Chapter Fifty-Nine: Three Forms of Compensation (End of Volume One)

He grabbed the unconscious Yuan Zhen monk lying nearby and strode into the teleportation portal. In the blink of an eye, the scenery changed, and Zhang Xiao was already standing atop the Jade Platform. At this moment, on the righteous side of the platform, only the three sect leaders of Shaolin, Mount Shu, and Maoshan were present, waiting. On the demonic side, all four great sect leaders had arrived, and none had left early.

Although, apart from the Ten Thousand Demons Sect, the disciples of the other three demonic sects had been nearly wiped out, their direct disciples had survived. Coupled with those who hadn't participated in this righteous-demonic confrontation, there were still a dozen or so remaining. Although a bit few, it was enough to take part in the division of spoils. Zhang Xiao walked up to Master Jueyuan of Shaolin and handed over Yuan Zhen, who, although he had also participated in the siege against Zhang Xiao, was far more upright than others. Moreover, they were both from the righteous path, and Zhang Xiao did not wish to dwell on it. After all, he had already obtained the Five-Colored Cloud Banner, the supreme treasure—why trouble himself further?

“Amitabha, well said, well said. Benefactor, I sense you share a deep connection with the Buddha and possess great Buddhist nature. Yet, why did you join the Maoshan Sect? Could you explain this to clear my doubts?” asked Master Jueyuan.

Zhang Xiao smiled at his words. “Master, you are mistaken. Fate comes in many forms; why cling to appearances? Though I joined Maoshan, I still cultivate the Buddha’s teachings. Perhaps it was simply fate that led me to Maoshan.”

Upon hearing this, Master Jueyuan pressed his palms together in a Buddhist salute. “Amitabha, I have become attached to appearances. If you have leisure in the future, please visit Shaolin’s Zen school and sample our Zen teachings.”

Zhang Xiao hastily returned the salute. “I shall certainly visit your renowned temple someday. But I hope you won’t mind this troublesome guest. Now, my sect leader is waiting to speak with me, so I won’t disturb you further.”

With that, Zhang Xiao approached Sect Leader Kongxuan, bowed, and said, “Disciple has returned without disgrace, and brings back the prize from Feixia Island.” Although he knew that Kongxuan had manipulated him, this was not the time to air grievances. Everything could be settled after returning to the mountain; he trusted that Kongxuan and his own master would give him an explanation.

In contrast to Zhang Xiao’s calm demeanor, Kongxuan’s expression became strange, unsure whether to be pleased or regretful.

“Hahaha! Kongxuan, you truly are something. To think you’d ruin such an extraordinary talent! Boy, if you ever find yourself unable to stay in Maoshan, come to my Ten Thousand Demons Sect. I, Wan Mozhi, will personally reserve the position of vice-sect leader for you,” Wan Mozhi laughed loudly from the side. He had seen Zhang Xiao’s aptitude and envied it, wishing fate had sent such a seedling to his own sect, so he spoke purposefully to irritate Kongxuan.

Zhang Xiao bowed to Wan Mozhi and replied, “Thank you for your generous offer, Senior, but since I have joined Maoshan, how could I seek another sect? I appreciate your goodwill.” Wan Mozhi was momentarily taken aback, then shook his head and said no more. Though his words were meant to vex Kongxuan, he would have welcomed Zhang Xiao into the Ten Thousand Demons Sect with open arms if he had truly been swayed.

Yet he hadn’t expected Zhang Xiao, even knowing Kongxuan’s schemes, would still give him face. For once, Wan Mozhi, who delighted in gaining the upper hand, felt reluctant to add to Kongxuan’s misfortune. Suddenly, he found Kongxuan pitiable. Though Maoshan had gained unprecedented benefits this time, they had lost a pillar who could have held up the sky. Alas!

Kongxuan’s face remained cold and unreadable as he said flatly, “Very well. Zhang Xiao, stand behind me. Your reward will be given after we return to the mountain.” Zhang Xiao nodded and took his place behind Kongxuan, appearing loyal and unaffected by the recent betrayal.

Suddenly, a massive stone stele slowly rose from the Jade Platform, inscribed with the results and distribution of spoils from the Nine Sects Competition. Zhang Xiao’s heart pounded as he read the list: beneath Maoshan’s name was a vast section of rewards. Aside from the rights to mint currency and a third of all spirit stone mines in the world—nearly a third of all mines had been awarded to Maoshan. Such gains made all the other sects green with envy.

The Ten Thousand Demons Sect, though second, was far behind Maoshan. Of the remaining seven sects, Kunlun was excluded, and the combined share of the other six amounted to no more than a tenth of Maoshan’s. Faced with such a colossal share, Zhang Xiao had no doubt that Kongxuan would plot against him ten times over if it meant winning such a prize.

Suddenly—boom!—a peal of thunder resounded in the sky, followed by an overwhelming pressure crashing down. Kongxuan and the other sect leaders immediately fell to their knees. “Greetings, Sage Hongjun!” When Zhang Xiao heard this, he was taken aback—Sage Hongjun? Wasn’t that a figure from myth? Still, with the Nine Great Sects appearing, it was only natural for Hongjun to show up as well. As the sect leaders knelt, Zhang Xiao and the other disciples quickly followed suit, calling out, “Greetings, Sage Hongjun!”

Another clap of thunder echoed across the heavens, followed by an ancient voice, “The Nine Sects Competition is concluded. The division of spoils is set. Now begins the fourth phase of the Great Change.”

As the voice faded, the world grew ever darker. Strange symbols, some unlike any written language Zhang Xiao knew, began to drift down through the clouds. As he gazed upward, he suddenly noticed a string of Arabic numerals. “Is this the Data Era?” he wondered.

Countless symbols fell and merged with the earth. Suddenly, Zhang Xiao’s vision went black, and he lost consciousness. When he awoke again, he found himself lying in the Hall of a Thousand Mechanisms. Shaking his head, he climbed out of bed.

A clear “ding!” sounded from his wrist. Frowning, Zhang Xiao opened his status screen:

Name: Zhang Xiao
Level: 45
Strength: 800
Agility: 700
Endurance: —
Cultivation Techniques: Prajna Zen Sutra, fourth level; Grand Lunar Profound Sutra, Golden Core stage
Lifespan: 278 years

Seeing his stats, Zhang Xiao’s heart raced. How could such attributes appear now? Weren’t these only introduced after the founding of the nation? In his memories before his rebirth, this new attribute panel had only emerged after the nation was established, and he himself had been reborn not long after that. Why had it appeared now? Had he remembered incorrectly? Impossible. It must be the butterfly effect of his rebirth.

He glanced at his lifespan—278 years! More than three times what he’d had before his rebirth, when it was only 63. Once lifespan ran out, the soul returned to the underworld. But as long as he kept breaking through in cultivation, his lifespan would only grow. It was said that Nascent Soul experts could live for over a thousand years, though he wasn’t sure whether it was true. Soon, he would find out for himself.

His true body’s cultivation was about to break through to mid-Golden Core stage, and his avatar was already equivalent to a mid-Golden Core expert. Before long, he would be able to advance to the Nascent Soul stage.

“Ding!” As Zhang Xiao was lost in thought, another notification sounded from his status screen, and a message was broadcast:

“You have slain a founding disciple of your sect and will receive a random punishment from Heaven’s Will. The punishment will be revealed at midnight tomorrow in the form of a task. Failure will result in the loss of 90% of your lifespan and a random drop in cultivation.”

Hearing this, Zhang Xiao’s face darkened, colder than black ice. So this was the so-called punishment of Heaven’s Will. He had expected some consequence for killing Wang Yanbo, but not one so severe. He didn’t yet know what the task would be, but it was sure to be unimaginably difficult—otherwise, it wouldn’t bear the name of Heaven’s Will.

“You’re awake,” came a voice. Without knowing when, Master Kongling had appeared at his side.

“Ah, Master!” Zhang Xiao started and was about to rise, but Kongling pressed him back down with a smile. “No need for formalities. I know you were set up by my junior brother. I’m sure you understand the consequences by now. It is Maoshan that owes you a debt.”

Zhang Xiao forced a bitter smile. “Master, there’s no need to say that. Though the sect leader schemed against me, with such enormous interests at stake, even if our positions were reversed, I would have done the same.”

Kongling shook his head. “You say that, but it can’t simply be left at that. After discussing it with my junior brother, we’ve decided to give you three compensations.”

With that, Kongling produced a jade box and a jade vial, handing them to Zhang Xiao. “Inside the box is a divine talisman. Just infuse it with spiritual power to use it; it’s strong enough to instantly kill a Spirit-Refining stage expert, but can only be used twice. The vial contains a Reincarnation Pill, a miraculous medicine of heaven and earth. Even if your foundation is shattered and your cultivation destroyed, one pill will restore you—though it’s useless against punishments from Heaven’s Will.”

Zhang Xiao was overjoyed. Both the Reincarnation Pill and the talisman would greatly enhance his survival. He hurriedly thanked Kongling and ventured, “Thank you, Master. What is the third compensation?”

At the mention of the third, a trace of reluctance appeared on Kongling’s face. “The third compensation is your expulsion from the Maoshan Sect.”

Zhang Xiao was stunned. Even with his wit, he could never have anticipated such a result. He protested angrily, “Master, I’ve rendered great service to the sect. Even if the sect leader needs to secure Zhou Yuan’s position, there’s no need to expel me!”

Kongling waved his hand for silence. “Child, I’ve watched you advance step by step since you joined Maoshan. You single-handedly suppressed the direct disciples of the nine great sects, both righteous and demonic. With such achievements, I would never let the sect leader harm you again, no matter the cost. This was my idea.”

Zhang Xiao was left speechless.

[The following does not count toward the word count: The first volume, The Era of Change, is now complete. Next, the protagonist will head abroad, where figures from myriad world mythologies will appear, and various professions from around the globe—Gunslingers, Mages, Alchemists, Battle Qi Warriors, and more—will make their debut. The grand spectacle is about to unfold. To all readers, please add "Data Apotheosis" by Guoshui to your library and give Guoshui some motivation. Thank you—every click and every collection is the greatest source of motivation for Guoshui. Please don’t let it run dry.]