The Return of Stars to the Jianghu

Chapter 205 Gathering at the Xuantian Tower Square, Each Going Their Own Way

In the Cloud and Mist Mountains of the Eastern Continent of Xuantian, several figures slowly emerged from a secluded courtyard of the Xuantian Sect, each heading towards their temporary residence within the sect.

Moonlight, like water, spilled into the courtyard, shimmering silver on the tree branches. Su An stood alone in the courtyard, the moonlight illuminating her resolute and beautiful face. Behind her, she carried a massive Xuan Tian sword. The sword was ancient and heavy, its blade engraved with intricate runes, radiating a ghostly light as if containing boundless power. Despite its enormous size, the sword moved with extraordinary agility in Su An's hands; she wielded it with ease, the sword moving as she pleased, displaying astonishing swordsmanship talent.

Since joining the Xuantian Sect, Su An seems to have found her own world. She skillfully combines modern knowledge with the path of cultivation, not only making rapid progress in her cultivation but also repeatedly achieving extraordinary feats within the sect. Kind-hearted and always ready to help others, she consistently steps forward in crucial moments to protect her fellow disciples from danger. Her swordsmanship talent and benevolent nature have earned her immense prestige within the sect.

That enormous Xuan Tian Sword became her symbol, witnessing her growth and glory on her path of cultivation. Whenever she wielded this sword, all the disciples of the sect were captivated by her swordsmanship and full of praise.

Yet, as she practiced her swordplay in the courtyard, her mind was in turmoil. She deeply missed her family on Earth, but the Xuan Tian Sect had become her second home. However, her familiar master, senior brothers, and sisters had all ascended the Heavenly Ladder to another world. Her presence in the Xuan Tian Sect seemed to have lost its meaning.

Holding the Xuan Tian Sword, Su An recalled the teachings and care of her master and fellow disciples, as well as the moments she shared within the sect. Those beautiful times seemed to be right before her eyes, vivid and clear. She took a deep breath, sheathed her sword, turned, and stepped into the house, her heart still filled with confusion and contemplation about the future.

……

Instead of returning to his residence as planned, Luo Yifei went directly to the courtyard where Shen Lixi was. He was filled with various speculations about Tang Xiao's death and the massacre of the Qingluan Valley, hoping to have an in-depth discussion with Shen Lixi.

However, when he arrived at the courtyard, he found Shen Lixi busy preparing the barbecue grill and seemed to have no intention of responding to his question.

"Barbecue? You still have some in stock?" Luo Yifei asked curiously, somewhat surprised by Shen Lixi's actions.

"There's a little left, not much," Shen Lixi replied briefly, her tone revealing a hint of indifference.

"Well, you really never forget to enjoy life," Luo Yifei couldn't help but admire Shen Lixi's attitude towards life.

"In fact, rogue cultivators understand the value of life more than ordinary people, and enjoying life while they can is the wise thing to do. Most rogue cultivators in the martial world will immediately use any gains they make to buy elixirs to improve their strength, or to enjoy themselves to the fullest and spend them as soon as possible," Shen Lixi said calmly, clearly having her own insights into this lifestyle.

“Indeed, everyone has a different understanding of the path to immortality.” Luo Yifei nodded in agreement.

"What's wrong? You were the one who kept saying you wanted to go back to Earth, but now you don't want to go back? Do you want Su An and me to go with you to Wuji Island to investigate?" Shen Lixi placed the meat on the grill, her tone slightly teasing.

“I’ve had that thought, but I can’t force you to take the risk for me. It’s just out of curiosity; there’s no need to risk your lives for it,” Luo Yifei replied, a hint of helplessness in his voice.

At this moment, the Wind and Fire Wheels suddenly burst forth with dazzling light, interrupting their conversation. Luo Yifei and Shen Lixi immediately stopped what they were doing and turned their gazes to the radiant Wind and Fire Wheels.

The next moment, the two stepped into the Divine Consciousness Illusion, where a vast and boundless starry sky came into view, and Ye Fan was standing in front of them.

"Luo Yifei, I won't show you the story from ten thousand years ago anymore. After all, the grudges of the previous generation shouldn't be passed on to the next." Ye Fan turned his gaze to Shen Lixi and continued, "You might be wondering if you have something special about you that allows you to obtain some kind of opportunity? However, that's not the case. I can indeed offer a few cultivation techniques as payment, but these techniques are essentially no different from those you have. If you hadn't met me, someone else would have. The outcome would have been similar. This isn't fatalism, but rather my effort to shed my role as a pawn, while you remain completely unaware of being one."

Luo Yifei frowned, a hint of confusion on his face. He asked in bewilderment, "You just mentioned that you are a pawn. What exactly does that mean? Could you explain it in detail?"

Ye Fan sighed softly, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes, and slowly said, "There are some things that you shouldn't know right now. When the time is right, I will naturally tell you everything. For now, I only hope that you can take me back to Earth, where the key to rebuilding my physical body lies."

Shen Lixi was silent for a moment, then said, "Ye Fan, since you've chosen to cooperate with us, you should be honest with us. Otherwise, why should we trust you, and why should we help you?"

Ye Fan smiled slightly, seemingly unconcerned about Shen Lixi's doubts: "You have no choice but to trust me. However, I can assure you that as long as you help me complete the physical reconstruction, I will never treat you unfairly. In addition, I may be able to provide some valuable information about the conflict on Wuji Island. But are you sure you really want to know? Sometimes, knowing too much is not a good thing."

Hearing this, Luo Yifei and Shen Lixi exchanged a glance, a hint of hesitation and determination flashing in each other's eyes. Luo Yifei took a deep breath and continued, "Five years ago, when we were on the Floating Life Continent, we were attacked by a group of men in black, one of whom was Tang Xiao. Were those who attacked us from the Tang Clan or the Wuji Clan?"

Ye Fan pondered for a moment before replying, "Men in black? In this Silver Sea Starfield, there aren't many sects that like to wear black for assassinations. I've encountered a few. Besides the Boundless Sect, only the Illusion Pavilion can muster the manpower to do so on the Floating Life Continent. I can help you check the Heavenly Network, but it will cost points. I can only ask one question for you. Are you sure this is the question?"

Luo Yifei shook his head: "No. Let's save the points for when we need them more."

"I do have a question for you," Shen Lixi said.

"What do you mean?" Ye Fan replied.

"What kind of entity is Skynet? Is it used by only you, or by many others?" Shen Lixi asked.

“You are smarter than you look. Skynet is a super artificial intelligence system, and many cultivators in the Ziwei Star Region use it,” Ye Fan answered truthfully.

......

The next morning, as the sun began to shine, Elder Wanshun was already standing in the plaza in front of the Xuantian Tower, waiting for the group to arrive. Luo Yifei, Shen Lixi, Nantian, Qi Yuan, Lin Feifan, and many inner disciples of the Xuantian Sect also arrived at the plaza one after another. However, Su An was nowhere to be seen among the crowd.

"Why hasn't Su An arrived yet?" Luo Yifei couldn't help but ask, a hint of anxiety in his voice.

“Su An came to see me early this morning,” Elder Wan Shun replied slowly. “I have decided to let her cultivate in seclusion within the sect to improve her cultivation. Therefore, she will not participate in the exploration mission of Wuji Island for the time being, nor will she go to the Floating Life Continent for training. After all, she has already spent enough time training outside the sect, while the time she spends cultivating within the sect is very limited.”

As soon as Elder Wanshun finished speaking, the two elders beside him also spoke in succession. They were respectively in charge of the exploration mission on Wuji Island and the training arrangements on Fusheng Continent.

“Luo Yifei, you don’t need to worry about Su An,” one of the elders comforted her. “She is cultivating in seclusion within the sect to improve herself. Moreover, the sect has richer cultivation resources, which will greatly benefit her growth.”

“Yes, Su An is a smart child. She knows which path she should take.” Another elder chimed in, “You must be careful on your trip to Wuji Island. The situation on Wuji Island is complex and ever-changing, so you need to be extra cautious.”

"Any of you who want to return to the Floating Life Continent can go with Elder Qingsong. Those who wish to join the Xuantian Sect can stay in the sect for training, or go with Elder Ziyun to Wuji Island to carry out an exploration mission," Elder Wanshun said to the group.