Seeking Immortality

Xu Qingfan, please stay, I have something to say to you. *Academy"

Just as Xu Qingfan was retreating out of the hall with the other four people, Zhang Hualing's voice suddenly sounded again.

Hearing Zhang Hualing's words, Xu Qingfan was slightly startled, wondering what he was going to say when he asked him to stay alone. The other four people also looked at Xu Qingfan strangely after hearing Zhang Hualing's words, but did not say anything more. They just walked silently out of the hall, leaving Xu Qingfan alone in the hall, waiting for Zhang Hualing's questions.

Xu Qingfan has very complicated feelings about Zhang Hualing. He still clearly remembers Zhang Hualing's inhumane behavior after his master's death. He not only used various magical instruments among Lu Huayan's relics for public use, but also confiscated Lu Huayan's former residence. At that time, Xu Qingfan was full of disgust and dissatisfaction with Zhang Hualing. He only felt that this man was hypocritical, greedy, greedy for power, and had no trace of the demeanor of a cultivator.

But as he became more and more familiar with the current situation of Jiuhua Mountain over the years, Xu Qingfan couldn't help but feel a little more admiration for this Hualing. Looking back on the years when Zhang Hualing was in charge of Jiuhuamen, although the things he did seemed extremely unkind, they were all for the sake of Jiuhuamen. With the strength of Jiuhuamen in such decline, Zhang Hualing is still struggling to maintain the reputation of Jiuhuamen as a holy place. In recent years, Jiuhuamen has gradually shown signs of revival. Xu Qingfan sometimes puts himself in his shoes. I thought about it, but found that if it were me, I wouldn't be able to do this no matter what.

In this mood of disgust and respect, Xu Qingfan always stayed away from him every time he saw him. Because Xu Qingfan really didn’t know how to face this Zhang Hualing,

But at this time, because of Zhang Hualing's words, Xu Qingfan stayed alone in Linghua Hall. In the empty hall, only Xu Qingfan and Zhang Hualing were left for a while.

Zhang Hualing was still sitting quietly on the seat in the hall. Looking at Xu Qingfan, his expression was calm, but he seemed to be thinking about something. After hearing Zhang Hualing's words, Xu Qingfan silently walked back to where he was originally standing, waiting for Zhang Hualing to speak. At the same time, his mind was running fast, constantly guessing why Zhang Hualing left him behind.

Is it because of this newcomer competition? This idea was rejected by Xu Qingfan as soon as it appeared. You must know that there are five disciples participating in the newcomer competition. Feng Qingtian and Jin Qinghan are both stronger than Xu Qingfan. If it is because of the newcomer competition, it is impossible to leave only Xu Qingfan. For one person.

Is it because of the incident in the Southern Wilderness? This possibility was still rejected by Xu Qingfan. Xu Qingfan only told Jin Qinghan and Liu Huaxiang about what happened in Southern Wilderness, but neither of them were talkative people. The people from Kuxiu Valley and Qingxu Sect rarely go down the mountain, and they rarely come to Jiuhua Mountain, so this matter must not have reached Zhang Hualing's ears yet.

Is it because of Ting'er? Xu Qingfan suddenly thought of a possibility. I couldn't help but feel a little shocked. You must know that Xu Qingfan is the least conspicuous among the five disciples participating in the newcomer competition. In the past few years, he has always kept a low profile in Jiuhuamen. Apart from traveling down the mountain for a year, he has not done anything special. The only thing that might attract Zhang Hualing's attention is the Ting'er matter.

Xu Qingfan knew that he could not hide the fact that he brought Ting'er to Jiuhua Mountain from Zhang Hualing, so when he brought Ting'er to Jiuhua Mountain, Xu Qingfan had already thought of the words and reasons, but in the past two years, there was no one in Jiuhua Clan. People came to ask about the matter, so Xu Qingfan thought that Zhang Hualing didn't care about it, but he didn't expect that trouble might happen again two years later.

Seeing the slightly nervous look on Xu Qingfan's face. A faint smile appeared on Zhang Hualing's tired face. He seemed to have read through Xu Qingfan's thoughts and said, "Don't worry, I didn't keep you here because of your niece Ting'er."

"Thank you, Master Master." Xu Qingfan bowed slightly to Zhang Hualing and said.

Xu Qingfan was slightly shocked when he heard that Zhang Hualing mentioned Ting'er. However, Xu Qingfan calmed down after hearing that Zhang Hualing was not prepared to go into details, but he became even more curious about the reason why Zhang Hualing kept him. *Academy

Zhang Hualing watched Xu Qingfan show a hint of surprise and confusion after hearing what he said. Then he immediately regained his composure. He nodded with satisfaction, suddenly changed the subject, and asked lightly: "What happened twenty years ago, do you still hate me?"

Twenty years ago, Zhang Hualing died after Xu Qingfan's master Lu Huayan died. Not only were Lu Huayan's ritual objects and former residence confiscated. It was even more so that Xu Qingfan and others wanted to accept others as their teachers, but Xu Qingfan flatly refused at that time. At this time, I heard Zhang Hualing suddenly mention this matter. Xu Qingfan couldn't help but feel stunned. He didn't know why he suddenly asked this question. After a moment of silence, Xu Qingfan lowered his head and said slowly: "There is no hatred, but there is resentment."

Hearing Xu Qingfan's words, Zhang Hualing was slightly startled, and then a trace of appreciation flashed on his face. He had thought that Xu Qingfan would admit or deny it outright, but he did not expect that he would answer like this. It seemed that Xu Qingfan had really matured a lot over the years.

Zhang Hualing looked at the disciple standing quietly in front of him and said slowly: "Now that you say so, I feel relieved. I don't want to explain anything to you about what happened back then. I just hope that you can do your best in the newcomer competition." , bring glory to the teacher."

As he spoke, a purple aura suddenly appeared on Zhang Hualing's finger, and he tapped Xu Qingfan lightly. Then he saw Xu Qingfan's white robe flashing with purple light. After a long time, the light dissipated. Looking at Xu Qingfan's white robe again, the edge was But there were three more thin purple marks.

Seeing the changes in his robes, Xu Qingfan was shocked. He hurriedly raised his hands and said to Zhang Hualing: "Uncle Master, I am afraid that the disciple is not strong enough to bear such a heavy responsibility."

It turns out that the newcomer competition is not like the competition within the Jiuhua Sect where everyone competes on stage one by one under the watchful eye. Instead, the six holy places jointly discuss a more difficult task, and then let the newcomers participate. The disciples of each faction compete to complete the task, and in the end, the rankings are judged based on the speed and quality of the tasks completed by the disciples of each faction.

Because these tasks are difficult, five disciples from each sect participating in the newcomer competition need to work together to complete them. Precisely because it requires five disciples to work together to complete the task, this five-person group needs a more capable leader to direct the four disciples to complete the task. The three purple marks on Xu Qingfan's toga are the symbol of this leadership.

That's why Xu Qingfan was so surprised when he saw the changes in his clothes. successively

"Oh? Then who do you think is more suitable?" Zhang Hualing did not show surprise after hearing Xu Qingfan's delay, but asked lightly.

Hearing Zhang Hualing's question, Xu Qingfan was about to nominate Jin Qinghan, but he couldn't help but was slightly stunned. At the same time, he suddenly understood Zhang Hualing's thoughts.

If Jin Qinghan is allowed to assume the leadership, Feng Qingtian, who regards each other as a strong rival, may feel uncomfortable even if he has no intention of becoming a leader in the first place. On the other hand, if Feng Qingtian is allowed to be the leader, Jin Qinghan will feel uncomfortable. What's more, with their aloof personalities, it's hard to believe that they have any good organizational skills. As for everyone else. Lu Qingshang is lazy and decadent, and Wang Qingjun is withdrawn and reticent. Neither of them are good candidates for leadership. Put it this way. Among the five disciples in this newcomer competition, only Xu Qingfan can be the leader.

Thinking of this, Xu Qingfan couldn't help but smile bitterly, knowing that he could no longer refuse, so he bowed to Zhang Hualing and said, "Disciple must do his best."

To be honest, Xu Qingfan didn't want to be this leader. Because he knows that his personality is indifferent, he doesn't like to put such heavy responsibilities on himself.

What's more, this leader is not that easy to be a leader. Xu Qingfan's strength is not stronger than that of Feng Qingtian and Jin Qinghan. It is inevitable that he will not be able to convince the crowd as a leader. *Academy is more important. The five disciples who represented the Jiuhua Sect in the newcomer competition this time were from different strength groups, but there were many contradictions within them. Jin Qinghan and Feng Qingtian fought openly and secretly with each other, and Jin Qinghan severely injured Lu Qingshang ten years ago. I am afraid that Lu Qingshang also has resentment at this time. In addition, Wang Qingjun is withdrawn and rarely talks. Although this leader is glorious, I am afraid that he is A thankless position.

Although Xu Qingfan looked calm. But there was a layer of worry and helplessness in his eyes. Zhang Hualing smiled slightly and asked, "Are you afraid that you are not capable of leading others?"

Hearing Zhang Hualing's question, Xu Qingfan admitted frankly: "With the disciple's strength and prestige, it may be difficult to convince the public."

"Actually, you don't need to belittle yourself. I have seen your progress over the years." Zhang Hualing said: "Judging from your experience in exterminating those cultivators in the Southern Wilderness with the monks from the Qingxu Sect and the Kuxiu Valley. , although you are weak in nature, you are still decisive and resourceful. It is certainly feasible to lead a few people to complete some tasks. At least you have more experience in adapting to it. What's more, you can already take advantage of the power of Wutong Branch. In terms of strength alone, he is not much different from Feng Qingtian and Jin Qinghan, and his strength is also impressive."

Hearing Zhang Hualing's words, Xu Qingfan was slightly startled. He didn't expect that Zhang Hualing not only knew about him in the Southern Wilderness, but also knew about the fact that he owned the sycamore branch. In a flash, Xu Qingfan guessed that these things were probably said to Zhang Hualing by Uncle Liu from the "Baicao Garden".

Because he was the only one who knew about his affairs in the Southern Wilderness and knew that he had the sycamore branch. The fact that Master Liu could tell Zhang Hualing these things showed that the two had a very close relationship, but Xu Qingfan had never heard of it before. But Xu Qingfan couldn't ask too many questions about these elders' matters. He could only bow again and said: "Disciple understands."

Seeing Xu Qingfan agreeing to the matter, Zhang Hualing nodded slightly, then stood up from his seat and said to Xu Qingfan: "Let's go out, I'm afraid the people outside are already impatient."

With that said, Zhang Hualing walked out of the hall first. And Xu Qingfan was also busy following behind him.

But the moment he walked out of the hall, Zhang Hualing seemed to remember something unintentionally, and said calmly to Xu Qingfan: "That Wang Qingjun is not simple. You should pay more attention this time, maybe you can see something."

Hearing Zhang Hualing's words, Xu Qingfan couldn't help being slightly stunned.

Pay more attention to Wang Qingjun? Do you want to monitor Wang Qingjun yourself? Or do you want to protect Wang Qingjun yourself? Or what secrets does Wang Qingjun have? Although Zhang Hualing's tone was flat and he seemed to have just mentioned it accidentally, Xu Qingfan knew that given Zhang Hualing's character, speaking at this time would have profound meaning. But just as he was about to ask something, Zhang Hualing had already walked out of the hall and was waiting outside the hall. He walked with his disciples.

At this time, Zhou Huahai had finished telling all the disciples what they should pay attention to when going out, and the square was quiet. Obviously everyone was waiting for Zhang Hualing and Xu Qingfan, so when Zhang Hualing walked out of Linghua Hall, everyone couldn't help but look at him. Then they all focused on Xu Qingfan who was following behind. They were obviously curious about what Zhang Hualing and Xu Qingfan would say in the hall.

When they saw the three purple marks on Xu Qingfan's white robe, everyone's eyes became surprised and puzzled, including the elders of Jiuhuamen. It was obvious that Zhang Hualing had not discussed with them before letting Xu Qingfan be the leader of this newcomer competition.

The other four people who were going to participate in the newcomer competition had different expressions. Although Jin Qinghan's expression was a little disappointed, he was more happy. Feng Qingtian snorted lightly, and a faint disdain flashed in his eyes. Lu Qingshang's expression was a little surprised. As for Wang Qingjun, his expression was as calm as usual.

Although he was watched by everyone on the field. But Xu Qingfan was thinking about what Zhang Hualing had just said in his mind, but he didn't care. He just walked to Jin Qinghan again silently. He looked at Wang Qingjun intentionally or unintentionally, but didn't find anything.

After Zhang Hualing walked out of Hualing Hall, he walked directly to Lu Qingshang's master. After approaching, he bowed and said politely: "Junior Brother Hou, Junior Brother Zhou and I are going to take all the disciples to participate in the newcomer competition. After we leave, please pay more attention to the operation of the mountain protection formation."

"Of course, please rest assured, Senior Brother, there will be no problem here." Lu Shangqing's master assured.

Hearing the conversation between the two, Xu Qingfan finally knew the identity of Lu Shangqing's master. It was the third person in Jiuhua Sect besides Zhang Hualing and Zhou Huahai. Hou Huawei was responsible for the operation of Jiuhua Mountain's mountain protection formation.

This Jiuhua Mountain's mountain protection formation is called "Nine Palace Formation", which is very famous in the world of immortal cultivation. "Nine" is the number of extremes, and the "Nine Palace Formation" is a composite formation formed by the superposition of countless advanced formations. It is extremely powerful and was laid by the founder of the Jiuhua Sect, "Jiuhua Zhenren". After thousands of years of continuous improvement and additions by many masters of the Jiuhua Sect, the "Nine Palace Formation" has become one of the best formations in the world of immortal cultivation.

Jiuhua Mountain has been in existence for thousands of years, and there have been countless dangers.

+Dangers are safe. Some people even said that "Jiuhua Sect will not be defeated if the 'Nine Palace Formation' is not broken." Therefore, the "Nine Palace Formation" can be said to be the foundation of Jiuhua Mountain. And eight hundred years ago. Jiuhua Sect's strength was greatly damaged. The reason why it was not annexed by other sects was not only because of Zhang Hualing's painstaking management. The "Nine Palace Formation" also contributed greatly.

Because of the importance of the "Nine Palace Formation", the elders who were responsible for the operation of the "Nine Palace Formation" in successive generations not only needed to have extremely high Taoism, but also had a deep study of the way of formation. They have a very high status in Jiuhua Sect, second only to the head of Jiuhua Sect and the Supreme Protector, and are called "Gate Guard Elders". It's just that they need to pay attention to the operation of the "Nine Palace Formation" at all times, so the "Gate Guard Elders" of all generations rarely show up in Jiuhua Mountain, so that Xu Qingfan didn't know the identity of Master Lu Qingshang until now.

But now that he knows the identity of Master Lu Qingshang, Xu Qingfan feels it's natural. Because only the "Gate Guard Elders" who have a deep understanding of the formation can teach disciples like Lu Qingshang who are good at formations and spells.

And it is precisely because Hou Huawei has a high status and is responsible for the crucial "Nine Palace Formation" that Zhang Hualing will make special arrangements for him before leaving.

"Huh?"

Lu Qingshang, who was beside Xu Qingfan, was surprised when he heard Hou Huawei's words.

Seeing Lu Qingshang's surprised look, Xu Qingfan asked curiously: "Brother Lu, what's wrong?"

Lu Qingshang frowned and said puzzledly: "This morning, my master told me that he would hand over the work of maintaining the operation of the 'Nine Palaces Formation' to other elders, and he would accompany the head of the sect to watch me participate in the newcomer competition. But I don't know why he suddenly changed his mind now."

Seeing Lu Qingshang's somewhat disappointed look, Xu Qingfan comforted him: "Maybe Uncle Hou feels that the operation of the 'Nine Palaces Formation' cannot be separated from him. After all, most of the elders in the sect are going to watch the newcomer competition, and the strength of the sect is empty. If Uncle Hou also leaves and does not preside over the 'Nine Palaces Formation', it will give some people with ulterior motives an opportunity to take advantage of it. After all, the overall situation is more important."

Hearing Xu After hearing Qingfan's words, Lu Qingshang's face looked better, and he returned to his previous lazy expression, smiling: "I know, Junior Brother Xu, don't worry. To be honest, it's not comfortable to do things when Master is here. I have to be controlled everywhere, which is very annoying."

At this time, Zhang Hualing settled the other elders who stayed in Jiuhuamen, and then walked to the front of the disciples in the square again. He slowly glanced at everyone, but didn't say anything more. Instead, he waved to everyone and said, "Let's go."

At the same time Zhang Hualing waved his hand, several elders behind him pinched their fingers, and suddenly a huge white cloud appeared under the feet of everyone. Under the gaze of the remaining disciples and elders, it carried dozens of elders and hundreds of disciples in the square and flew quickly to the outside of Jiuhua Mountain.

...

It was not only the elders who were going to stay in Jiuhuamen in the square who watched Zhang Hualing and others leave. In a luxuriously decorated house on the mountainside, an old man in black was standing in front of the window, silently watching a large white cloud suddenly float up in the square. The white cloud was densely populated with people, and flew quickly towards the outside of Jiuhua Mountain after it flew into the air.

When the huge white cloud carried everyone away, it became smaller and smaller as the distance quickly increased, and finally turned into a black dot until it disappeared, the old man sighed slightly and said faintly: "It's finally about to begin."

"Hiss~~~~Yes, our plan is about to begin. Hiss~~~" Just as the old man's voice fell, a strange voice suddenly sounded from a corner of the room, the voice was evil and strange, with a hint of impatience.

Hearing this voice, the old man frowned slightly, and a trace of disgust flashed in his eyes, but he concealed it in an instant. He turned around and looked at the figure hidden in the shadow of the room, and said: "I remember that the person who contacted me several times before was not you."

"The original person, hiss~~~~~~~ has now followed Zhang Hualing to participate in the newcomer competition. From today on, I will be responsible for the affairs of Jiuhuamen. Hiss~~~~" The strange voice sounded again, but this time it was with a hint of pride. "And it doesn't matter whether I am the same person as before, hiss~~~~because we are both servants of the master."

Hearing this man's words, the old man frowned again and asked: "Oh? He also went to participate in the newcomer competition? Who is he?"

"Who is he? Of course he is a disciple of Jiuhuamen. Hiss~~~As for why he also went to participate in the newcomer competition, hiss~~~Don't you want to be the head of Jiuhuamen? How can you be the head if Zhang Hualing, the old fox, doesn't die?"

"Hmph~!" The old man snorted coldly, turned around again:_The hideous and weird face in the shadow, slowly said: "Although I want to be the head of Jiuhuamen, I don't want Jiuhuamen's strength to be greatly damaged. I hope your master knows this."

"Hss~~~Didn't you plan this plan? Don't worry, hiss~~~Jiuhuamen's strength will not suffer any major losses, and those who died are all Zhang Hualing's diehards. Hiss~~~"

"Hmph! Although my plan is fine, I don't know what your plan is." The old man said unhappily.

"Our plan is to fully cooperate with your plan. Hiss~~~ Then after you become the head of Jiuhuamen, we will take back my master's heart from you. Hiss~~~" If the old man in black turned around and looked at him at this time, he would find that the man hiding in the shadow had a hint of mockery on his face. "Besides, although my master has accumulated some dark forces in Jiuhuamen over the years, hiss~~~ but he can't shake the foundation of Jiuhuamen at all, hiss~~~ and can't break Jiuhuamen's 'Nine Palace Formation', you know this."

"I hope so." The old man looked up at the morning glow in the sky and said slowly.

...

At the same time, on the top of Jiuhua Mountain, an extremely old man was watching Zhang Hualing and others flying away, his eyes were dazed, and he seemed to be recalling some unforgettable memories many years ago.

After a long time, an unpredictable smile flashed across the old man's face, and he said softly: "Five hundred years, old friend, are we going to meet again?"