Chapter 20: A Blessing in Disguise

Jiang Fan hummed a light tune, walking with a spirited and buoyant gait. The three things he had accomplished today were each deeply satisfying, effectively purging the stifling oppression and gloom that Old Devil Xu had burdened him with. His mood was excellent; under the cover of night, he felt that life was brimming with meaning and hope.

"That’s strange. Why hasn't the name of Deacon Chen, who runs the Wind and Moon Pavilion, been recorded in the *Great Dao Heavenly Book*? Could it be that he harbors no murderous intent toward me? Or is the book limited to recording only three enemies at a time?" Jiang Fan mused, lost in thought. "I suppose I should wait and see. Perhaps Deacon Chen has a very mild temperament, or perhaps he hasn't yet discovered that I was the one who set fire to his pavilion..."

Without dwelling on it further, Jiang Fan returned quickly to his quarters on Mount Jianshen.

"I must redouble my efforts and practice the *Green Wood Longevity Technique* with everything I have. I hope to break through to the third level soon. Only then will I have a chance to contend with Old Devil Xu." Jiang Fan took a deep breath, his eyes filled with determination.

Since he could transfer his fatigue away, he had no need for rest. Even though it was already late, he could continue to cultivate tirelessly. As the *Green Wood Longevity Technique* cycled through his meridians, the spiritual energy of heaven and earth on Mount Jianshen flowed continuously into his body, tempering his flesh and causing the pale green vortex in his dantian to grow increasingly robust.

Before he knew it, the night had slipped away, and the pale green vortex within his dantian had expanded by another circle.

"Last night, I transferred all my exhaustion to Deacon Ling. I wonder if the impact was severe? But given his post-celestial strength, it shouldn't be much of a problem..." Thinking this, Jiang Fan went dutifully to the plaza beneath Old Devil Xu’s residence. After happily consuming the meal prepared by the Wild Wolf Gang, he began another day of cultivation.

Just then, Old Devil Xu walked toward the youths and children practicing on the plaza with a dark expression. When he reached Jiang Fan, he spoke in a low voice:

"Jiang Fan, where were you yesterday?"

"Reporting to Master, this disciple went to Nanping Street yesterday. I took the opportunity to pay a visit to the three deacons, though it is a pity I did not get to see Deacon Chen." Jiang Fan kept his expression steady, though inwardly, he sensed trouble.

It was as he feared: the news of his actions yesterday had already reached Old Devil Xu’s ears. However, because Jiang Fan was currently his direct disciple, the Wild Wolf Gang could not simply come and seize him.

"A visit? How is it that I heard you went to wreck their establishments? And that you smashed up three separate properties belonging to the Wild Wolf Gang? You even burned down the entire stock of 'Carefree Powder' at the Wind and Rain Pavilion?" Old Devil Xu asked coldly, his demeanor menacing.

"Reporting to Master, I truly intended to visit the three deacons, but they were difficult and obstructive in every way. Deacon Chen of the Wind and Moon Pavilion would not even show his face. These subordinates were simply too bullying. Even after I invoked your name, Master, they showed no respect at all. They insulted me, and worse, they showed no regard for you, Master... I could endure the insults to myself, but your reputation is held in the highest esteem in my heart. I could not allow them to utter a single word that disparaged your name, so... so I had no choice but to take action!" Jiang Fan spoke with fervent conviction, his eyes devoid of guilt, appearing utterly righteous.

Old Devil Xu pondered for a moment, his face growing increasingly grim. He said coldly, "When I helped the leader of the Wild Wolf Gang conquer these lands, I certainly earned my keep! Without me, the Wild Wolf Gang would have been wiped out over a decade ago! Yet, over these years, these people have grown increasingly dismissive of me and my disciples!"

Jiang Fan listened quietly, not daring to interrupt. He could hear the simmering resentment in the old man's words. Of course, the grievances between Old Devil Xu and the Wild Wolf Gang were not for him to question. As long as there was a rift between them, it worked in his favor.

"The Wild Wolf Gang... they are truly pushing their luck! You are my disciple, my only direct disciple at that. You carried my token to visit those petty deacons, and instead of treating you well, they dared to obstruct you? They have absolutely no respect for me!" Old Devil Xu then looked at Jiang Fan with a smile. "Good disciple, you did well! In the future, whenever you have time, go visit Ping’an Street more often. I want to see just what those three little deacons can do to you."

"Thank you, Master! I will certainly keep your instructions in mind! I shall go to Nanping Street often to 'visit' those three deacons," Jiang Fan replied respectfully, emphasizing the word 'visit' with heavy intent.

"Good, good, good! You are indeed clever; you understood my intent so quickly!" Old Devil Xu reached into his waist and pulled out a small jade bottle. "These three precious pills are a reward for upholding your master's dignity. Keep up the good work. As long as you continue to win face for me, there will be even greater rewards!"

"Thank you for your generosity, Master! This disciple will not let you down." Jiang Fan received the pills with joy, his eyes gleaming with excitement.

"Each of these pills is worth at least ten blood-essence pills. Once you refine them, your cultivation should make significant progress, and you should quickly break through to the second level of the *Green Wood Longevity Technique*," Old Devil Xu said. "Once you reach the second level, come see me again, and I shall reward you further."

"Thank you, Master!" Jiang Fan bowed respectfully.

"Oh, and I shall now teach you a spell. This animal-skin scroll contains the method. Once you reach the second level of Qi Refining, you may begin to practice it. Once you have mastered this, no deacon of the Wild Wolf Gang will be able to touch you, and I won't have to worry about you being bullied on Nanping Street anymore! My disciples are not for just any stray dog to harass!" As he spoke, Old Devil Xu retrieved a piece of animal skin from his waist, handed it to Jiang Fan, and cautioned, "Remember, this technique must not be shared with anyone, or I will show no mercy."

"Yes, Master!" Jiang Fan nodded heavily, his heart racing with excitement.

It seemed Old Devil Xu was unaware that he had already broken through to the second level of Qi Refining, which was a stroke of luck. He hadn't expected this to turn into a blessing in disguise; not only had he gained precious pills, but he had also acquired a spell.

After giving his instructions, Old Devil Xu departed. However, he did not return to his quarters; instead, with a look of murderous intent, he headed straight for the headquarters of the Wild Wolf Gang.