Chapter 32: The Five Northern Fiends, Lu Yuanjun

On the peaks of the mountains, a white arc streaked across the sky. As the brilliant light gradually faded and its speed diminished, Fang Wang’s figure emerged. No longer employing the White Rainbow Escape technique, he now flew atop his sword, relying on the art of sword-riding. Beneath his mask, he quietly exhaled a sigh of relief.

Though it appeared he had felled Li Honggang with a single move, in truth, the attack had consumed half his spiritual power. He dared not continue using the White Rainbow Escape, lest he be caught unprepared by another ambush.

“The Xuan Yang Divine Manual is truly formidable—at my fourth level of Spirit Shaping, I only needed half my energy to slay a third-level Spirit Pill realm opponent at full strength.”

Fang Wang reflected silently, convinced that he was now well-rounded. If he had any weakness, it was the lack of auxiliary soul arts and sealing techniques. As he advanced, riding his sword, he summarized his strengths and shortcomings in his mind. The breeze stirred his white robes, his bearing embodying the spirit of a sword cultivator.

Since joining the Great Abyss Sect, Fang Wang had not yet fought with all his might. His life-bound treasure spirit remained unused, and the Nine Dragons Divine Metamorphosis was his secret trump card, reserved for dire moments.

After this battle, Fang Wang was certain his power far exceeded the third level of the Spirit Pill realm, though his ultimate limits were yet unknown. The spiritual power of the Spirit Pill realm was indeed superior to the Spirit Shaping realm—even utilizing the Xuan Yang energy, he was momentarily awed by Li Honggang’s Spirit Pill strength. Fortunately, he wore a mask at the time.

He came, wielded his sword in a single strike, and departed with the blade…

In his heart, Fang Wang awarded himself full marks for his performance, believing he had perfectly embodied the persona of a master. Surely, he would stir admiration within the Great Abyss Sect.

He pressed onward.

The world grew ever more silent.

Sensing something amiss, Fang Wang lifted his gaze. Ahead, the forest thickened, and perilous peaks rose like spikes, majestic yet desolate.

Upon the summits of five such peaks stood five figures, each clad in the robes of Green Cicada Valley. Their bodies crawled with venomous insects, and poisonous mists coiled about them, creating a scene of horror.

Green Cicada Valley!

Fang Wang slowed his pace, his right hand gripping the hilt of the Azure Lord Sword at his waist.

“White-robed wonder, you killed disciples of Green Cicada Valley. Do you know your crime?”

A cold female voice echoed among the peaks, as if Death itself pronounced the doom of mortals.

Fang Wang retorted, “Green Cicada Valley slaughtered disciples of the Great Abyss Sect. Are you aware of your own guilt?”

The aura radiating from the five made him wary, but not fearful. It was the perfect opportunity to test the power of his Nine Dragons Divine Metamorphosis.

Seeing Fang Wang’s unyielding stance, the five cultivators of Green Cicada Valley soared into the air, closing in. The poisonous mists around them spread, causing the trees below to wither rapidly—a terrifying sight.

Spirit Pill realm!

Fang Wang instantly recognized their level. Green Cicada Valley was vying for the inheritance of the Supreme Hao Sect against other factions, yet could dispatch five to intercept him—worthy of their status among the Nine Great Sects.

“You dare threaten the disciples of the Great Abyss Sect? Are you courting death?”

A stern voice suddenly rang out. Fang Wang felt a mighty aura sweep in from the horizon. Turning, he saw a bolt of lightning speeding toward them, atop which stood a figure.

It was a handsome young man in the robes of the Great Abyss Sect, wearing a purple crown. Strands of long hair framed his face, his features sharp and spirited, eyes bright and penetrating. Twin swords hung at his waist, and behind him floated a golden ring radiating a soft glow.

“Lu Yuanjun!”

A female demon cultivator from Green Cicada Valley spat out his name through clenched teeth.

Hearing it, Fang Wang narrowed his eyes beneath his mask.

Lu Yuanjun, riding the lightning, arrived swiftly and halted before Fang Wang, alone facing the five Spirit Pill realm demon cultivators. His right hand rested on his sword’s scabbard, chin slightly raised, gazing down at the five. “The cultivation world of Great Qi is on the brink of upheaval. I would rather not kill you and disrupt the alliance between our sects. Leave now!”

At his words, the five demon cultivators paused, exchanging glances.

Fang Wang studied Lu Yuanjun’s aura from behind. Powerful—clearly not on the same level as the five before him. Li Honggang paled in comparison.

Why had Lu Yuanjun come?

Fang Wang’s mind raced with possibilities.

“I didn’t expect the Great Abyss Sect to send you. Very well, we’ll give you face this time. But if we encounter him again, we won’t let it go so easily!” an elderly member of Green Cicada Valley growled. With a flick of his sleeve, he departed, the others glaring venomously at Fang Wang before following.

They vanished swiftly, gone within three breaths.

Lu Yuanjun turned to Fang Wang, his smile warm and radiant. “Junior Brother Fang, you are truly remarkable—killing a Spirit Pill realm cultivator while in the Spirit Shaping realm. Never in the history of the Great Abyss Sect has a disciple reached your level of strength.”

Upon hearing Lu Yuanjun speak his surname, Fang Wang understood that Guang Qiu Xian had sent him.

News of Fang Wang inheriting the Thirty-Six Swords of Surging Radiance had not spread. Though the Fang family had nearly been exterminated by Lu Yuanjun’s subordinates, Lu Yuanjun had not set spies on Fang Wang, likely to avoid escalating the matter.

“Thank you for your rescue, Senior Brother Lu,” Fang Wang said.

Lu Yuanjun waved it off. “Those five are the Northern Venomous Monsters of Green Cicada Valley, all between the fifth and eighth levels of the Spirit Pill realm. Don’t be fooled by their fearsome reputation. With your talent, in less than twenty years—no, perhaps less than ten—you’ll dispatch them as easily as slaughtering chickens or dogs.”

His gaze toward Fang Wang was full of admiration, his smile even warmer.

Had Fang Wang not known the truth behind the night his family was destroyed, he might have found this senior brother quite likable. His words were pleasing, his expression and demeanor genuine.

“You exaggerate, Senior Brother.”

“Haha, Junior Brother, you are modest—I understand. Come, I’ll escort you back. The sect master himself ordered this. Once we return to the Great Abyss Sect, if you ever have trouble, wish to learn something, or desire anything, just come to me.”

Lu Yuanjun’s laughter was open and hearty, his tone bold.

Fang Wang feigned hesitation. “Senior Brother, may I not return just yet? I’ve discovered a blessed land that may hide some secrets. I wish to study it for a few months before returning to the sect.”

He avoided mentioning Fang Hanyu, fearing Lu Yuanjun would insist on visiting the Fang territory, since healing would be easier at the sect. Claiming he’d found an opportunity made for a better excuse.

Cultivators valued fortuitous encounters above all; even fellow disciples would not intrude upon another’s opportunity. This was a rule of the entire cultivation world—interfering with someone’s opportunity was akin to slaying their parents, a feud without end.

Lu Yuanjun frowned slightly. “Junior Brother, is this opportunity worth the risk?”

Fang Wang nodded.

Seeing this, Lu Yuanjun took out a bundle of talisman papers from his storage pouch and tossed them across the space to Fang Wang. Bound by two red cords, the talismans did not scatter.

“These are top-grade talismans. Infuse them with spiritual power and, after three breaths, they will explode. If used together, their combined force can kill a ninth-level Spirit Pill cultivator. Of course, you must be close for them to work. Junior Brother, you are exceptional and strong-willed. I won’t interfere further—take these, and I’ll pursue the Northern Venomous Monsters, harassing them for days so they can’t turn back and trouble you.”

With that, Lu Yuanjun turned and departed, swifter than even the five monsters.

Decisive and without hesitation!

Fang Wang looked at the talismans in his hand, recalling Zhou Xue’s appraisal of Lu Yuanjun.

The man was indeed charismatic—no empty words, only action. If not for his family’s vendetta, Fang Wang would surely owe him gratitude.

He did not dwell on it, continuing on his sword.

Rather than flying directly to the Fang territory, he circled the area several times, lingering for days. Afterwards, he left Lu Yuanjun’s talismans in a forest, then headed for the Fang lands.

That night, deep into darkness.

Fang Wang returned to the Fang territory, opened the mountain gate’s mechanism, and entered the tunnel.

Once the gate closed, he rested in the passage, wary of Lu Yuanjun discovering the Fang territory.

At dawn, Qing Wan’er arrived, glimpsed him, and exclaimed with joy. She rushed over, asking, “Fang Wang, you’re back! Did you win?”

Fang Wang opened his eyes and smiled. “Barely managed. It took a great toll, so I rested here last night.”

Qing Wan’er sized him up, marveling, “You’re amazing—only a year of cultivation, and you can defeat a Spirit Pill realm cultivator. Not just you, Fang Hanyu’s talent is astounding too. What is the true origin of the Fang family?”

At her words, Fang Wang rose and smiled. “Oh? Has Hanyu made progress?”