Generally speaking, those with mysterious identities who lived in seclusion in this world were, nine times out of ten, peerless masters who had transcended the mortal realm.
If one could receive their guidance or assistance, perhaps one could avoid decades of twists and hardships on life's road.
With that in mind, Shen Fan left the Scripture Pavilion without hesitation, found a secluded place with few people around, and carefully took out a jar of fine wine he had meticulously selected at the marketplace from his storage pouch.
This wine was the "knocking brick" he had prepared for that mysterious old man.
Shen Fan then returned to the Scripture Pavilion, deliberately slowed his pace, and strolled leisurely past the old man.
Sure enough, the rich aroma of wine instantly caught the old man's attention.
The old man abruptly opened his eyes, a sharp gleam flashing within them as his blazing gaze fixed directly on the wine jar in Shen Fan's hands.
"Hey, hey, hey, lad, where did you buy that wine?"
The old man eagerly stopped Shen Fan and asked impatiently.
"Senior, would you like a taste?"
A triumphant smile curled across Shen Fan's lips as he secretly rejoiced.
"Um..."
The old man rubbed his hands awkwardly and said somewhat sheepishly, "That wouldn't be appropriate, would it?"
"Please, Senior, enjoy it. I've got plenty more!"
Shen Fan readily handed over the wine jar.
The old man took it, lifted the lid, and began guzzling it down. He looked utterly carefree, as though he had cast all the troubles in the world behind him.
After three rounds of wine, Shen Fan felt the time was right and cautiously asked:
"Senior, this disciple has just entered the Outer Sect and wishes to choose a second-tier spell to cultivate. Is there perhaps a spell here that is incomplete, yet immensely powerful, and classified as first or second tier?"
"Gulp gulp gulp!!"
The old man only cared about drinking and turned a deaf ear to Shen Fan's words.
Just then, a mocking voice sounded from nearby:
"Another fool who thinks that old undying bastard is some reclusive master. He even dreams of getting some profound spell with a single jar of wine. Does he really think this is some fantasy novel?"
"That old bastard has been lying here, scamming who knows how many Outer Sect Disciples!" another person chimed in.
Shen Fan froze slightly at those words, then turned to look at the old man.
"What are you looking at? You gave me the wine willingly. It wasn't like I asked you for it!"
The old man rose to his feet in a sloppy manner and spoke with an utterly indifferent expression.
Just then, an Outer Sect Disciple walked out of the Scripture Pavilion and cursed at the old man, "Scram, scram, scram! Lie on my chair again and I'll beat you to death, you old undying bastard!"
"You aren't the caretaker of the Scripture Pavilion?"
Shen Fan's eyes widened as he asked, his face full of shock and disappointment.
The old man hopped away in leaps and bounds, still muttering, "You really took me for some reclusive master?"
"Fuck me!" Shen Fan was completely speechless, his heart a tangled mess of emotions.
This absurd farce made Shen Fan lose all face.
When he returned to the Scripture Pavilion, he gave it deep consideration before ultimately choosing a second-tier Fire Serpent Art.
Since he planned to continue cultivating discreetly in the Waste Elixir Chamber, a fire-attribute spell was undoubtedly his first choice.
Moreover, Shen Fan had a bold idea in mind. If he could realize it, the power of this spell would greatly increase.
With that thought, Shen Fan immediately exchanged for the spellbook and found an empty spot within the Scripture Pavilion to begin cultivating.
This Fire Serpent Art was one of the finest among fire-attribute spells. Once cultivated to great mastery, it could summon a fire dragon to attack enemies. Its power was far beyond that Flame Serpent Art, which could only light fires.
"Earth's lungs melt a thousand ravines, cloud vortices breed crimson radiance—fire spirits turn into horned manes, sear the eyes! Fangs! Lock down the eight wildernesses!"
Shen Fan silently recited the Fire Dragon Incantation, stomped his right foot fiercely against the ground to draw forth earthfire, and pulled his palms apart as though drawing a bow.
The next instant, a five-zhang-long flaming dragon tore through space, its scales flying as blue-violet poisonous smoke billowed from it.
"Roar—!"
The dragon roared as it charged toward the cliff face.
"Boom—!"
The might of a second-tier spell was indeed terrifying. The tremendous commotion immediately drew the attention of every disciple in the Scripture Pavilion.
"Sorry, sorry, I just obtained a spell and couldn't help practicing it!"
Shen Fan repeatedly cupped his fists in apology, then prepared to leave.
Just then, enforcement disciples clad in distinctive black robes rushed over.
"What are you doing? Don't you know spells aren't to be cast freely within the sect?" an enforcement disciple shouted sternly.
"Sorry, Senior Brothers. This disciple has only just joined the Outer Sect, learned a spell, and couldn't resist testing it here. I definitely won't dare do it again!" Shen Fan hurriedly explained.
But they did not listen to his explanation at all.
"Hand over your disciple token. Since this is your first offense, you'll receive a minor infraction warning!" the enforcement disciple said coldly.
Shen Fan had no choice but to take out his disciple token and hand it over.
"If there's a next time, it won't be a warning. Your contribution points will be deducted, and you'll receive a major infraction!"
The enforcement disciple warned him viciously.
"Yes, yes, yes!"
Shen Fan accepted the disciple token with both hands and nodded repeatedly.
Only then did the enforcement disciples leave.
Seeing this, Shen Fan could not help secretly wiping away a cold sweat.
Yet he also felt deeply reassured by the sect's strict rules.
This way, they could indirectly protect him as well.
After leaving the Scripture Pavilion and passing through Dao Inquiry Plaza again, all the disciples had already dispersed.
As Shen Fan returned to the Waste Elixir Chamber by a side path, several figures in azure robes suddenly blocked his way.
The instant Shen Fan saw them, he gathered his breath, ready to activate the Blood Spirit Qi at any moment. At the same time, he flipped his left hand, and a Fire Poison Demon Core fell into his palm, ready for him to crush and absorb its fire poison at any time.
His preparations were completed in one fluid motion, as smooth as drifting clouds and flowing water.
"Who goes there?"
Shen Fan warily scanned his surroundings and immediately retreated several steps to put distance between himself and them.
"Junior Brother, you truly have the memory of a nobleman. Have you already forgotten even me?"
As he spoke, Li Qingshan emerged while fanning himself.
"It's you!"
The moment Shen Fan saw him, his eyes nearly split with rage.
This was the man who had beaten him half to death and taken Lu Qingzhu away.
But on second thought, Shen Fan had already let it go.
That was simply Lu Qingzhu's nature. Without Li Qingshan, there would have been a Zhang Qingshan or a Zhu Qingshan.
As for the beating, if not for him, Shen Fan would never have discovered the Treasure Gathering Universe Bowl.
So, in a roundabout way, he ought to thank this brat.
But... that kick had kept him bedridden for three days. He could not endure that grudge!
"What do you want?" Shen Fan asked coldly.
"What do I want? I want to fuck you!" Li Qingshan snarled.
As soon as his words fell, the Outer Sect Disciples on both sides rushed forward in a swarm.
Shen Fan looked around and retreated repeatedly, wary of what might happen.
But then he thought again: since these people dared attack here, it meant this place was absolutely safe.
With that thought, Shen Fan immediately activated the Blood Spirit Qi within his dantian.
In an instant, two streams of Blood Spirit Qi emerged from his dantian and shot through his spiritual meridians like meteors streaking across the sky, igniting his blood and qi like flames wherever they passed.
Surging strength instantly swept through his entire body.
"Boom—!"
Shen Fan bent slightly at the waist and suddenly exerted force beneath his feet.
The bluestone beneath him was blasted apart on the spot by that tremendous strength.
Shen Fan pounced like a ferocious tiger, thrusting out both claws as he darted between two Outer Sect Disciples.
"Dragon Grasp—Mountain Shattering!"
"Crack—!"
Shen Fan directly seized the left and right hands of the two Outer Sect Disciples and viciously tore them off.
"Pfft—!"
Blood sprayed forth.
"Ahhh!!!"
Miserable screams rose one after another as the two Outer Sect Disciples clutched their severed arms and collapsed to the ground, shrieking.
That bloody scene instantly made Li Qingshan's eyes nearly split with rage.
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