From a loser to an immortal sage

Chapter 132 The One Who Breaks the Impasse Reveals a Glimmer of Hope

The aged voice, like the soft song of a nightingale, soothed the unease churning in my heart. I looked in the direction of the sound and saw a figure slowly emerge from the shadows. In the dim light, I couldn't see his face clearly, only vaguely discern that he wore a simple gray robe and had a hunched figure, like a candle flame flickering in the wind.

"You are..." I asked tentatively.

The old man smiled slightly, his voice calm and warm: "Child, you can just call me Qingxuzi. I know you have many doubts and worries. I've come to help you."

Qingxuzi…that name…I feel like I’ve heard it somewhere before. I racked my brain, and suddenly, a flash of insight struck me! Qingxuzi! Wasn’t that the reclusive immortal sect elder who had gone into seclusion a hundred years ago, no longer concerning himself with worldly affairs? How…how could he be here?

"You...you are Senior Qingxuzi?" I asked in surprise, my voice trembling slightly.

The old man nodded and looked at me kindly: "Child, you don't need to be surprised. Although I have been in seclusion for many years, I am not completely ignorant of what is happening in the outside world. I know about your recent predicament and I know what you are thinking. You want to resolve the conflict between the immortal sects and you want to find the truth of the matter. I know all of this."

A spark of hope ignited within me. Senior Qingxuzi was a highly respected figure, possessing immense prestige within the immortal sects. If he could intervene, perhaps… he truly could break the current stalemate!

"Senior, are you willing to help me?" I asked excitedly.

Qingxuzi smiled slightly: "Child, I am not only willing to help you, but I will also tell you how to truly solve the problem."

I took a deep breath, trying to calm my excited heart. Senior Qingxuzi told me that he lived in the forbidden area behind the mountain, which was surrounded by a powerful barrier that ordinary people could not approach. But he gave me a jade pendant, which would allow me to enter the forbidden area.

I thanked Senior Qingxuzi and immediately set off for the forbidden area in the back mountain. Along the way, I could sense people talking about me behind my back; most of their words were sarcastic and disdainful. I knew Elder Xuanfeng was spreading rumors and slandering me again. But I didn't care, because I knew I had found the true solution.

As Senior Qingxuzi had said, the forbidden area in the back mountain was indeed surrounded by layers of restrictions. I took out my jade pendant and gently touched the restrictions. A flash of light appeared, and the restrictions automatically opened a passage. I took a deep breath and stepped into the passage.

The passage was pitch black; you couldn't see your hand in front of your face. I walked forward cautiously, my heart filled with trepidation. After walking for what seemed like an eternity, a glimmer of light suddenly appeared ahead. I quickened my pace and headed towards the light.

Finally, I emerged from the passage. A serene and tranquil valley appeared before me. In the center of the valley stood a simple wooden house, surrounded by a dense bamboo forest.

"You're here." A familiar voice sounded.

I turned around and saw Senior Qingxuzi standing behind me with a gentle smile on his face.

"Senior..." I was about to speak when suddenly, a gust of cold wind swept in, and a dark figure descended from the sky...

The shadowy figure was incredibly fast; before I could even react, I was blasted away by a powerful force, crashing heavily to the ground and spitting out a mouthful of blood. Seeing this, Senior Brother Lin immediately stepped in front of me, wielding his sword to block the shadowy figure's attack.

"Senior Brother Lin, your injuries haven't healed yet!" I struggled to stand up, but found myself completely powerless.

Senior Brother Lin was pale, but he gritted his teeth and did not back down at all: "Xiao Yao, go find Senior Qingxuzi, leave this to me."

I knew that Senior Brother Lin was fighting despite his injuries to protect me. I couldn't let him down, nor could I disappoint Senior Qingxuzi. I endured the pain, got up, and ran towards the wooden house.

"Trying to leave? Not so easy!" The dark figure let out a chilling laugh and attacked me again.

At the critical moment, Senior Qingxuzi appeared before me. He gently waved his sleeve, and a powerful force repelled the shadow.

"Qingxuzi, you actually intend to interfere in this matter?" The dark figure steadied himself, his tone filled with resentment.

Senior Qingxuzi glanced at him indifferently: "Right and wrong will be judged fairly. What you have done is intolerable to Heaven."

The shadowy figure sneered: "Justice? In this dog-eat-dog world, only strength is truth!"

Having said that, the shadowy figure launched another attack, engaging Senior Qingxuzi in fierce combat. I was extremely anxious, yet powerless to help. Senior Brother Lin also arrived and joined the battle.

I hid behind the wooden hut, watching the fierce battle between the three of them, my heart filled with worry. Elder Mingyue, though harboring a sliver of hope for my actions, was also concerned that Senior Qingxuzi wouldn't easily intervene in sect affairs, given his long-standing neutrality. If even Senior Qingxuzi couldn't resolve this matter, then the immortal sect would truly be plunged into utter ruin.

Senior Brother Lin's injuries had not yet fully healed, and now he was fighting a powerful enemy, putting him in a precarious situation. He was nearly struck by the shadowy figure several times, and I watched with bated breath, but could only silently pray that he would be alright.

Just then, Senior Brother Lin suddenly let out a muffled groan, staggered, and almost fell. I knew that his old injury must have flared up again.

"Senior Brother Lin!" I couldn't help but call out.

When Senior Brother Lin heard my voice, he forced a smile and said, "I'm fine, you don't need to worry."

My worries deepened, but I also knew that now was not the time to concern myself with him. I had to find Senior Qingxuzi as soon as possible and have him mediate the matter.

Taking advantage of a lull in the fighting, I sneaked into the wooden hut. Inside, the furnishings were simple, with only a bed, a table, and a few chairs. On the table, I found a book with the words "Secret History of the Immortal Sect" written on it.

A thought struck me, and I picked up the book to begin reading. The book recorded the history of the immortal sects over several centuries, including several recent major events. I read it carefully, hoping to find some clues.

Suddenly, I came across a record about Senior Qingxuzi. The book said that Senior Qingxuzi was once the most outstanding disciple in the immortal sect, but for some reason, he chose to live in seclusion in the back mountains and not concern himself with worldly affairs.

A thought struck me: Could it be that Senior Qingxuzi's seclusion is related to these recent events?

As I was thinking, I suddenly heard a commotion outside the door. Startled, I quickly put down my book and went to the door.

Then, Junior Sister Chu led a group of disciples, walking over aggressively.

"Xiao Yao, come out here!" Junior Sister Chu shouted loudly.

My heart sank. It seemed trouble was brewing...

Junior Sister Chu's voice was shrill and piercing, like a sharp blade slicing through the tranquility of the mountains. "Xiao Yao, you come out here!"

I took a deep breath and pushed open the wooden door. Before me stood Junior Sister Chu and a group of indignant disciples behind her, their expressions agitated, as if I were some heinous sinner. Senior Brother Lin stood beside me, pale-faced, yet still firmly gripping his sword, ready to protect me at any moment.

"Junior Sister Chu, what are you doing?" I tried to keep my tone calm, even though my heart was already churning with turmoil.

"What are you doing? How dare you ask!" Junior Sister Chu's eyebrows shot up and her almond-shaped eyes widened. "You've colluded with outsiders, intending to overthrow the immortal sect, and now you even want to bewitch Senior Qingxuzi. What exactly are you up to!"

Her words were like a bomb, causing an uproar in the crowd. The disciples began to criticize me, their words becoming increasingly harsh. I clenched my fists, suppressing my anger.

"Everything I've done is for the future of the Immortal Sect!" I raised my voice, trying to drown out their clamor. "Now that the Immortal Sect is beset by internal and external troubles, we should unite instead of distrusting each other!"

"That sounds nice!" Junior Sister Chu sneered. "What right do you have to talk about the future of the immortal sect? You're just a useless piece of trash without any spiritual roots, what gives you the right to point fingers!"

“Spiritual roots don’t represent everything!” I retorted. “I may not have spiritual roots, but I have a heart dedicated to protecting the immortal sect!”

"Stop pretending!" Junior Sister Chu interrupted me mercilessly. "You just want to use this opportunity to climb the social ladder and achieve great success!"

Her words deeply stung me. I never intended to use the Immortal Sect, nor did I ever think of currying favor with anyone. Everything I did was for the Immortal Sect, for everyone!

"Junior Sister Chu, that's enough!" Senior Brother Lin stepped forward. Although his voice was weak, it was full of strength. "Junior Sister Xiao Yao has devoted herself to the Immortal Sect. How can you slander her like this!"

"Senior Brother Lin, you're on her side, of course you'll speak up for her!" Junior Sister Chu refused to back down. "I advise you not to meddle in other people's business, lest you get yourself into trouble!"

"Right and wrong will be judged fairly!" Senior Brother Lin straightened his back, his gaze firm. "I will never stand by and watch Junior Sister Xiao Yao suffer injustice!"

The atmosphere was tense, and a conflict seemed imminent. I knew that continuing the argument would only make things worse. I had to see Senior Qingxuzi as soon as possible; only he could quell this storm.

“I understand how you feel,” I said again, trying to keep my tone calm, “but this is not the time for infighting. The threat of the Shadow is imminent; we must unite to fight this external enemy!”

My words had no effect; Junior Sister Chu and her disciples still refused to let me pass, blocking my way like a wall.

Just then, the wooden house suddenly emitted a dazzling light, and a powerful force emanated from within, causing the surrounding trees to shake violently. Immediately afterward, the door of the wooden house slowly opened, and a refreshing scent rushed out… Senior Qingxuzi's voice, deep and authoritative, asked, “Who dares to make such a racket outside?” The instant the light flashed, I felt my blood boil. This was an opportunity! A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Ignoring Junior Sister Chu's shouts and attempts to stop me, I pushed through the crowd and ran towards the slowly opening wooden door. Senior Brother Lin followed closely behind, protecting me at my side.

"Xiao Yao! Stop right there!" I ignored Junior Sister Chu's shouts. I could even feel her fiery gaze, but nothing could stop me.

Inside the wooden house, Senior Qingxuzi sat cross-legged, surrounded by a faint golden light, like a deity. I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down, and knelt down respectfully to pay my respects: "Disciple Xiao Yao greets Senior."

"Get up." The senior's voice was deep and calm, yet carried an undeniable power.

I stood up and reported in detail to my senior the current predicament of the Immortal Sect, as well as the key to breaking the deadlock and the solution I had found. I dared not omit any details, and even told him without reservation how I discovered this key, how I thought things through step by step, and how I deduced the situation. My voice trembled slightly with excitement, but my eyes were unwavering.

After I finished speaking, the room fell silent. Senior Qingxuzi listened quietly, neither interrupting me nor offering any opinions. Time ticked by, and my heart grew heavier with each passing second. Would the senior support me? Was my plan truly feasible?

Finally, the senior slowly spoke: "I already know what you have to say."

That short sentence eased my anxiety a little. At least, my senior didn't directly dismiss me.

“Senior,” I mustered my courage and continued, “I know my plan may have shortcomings, but I believe it is the most beneficial option for the Immortal Sect so far. I implore you to reconsider, for the future of the Immortal Sect, for everyone’s safety…”

The senior nodded slightly, his gaze profound, as if he could see through everything: "I understand your intentions."

He paused for a moment, then said, "You may leave now. I will consider this matter carefully."

A chill ran through me. Although his tone was calm, I detected a hint of hesitation. Did he still not trust me?

I bowed deeply and respectfully withdrew from the wooden hut. Senior Brother Lin had been waiting for me outside. Seeing me come out, he immediately came to greet me: "Junior Sister, how was it?"

I shook my head, trying to remain calm: "The senior said he would consider it."

Senior Brother Lin patted my shoulder and comforted me, "Don't worry, Junior Sister, I believe that Senior will make the right judgment."

I forced a smile, but my heart was filled with unease. I looked up at the sky; dark clouds filled the sky, as if foreshadowing an impending storm.

Just then, a disciple rushed over, his face panicked: "Senior Sister Xiao Yao, something bad has happened! Elder Xuanfeng..." He paused, lowering his voice, "Elder Xuanfeng said in the council hall..."