Starting Cultivation During a Trip

"The older generation’s plan was to cultivate a master who perfected the Three Corpses Illuminating Fate technique to become the Master of the Wuwei Sect, just like the Three Corpses Daoist in the past," Chen Dragon whispered softly.

"Unfortunately, those who have mastered the Three Corpses Illuminating Fate are exceedingly rare; only three have done so throughout history. This technique seizes the creation of heaven and attracts celestial abhorrence; it is far from easy to achieve," Chen Dragon shook his head.

And so, the plan of the Southern Zhang Lineage was shelved; the elders passed away one by one, leaving with regret, perishing in the mortal world. None of them managed to return to Dragon Tiger Mountain before their end.

"Talents emerge in every generation, and each leads for a few hundred years..." Chen Dragon gazed at the distant Pearl Lake, watched the tides rise and fall, and sighed softly.

"I thought such a plan would never come to fruition again, until a genius appeared among the second-generation disciples of the Southern Zhang. He emerged out of nowhere, giving everyone hope."

At this point, Chen Dragon’s gaze darkened slightly as he looked at Zhang Fan.

Zhang Fan’s heart raced, as if he guessed something.

"His name was Zhang Tian Sheng!"

The Divine Oracle, Zhang Tian Sheng!

"Second Uncle was intelligent and unconventional in his youth, dismissive of rules, traveling far and wide, making numerous acquaintances..." Chen Dragon said solemnly.

"About sixty years ago, during the Jiazi Demon-Vanquishing event, Chu Chaoran dominated the world, defeating the then top martial artist at the pinnacle of Tai Mountain, achieving the invincible fame of Pure Yang Zhenren."

"At that time, the world was in turmoil, and Second Uncle formed a blood pact with a group of like-minded individuals. They gathered over drinks, forming an organization independent from the Daoist Sect and the Wuwei Sect, a mysterious organization..."

Zhang Fan’s brow twitched. Hearing this, it was no longer unclear what it was.

"The Coffin Lifting Association!?"

"The initial goal of this organization was to uncover the secrets of the Eight Techniques and find the legendary Ninth Method that had never appeared," Chen Dragon said gravely.

"The Ninth Method!?" Zhang Fan’s eyes narrowed.

He knew that the legendary Ninth Method was extremely mysterious and had never appeared in the world.

Some said it was the true Immortal Technique, not meant for mortal eyes.

Initially, the Coffin Lifting Association had only nine members, its founding members. With their increasingly frequent activities, it became a powerful force, attracting many external members.

Among them were disciples from the Daoist Sect, members of the Wuwei Sect, and even individuals from the Pure Yang Family and the Mountain and Sea Desperate Realm.

This group explored famous mountains and great rivers, digging up countless ancient tombs and seeking hints of the Nine Techniques in many Daoist relics.

"After years of effort, Second Uncle finally compiled the Coffin Lifter’s Manual, which recorded the secrets of the Eight Techniques, the essentials of the Nine Treasures, and even clues about the legendary Ninth Method."

Light shone in Chen Dragon’s eyes, filled with deep longing.

Seeing this, Zhang Fan couldn’t help but feel moved and blurted out.

"Did you return this time for the Coffin Lifter’s Manual?"

Chen Dragon glanced sideways at Zhang Fan but neither confirmed nor denied.

"Because of Second Uncle, our Southern Zhang Lineage saw hope and restarted that plan..."

"If successful, the Three Corpses Illuminating Fate will become the sect master, eradicating centuries-old grudges between the Wuwei Sect and the Daoist Sect, unifying the world, with all sects submitting..."

"It will be a new era, belonging to my Dragon Tiger Zhang Family..."

Chen Dragon’s voice was calm and serene, but a bright light shone in his eyes, contrasting sharply with the vast darkness of the night.

"Unfortunately, while unification was achieved, people’s hearts were divided and shattered... No one wanted to see such an outcome."

It was much like when Qin unified the six states, everyone spat on Qin with rage, believing that although Chu had only three households left, Qin’s downfall was inevitable by Chu.

"Was the Southern Zhang struck by this tribulation?!" Zhang Fan asked solemnly.

"The true enemy always comes from within. The Northern Zhang Lineage is the real sin of the Zhang Family; they colluded with the White Crane Temple, slaughtering countless bloodlines of our Southern Zhang Lineage."

Chen Dragon’s voice was icy cold, even more chilling than the vast lake waters.

"Back then, your father and I were buried in a pile of corpses, barely alive, when someone pulled us out..."

"That person once benefited from Second Uncle’s kindness. His name was Lou Hechuan." Recollection filled Chen Dragon’s eyes.

He was only thirteen years old at the time.

"After that day, the Southern Zhang Lineage was eradicated. We were rootless, wandering the Jianghu, facing bloodshed and storms. I followed your father ever since..."

"Originally, he had the chance to inherit the legacy of the Southern Zhang, and master the Three Corpses Illuminating Fate..."

"It was because of that hope that I regarded him as a brother, as a father, as..." Chen Dragon paused slightly, a slight ripple finally stirring in his calm gaze.

"It was the wish of so many, a path paved with countless lives... He should have stepped on the bones of the Southern Zhang disciples and ascended to the highest position, step by step..."

"But he... for that vile woman Li Linglong, he was willing to abandon everything, even disregarding the deep-seated blood feud of the Southern Zhang Lineage..."

At this point, Chen Dragon looked at Zhang Fan, his eyes filled with endless hatred, a hatred etched deep within his bones.

"Tell me... did those brothers and sisters of the Southern Zhang die in vain? Who will repay for so many lives?"

Chen Dragon’s voice grew sharp and piercing.

"Therefore, Li Linglong must die, and your dad... must die too."

"Forgetfulness signifies betrayal!"

As the words fell, Zhang Fan remained silent. He could not judge who was right or wrong; perhaps it was not about right or wrong, but the different aspirations and choices of each individual.

"My dad... he could not master the Three Corpses Illuminating Fate!" Zhang Fan finally spoke.

"Of course, he couldn’t."

Chen Dragon sneered, "Do you know what he told me back then when I wanted him to inherit the legacy of the Southern Zhang and cultivate the Three Corpses Illuminating Fate?"

"What?"

"Chang’e should regret stealing the immortal elixir, with a longing heart under the azure sea and blue skies," Chen Dragon’s voice was cold, a mocking smile hidden in the icy laughter.

"He wasn’t like this before; everything changed after Li Linglong appeared, after you were born."

"He regarded the Three Corpses Illuminating Fate as a taboo!"

"Practicing it brings misfortune... practicing it brings misfortune..."

Chen Dragon sneered, looking at Zhang Fan, "Do you know why I spared you in the Hundred Thousand Mountains?"

"It was certainly not because of that old elephant, nor because of your dad. If I wanted to kill, there would be no taboos, no one could stop me..."

"Then why?" Zhang Fan asked solemnly.

"Because your surname is also Zhang, and more importantly, because you have cultivated the Three Corpses Illuminating Fate..."

Upon hearing this, Qiu Buyi’s face changed drastically. His heart raced, suddenly realizing that the Three Corpses Inheritor Ge Changfeng and Qiu Wanmian encountered in Yujing City was none other than Zhang Fan!!

"Zhang Fan, you have the potential to fulfill the ancestors’ wishes. If you want, I can elevate you to power, what Daoist Sect, what Wuwei, what Northern Zhang..."

"Those who follow me shall live; those who oppose me shall die!" A peculiar light shone in Chen Dragon’s eyes.

Zhang Fan was stunned. He didn’t expect that the enemy responsible for his family’s demise would extend an olive branch at this moment.

"I refuse." Zhang Fan shook his head.

Such a decision required no thought; putting aside grievances, he fundamentally did not trust Chen Dragon. Moreover, he believed that with Zhang Lingzong’s temperament and cultivation, he wouldn’t abandon everything for mere romantic sentiments, choosing a so-called reclusive life. There must be deeper reasons behind it.

Perhaps Chen Dragon knew about this reason, but did not articulate it clearly.

"Is that so?"

Chen Dragon didn’t seem surprised by Zhang Fan’s answer, her face returning to its usual indifference and composure.

"You and your father are really alike, even making the same choices."

At this point, Chen Dragon’s gaze towards Zhang Fan suddenly turned cold, as if a Divine Sword sipped and radiated sharpness.

Zhang Fan’s face changed drastically, his figure involuntarily trembling.

"Today, I still won’t kill you... Sooner or later, your dad will make a move against you too."

With these words, Zhang Fan’s expression changed slightly, frowning, "What do you mean?"

"He is your greatest tribulation."

Facing the question, a mocking smile appeared on Chen Dragon’s beautiful face again. Then she turned around, looking in a direction.

"Watch closely."

"Watch what?" Zhang Fan asked.

"Just see to whose world this region belongs today!"

After speaking, Chen Dragon lifted Qiu Buyi, leaping into the air like a startled dragon emerging from the deep, like a Divine Demon entering the mortal world, vanishing into the vast night.

Zhang Fan’s face changed drastically, hurriedly following.

"What is she going to do?" Questioned Ge Shuangxiu while closely pursuing, unable to restrain himself.

"Kill someone!" Zhang Fan responded gravely, uttering two words.