left for a year, it would destroy the foundation of the entire G Province branch."

The past few days, my inspiration has faltered and updates have been slow. I hope you all will forgive me.