Chapter 3: Ancient Treasures

Upon closer inspection, the surface of the painting appears to ripple with wave-like patterns, where stars flicker in and out of visibility within the ripples, resembling the eyes of wolves opening and closing in a pitch-black wilderness. Unintentionally, it reveals a trace of a wild and untamed aura, which evokes a sense of dread and astonishment.

Following closely behind Zhuo Hao, he entered the interior of the Hall of Inheritance. The style inside was vastly different from what he had seen and heard within the sect. The four walls were all gray stone, spacious and open, with no furniture such as tables or benches, showcasing a primitive and ancient aesthetic

Treasure of Heritage? Ancient Marvels? Zhang Fan's gaze suddenly ignited with fervor as he looked at the scroll

As the sound entered his ears, a wave of warmth akin to spring surged forth, passing through Zhang Fan's body, and that breath, which made him unable to contain himself, instantly vanished without a trace

With a gentle breath, one feels a warm sensation enveloping the entire body, and the spirit suddenly feels invigorated, as if having indulged in a deep slumber in a cozy bed during a winter's day

Fortunately, he was not kept waiting for long. In just a few breaths, Zhang Fan noticed the old gentleman suddenly straighten his back, his chest rising high, appearing even more ethereal.

This title is somewhat difficult to handle! According to the rules of the cultivation world, the accomplished are regarded as teachers. Given that Zhang Fan does not even have the cultivation level of the Qi Refinement stage, it is only natural for him to call someone "Shishu" (uncle master). Based on his great-grandfather's lineage, he should inevitably address him as "Shizuzu" (great-uncle master). Originally, it wouldn't matter what he called him, but today Zhang Fan is here to pay his respects and become a disciple. Everything is going smoothly, and he is now a junior to Zhuo Hao, so calling him "Shixiong" (senior brother) would also be considered auspicious.

Ah! Fan'er’s spiritual awareness is indeed impressive

As the flames surrounding him were completely extinguished, the man who called himself Zhuo Hao bowed respectfully and said in a loud voice

"Like, really like." The middle-aged man appeared somewhat dazed.

Zhang Fan pressed his lips together, casting a regretful glance at the crowd, and could only obediently return to stand behind the old gentleman.

One hundred years ago, there was also a young man who, with great trepidation, entered the mountain gate here: "Disciple Han Hao, paying respects to the Master and the Senior Brother."

Once the shield was removed, Zhang Fan immediately sensed the difference in this place

The grand formation opened wide, the sound of a great bell invited all, and the jade path guided them forward. Everyone could not help but feel a sense of solemnity as they stepped onto the jade path in an orderly manner. Even the few proud scions of noble families consciously descended and proceeded on foot.

It is still midsummer at this time. Although a heavy rain has just fallen, the subtle heat in the air cannot be concealed. Yet standing here, one feels warm but not hot, moist but not damp, which brings an unexpected sense of refreshment

Seeing the old man mumble, Zhuo Hao couldn't help but chuckle softly and said, "Just call me Brother Zhuo."

After speaking, Zhuo Hao took out a conical magical artifact from his storage bag, tossed it into the air, and it immediately transformed into a size of about ten feet. Faintly, one could still hear the roar of a fierce tiger.

Zhang Fan obediently walked closer upon hearing this, allowing his hand to rest on his head

Zhang Fan smiled knowingly, and his attitude towards Tu Shuozhuo was quite cordial. It seems that the grandmaster had given prior instructions, and this elder, whom he had never met, indeed cherished old sentiments, just as his grandfather had said

Zhang Fan was suddenly shaken all over, a tremor from the depths of his soul pulled him out of an unknown state, his body was covered in goosebumps, and he began to tremble uncontrollably.

Ah! The old gentleman immediately woke up, looking at the smiling and silent Zhuo Hao, he awkwardly said: "It's been a long time since I last came here, this... has changed a lot!"

In just a fleeting glimpse during high-speed flight, he discovered several rare and precious spiritual herbs that are seldom seen in the market. These herbs, in the ubiquitous medicinal gardens, seemed to be planted in clusters, much like white radishes.

Without needing to say anything, it was clear that the dramatic moment had arrived. Zhang Fan raised his eyes and saw a sudden flash of red light appear in the distance. Before the sound of it breaking through the air could be heard, the red light arced through the sky like a rainbow and landed before the grandfather and grandson.

Zhang Fan, coming to his senses, exclaimed in admiration, finally gaining a profound understanding of what constitutes a major sect

At this moment, Zhuo Hao was standing respectfully behind the middle-aged man, completely devoid of the imposing aura that had swept through the sect, nor did he exhibit the ease he had shown in front of the two of them. Instead, he appeared very proper, cautious, and did not dare to overstep the boundaries.

Zhuo Shishu? Zhang Fan was taken aback. Could it be that the imposing man before him was actually a Foundation Establishment stage cultivator? However, upon further reflection, it became clear. Just based on Zhuo Hao's imposing presence when he made his entrance, as well as his ability to soar using only his own magical power without relying on external objects, it was evident that he had reached the Foundation Establishment stage.

With Zhuohao's astonishing speed, it took him a full tea time to finally come to a stop in front of a grand hall

Seeing the old man making gestures beside him, Zhang Fan quickly understood. He stepped forward and bowed, saying: "I, Zhang Fan, pay my respects to my grandmaster's uncle."

"Zhuo Shidi, please do not be overly polite, lest you frighten the child. According to custom, I should address you as Zhuo Shishu, but my father’s relationship with your master is not ordinary, so I will shamelessly call you Shidi instead," the old gentleman said, looking at Zhuo Hao with a sense of emotion.

What a rich aura! The old man closed his eyes tightly, expressing his intoxication with a sigh.

Brother Zhang, the Master is waiting in the Hall of Inheritance. Let us set off at once

"Yes, I am Zhang Fan, and I have met Brother Zhuo." Zhang Fan quickly stepped forward to pay his respects, glancing at the old gentleman, who was smiling and clearly very pleased.

As I gazed at the grand avenue before me, the scene that had seemed somewhat noisy just moments ago suddenly fell silent

Haha, from now on, we will all be one family. If anyone bullies you, just mention the name of the senior brother.

"Brother Zhang, I presume this is Fan Er?" Zhuo Hao asked with a smile

"Ahem." Zhang Fan cleared his throat.

This is the treasured legacy of our Faxiang School, an ancient marvel, the Chart of the Celestial Bodies.

What is hard to accept is that, from the scattered layout of the medicinal garden, it is evident that this is merely a place where the cultivators grow spiritual herbs themselves, and it cannot possibly be a large-scale medicinal garden of the sect

"Yes, yes, Fan'er, come over to meet you, Zhuo..." The old man suddenly fell silent

What left him utterly speechless was the medicinal garden scattered along the way like countless stars. It would be one thing if he were a complete novice, but after years of studying countless jade slips and having a certain understanding of the cultivation world, he was now so shocked that he could not utter a word.

Regarding the old gentleman's indiscretion, Zhang Fan truly resonates with my feelings, as I believe that even if one cannot gain entry, the experience of broadening one's horizons is worth the price of admission.

Han Hao's gaze grew increasingly gentle as he waved to Zhang Fan, saying: "Child, come here and let me see your aptitude"

The protective shield enveloping the entire magical artifact safeguards it, eliminating the need to endure a belly full of wind. Coupled with a speed exceeding ten times, it moves with the smoothness of walking on level ground. In comparison to the Foundation Establishment stage and the Qi Refinement stage, it is indeed one in the heavens and the other in the underworld

Although Zhang Fan had some suspicions, he still honestly shook his head

How can one not say that people are compared to each other in their demise, just as goods are compared when discarded! Standing on Zhuohao's magical instrument and reflecting on the recent experiences, Zhang Fan suddenly felt a sense of unbearable nostalgia for the past

As the pervasive red light receded, a robust figure of a strong man emerged.

After speaking, Han Hao walked with his hands behind his back to the front of the painting and said: "Fan'er, do you know what this is?"

In comparison, those exquisitely beautiful pavilions and towers, along with the rare and exotic birds and beasts that are hard to find in the outside world, pale in significance.

With Zhang Fan the Second's temperament, he couldn't help but feel excited, turning his head to glance at the old man. However, the old man showed no sign of movement, merely adopting a posture of unwavering composure, complemented by his head full of white hair, which indeed gave him the air of a wise and enlightened figure

The old gentleman quickly stepped aside, not daring to accept his courtesy. Zhang Fan naturally followed suit, closely trailing behind him.

"Zhang Xiaodi, this is the fundamental reason why my Dharma Image Sect stands firm in the realm of immortality—the Hall of Inheritance. Master is waiting for you inside," Zhuo Hao said while leading the way and introducing Zhang Fan.

Moments later, Han Hao withdrew his palm, his brow first furrowing and then quickly relaxing. Observing Zhang Fan's anxious demeanor, he couldn't help but chuckle softly: "There is no need to worry. You possess a dual affinity for Fire and Wood, which classifies you as a mixed spiritual root. While such aptitude may not be considered exceptional, as long as you are willing to put in the effort, establishing a foundation is not difficult, and advancing further is certainly not out of the question"

... ...

Zhang Fan let out a breath and looked towards the source of the sound, where a refined middle-aged man appeared before him

On the wall opposite, there hangs a canvas filled with stars. In fact, it is unclear whether it is truly hanging there, as this painting occupies the entire wall, exuding a natural harmony that makes one feel it was destined to be in that position, without the slightest sense of incongruity

Zhuo Hao, under the command of the master, has come to welcome Senior Brother Zhang