Chapter 63: Turbulence in the World of Cultivation

Fang Wang followed Fang Hanyu out of the cave residence; the two parted ways, with Fang Hanyu returning to cultivate and Fang Wang flying toward the main city of the sect.

He took out a tenth of the treasures he had obtained in the Great Sage Cave Heaven and donated them to the sect in exchange for contribution points.

Arriving at the Hall of Tasks, he sought out Elder Zhang. When he presented a batch of heavenly treasures, Elder Zhang was astonished, for the quantity was immense.

Unable to handle it alone, Elder Zhang called several disciples to help with the calculations.

In the end, Fang Wang earned seven hundred and ninety thousand contribution points, instantly breaking into the top twenty of the Third Branch’s contribution rankings. Elder Zhang praised Fang Wang for his vision and promised to report this matter to the main branch. The disciples of the Hall of Tasks looked at Fang Wang with reverent admiration.

After a lengthy exchange of pleasantries, Fang Wang finally left the Hall of Tasks.

Returning to the Third Branch, he did not go directly back to his cave residence but instead ascended the mountain to visit his master, Yang Yuanzhi, who happened to be present.

Entering the Hall of Clear Mind, Fang Wang bowed deeply and said, “Master, your disciple has donated a batch of heavenly treasures at the Hall of Tasks. Recently, I’ve gained new insights into the Divine Sword Art of Soaring Swan. I wish to show you these, to see if I am on the right path.”

He produced a yellow-bound book from his storage pouch, containing his insights into the final nine moves of the Divine Sword Art of Soaring Swan.

He had prepared this book long ago, once fearing it might provoke Yang Yuanzhi. But now, after hearing of the royal tragedy in Great Qi, he felt it necessary to act—at least to strengthen his bond with Yang Yuanzhi.

Yang Yuanzhi frowned, not reaching for the book.

Fang Wang continued, “Master, this supreme art was passed down to me by you. To return it to you is only proper. I wish to contribute to the Third Branch, not merely enjoy its benefits.”

Guang Qiuxian was right: his master was indeed petty, or perhaps simply too proud.

After much hesitation, Yang Yuanzhi finally accepted the yellow-bound book Fang Wang offered.

“Great Qi has been unsettled lately. Outside, there are invasions from other dynasties and sects; within, the Golden Sky Sect stirs trouble. You should stay and cultivate within the sect, do not venture out. As for your contributions, don’t be burdened by them. You have already won the best achievements for the Third Branch in decades. The overall resources of our branch have greatly increased, and all disciples owe you gratitude,” Yang Yuanzhi said earnestly.

Fang Wang nodded, “I will heed your words, Master. I plan to enter seclusion and strive to reach the ninth stage of the Spirit Pill realm, then attempt a breakthrough to the Profound Mind realm.”

Yang Yuanzhi, hearing this, was deeply moved. “The Celestial Origin Treasure Spirit is truly extraordinary. You have been in the sect only four years and already look to the Profound Mind realm. When you reach it, I will name you the Senior Disciple of the Third Branch. If you wish to compete for Senior Disciple of Taiyuan Gate in the future, I will support you.”

“Hmph, it is time for our Third Branch to rise. Your talent surpasses Lu Yuanjun—you should fight for it!”

Speaking of Lu Yuanjun, Yang Yuanzhi’s tone was full of mockery.

Fang Wang felt a surge of emotion. Who could have imagined that Yang Yuanzhi, who mocked Lu Yuanjun so coldly, would be willing to die for him?

He suddenly grew curious about the story between Yang Yuanzhi, Guang Qiuxian, and Lu Yuanjun’s mother—whether it was a tragic tale or mere melodrama.

Master and disciple conversed for a long while before Fang Wang took his leave.

Descending from the summit, the disciples of the Third Branch whom he met along the way greeted him warmly. His reputation within Taiyuan Gate was now immense; aside from his achievements in the Nine Branches Competition, he was constantly praised in public by Ye Xiang, Xu Lang, and Yan Feiyue, ensuring his name only grew in prominence.

Returning to his cave residence, Fang Wang sat in meditation to cultivate.

Little Zi was also cultivating. Fang Wang took out a portion of the black flood dragon’s blood and flesh treasures for it, which made it immensely excited.

According to Little Zi, the demonic beast realms, from lowest to highest, are: Spirit Creature, Spirit Demon, Greater Demon, Demon King, and Grand Demon King—corresponding to the realms of Qi Cultivation, Spirit Molding, Spirit Pill, Profound Mind, and Divine Concentration.

Currently, Little Zi had reached the peak of Greater Demon, thanks to the black flood dragon’s blood and flesh. Now it was attempting to break through to the Demon King realm.

Thinking of Little Zi attaining the Demon King status, Fang Wang was rather expectant. There were no Demon Kings in Taiyuan Gate; most spirit pets were only at the Spirit Demon realm, and those at Greater Demon level belonged to elders and peak masters.

The cave residence was tranquil; outside, the days and nights cycled.

Years passed.

In the first year, Fang family disciples came to pay their respects. Upon learning Fang Wang was in seclusion, they did not disturb him in subsequent years.

In a blink, six years passed.

The further one progressed in the Spirit Pill realm, the more difficult cultivation became. Even with the consummate Xuan Yang Divine Meridian, Fang Wang had only reached the eighth stage of the Spirit Pill realm.

Little Zi, meanwhile, had successfully entered the Demon King realm, though it still could not assume human form—an odd circumstance, and even it did not know why.

Fang Wang was not anxious; remaining in beast form was actually preferable. If it transformed, Zhou Xue would surely tease him. For now, it was best kept as a pet.

It was autumn; the Third Branch was tinged with the colors of the season, leaves fluttering down.

A figure landed at the mountain gate—it was Fang Hanyu. He stood tall, his long hair coiled beneath a purple crown, his eyes covered by a strip of black cloth, two locks of hair falling beside his eyes. The breeze stirred his hair, accentuating his elegant bearing.

“Fang Wang.”

Fang Hanyu called out. Compared to six years ago, his aura was even more refined, his features handsome and heroic, with an unmistakable edge.

The mountain gate opened with a rumble, and Fang Hanyu strode inside.

“Your aura is impressive—have you reached the ninth stage of the Spirit Molding realm?” Little Zi teased.

Fang Hanyu merely nodded, walking directly up to Fang Wang.

Fang Wang opened his eyes and sized him up.

Six years ago, Fang Hanyu was at the third stage of the Spirit Molding realm; now he had leapt to the ninth stage. Though not as fast as Fang Wang, it was still the mark of a first-rate talent.

Indeed, Fang Hanyu now wore the robe of a personal disciple.

It must be said, the Dead Heart Evil Eye was truly formidable. Green Cicada Valley had researched it for years without success, showing just how difficult it was to attain. Without Zhou Xue, the reincarnated cultivator, Fang Hanyu could never have obtained such good fortune.

“Ninth stage of the Spirit Molding realm, you haven’t disappointed me. With you here, I can cultivate more peacefully. Do you need me to provide heavenly treasures to condense your Spirit Pill?” Fang Wang said with satisfaction.

Fang Hanyu sat at the table, shaking his head as he poured himself tea. “No need. Zhou Xue has already prepared everything for me.”

Her again.

Fang Wang sighed inwardly. Damn, reincarnators really were different—their cultivation soared, they acted as undercover agents, and they collected treasures for their friends. He could not imagine how busy Zhou Xue’s life must be.

“Zi Geng and the others have made their own progress as well. Even the least among them is now an inner disciple. Our Fang family has made a name for itself in Taiyuan Gate, especially with you and Zhou Xue leading the way—even those thousand-year-old clans can’t compare,” Fang Hanyu said with a gentle laugh.

Fang Wang was delighted. If one could have family companions on the quest for immortality, it was indeed a blessing.

Fang Hanyu then continued, recounting the events in Taiyuan Gate over the years.

The tragedy of the Great Qi royal family ultimately faded away. The new prime minister now monopolized power, corresponding with Zhao Zhen about matters of state. Zhao Zhen, meanwhile, remained in Taiyuan Gate cultivating. His talent was impressive, and his innate treasure spirit—a mid-grade Profound Origin Treasure Spirit—was worthy of the sect’s investment.

After discussing Zhao Zhen, Fang Hanyu spoke of the cultivation world.

“In these years, the Golden Sky Sect has dominated, with its Four Guardian Kings attacking Green Cicada Valley and Yellow Prison Mountain, inflicting heavy losses on two major demon sects. They’ve even declared their intention to become the sole sect in Great Qi.”

“All four Guardian Kings are powerful enough to rival vice sect masters—the strongest among them even stormed Yellow Prison Mountain single-handedly, unstoppable.”

Fang Hanyu’s expression was full of admiration when speaking of the Golden Sky Sect.

Because they targeted demon sects, the righteous disciples of Taiyuan Gate did not resent them. The cultivation world was an even larger martial realm, and most cultivators cared deeply about reputation. They were curious to see how far the Golden Sky Sect could go.

Fang Wang knew Zhou Xue had joined the Golden Sky Sect; he too harbored great expectations for it.

What sect could be worthy of Zhou Xue, a reincarnated Immortal Lord?

“Three years ago, Lu Yuanjun was attacked by the Demon Lord, master of Golden Sky Sect. It’s said he was gravely injured and has been recuperating in his cave residence ever since. The sect master was furious, and branch masters went down the mountain to investigate Golden Sky Sect,” Fang Hanyu mentioned, though he was not surprised.

He sighed, “Lu Yuanjun’s luck is terrible—even out on training, he runs into the Demon Lord. Fortunately, the Demon Lord didn’t want to kill him.”

Given the strength of the Four Guardian Kings, the Demon Lord’s cultivation must be unfathomable. So although Lu Yuanjun was hurt, most believed the Demon Lord had spared him deliberately.

Fang Wang thought the same. He even suspected Lu Yuanjun had a backer within Golden Sky Sect—otherwise, why would Zhou Xue have joined?

The two brothers chatted for a long time.

Before leaving, Fang Hanyu told Fang Wang that once he broke through to the Spirit Pill realm, he would descend the mountain to earn sect contribution points. He had two reasons: first, to exchange for cultivation resources and help the Fang family become a sect of immortal cultivators; second, he was interested in the position of Senior Disciple of the Second Branch.

After seeing Fang Hanyu off, Fang Wang returned to his white jade bed and resumed meditation.

Little Zi edged closer and said, “Master, six years ago you could defeat cultivators at the fifth stage of the Profound Mind realm. Now, sweeping through the Profound Mind realm should be no trouble for you, right?”