A max-level player in Jade Dynasty: Awakening the Innate Dao at the start.

The moment the water unicorn charged at him, Zhang Xiaofan didn't even blink.

He even removed his hand from the fire poker and stood there straight, watching the ten-zhang-long behemoth rush towards him, shrouded in murderous intent.

The night wind stirred him wildly, making his robes flutter loudly.

Her hair was all flying back, but her face remained calm, as if she were watching a play.

Three zhang (approximately 10 meters).

Two zhang (approximately 6.6 meters).

It's a zhang (approximately 3.3 meters) long.

That cold, menacing horn was almost poking his chest with its sharp point—

Dao Xuan Zhenren finally made a move.

It wasn't particularly fast, but the timing was perfect.

The black Taoist robe flickered in his sight for a moment, and when it became clear again, he was already firmly blocking Zhang Xiaofan's path.

Raise your right hand, spread your five fingers, and place your palm on the water unicorn's forehead, then gently push it forward.

The movement was light and airy, like shooing away an annoying fly.

But the water unicorn's ten-zhang-long body was struck head-on by an invisible giant hammer, and it flew backward with a "boom"!

It tumbled through the air and flew dozens of feet before crashing into the clear pool with a "plop."

The splashing water shot up quite high, probably several dozen feet.

When it surfaced from the water, the wound on its neck had widened considerably.

Blood gushed out with a "glug-glug" sound, turning the surrounding pool of water a dark red.

It raised its head and looked at Dao Xuan, its large, bell-like eyes...

For the first time, something else was revealed—not just anger.

There was also an unconcealable apprehension, and even a hint of fear.

The old man standing next to him, Master Cangsong, suddenly narrowed his eyes.

He stared intently at Dao Xuan Zhenren's hand that had just been withdrawn, his mind racing with calculations.

That seemingly casual palm strike might have sent a massive, thousand-year-old divine beast like the Water Qilin flying...

The power required for this probably exceeds the scope of what the Shangqing Realm should have.

Taiqing Realm?

The thought had barely crossed his mind when he forcefully suppressed it.

Impossible. In the past thousand years, Qingyun Sect has only produced one Taiqing Master, Qingye Ancestor.

Dao Xuan has high talent, but he's still lacking something.

Most likely, they used some secret method, or... they were just deliberately putting on this nonchalant act?

The water unicorn growled with resentment, but it didn't surge upwards again, slowly sinking back to the bottom of the pool.

The water gradually calmed down, leaving only the bloodstain slowly dissolving.

Dao Xuan Zhenren then turned around and looked at Zhang Xiaofan.

"What happened?" he asked, his tone flat, making it impossible to tell whether he was angry or curious.

Zhang Xiaofan quickly bowed:

"Reporting to the sect leader, this disciple does not know."

Just now, I was taking a walk with Senior Sister Tian on the Rainbow Bridge when the Spirit Lord suddenly appeared and showed murderous intent towards me.

"What's the reason?"

"Perhaps..." Zhang Xiaofan hesitated for a moment, "...it's because of this."

He took the fire poker from his waist and handed it over with both hands.

The black stick gleamed under the moonlight, and upon closer inspection, one could see faint, flowing blood-red patterns on its surface.

Dao Xuan Zhenren glanced at it but didn't take it.

"Bloodthirsty Beads, Soul-Stealing."

He spoke slowly, each word clear.

"When these two things from the demonic sect are fused together, the Spirit Lord senses it and will naturally feel aversion."

It has guarded Qingyun Mountain for a thousand years; the shredded remains of demonic cult members piled up could form a mountain. It is most sensitive to the aura of such evil beings.

Upon hearing this, Master Cangsong frowned even more deeply:

"If it's an evil artifact from a demonic sect, how did it end up in the hands of my Qingyun disciples?"

"Obtained by chance."

Zhang Xiaofan's answer was simple.

"This disciple has already refined it with his own essence and blood, and is now able to control it."

Dao Xuan Zhenren nodded and didn't ask any further questions.

He then looked at the surface of the pool, changing the subject: "And where did the wound on the Spirit Lord's body come from?"

Upon hearing this question, the heads of the surrounding area, who were listening intently, became even more focused.

The wound on the water unicorn's neck was terrifying; it was over a foot long, with the skin and flesh torn off.

The bone is visible deep inside, and the bleeding hasn't stopped yet.

Who has the ability to harm it? Who has the guts?

Zhang Xiaofan looked bewildered, his eyes as clear as freshly melted snow.

"Injury? What injury? I was only focused on escaping and didn't see anything."

He spoke with such sincerity.

Tian Ling'er, listening nearby, almost burst out laughing.

He quickly raised his hand to cover his mouth tightly, his shoulders shaking uncontrollably.

Dao Xuan Zhenren stared at him for a long time, his face expressionless.

Just as the atmosphere was getting a little tense, he suddenly chuckled softly.

"Never mind." He waved his hand.

"With your cultivation at the ninth level of Jade Purity, you really can't harm a Spirit Venerable."

One swipe of its claws and you're left with nothing but dust.

"Sect Leader is wise." Zhang Xiaofan bowed respectfully.

Tian Ling'er couldn't hold back any longer and suddenly turned around.

With his back to everyone, his shoulders were shaking like a leaf.

Afraid of laughing out loud, she hastily raised her hand and slapped herself across the face with a crisp "smack".

Everyone looked over.

"I'm being bitten by mosquitoes."

Tian Ling'er covered half her face, her eyes watery, and she really looked like she had been bullied by mosquitoes and was crying.

Dao Xuan Zhenren gave a few more brief instructions, then waved his hand to dismiss the crowd.

Before leaving, he specifically said to Zhang Xiaofan:

"Since the Spirit Lord is targeting you because of this fire poker, you should be more careful in the future."

"I protected you in front of it today, so it will give me some face and won't openly cause you any more trouble."

Zhang Xiaofan bowed deeply: "Thank you, Sect Leader."

This is exactly the effect he wanted.

He deliberately ran back, deliberately provoked, just waiting for Dao Xuan Zhenren to say this promise in person.

With the sect leader's words, even if Shui Qilin hated him to the core from then on,

At least on the surface, they dare not touch him easily again.

The heads of each lineage left one after another.

As Master Cangsong left, he turned back and took one last deep look at the now calm surface of the pool.

His eyes were gloomy, and I didn't know what he was thinking.

Shuiyue Zhenren walked over and tried to pull Tian Ling'er along.

Tian Ling'er shook her head and whispered that she wanted to go back with Xiao Fan.

In the end, only Tian Buyi remained unmoved.

He waited until most of the others had left before leisurely strolling up to Zhang Xiaofan.

His dark face was expressionless; he just stared into Zhang Xiaofan's eyes.

"Tell your master the truth," he said in a low voice, "What exactly happened just now?"

Zhang Xiaofan sighed, his expression somewhat helpless: "Master, if I tell you the truth, will you believe me?"

"You speak first," Tian Buyi said, unmoved.

"The Spirit Lord's injury..." Zhang Xiaofan paused, as if he had made a great decision, "...was inflicted by me."

Tian Buyi was taken aback at first, then burst out laughing.

It wasn't a smile, it was a hearty laugh, a laugh so hard he was doubled over, tears almost streaming down his face.

"You hit him?" He asked, wiping his eyes as he laughed.

"Xiao Fan, were you stunned by the Spirit Lord just now and haven't recovered yet?"

What is the strength of the Spirit Venerable? He is at the peak of the Upper Clarity Realm!

In addition, it possesses the robust physique of a mythical beast with thick skin and thick flesh.

Even if I, Master, go all out against it, the best I can achieve is a draw.

You? The ninth level of Jade Purity?

He reached out and patted Zhang Xiaofan on the shoulder, his words earnest and still carrying a lingering smile:

"My apprentice, it's good to be confident, but you should at least think before you brag."

"If you could really hurt the Spirit Lord that badly, your master's wife... she could even take your surname!"

Listening from the side, Tian Ling'er finally couldn't hold back anymore and burst into loud laughter.

She laughed so hard she squatted down on the ground, clutching her stomach, tears streaming down her face.

"Dad...hahahaha...Dad, please stop talking...my stomach hurts so much..."

Tian Buyi glared at her:

"What are you laughing at! A young lady like you, wandering around aimlessly in the middle of the night instead of sleeping, what kind of behavior is that!"

Tian Ling'er laughed as she shifted the blame, pointing at Zhang Xiaofan:

"It's Xiao Fan! Xiao Fan brought me out!"

Tian Buyi's gaze swept back and forth between the two of them, then suddenly stopped.

He looked at Zhang Xiaofan, then at his own daughter.

Then look at the atmosphere between the two, which is indescribable yet clearly much more intimate.

The seriousness that had been on his dark face melted away quickly, like spring snow meeting the sun.

His lips slowly parted into a smile, and his eyes narrowed into slits, gleaming with light.

"Oh—?" he drawled, as if suddenly realizing something.

"So... that's how it is."

Tian Ling'er's face flushed bright red instantly.

Zhang Xiaofan coughed lightly, attempting to explain, "Master, we are..."

"Alright, alright, that's enough."

Tian Buyi waved his hand cheerfully, his smile impossible to hide.

"You guys continue, you young people can talk amongst yourselves."

"I'm entrusting Ling'er to you. Take good care of her for me."

After he finished speaking, he turned and walked away, his steps so light and quick that it was as if he were walking on cotton.

After walking more than ten steps, he turned back and winked at Zhang Xiaofan, the meaning of which couldn't be clearer.

Tian Ling'er was dumbfounded.

Zhang Xiaofan watched Tian Buyi's departing figure, his mind perfectly clear.

This master not only wants to take him as an apprentice, but he probably even has the idea of ​​taking him as his son-in-law.

In the original novel, Tian Buyi had a good impression of Zhang Xiaofan's honest and simple nature, but unfortunately, Qi Hao later snatched him away.

Now that he has "displayed" his talent and temperament, Tian Buyi naturally finds him more and more pleasing to the eye and more and more satisfying.

Tian Buyi's figure completely disappeared into the night.

The night breeze carried the dampness of the pool and the faint, lingering smell of blood.

Tian Ling'er stood beside Zhang Xiaofan, head down, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes.

The courage I had just displayed in front of everyone seemed to have vanished all at once.

With no one around and the silence so profound that they could hear each other's breathing, she found herself at a loss for words.

Seeing her like this, Zhang Xiaofan felt a little amused and also a little soft-hearted.

He reached out and, as he had done countless times before, ruffled her hair.

"Let's go back."

Tian Ling'er didn't move.

She bit her lower lip, then suddenly raised her head, closed her eyes, and tilted her face slightly upwards.

The cool, clear moonlight shone on her face, highlighting her long, thick eyelashes.

Her nose was small and pert, and her lips were pressed tightly together with nervousness.

It looked as if it had mustered up its courage, made preparations, and was quietly waiting for something.

Zhang Xiaofan was stunned.

Sixteen years old.

The number went through his mind.

In the world of his memory, a girl of that age...

They're probably still worried about their studies and looking forward to their future university life.

But here, in this world, sixteen years old...

She's already at the age where she can talk about marriage and have children.

He understands the道理 (principles/reasons), but he can't get over that mental hurdle yet.

His outstretched hand ultimately did not land on her face.

Instead, he bent his fingers and gently pinched the tip of her nose.

"Small in stature but big in wisdom."

Tian Ling'er suddenly opened her eyes, her cheeks instantly turning bright red, all the way to her ears.

She stomped her foot, both embarrassed and annoyed: "Where am I small!"

As she spoke, she unconsciously puffed out her chest.

But halfway through, for some unknown reason, her movements suddenly froze, and her voice trailed off.

With a hint of resentment and grievance: "...Yes, compared to Lu Xueqi of Xiaozhu Peak, maybe...maybe I'm not as old as her."

Zhang Xiaofan couldn't help but almost burst out laughing.

This girl is actually secretly comparing her figure with Lu Xueqi?

Lu Xueqi's figure... well, it really is a bit unreasonable.

"Alright, stop competing."

He patted her on the shoulder, his voice softening, "Let's wait a few more years."

"Wait for what?" Tian Ling'er asked, her eyes shining as she looked at him.

"When you're a little older."

Zhang Xiaofan looked at her, his eyes serious.

"When you think it through more clearly, you'll realize what you really want."

Tian Ling'er looked back at him, her eyes filled with complex emotions.

After a long pause, she nodded gently, her voice soft yet unusually firm: "Okay. I'll wait for you."

She said "I'll wait for you," not "I'll think about it some more."

Zhang Xiaofan understood the difference.

He didn't say anything more, turned around and walked to the edge of the green pool.

Squat down and gently press your palms onto the cool water.

"Listen." His voice wasn't loud, even somewhat flat, but each word was like a stone hitting water, clear and deep.

That's enough for today.

If you ever dare to touch anyone near me again, I'll skin you alive and pull out your tendons.

Drain your blood to soak in wine, dismember your bones to feed rhubarb.

Beneath the calm surface of the water, a series of tiny bubbles silently rose to the surface.

At the deepest part of the pool, those enormous, bronze bell-shaped eyes that had just closed...

He suddenly opened his eyes again, staring intently at the reflection on the water's surface.

Boundless rage, indelible humiliation, and deep-seated murderous intent churned wildly deep within his pupils.

But it never moved again.

Dao Xuan Zhenren's words still echoed in its consciousness—it could no longer touch those it had protected.

A mythical beast that has lived for thousands of years, it might not be good at anything else.

But it understands the importance of assessing the situation better than anyone else.

If we can't beat Dao Xuan today, then we'll just have to endure it for now.

Wait for the opportunity, wait for the right moment, wait until this ridiculously arrogant kid is alone.

It doesn't believe that day will never come.

The water unicorn slowly closed its eyes, its massive body diving deeper into the pool.

All anger and resentment were temporarily submerged in the cold darkness.

Zhang Xiaofan stood up and casually patted his hands to remove non-existent water stains.

He turned around and saw Tian Ling'er still standing in the same spot.

Her eyes were fixed on him, shining brightly as if stars had fallen into them.

"I'm leaving," he said.

The two walked side by side, retracing their steps.

The moonlight stretched their shadows long, casting them onto the bluestone path, sometimes intersecting, sometimes overlapping, and sometimes separating.

In the distance, the continuous mountain shadows of Tongtian Peak stand silently, their sharp peaks piercing the deep blue night sky.

After tonight, some things will be different.

When they returned to the small courtyard where the disciples of Dazhu Peak were temporarily staying, a faint gray-white tinge had already appeared on the horizon.

Song Daren's snoring was still deafening, emanating from the side room.

In the crisp, clear air of dawn, it seemed particularly "lively".

The other senior students were probably exhausted too, and were all fast asleep.

Zhang Xiaofan quietly pushed open the door and stepped aside to let Tian Ling'er go in first.

Tian Ling'er paused at the threshold and glanced back at him.

Moonlight shimmered in her eyes, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated.

In the end, she simply said very softly and quickly, "Xiao Fan, thank you."

Then, like a startled rabbit, he quickly slipped into the room where the female disciple lived next door, and the door closed softly with a "click".

Zhang Xiaofan stood at the door, looking at the tightly closed door.

After a long pause, he shook his head, but a slight smile involuntarily curved his lips.

He turned and went into the male disciples' room, lying back on his bunk fully clothed.

I closed my eyes, but my mind was in turmoil.

The water unicorn's eyes held a mixture of rage and apprehension.

Dao Xuan Zhenren's seemingly casual yet unfathomably profound palm strike.

The somber and profound glance that Master Cangsong gave as he departed.

And then there's Tian Ling'er looking up, her face trembling with anticipation and her final resolve.

These images, intertwined, kept him wide awake.

He knew that he had seemingly managed to get away with tonight's events through his acting skills.

But in reality, it's like a stone thrown into a calm lake; ripples are spreading unseen.

Has Dao Xuan become suspicious? What is Cang Song plotting? What changes will the Water Qilin's hatred bring?

More importantly, it's about Tian Ling'er's feelings.

He could no longer simply avoid the issue by using the "senior brother and senior sister" relationship as he had before.

The sky outside the window gradually changed from dark gray to a pale white.

The first rays of dawn struggled to pierce through the clouds and landed on the windowpane.

A new day has begun, accompanied by unsolved mysteries and changed relationships.

Zhang Xiaofan took a deep breath and then slowly exhaled.

The road ahead is long, and the play must continue, but at least for now, he is not alone.

Inside the side room, Song Daren's snoring started at that very moment.

It turned into a strange humming sound, and then gradually faded away.

The last vestiges of darkness before dawn quietly faded away.