Starting Cultivation During a Trip

"Old Ge, when you’re working under the Rat, you must be extremely cautious of him." Zhang Fan’s voice echoed again, carrying a note of solemnity and warning.

"You mean..." Ge Shuangxiu frowned slightly, revealing a deep and meaningful expression.

"This time, not only is he assessing me, but he’s also testing Chen Dragon..." Zhang Fan said solemnly.

The information about Chen Dragon’s visit to Qin Ancient Town was leaked by the Rat. Perhaps everything was within his calculations, including Zhang Fan’s identity, Zhang Fan’s reactions...

Even the actions of the Daoist Sect and Beizhang were all part of that rat’s calculations.

What he wanted to measure wasn’t just Zhang Fan; more importantly, it was the depth of Chen Dragon’s capabilities.

He used Zhang Fan, the Daoist Alliance, and Beizhang to gauge the heights of Chen Dragon’s strength.

Everything happening in Qin Ancient Town seemed like a game, an experiment in the rat’s eyes.

Three Celestial Masters have died, yet he still hides in the shadows, silently observing everything.

It’s no exaggeration to say that while the Rat didn’t directly participate in this matter from beginning to end, his shadow seemed to linger throughout.

"If that’s the case..." Ge Shuangxiu said solemnly.

"That rat is dangerous, extremely dangerous!" Zhang Fan said in a serious tone.

At this moment, he had already decided to give up any cooperation with the Rat. Having an ally hidden in the shadows made him feel very insecure.

"Then I can step in..." Ge Shuangxiu said resolutely.

If given a choice, he would definitely stand on Zhang Fan’s side.

"There’s no need for now. If you step in now, it would be like tearing the facade. This person is a variable; maybe there will be opportunities for cooperation in the future. For now, let’s not act." Zhang Fan said in a grave tone.

The Thirteen Zodiacs are indeed a force to be reckoned with.

However, this force can only be truly effective when in the hands of Human Xiao, providing peace of mind.

"Renewal is the law of nature."

At this moment, Zhang Fan couldn’t help but think of Qin Ergou, who was currently learning at Zhongnan Mountain.

"We’re here."

The car stopped at the entrance of the Zhu Lake Grand Hotel, and the two got out, just in time to run into Fang Changle and his group.

"Zhang Fan..."

Li Miaoyin quickly walked up, holding Zhang Fan’s hand and looking him over.

"Are you alright!?"

"I’m fine, don’t worry!"

Zhang Fan patted Li Miaoyin’s hand. These two simple words instantly eased Li Miaoyin’s worried heart.

"Ahem...ahem..."

Ge Shuangxiu coughed, and only then did Li Miaoyin notice him.

"What’s going on? Did you know last night..."

At this moment, Fang Changle came up. As soon as they arrived at Qin Ancient Town, they received news from Maoshan.

Fang Changle only then realized the magnitude of the events in Qin Ancient Town last night.

Three Celestial Masters perished, the young members of the Qiu and Ge families died here, not to mention the other casualties, which are difficult to quantify.

This incident was akin to tearing the sky apart. Even if Maoshan wanted to stay out of it, it would be difficult.

"I know, but it has nothing to do with me." Zhang Fan spread his hands.

In all honesty, the deaths of the three Celestial Masters truly had nothing to do with him. Such beings couldn’t be taken down by just anyone.

"Of course, I know it has nothing to do with you." Fang Changle rolled his eyes. If Zhang Fan had the ability to do that, half of his enemies would be gone.

But the problem was, he happened to be nearby when the three Celestial Masters died.

"Why does trouble follow you wherever you go?" Fang Changle muttered.

"You didn’t jinx the three Celestial Masters to death, did you!"

"Don’t talk nonsense; it was just a coincidence." Zhang Fan rolled his eyes.

"Did you come alone?"

"Senior Brother Yu Hua has already gone to see the Jiangnan Province Daoist Alliance." Fang Changle said solemnly.

Since Jiangnan Province is Maoshan’s territory, after such a major incident, it would be suspicious if Maoshan didn’t make an appearance.

Moreover, the mess in Qin Ancient Town can’t be handled by the Jiangnan Province Daoist Alliance alone.

"By the way, I brought someone with me."

As he spoke, Fang Changle stepped aside, and a figure emerged from behind him.

"Zhang Wang!?" Zhang Fan’s eyes brightened, showing a hint of surprise.

When he last saw his young brother at the Qin Family, he had been worried about him; who would have thought they would meet here today.

"What are you doing here?" Zhang Fan asked.

"It really is just a coincidence." Zhang Wang replied with a smile.

"Let me introduce you, this is Zhang Wang, also...considered a member of the Daoist Sect." Zhang Fan said, looking at Ge Shuangxiu.

Remembering Zhang Wang’s Wild Fox Zen way of cultivation, Zhang Fan added, "He’s quite talented in fortune-telling."

Just considering divination, Zhang Wang did show some aptitude. He had once foretold that the Qin family’s fate was over and even mentioned that if the Qin family were to rise again, the key would lie with the child named Qin Daoyuan.

The latter prediction couldn’t be verified yet, but the former had already come true.

"It’s just superficial skills." Zhang Wang smiled and said.

"If Zhang Fan praises it, it can’t be just superficial." Ge Shuangxiu casually remarked, "Why don’t you tell his fortune."

As he spoke, Ge Shuangxiu gestured toward Zhang Fan.

"Hmm!?"

Zhang Fan was taken aback, having only wanted to exchange pleasantries; he hadn’t expected Ge Shuangxiu to actually test Zhang Wang.

"Let’s talk inside." Zhang Fan didn’t mind.

"Red light shines three feet in the sky, black clouds threatening life to break!" Zhang Wang suddenly said.

"What do you mean?" Ge Shuangxiu asked.

"The tribulations of this world are interconnected, entwined with fate. Surviving a tribulation leads to fortune, and when fortune reaches its peak, a major life-threatening calamity occurs."

Zhang Wang whispered, "I see Brother Fan has just overcome a major tribulation, and he is currently experiencing a period of great fortune and prosperity..."

"But often, the period of greatest fortune is also the most perilous moment in one’s life..."

"The red light will eventually fade, and the black clouds will have their day of arrival." Zhang Wang looked at Zhang Fan, advising.

"Be cautious! Be cautious!"

"Haha, this brother’s skills can earn him a living." Ge Shuangxiu laughed.

Such vague words could apply to anyone, creating mystery without real substance.

Zhang Wang just responded with a smile, saying nothing more.

"Let’s not talk about the future. Zhang Wang, how do you see Old Zhang’s past?" Fang Changle quickly interjected to ease the tension.

Zhang Wang’s gaze sharpened slightly, looking Zhang Fan up and down, then said, "In his early years, there were many changes in the family, wandering in foreign lands, with no parents to rely on, no siblings in his fate..."

"This..."

These are typical phrases used in fortune-telling, matching the fate of many people.

In his early years, there were indeed many changes; ten years ago, at the foot of Dragon Tiger Mountain, Zhang Fan’s family suffered devastation, a change larger than any other.

From then on, Zhang Fan lost his mother and stayed with Zhang Lingzong in Yujing City. Zhang Lingzong often being away matched "no parents to rely on".

But this "no siblings in his fate"...

"I do have a brother." Zhang Fan said quietly.

"Brother!?"

Li Miaoyin glanced over, gaining a bit more understanding of Zhang Fan’s family background.

Zhang Wang, hearing this, looked at Zhang Fan and then shook his head.

"It’s not wrong; you have no brother in your fate."

"I really have a brother." Zhang Fan said with a wry smile.

"Alright, it’s been a long time since we last met. Let’s enjoy the reunion and talk inside." Fang Changle interrupted their conversation and led everyone into the hotel.

They wouldn’t stay long in this place.

"Old Fang, let’s leave as soon as possible. This town has become a place of trouble."

"Obviously, I know, but we have to wait for Senior Brother Yu Hua to return and find out the situation." Fang Changle whispered.

"Zhang Fan!"

At this moment, Zhang Wang’s voice called out from behind, addressing him.

"What is it?" Zhang Fan stopped walking, turning to ask.

"Where is your brother now?" Zhang Wang inquired.

"Hmm!?" Zhang Fan was taken aback.

"I want to meet him!" Zhang Wang’s lips curled into a subtle, ambiguous smile.