Chapter 721
Striving to Pass the Trial
"What's the reasoning?" Blood Moon asked, puzzled.
"Power is not for ruling and killing, but for protecting what is important," Zheng Yi's avatar said. "You have ruled the demon race for hundreds of years, but have you truly protected anything?"
The blood moon fell silent.
Blood Moon pondered for a long time, and finally sighed:
"Since we've lost, I have nothing more to say. How do you intend to punish me?"
"Go back," Zheng Yi said unexpectedly. "Take your people back to the demon realm and govern your territory well."
"You...you want to spare me?" Blood Moon exclaimed incredulously.
"I've said it before, your death means nothing to me," Zheng Yi's avatar said calmly. "But remember, this is the last time. If you ever again invade the human race, I will show no mercy."
“I…I understand.” The remnant soul of the Blood Moon flickered a few times, then slowly said, “I will remember this favor.”
After saying that, the remnant soul of Blood Moon transformed into a streak of blood-red light and flew away into the distance.
The battle was over, and the human alliance erupted in thunderous cheers.
But Zhang Yunfan fell into deep thought.
By observing this battle, he not only gained a new understanding of cultivation, but more importantly, he began to understand his master's good intentions.
"Master deliberately delayed the battle so that we could grow through observation," Zhang Yunfan realized. "This is the true way of education."
Not only Zhang Yunfan, but all the human cultivators present gained a great deal from this battle.
They witnessed the true strength of Nascent Soul stage experts and realized the gap between themselves and top experts.
More importantly, their mindset was tempered and elevated when they faced life-or-death crises.
"The true significance of this battle lies not in defeating the Demon King," Zheng Tianhao remarked, "but in the growth we all experienced."
Zheng Yi looked down at the cheering crowd below, a look of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.
"Yunfan," Zheng Yi, in his avatar, said to Zhang Yunfan, "What are your takeaways from this battle?"
"This disciple has understood a great deal," Zhang Yunfan replied respectfully, "not only in terms of cultivation, but more importantly, in the principles of being a good person."
"Oh? Tell me about it."
"The responsibility of the strong is not to conquer and rule, but to protect and pass on their legacy," Zhang Yunfan said earnestly. "Master, today you not only defeated the Demon King, but more importantly, you taught us a valuable lesson."
"Very good." Zheng Yi nodded in satisfaction. "To have such insights shows that you have indeed grown."
"Remember what you have learned today; it will be a valuable asset on your path of cultivation."
"I will remember Master's teachings!" Zhang Yunfan said solemnly.
The next day.
The Zheng family mansion was still immersed in the joy of victory.
Representatives from various factions came to offer their congratulations, making the Zheng family's residence bustling with activity and a scene of prosperity. However, behind this lively atmosphere, Zhang Yunfan keenly sensed something unusual.
In the past few days, the aura of Master Zheng Yi's incarnation seems to be gradually weakening, and even his voice has become somewhat ethereal.
"Master, what's wrong?" Zhang Yunfan asked with concern in his mind.
"Yunfan, my avatar's energy is about to run out," Zheng Yi's avatar's voice betrayed a hint of weariness. "The battle with the Blood Moon was too taxing; I'm afraid my avatar won't last much longer."
"What?" Zhang Yunfan was shocked. "Master, are you alright?"
"Don't worry, it's just an avatar that dissipated; the real body is unharmed," Zheng Yi reassured him. "Besides, it's time for you to go out and train on your own."
"Training alone?" Zhang Yunfan was somewhat reluctant.
He had benefited greatly from his master's guidance during this time. He would inevitably feel uneasy if his master's incarnation disappeared.
"Yunfan, the path of cultivation is inherently lonely," Zheng Yi's avatar said earnestly. "You cannot rely on your master's guidance forever; you must learn to stand on your own."
“This disciple understands,” Zhang Yunfan hesitated, “but…”
"What's this?"
"I'm just worried that without Master's guidance, I might go astray in my cultivation," Zhang Yunfan said truthfully.
“This kind of worry is normal,” Zheng Yi’s avatar smiled. “But you must believe in your abilities. And although Master can no longer appear in avatar form, the real body can still guide you at crucial moments.”
Hearing his master say this, Zhang Yunfan felt somewhat relieved.
"Master, you said you wanted me to go on a solo training trip, but where exactly are we going?" Zhang Yunfan asked.
"The Western Desert." Zheng Yi, in his avatar, slowly uttered the name of the place.
"The Western Desert?" Zhang Yunfan was startled.
The Western Wilderness Desert is one of the most dangerous places in the cultivation world. It is said that not only is the environment harsh, but countless powerful demonic beasts also dwell there, and even Golden Core cultivators dare not easily set foot there.
“Master, it’s too dangerous there,” Zhang Yunfan said worriedly.
"Danger?" Zheng Yi asked rhetorically, "Yunfan, what do you consider to be true danger?"
"This disciple does not understand Master's meaning."
"The real danger isn't external threats, but inner comfort," Zheng Yi said. "If you always stay in a safe environment, you'll never truly grow."
"Although the Western Wilderness Desert is dangerous, it is also the best place to hone a cultivator's will and strength. There, you will face unprecedented challenges and gain unprecedented growth."
Hearing his master's words, Zhang Yunfan's worries were gradually replaced by determination.
“Master is right, disciple is willing to go to the Western Wilderness Desert for training!” Zhang Yunfan said firmly.
"Very good." Zheng Yi nodded with satisfaction. "However, before you set off, your master has something to give you."
As he spoke, Zheng Yi transformed and pointed, sending a beam of light flying towards Zhang Yunfan.
Zhang Yunfan reached out and caught it, discovering it was an antique jade pendant.
"What is this?" Zhang Yunfan asked in confusion.
"This is a communication jade pendant crafted by Master," Zheng Yi's avatar explained. "Although this avatar is about to dissipate, Master can still communicate with you at crucial moments through this jade pendant."
"Thank you, Master!" Zhang Yunfan excitedly accepted the jade pendant.
"And this too." Zheng Yi, in his avatar, produced another ancient book. "This is a travelogue of the Western Wilderness, recording information about the terrain, climate, and distribution of monsters in the Western Wilderness desert. It will be helpful for your training."
Zhang Yunfan respectfully accepted the ancient book, flipped through a few pages, and found that the contents were extremely detailed, clearly precious information that could only be recorded after a long period of field research.
"Finally, here are some pills and talismans your master has prepared for you." Zheng Yi, in his avatar, took out a storage bag. "In the Western Wilderness Desert, these things might just save your life."
Zhang Yunfan accepted all the gifts from his master, his heart filled with gratitude.
“Master, you have considered everything so thoroughly for your disciple; I truly don’t know how to repay you.” “Repay?” Zheng Yi’s avatar chuckled, “The best way to repay your master is for you to go further on the path of cultivation.”
Just then, Zheng Yi's transformed form began to become transparent.
"Master!" Zhang Yunfan called out urgently.
"Don't worry, this is just an avatar dissipating," Zheng Yi's avatar comforted him. "Remember your master's words: in the Western Wilderness Desert, you must not only hone your strength but also your character. Only by cultivating both inner and outer strength can you become a true powerhouse."
"I will remember Master's teachings!" Zhang Yunfan said solemnly.
"Go, Yunfan. I believe you will find your own path in the Western Wilderness Desert." Zheng Yi's avatar's voice grew weaker and weaker, and its form became increasingly transparent.
"Master, please take care!" Zhang Yunfan bowed deeply.
As a gentle breeze blew by, Zheng Yi's avatar completely vanished, as if it had never existed.
Standing in the empty training room, Zhang Yunfan felt both disappointed and expectant.
What is disappointing is that I will never see my master again, but what I look forward to is the upcoming Western Wilderness training.
"Master, your disciple will definitely not let you down!" Zhang Yunfan gripped the Void-Breaking Sword tightly, his eyes flashing with determination.
That night, Zhang Yunfan found Zheng Tianhao and explained his decision to go to the Western Wilderness Desert for training.
"What? You're going to the Western Desert?" Zheng Tianhao exclaimed in shock. "Yunfan, it's too dangerous there, with your current cultivation level..."
“Clan leader, this is Master’s arrangement,” Zhang Yunfan said. “And I feel I really need more rigorous training.”
Zheng Tianhao pondered for a moment, then finally nodded:
"Since it was the Ancestor's arrangement, there must be a reason for it. But Yunfan, remember, safety comes first. If you encounter a danger you can't handle, retreat immediately."
"Don't worry, Clan Chief, I will be careful," Zhang Yunfan assured him.
“By the way, since you’re going to the Western Desert, I’ll arrange some attendants for you,” Zheng Tianhao suggested.
"No need, Clan Chief," Zhang Yunfan shook his head. "Master said I must go on this training trip alone. Bringing followers will only hinder the effectiveness of the training."
"Going alone?" Zheng Tianhao was even more worried. "Yunfan, it's far too dangerous for you to be alone in the Western Desert."
"Clan leader, please trust your disciple," Zhang Yunfan said sincerely. "Your disciple will not do anything without certainty."
Seeing Zhang Yunfan's determined gaze, Zheng Tianhao finally relented:
"Alright, since you've made up your mind, I won't stop you. But you must promise me that you'll send a message back every month to let me know you're safe."
“Yes, clan chief,” Zhang Yunfan replied.
"And here, this is for you." Zheng Tianhao took out a token. "This is a token of the Zheng family. If you encounter difficulties outside, you can seek help from other forces."
"Thank you, clan chief." Zhang Yunfan accepted the token.
The next morning, Zhang Yunfan began preparing to set off.
After learning the news, Wei Siling insisted on going with him.
"Master, please let Siling accompany you," Wei Siling pleaded. "Siling can take care of your daily needs and help you with some chores."
“Siling, I must go on this training mission alone,” Zhang Yunfan said gently. “Besides, the Western Wilderness Desert is too dangerous; I can’t let you take the risk.”
“But Master…” Wei Siling still wanted to argue.
“No buts.” Zhang Yunfan interrupted her. “Siling, you stay at the Zheng family and cultivate diligently. When I return, I hope to see a stronger you.”
“Master.” Wei Siling nodded, tears welling in her eyes. “Siling understands.”
"Good girl." Zhang Yunfan patted Wei Siling on the shoulder. "Take good care of the rest of the Zheng family for me."
“Siling definitely will!” Wei Siling said firmly.
After bidding farewell to Wei Siling and the Zheng family, Zhang Yunfan embarked on his journey to the Western Wilderness Desert.
The Western Wilderness Desert is located at the westernmost edge of the cultivation world, tens of thousands of miles away from the Zheng family's territory. Even with Zhang Yunfan's current cultivation level, it would take him more than ten days to reach it at full speed.
Along the way, Zhang Yunfan passed through countless mountains and rivers, witnessing the magnificent scenery of the cultivation world.
But as they got closer to the western desert, the surrounding environment became increasingly desolate.
The original green hills and clear waters gradually disappeared, replaced by barren land and sparse vegetation.
By the eighth day, Zhang Yunfan could already see the yellow sand on the distant horizon.
"We're almost there." Zhang Yunfan felt both excited and nervous.
Just then, the jade pendant that transmitted sound in his consciousness suddenly emitted a faint light.
"Master?" Zhang Yunfan hurriedly communicated with the jade pendant using his divine sense.
"Yunfan, you've reached the edge of the Western Desert, haven't you?" Zheng Yi's voice came from the jade pendant.
“Yes, Master. Your disciple will reach the depths of the desert in just one more day,” Zhang Yunfan replied respectfully.
"Very good." Zheng Yi's voice was filled with satisfaction. "Yunfan, before you enter the desert, your master wants to remind you of a few things."
"This disciple is all ears."
"First of all, the Western Wilderness Desert contains many ancient ruins, which contain precious treasures and cultivation techniques. However, there are also deadly traps and seals, so never venture in rashly."
"This disciple understands."
"Secondly, the monsters in the desert are all very powerful, and most of them live in packs. If you encounter a group of monsters, remember not to linger in battle; survival is the priority."
"Yes, Master."
"Finally, and most importantly," Zheng Yi's voice turned serious, "deep within the Western Wilderness Desert lies a structure called the 'Heart Refining Tower.' It's a trial ground left behind by powerful figures throughout history. If you can pass the trial, you will gain immense benefits."
"The Heart-Refining Tower?" Zhang Yunfan asked curiously. "Master, what kind of trial is that?"
“Even Master doesn’t know the specifics of the trials, because everyone faces different ones,” Zheng Yi said. “But what is certain is that it tests not only strength, but more importantly, one’s character.”
"Mental state?"
"That's right. The trials of the Heart-Refining Tower will force you to confront your deepest fears and desires. Only those who truly understand and conquer themselves can pass the trials."
Hearing his master's words, Zhang Yunfan felt both expectant and apprehensive.
"Master, your disciple will definitely strive to pass the trial!"
“Master believes in you,” Zheng Yi’s voice was full of confidence. “But remember, passing the trial is good, but if you really can’t pass it, don’t force yourself. Preserving your life is more important than anything else.”
"This disciple understands." (End of Chapter)