Chapter 12: Deep-Seated Hatred

Within the silent space, a fine rain began to fall, descending upon peaceful slumber. Amidst the gentle shower, a blue lotus broke through the water's surface, a verdant leaf slowly unfurled, wavering elegantly in the rain, both real and ethereal...

"Ouch, it hurts, it really hurts..." Deep into the night, within the cave dwelling, Zhang Ping awakened from unconsciousness. The moment he opened his eyes, he felt pain searing through his entire body, his head aching especially fiercely. Reaching up, he found a large bump at the back of his head.

"Oh no, the young master..." Recalling the events before he fainted, Zhang Ping's expression changed dramatically. He scrambled to his feet and rushed to the bedside.

Yin Tianfang lay quietly upon the bed, emitting faint snores, immersed in sweet dreams. Seeing this, Zhang Ping finally breathed a sigh of relief. Clutching his aching head, he walked over to Lin Fan, nudging him with his foot, "Hey, wake up."

Lin Fan slowly regained consciousness, and as awareness returned, he gasped in pain.

"Where's the young master? Is he alright?" Lin Fan leapt up from the ground, his voice full of anxiety.

"The young master is fine, he's sleeping," Zhang Ping replied, glancing at Yin Tianfang lying on the bed. Lin Fan looked over, and upon hearing those faint snores, his heart was eased. Together, the two covered Yin Tianfang with a blanket and quietly withdrew from the cave.

At dawn, as the sky began to lighten, Yin Tianfang awoke from his dreams. He stretched lazily, rubbed his sleepy eyes, and felt clear-headed and refreshed.

Suddenly, Yin Tianfang paused, slowly closed his eyes, and carefully sensed his surroundings. In the void, shimmering streams of light flickered, transforming the world into a dazzling, magnificent spectacle.

Opening his eyes, Yin Tianfang was overwhelmed with joy. Those crystalline streams were the so-called spiritual energy. He could now sense the presence of spiritual energy in the void, which meant he had entered the Condensation Stage—he was now truly a cultivator.

At this realization, joy and excitement surged within him. He had finally succeeded, after so much anticipation; he had at last touched the threshold of cultivation.

"Haha, I did it! Haha, I finally succeeded!" Yin Tianfang laughed wildly, sitting on the bed with a foolish grin on his face.

"Young master, what's wrong?" Zhang Ping and Lin Fan entered the cave, only to find Yin Tianfang sitting there grinning like an idiot, frightening them out of their wits. They thought, could it be that the young master has gone mad? What should we do?

Noticing Zhang Ping and Lin Fan's anxious approach, Yin Tianfang composed himself, his smile gradually fading. "I'm fine, don't worry," he said.

He climbed down from the bed and walked towards the exit of the cave.

"Young master, you haven't had breakfast yet!"

---

"Forget breakfast! Haha, I did it, I finally succeeded, haha..." Yin Tianfang's voice echoed from afar, accompanied by crazed laughter. Inside the cave, Zhang Ping and Lin Fan exchanged bewildered glances.

On the mountain peak, Yin Tianfang lay quietly atop a boulder, gazing up at the azure sky. Flocks of white cranes soared overhead, and his heart was filled with unparalleled joy. All the grievances and ridicule he had endured before seemed to wash away in this moment of ecstatic breakthrough.

After the joy subsided, Yi Tianxing's mood gradually calmed. He recalled the scenes from the previous night's dream. He had thought it was just a dream, but upon awakening, swept away by excitement, he now realized there was indeed a new cultivation method imprinted in his mind.

"So last night wasn't a dream. Who was that person? Why did he seem so familiar?" Yin Tianfang lay upon the giant stone, reminiscing about the man he saw in his dream, his heart tinged with melancholy.

"Well, you're in a good mood today," a gentle voice quipped. Ye Tianxing had somehow appeared atop the mountain, standing not far away, his gaze tinged with a mysterious smile.

Hearing the voice, Yin Tianfang's smile vanished instantly. He sat up, looking at Ye Tianxing with displeasure. "Why are you here?"

"I'm also the master's disciple. In fact, I'm your senior brother. If you can be here, why can't I?" Ye Tianxing replied.

"Hmph." Yin Tianfang snorted, jumping down from the boulder, intending to leave without a word, but Ye Tianxing blocked his path.

"In such a hurry to go? Come on, we're cousins and now fellow disciples. Why don't we have a chat?" Ye Tianxing placed a hand on Yin Tianfang's shoulder, grinning mischievously.

Anger flared across Yin Tianfang's face. His voice was cold. "There's nothing to say between us. I will never have anything to do with your Ye family in this lifetime."

"Tsk tsk, listen to yourself..." Ye Tianxing shook his head, clicking his tongue. "You really think joining the Azure Cloud Sect means you've soared to greatness? Think my Ye family wants to curry favor with you? You're overestimating yourself."

Yin Tianfang's face flushed with anger, his fists clenched so tightly they creaked. Just as he was about to erupt, a figure rushed over. Upon seeing Yin Tianfang and Ye Tianxing together, he paused momentarily, then walked to Yin Tianfang's side. "Young master, the Grand Elder has returned!"

"Master has returned!" Yin Tianfang exclaimed, overjoyed. He slapped Ye Tianxing's hand away and hurried back with Zhang Ping.

Ye Tianxing's eyes flickered, and he turned to walk toward his own quarters.

"Master!" From afar, Yin Tianfang saw the figure of the Dustless Daoist and shouted excitedly. The Dustless Daoist had been away for months, and Yin Tianfang had missed him greatly.

"Master, you're finally back!"

---

"Mm." Seeing Yin Tianfang, the Dustless Daoist nodded, gently patting his head, scrutinizing him closely. Sensing the faint ripple of spiritual energy within Yin Tianfang, a flash of brilliance flickered in the Daoist's eyes.

"I couldn't rest easy, so I came back to check on you. In a few days, I must leave again for a while," the Dustless Daoist said.

Hearing this, Yin Tianfang's expression fell. "Leaving again?"

"Mm. Next time I return, I won't leave. I'll stay within the sect and guide your cultivation."

"Oh, alright," Yin Tianfang replied, his spirits somewhat dampened.

While Yin Tianfang was conversing with the Dustless Daoist, Qingfeng, Qingyue, and Ye Tianxing hurried over. Seeing the Dustless Daoist, they greeted him respectfully, "Greetings, Master!"

"Mm." The Dustless Daoist glanced at the three, nodding indifferently. His attitude toward them was markedly different from how he treated Yin Tianfang; even Zhang Ping and Lin Fan, standing to the side, could sense the distinction. All the more so for Qingfeng and his companions.

Seeing the Dustless Daoist's obvious affection for Yin Tianfang, jealousy flared in the trio's hearts, intensifying their hostility toward him.

Although the Dustless Daoist had always favored Yin Tianfang, they hadn't minded before, as there was no comparison. But now, with Yin Tianfang present and the Daoist treating him like his own child, how could they not be envious?

"Why? Why does this brat get Master's affection?" All three harbored resentment within.

"Master, I shall return to cultivate," Qingfeng said respectfully.

The Dustless Daoist nodded. The three turned and left, and as they did, their expressions simultaneously darkened...