Chapter 67: Gathering of Geniuses, Arrival of the Peerless One [Third Update]

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Facing Guang Qiuxian’s inquiry, Fang Wang forced a wry smile and said, “Sect Master, this is exactly why I’ve come. You, my master, and I could not have spread the matter. Who could have leaked it? It couldn’t possibly be Zhou Xingshi, could it?”

At these words, Guang Qiuxian’s smile froze and his expression darkened. “There is indeed something amiss. I’ve sent people to investigate as well. It was said a disciple from the Third Branch was captured by a demonic cultivator and interrogated about the secrets of the Taiyuan Sect. Under duress, he revealed the grade of your spirit treasure, convinced that your growth could not possibly stem from an ordinary treasure of the Profound Origin grade. Perhaps it was a genuine mistake. That disciple is now dead, with no one left to verify the story. The key issue is, this led to Fu Xuanji of the Heavenly Pivot Sect divining the truth.”

“That old wretch is indeed adept at divination. Once he spoke, the matter was considered settled. Now, every sect has sent people, and those prodigies are all eager to debate the Dao with you.”

At this, Guang Qiuxian sighed.

Seeing the authenticity in his expression and its consistency with what Zhou Xue had told him, Fang Wang realized that Lu Yuanjun had not yet confided matters concerning the Fang family to Guang Qiuxian.

Naturally, once revealed, the affair of the ghostly artifact could not be concealed, and Guang Qiuxian, who enjoyed an impeccable reputation, would hardly abet evil, even if he was determined to protect Lu Yuanjun.

Fang Wang decided not to test Guang Qiuxian further. What he needed now was to strengthen his standing in the sect master’s eyes and within the Taiyuan Sect. When the day came that he confronted Lu Yuanjun and Zhao Zhen, even to the point of breaking ties, the sect and Guang Qiuxian would have no choice but to side with him.

That day would not be far off.

By now, Fang Wang’s hatred for Lu Yuanjun and Zhao Zhen had lost its urgency. Having spent so many years in the Celestial Palace, even the deepest grudges would fade. Of course, once he was strong enough, he would crush them with ease, lest they pose a threat to his family in the future.

“To business, then. The news of your Heavenly Origin Spirit Treasure is already out. The Taiyuan Sect can no longer deny it. Since last year, prodigies have been visiting, seeking to spar with you. They’ve stayed in the sect, some sent by their sects, others coming of their own accord, all to test your strength. Why not accept their challenges?”

Guang Qiuxian’s tone was probing, for he felt guilt over failing to protect Fang Wang. If Fang Wang refused, Guang Qiuxian would reject the challenges on his behalf.

“I’ll do as you command, Sect Master,” Fang Wang replied without hesitation, accepting the task.

Bringing glory to the sect would only elevate his status within the Taiyuan Sect.

Of course, this might also incite jealousy, but in all things, as long as the gains outweighed the drawbacks, it was worthwhile.

Besides, having endured for so many years, he was eager to let loose a little.

Guang Qiuxian smiled. “There are thirteen prodigies in all: from the six great sects, five major families, and two unaffiliated cultivators whose masters are reclusive virtuosos with widespread renown—even our sect must show them respect.”

Fang Wang considered this, then said, “Sect Master, please choose a date—the sooner, the better. Let them all come together.”

“All at once?”

“Indeed. Let’s resolve it in one day. Since they are called prodigies, their cultivation shouldn’t have reached the Spirit Condensation Realm, should it?”

“Impossible. Spirit Condensation is the pinnacle of cultivation in the Great Qi, a level even some leaders of the nine great sects have not attained.”

Guang Qiuxian shook his head, studying Fang Wang with a sense of absurdity. How was it that Fang Wang seemed calmer than he, as though he were the junior? Perhaps Fang Wang’s composure was arrogance—it would only become clear in the contest.

“Very well. In that case, seven days from now, at noon, the contest will be held on the dueling platform in the sect’s main city. If you defeat them all, your contribution to the sect will increase by half a million, and you may choose any supreme technique to inherit. What do you think?”

Fang Wang smiled. “Many thanks, Sect Master!”

Guang Qiuxian stroked his beard and laughed, offering a few more words of guidance before allowing Fang Wang to leave.

After departing from the main branch, Fang Wang did not return to the Third Branch but went to visit other members of his clan within the Taiyuan Sect.

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Those clansmen chosen by Zhou Xue had grown up alongside Fang Wang. Their bonds were deep, and if he didn’t see them now, he feared he might forget them.

Sunset fell; the moon rose.

The next day, a piece of news swept through the Taiyuan Sect—

Fang Wang, who had been in seclusion for ten years, had emerged and was ready to accept the challenges of prodigies from other sects and noble families!

The nine branches were in an uproar. Ever since the revelation of his Heavenly Origin Spirit Treasure, every disciple had been filled with curiosity, anticipation, and doubt. Now, upon hearing that Fang Wang would fight, who wouldn’t be excited?

Evening.

On a mountain peak of the Fifth Branch, in a small cave residence.

Fang Wang was drinking with his cousin Fang Zigeng. The two were reminiscing about childhood antics in the Fang family, their conversation full of laughter.

Fang Zigeng had reached the second level of the Spirit Shaping Realm. Though not as renowned as Fang Hanyu, his cultivation speed was above average among the Fang clan’s descendants.

He was of ordinary appearance, the sort who would go unnoticed in a crowd, and had always kept a low profile, forming few connections. He was therefore delighted by Fang Wang’s visit, a smile never leaving his face.

Fang Hanyu spoke highly of him, praising him as the most diligent cultivator among the clan’s youth. Though he had not ventured down the mountain for trials, he was always either carrying out sect tasks like collecting and planting, or training in seclusion.

“Brother Fang Wang!”

A young woman’s voice rang out from the gate—it was Fang Xin, the youngest of their generation.

Fang Zigeng immediately went to open the door. The residences for inner disciples were small; a few steps brought him to the entrance.

Fang Wang had visited Fang Xin first, so she knew he was now in Fang Zigeng’s cave.

At twenty-nine, Fang Xin was no longer the child she had been, but her lively spirit remained. She rushed to Fang Wang and asked, “Brother, is it true you’re about to duel those prodigies? And you’ll fight them all in a single day, one after another?”

Fang Zigeng, following behind, was visibly moved on hearing this, an anxious look in his eyes.

Fang Wang swirled his wine and smiled. “They’ve waited for me long enough. I find it tedious, so it’s best to settle it all in one day.”

“Don’t be too careless. I heard that the Sword Saint of Great Qi’s disciple broke through to the Profound Heart Realm ten years ago,” Fang Zigeng cautioned.

Though he couldn’t fathom the world of a true genius, he couldn’t help but warn him.

Fang Wang laughed. “Rest assured, I know my limits. Just wait and see me win.”

Fang Xin gazed at Fang Wang in awe. “Brother, if you defeat those prodigies, will you become the sect’s chief disciple?”

Ever since the revelation of Fang Wang’s Heavenly Origin Spirit Treasure, most disciples believed he would be named the next chief disciple.

In the cultivation world, talent is king. Such talent naturally deserved the status and nurturing of a chief disciple.

Fang Wang shook his head. “It won’t be so easy, but it will bring me closer.”

The three began discussing the position of chief disciple, which had remained vacant since the last one was killed by a demonic cultivator from the Chi Demon Sect. Guang Qiuxian had not appointed a successor; privately, most believed the position was being kept for Lu Yuanjun.

With Fang Wang’s rise, the role became a subject of heated speculation. People loved to see a newcomer challenge the reigning prodigy. Just as Lu Yuanjun had once challenged Xu Lang, now, all were eager to see whom the sect master would choose.

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In the six days that followed, Fang Wang did not return to his own cave, instead visiting various Fang family members in their residences. Little Zi had long since awoken, but stayed hidden in Fang Wang’s embrace until the third day, when Fang Wang forcibly dragged it out to meet the clan. Thereafter, Little Zi’s nature blossomed, and it often joined in their conversations.

When the seventh day arrived, at the break of dawn, the sect’s main city was already packed.

Around the dueling platform, disciples formed circle upon circle, all eager for a glimpse of the Heavenly Origin Spirit Treasure’s bearer.

During the duels a decade ago among the nine branches, Fang Wang’s performance had been astonishing but swift, rarely allowing his true strength to be seen. Now, with so many prodigies gathered, everyone wanted to witness the extent of Fang Wang’s power.

The Third Branch disciples took great pride in Fang Wang, boasting of his strengths even before the contest began. Some even claimed that the legendary White-Robed Soaring Swan was none other than Fang Wang. Of course, that name had faded from the cultivation world; among those challenging Fang Wang today, half had surpassed White-Robed Soaring Swan’s record and reputation.

Visiting cultivators also arrived, and the main city bustled with noise.

Rumors about Fang Wang and the prodigies spread through the city like wildfire.

In terms of innate treasure grade, all those prodigies possessed supreme Profound Origin spirit treasures, still far inferior to Fang Wang. Nevertheless, these prodigies were older than Lu Yuanjun, masters of rare techniques, and possessed formidable battle records. Stripped of their ‘prodigy’ label, they were already considered powerhouses in the world of Great Qi’s cultivators.

To all observers, this battle was a clash of generations.

Lu Yuanjun, with his Earth Origin Spirit Treasure, had once shaken the structure of the Great Qi’s cultivation world. Now, with the emergence of a Heavenly Origin Spirit Treasure, neither the eight great sects nor the noble families could claim to be unafraid. This was more than an internal matter for the Taiyuan Sect; it was sure to reverberate throughout the cultivation world.

As noon approached, Guang Qiuxian arrived, leading the nine branch heads and dozens of elders, including Zhao Chuanqian, Elder Zhang of the Mission Hall, and the Somnolent Immortal.

Vice Sect Master Chen Anshi did not appear.

Eight elders surrounded the dueling platform, preparing the formation.

Lu Yuanjun, Xu Lang, Ye Xiang, Yan Feiyue, Gu Li, and other prodigies also arrived, standing together and discussing the upcoming duels.

Soon, Zhou Xue arrived as well.

Within the Taiyuan Sect, even among prodigies, there were circles. Though Lu Yuanjun was amiable, the gap in spirit treasure grade was real; those lacking a high enough grade dared not join their conversation.

The Son of Heaven of Great Qi, Zhao Zhen, walked in, surrounded by disciples from the Third Branch. Clearly, he held significant sway within that group.

One by one, the challengers arrived.

Each arrival sparked discussion among the onlookers, their deeds and stories eagerly recounted.

“That’s Liu Jun of the Xuanhong Sword Sect, second only to Xu Qiuming, who reached the Profound Heart Realm four years ago.”

“These peerless prodigies of our age truly cut a striking figure!”

“Peerless prodigies? What a joke—before a Heavenly Origin Spirit Treasure, what are they?”

“That’s Song Jinyuan, disciple of the Sword Saint. They say his sword intent has reached perfection.”

“Where is Senior Brother Fang Wang? When will he appear? To challenge thirteen mighty prodigies in succession—who knows what kind of display he’ll give us?”