The Devil Has Fallen (Part 1)

LUO FAN

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Holding my bag and bamboo stick, I paused at the center of the hall, taking in the temple's quiet solemnity one last time. A deep feeling settled in my chest. I had a sense that it would be a long time before I returned here again.

For the past three months, since my return from the Ancient Training Ground, life had been peaceful. My presence had remained a closely guarded secret, known only to those within the temple. Even Ma Huan, despite his monthly trips to Henmei District to deliver elixirs, had kept silent.

We had all agreed that if the world believed I was dead, my pursuers would eventually abandon their relentless hunt, allowing me the peace to rebuild my strength. On Guidao Island, I was no longer the hunted or the betrayed. I was simply Luo Fan, a man embracing a second chance at life.

But now, I had to leave that peace behind.

This journey was not for myself, but for the Storm Surge Sect. They needed a master, a guide, and after all they had done for me, it was the least I could do. Yet leaving the safety of this island meant returning to a world where danger lurked in every shadow. The moment my old enemies discovered that I was still alive, the hunt would begin again.

I exhaled heavily, then stepped through the doorway.

Outside, the sight of the training ground made me stop in my tracks.

I thought of the children. I could almost see them now, running across the empty courtyard, their laughter ringing through the air.

For the past three months, every morning had been spent training with Xiao Leng and Nan Wucheng. Sometimes, Lin Qiu, with his father's permission, would join us. The boys were eager, their enthusiasm boundless. They sparred with dedication, treating me as though I were already their master. Though I was far from deserving the title, their unwavering faith in me was humbling.

As they lunged and parried, I pushed myself alongside them, testing the limits of my restored body. With each session, I felt my strength returning, my energy growing steadier.

Afternoons were spent in the library, immersed in scripture. With my vision restored, I could finally read on my own, no longer dependent on others to guide me through the texts.

Nan Wucheng, sharp and inquisitive, often asked thoughtful questions about dual-core cultivation, pushing me to reflect on concepts I had never deeply considered. Xiao Leng, on the other hand, rarely made it through an entire lesson without nodding off, his head inevitably resting atop a pile of ancient scrolls.

At night, meditation became our shared ritual. Seated together in silence, we nurtured our cores, steadying our minds. The Ironblood Root had done its work. Since taking it, I hadn't felt the White Vulture gnawing at my insides. The battle raging within my body had finally ceased.

For the first time in a long while, I felt free. The chains that had bound me for so long had finally been shattered.

As my body and mind grew stronger, my vision fully returned, revealing the world in striking detail. I could now see the fine lines on Elder Tao's face, the mischievous glint in Nan Wucheng's eyes, and the intricate weave of the scarf wrapped around my bamboo stick. Yet, this newfound clarity extended beyond sight. my understanding of dual-core cultivation had deepened as well.

As for Ma Huan, he had kept his word. He had built a modest laboratory atop a small hill where elemental qi was abundant. Every month, he traveled to Henmei District to deliver the elixirs requested by the disciples, returning with supplies and dutifully handing over thirty percent of his earnings to Tao Liu.

Occasionally, he sparred with me, attempting to strengthen my light core in hopes that I could one day breach the much-coveted master level. But despite his efforts, progress was slow. Recognizing my limitations, he suggested that I seek out a light-core grandmaster—someone who could guide me beyond the plateau I had reached.

I knew he was right. I had gained all I could from this island. If I truly wanted to advance, I needed to step beyond its safety and return to the outside world. My goal was clear: I had to breach the sixth level, qualify as a sect master, and restore the Storm Surge Sect to its former glory. The children deserved a leader who could protect and guide them, and their unwavering faith in me only strengthened my resolve.

For that, I would seek out Abbot Mo Wenyan in Wun Empire. I owed him my gratitude, and perhaps, with his guidance, he could lead me to a grandmaster capable of helping me break through my current limits.

"Ready, Priest Luo?" Tao Liu's voice pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to find him waiting by the gate, his usual calm presence steady and reassuring.

I smiled and approached him. "I'm ready."

As a fifth-level elite cultivator, the dangers of the outside world no longer held the same terror they once did. I had regained my strength, my confidence, and now, I was prepared to face whatever lay ahead.

Stepping through the gate, I was met with the sight of the temple residents gathered to see me off.

"Are you sure about this, Priest Luo?" Ma Huan asked, crossing his arms.

I chuckled. "Wasn't this your idea in the first place?"

He shrugged. "You have enemies everywhere. The moment someone recognizes you, the hunt will begin all over again."

I pulled the hood of my black cloak over my head. "Which is precisely why you bought me this."

He rolled his eyes, unwilling to admit that he actually cared about my safety. "If you insist. Just don't take too long. Be back in a year so we can renegotiate my stay here. Otherwise, I'll be forced to overstay my welcome."

I let out a soft laugh. "Of course." I turned to leave but hesitated at the last moment.

Though Ma Huan was slowly earning my trust, I still couldn't bring myself to fully entrust Tao Liu and the children's safety to him. But at this moment, I had no other choice.

Turning back, I met his gaze. "Priest Ma," I said seriously, "you must promise me you will protect this temple and its inhabitants. If any necessary expenses arise for their well-being, I will find a way to repay you when I return."

A smug smile tugged at his lips. "You have my word. When you return, everything will be just as it is—like you never left at all."

I studied him for a moment before nodding. Somehow, his assurance eased the weight on my chest.

I bid my farewell to Ma Huan and Tao Liu, while the three children and Bing Hai insisted on walking me to the shore.

When we reached the small dinghy waiting by the water, the children bowed deeply, their voices quiet as they wished me a safe journey. Their sadness was evident, and I lingered for a while, offering them reassurance before finally turning toward the boat.

Just as I was about to step in, Lin Qiu suddenly ran forward and dropped to his knees before me. "Priest Luo, there is something I have been meaning to say," he said, his voice firm despite his small frame.

I frowned, surprised by his sudden formality. "Stand up and speak," I instructed.

But instead of rising, he lowered his forehead to the sand. "Priest Luo, when you become a master, I wish to be your disciple."

His words struck me silent. I had not expected this.

After a long pause, I finally spoke. "Lin Qiu, you know that Storm Surge is a dual-core sect. Your father is a light-core cultivator. He would never permit you to be implanted with a dark core. Besides, you are already his disciple."

He did not answer, only pressed his forehead deeper into the sand, his posture one of unwavering resolve.

I sighed. He was only eight, yet he had already set his heart on this path.

A movement caught my eye. I glanced at Nan Wucheng and Xiao Leng, watching from a short distance, their expressions a mix of anticipation and uncertainty. When our eyes met, they quickly looked away. I suspected they had discussed this among themselves. Over the past months, Nan Wucheng and Xiao Leng had grown fond of Lin Qiu, so perhaps they had convinced Lin Qiu to make that crucial decision.

I exhaled, shaking my head. "Lin Qiu, for now, continue your training here. When I return, we will discuss this with your father."

The boy lifted his head abruptly, his eyes gleaming with hope. "Yes, Priest Luo!"

"Now, get up and brush the sand off your robes."

Without hesitation, he obeyed, dusting himself off before bowing once more. "Safe travels, Priest Luo."

I smiled, resting a hand on his head. "You should all go back now."

He nodded and turned, running back to the other two. I watched them disappear up the path before shifting my attention to the small boat.

The temptation to look back at the island one last time was strong, but I kept my gaze fixed on the sea ahead. If I turned back now, I might lose the resolve to leave.

I suddenly remembered the most dangerous foe I might face again. The moment Ruan Yanjun discovered I was still alive, who knew what schemes he would devise to drag me back into his grasp?

For a fleeting moment, I almost wished Ma Huan's words were true—that Ruan Yanjun was truly ill. If that were the case, he would be too consumed with seeking a cure to concern himself with me.