Volume One: The Turbulence of the Small Town Chapter 57: Parting 1

At this moment, Zhang Heng stood atop a lofty mountain peak. From his vantage point, he could clearly see all that transpired nearby. There was a palpable sense of surveying all the lesser mountains from above. No wonder cultivators favored climbing to greater heights—the higher one stood, the farther one could see.

He let out a long sigh and spoke slowly, “I, Zhang Heng, am neither some benevolent sage nor a bloodthirsty villain. So this time, System, forgive me, but I cannot do as you ask.”

The system had originally arranged for Zhang Heng to orchestrate the deaths of most who entered the Dragon Burial Abyss. Though Zhang Heng did not know why the system demanded this, the mere thought of slaughtering hundreds of thousands was far too bloody to contemplate.

These people were not heinous wrongdoers. Perhaps those who had besieged the Zhang family that day had merely come to watch the spectacle.

Moreover, Zhang Heng was from the modern world, understanding the value of life, and he bore no personal grudges against them. Naturally, he was unwilling to kill.

Lying contentedly on the ground, Zhang Heng munched on some strange spiritual fruit, the origin of which he could not recall, pondering his future course.

Once the spatial turbulence of the Dragon Burial Abyss subsided, Qian Muyun and Murong Qingxue would most likely return to Linglong Sanctuary. Dugu Bai and Yan Xueqing would probably continue to roam the martial world, upholding justice. All cultivators would go their separate ways, each returning to their own.

But Zhang Heng himself had no idea what to do next.

There was no returning to Liunan City. He had already made a clean break with everyone; to go back now would be an embarrassment.

Remaining here in the Dragon Burial Abyss seemed a good idea. He had no fear of spatial turbulence and could hunt for treasures and cultivate at his leisure. Upon achieving invincibility, he could re-enter the mortal world at his pleasure—how satisfying that would be!

However, Zhang Heng was someone who relished excitement and company. To have him cultivate for years in the deep wilderness would likely see him wither away from loneliness before mastering anything.

“System, do you have any plans for me?”

“Ding. This system has already charted the optimal route for the host. When the time comes, you need only follow the path I have arranged.”

“Well then, that’s settled. Since the system has a plan, I’ll just follow it.”

Relaxed, Zhang Heng lay back. He decided to leave things be for now, to sleep first and talk later. Once Dugu Bai and Yan Xueqing had had their fill of adventure, he would seek them out to say his farewells. That would suffice.

As for the conflicts among cultivators, or between cultivators and spirit beasts within the Dragon Burial Abyss, none of it concerned Zhang Heng. The struggle for opportunity, the snatching of heavenly treasures—such matters happened constantly and were fated trials each had to endure. To rise above others, one must first endure what ordinary people could not. Zhang Heng could not interfere in the affairs of others.

Beneath a concealed cliff somewhere in the Dragon Burial Abyss, Dugu Bai led Yan Xueqing out from within. Both wore gloomy expressions, their spirits low, as if they had not found what they sought.

“Master, what should we do?” Yan Xueqing asked helplessly.

Dugu Bai sliced through the void with a wave, instantly opening a passage, and said, “Come, let me take you to find Zhang Heng.”

At the mention of Zhang Heng, Yan Xueqing brightened. “That’s right! We couldn’t find it, but Zhang Heng is so familiar with the Dragon Burial Abyss—he must know where that item can be found.”

Atop the mountain, Zhang Heng suddenly sat up with a sigh.

“Alas, all feasts must come to an end. It’s time to part ways.”

Stretching lazily, Zhang Heng began walking in the direction of Dugu Bai and Yan Xueqing.

Before long, the three finally met.

At the sight of Zhang Heng, Yan Xueqing was overjoyed. She flew to him, knelt on the ground, and pleaded earnestly, “Zhang Heng, you know the Dragon Burial Abyss so well—you must know where to find Yinming Grass. Please, take me to it, I beg you!”

Dugu Bai, seeing this, stepped aside with his sword, leaving the space to the two of them.

Zhang Heng looked at the pitiable young woman before him, filled with sympathy, but nonetheless asked calmly, “Miss Yan, Yinming Grass is an object of extreme cold and malevolence. To carry it is to have one’s vital essence and lifespan drained. What do you seek it for?”

Yan Xueqing, her voice tinged with tears, replied, “My father is gravely ill and no one can cure him. I chanced upon an ancient text stating that Yinming Grass can ease his pain. So my master and I journeyed south, coming to the Dragon Burial Abyss in search of it.”

In truth, with the system’s guidance, Zhang Heng already knew the purpose of their journey. He also knew that Yinming Grass could not save Yan Xueqing’s father.

Though he felt sorry for her, he could only reply helplessly, “Miss Yan, Yinming Grass has no healing properties. If you give it to your father, it will only hasten his decline.”

On hearing this, Yan Xueqing pleaded bitterly, “Zhang Heng, you are learned and resourceful. Surely you know a way to save my father. Please, tell me—no matter the price, I am willing to pay it.”

Zhang Heng gazed at Yan Xueqing and spoke softly, “Miss Yan, do you trust me?”

He had spoken these same words before, just prior to entering the spatial turbulence. The turbulence that all cultivators on the continent feared, they had emerged from unharmed.

So Yan Xueqing replied instinctively, “I trust you.”

“Good. Miss Yan, though I cannot save your father now, give me three years’ time. Within three years, I will come to you—and I will surely find a way to save your father.”

Yan Xueqing’s father’s injuries were dire, beyond the abilities of any alchemist in the world. Zhang Heng knew nothing of healing now and could not help. But he had an omniscient system. In three years, he would have grown to an astonishing level—by then, there would surely be a way.

Looking at Zhang Heng, tears welled in Yan Xueqing’s eyes. She chose to believe him. Though Zhang Heng often acted carefree and childish, she knew that he was shrouded in mystery, and things others found impossible became effortless for him.

If he said he would have a way within three years, then he surely would.

Zhang Heng helped Yan Xueqing to her feet, jesting, “Miss Yan, you are clever and talented—one day, you will shock the entire world of cultivation. As for me, I have neither talent nor special constitution and can only practice the basic path of body refinement. In the future, I’ll have to rely on you for many things.”

At this, Yan Xueqing’s tears turned to laughter, delighted at the prospect of helping Zhang Heng. A seed of determination to cultivate and grow strong as soon as possible took root in her heart.

Zhang Heng walked past Yan Xueqing toward Dugu Bai. He still held the senior’s life-bound weapon, after all, and it was only right to return it.

Bowing deeply in Dugu Bai’s direction, Zhang Heng extended his left hand and said, “Senior Dugu, this junior was foolish and forgot to return your Heart-Guard Sword, nearly causing you to perish under the tribulation of Heaven’s Thunder. I deserve punishment—please, do as you see fit.”

But Dugu Bai showed no anger, replying calmly, “You rascal, don’t play these games with me. Get up.”

Zhang Heng rose, preparing to return the Heart-Guard Sword, but Dugu Bai refused.

He laughed, “Young Zhang Heng, I have already achieved a body capable of withstanding tribulation. There are few in this world who can harm me now. I have no further need of the Heart-Guard Sword—take it and use it for now. When you have grown, you can return it to me then.”