In the cultivation world, top-tier cultivation techniques, elixir formulas, and formations are all recorded on jade slips. Even if Shaohua scans a jade slip that someone has hidden, it cannot know its contents. Because it is a system and not divine sense, it cannot be detected by these cultivators. However, this also means that it is completely helpless against anything that requires divine sense, such as jade slips.
However, as the chief disciple of the Xuan Tian Sect, the original owner's cultivation technique was one of the top-tier techniques, so he only needed to follow it. He didn't understand pill formulas or formations, but Xu Zifan was extremely interested in them. However, he had to learn these from scratch; he didn't need the advanced records in the jade slips, as the knowledge contained in the books in the library was enough for him to study for a long time.
This time, after Xu Zifan toured the Xuantian Sect, Shaohua entered all the scanned books and information into the system, including detailed information on various sect missions and a detailed map of the entire Xuantian Sect. Xu Zifan's most desired destination was the Xuantian Sect's herb garden, but given his character, he couldn't do anything there; he didn't know how to refine pills. After scanning the entire sect, Xu Zifan felt he could move on. Being constantly with a dangerous person he couldn't defeat meant his personal safety was completely compromised, and he'd also be constantly annoyed by his lovestruck ex-fiancée. There was no need for him to stay.
Xu Zifan scoffed at their assumption that he should attend the ceremony to offer his blessings. He hadn't caused trouble before because he knew nothing, but now that he possessed half of the original owner's cultivation, things were different. His original task was simply to defeat Huo Chongjun someday; he chose a passive, Buddhist approach to cultivation, ignoring them. Yet they kept bothering him. Judging by this trend, Huo Chongjun might expose his pure Yang physique any day now. If that happened, he'd be in a much more passive position. It was better to settle old scores sooner rather than later and go their separate ways.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye. The grand ceremony for the Daoist consort of the Xuan Tian Sect's leader's daughter was attended by countless people. All the major sects sent their most important figures along with a few juniors to offer their congratulations, giving Xiang Wentian a great deal of face. At the same time, they also took this opportunity to make connections with other sects, let their juniors show their faces, and broaden their horizons.
Xu Zifan had broadened his horizons. He didn't want to be like a country bumpkin, finding everything novel, but he couldn't help it; the world was just too amazing. It felt like his first time leaving the slums and seeing the bustling metropolis outside—a feeling comparable to Grandma Liu visiting the Grand View Garden. But this was good; seeing things he'd never seen before made life more interesting, didn't it? He suddenly felt a surge of anticipation for every future time travel he would undertake.
"Senior Brother."
"Senior Brother."
The fellow disciples he encountered on the road greeted Xu Zifan politely, and Xu Zifan smiled and nodded. Dressed in white, he smiled calmly, like a gentle and refined gentleman, quite different from his past aloof and serious demeanor, which surprised many people and made them think of the changes he had experienced.
Xu Zifan's clothes were embroidered with auspicious cloud patterns, and a jade pendant hung from his belt, giving him a look that was both luxurious and understated. He possessed a pure Yang physique and was naturally blessed with exceptional beauty, ranking among the best even in the world of cultivation, where beauties were abundant. Similarly, Xiang Yushuang was also very beautiful. The two of them used to be known as the golden couple, a match made in heaven. Now that the beauty had married someone else, Xu Zifan's appearance seemed rather awkward, attracting the attention of many people in the know.
Xiang Wentian sat in the seat of honor and beckoned Xu Zifan over, introducing him to the people from various sects. Some of them had seen the original owner of this body, some had heard of him, and some were completely unaware of him, but before they came, they had all heard that Xiang Yushuang had been the fiancée of Xiang Wentian's first disciple. Now, they looked at him with a hint of scrutiny, as if observing his reaction.
Xu Zifan greeted them one by one, and when he saw the Hehuan Sect members, he subtly glanced at them again. The Hehuan Sect—the name itself sounded sinister, unlike anything righteous, but in this world, the Hehuan Sect seemed to value mutual consent. Their sect was small, with both men and women, all remarkably beautiful. Their cultivation methods leaned towards dual cultivation, including methods of absorbing yang energy to replenish yin or vice versa, as well as superior dual cultivation techniques that benefited both parties. Their rules forbade the abuse of men and women; even deception was acceptable, but force was strictly forbidden. Dual cultivation was only permitted if the other party was willing.
These seemingly structured rules aren't actually very righteous, since they're skilled at sweet talk and seductive charm, easily deceiving others. Therefore, other sects don't particularly like associating with them, but out of respect for their status as an ancient sect passed down through generations, they're invited to participate in major celebrations.
A beautiful middle-aged woman arrived from the Hehuan Sect, accompanied by two female disciples who appeared to be around seventeen or eighteen years old. When Xu Zifan looked over, his gaze met that of one of the female disciples. She smiled down at him, her eyes not filled with flirtatious glances, but rather with a hint of mischief. This female disciple had just introduced herself as Shi Yunxuan, the daughter of the Hehuan Sect's leader.
Xu Zifan looked away and stood calmly at the head of Xiang Wentian's group, his thoughts a mystery to everyone.
The ceremony began quickly. Huo Chongjun and Xiang Yushuang, dressed in elaborate red wedding attire, flew in hand in hand from the horizon, both with joyful smiles on their faces. Xiang Wentian glanced at Xu Zifan, and seeing that his expression remained unchanged, he felt relieved. His daughter was born with a pure Yin constitution, so he went to great lengths to find a boy with a pure Yang constitution to raise, hoping to give his daughter the best future. However, his daughter disliked disciples and chose one herself. Although he didn't like him, he discovered that this son-in-law's cultivation speed was exceptionally fast, suggesting he had his own destiny, making him a suitable match for his daughter. Therefore, the position of Xuantian Sect leader could not be passed on to Xu Zifan. He had to consider the future of his daughter and son-in-law; it was best for his son-in-law to take over the Xuantian Sect.
Xiang Wentian processed these thoughts in his mind, then smiled and nodded to Xiang Yushuang, whose face was filled with a look of smug satisfaction.
A look of happiness appeared on her face. She saw Xu Zifan and, remembering how close they used to be, and how he had put aside past grievances to bless her, her heart was filled with joy. She smiled and said, "Senior Brother, you've come!"
Xu Zifan nodded slightly and smiled, "Junior Sister asked me to come and offer my blessings, how could I not come?"
His tone was normal, but the content was quite intriguing. Why did Xu Zifan attend the ceremony at Yu Shuang's request? Did he say this to show his deep affection for his junior sister, or to sabotage the ceremony?
Xiang Yushuang's smile froze for a moment. She still couldn't believe that her senior brother, who had doted on her for over a decade, had a hidden meaning in his words. But she was already nervous and deeply regretted asking that question. It would have been better to just let Xu Zifan be a decoration, so people could see his smiling face. Why bother with blessings?
Xiang Yushuang looked at Huo Chongjun helplessly. Huo Chongjun smiled and said, "Senior Brother, thank you for your blessing. Shuang'er has always regarded you as her own brother. Your blessing is very important to us."
When rivals meet, their eyes blaze with hatred. Everyone was watching the two men, or rather, watching Xu Zifan, waiting to see how he would respond.
Xu Zifan chuckled lightly, "My dear brother?" His slightly raised tone carried a hint of amusement. He flipped his hand upward, revealing a semi-circular jade pendant in his palm. He said with a half-smile, "Today is my junior sister's big day, and after much thought, I felt that nothing else would be appropriate to give her. So, I thought I'd give this love pendant to my junior brother instead. It's a keepsake from my master's wife. Since my junior sister and I are destined to be apart, this jade pendant shouldn't remain in my possession any longer."
Xu Zifan lifted the jade pendant's cord, revealing a beautiful, emerald-green half of a heart-shaped pendant to everyone. With a slight flick of his finger, the pendant flew towards Huo Chongjun, who could only grab it, glaring at him with hostility. What was this? Was he implying that his wife was a gift from someone else?!
Xu Zifan said with emotion, "I have worn this jade pendant for fifteen years, always thinking that one day it would be reunited with the Heart Pendant. I never thought that today I would have to give it away by myself. Junior brother, junior sister likes you so much. You must treat her well in the future and let her stay by your side for a long time. Otherwise, you will be letting down Master and junior sister who value you so much. You must also be filial to Master. He has high hopes for you. You must be as filial to him as you would your own son."
Huo Chongjun felt a sharp pain in his heart. Xiang Wentian was his father's killer, and he was expected to be filial to that old man? Dream on! But now he had to call his enemy "father" and later perform a grand ceremony for him. He could endure these humiliations, but why did they have to be brought up in the open? In an instant, Huo Chongjun had murderous intent towards Xu Zifan.
Xiang Wentian didn't want to interrupt Xu Zifan too deliberately, so he waited until Xu Zifan finished speaking before saying, "Shuang'er, you can talk to your senior brother whenever you want. Don't keep the seniors waiting. Let's begin."
Just as Huo Chongjun and Xiang Yushuang stood up straight, Xu Zifan suddenly took a few steps forward, and everyone's eyes immediately focused on him. The atmosphere was tense and exciting, with a premonition that he was really going to cause trouble. Shi Yunxuan looked at Xu Zifan with bright eyes, a smile playing on her lips. Her right index finger casually twirled a strand of hair that fell across her chest, waiting to see what Xu Zifan could do.
Xu Zifan turned around and bowed deeply to Xiang Wentian, saying earnestly, "Master, I truly do not wish to be siblings with Junior Sister. Today, Junior Sister and Junior Brother are happily married, a joyous occasion. I also believe they are a match made in heaven, perfectly suited, and I sincerely wish them well. However, if I remain in the Xuantian Sect, I fear I will be unable to cultivate in peace. I know how much you value me, Master, and you will certainly not allow me to leave. Therefore, I apologize for my offense today. I only wish to let you know that my mind is made up, and I beg you to grant my request!"
Xiang Wentian's eyes narrowed as he stared intently at Xu Zifan. However, Xu Zifan's attitude was resolute, as if he intended to sever all ties with the Xuantian Sect forever. Xiang Wentian's anger surged. From this day forward, the entire cultivation world would be laughing at the Xuantian Sect!
Most of the sect's disciples had gathered around, some whispering amongst themselves, raising the overall volume and completely ruining the festive atmosphere of the ceremony! Xiang Yushuang's face turned pale. She only wanted Xu Zifan to express his blessings before the ceremony, to let everyone know that they were on good terms and that there had been no betrayal or humiliation. Xu Zifan had clearly said he would bless her, and he had indeed done so. So why did he leave the Xuantian Sect at her Daoist Couple Ceremony? How would others view her afterward? How would they view Chongjun? How would they view her father?