Chapter 75: The Great Demon King Attacks [Fourth Update, Seeking Monthly Votes]

“Leave? That old scoundrel Yang Yuanzi said the same thing to me! Why should I leave?” Lu Yuanjun spoke in a low voice, and as he mentioned Yang Yuanzi, the murderous intent in his eyes became uncontrollable.

Zhao Zhen sighed and said, “You see, even the sect stands with Fang Wang now. You and I can only hide; though it’s humiliating, there’s no other way. Such is the result of our choices. At least you mastered the Ghost Artifact, and I have stepped onto the Immortal path. Now, if we retreat one step further, so what?”

“I’ve been Emperor for so many years; I know one thing well: when your power is less than others’, you must endure and even retreat. What matters is to laugh last.”

Speaking of this, his heart was filled with mixed emotions.

He had guessed that Fang Wang was a Heaven-Origin Spirit, but never imagined it was true. Moreover, Fang Wang’s displayed strength could already sweep through the Profound Heart Realm, meaning Fang Wang had realized his potential. He could no longer be manipulated.

He also felt a trace of relief: Fang Wang was now so powerful, but hadn’t killed him. Did this mean Fang Wang truly didn’t know?

If so, why provoke Fang Wang?

“No! Absolutely not! Why should I give way? Is the Heaven-Origin Spirit necessarily stronger than me? I have the supreme treasure; I may be able to defeat him! If I devour his soul, his talent will be mine!”

Lu Yuanjun growled, his tone hysterical. At this moment, he was nothing like his usual gentle, sunny self—his face was twisted with resentment, hatred, and greed.

Zhao Zhen frowned, sensing something was wrong with him.

Suddenly, Lu Yuanjun looked over and sneered, “If you hadn’t schemed against me, how would I have been exposed early? Now Taiyuan Sect won’t tolerate me. Since that’s the case, follow me and overthrow Taiyuan Sect!”

Zhao Zhen stood up and said gravely, “Are you mad? The world is at peace now, the nine great sects have ceased hostilities; how can you alone overthrow Taiyuan Sect?”

Black ghostly aura began seeping from Lu Yuanjun’s body, forming a terrifying figure behind him. His face twisted in a ghastly smile. “Do you think you know me well? I called you here today to end your arrogant life. You’re nothing but a dog I pitied, yet you dared to scheme against me and urge me to run? Ridiculous!”

Zhao Zhen’s face changed drastically; he turned to flee, but found himself unable to move. Ghostly tendrils like tentacles wound around his limbs and waist, immobilizing him.

“The Emperor’s dog—do you know why my supreme treasure absorbs souls? I’ll make you watch as I overthrow Taiyuan Sect and slay Fang Wang. I’ll let you be damned for eternity, watching as I pursue immortality!”

Lu Yuanjun’s voice sounded beside Zhao Zhen’s ear; Zhao Zhen’s eyes widened—he could already feel Lu Yuanjun’s breath.

A glance revealed, in despair, that Lu Yuanjun was standing right behind him.

…

Noon, the weather was cool.

Fang Wang sat on a large stone by the lake, fishing. Bored, he called out, “Brother Gu, stop practicing, come chat for a bit!”

Hearing this, Gu Tianxiong, standing on the lake’s surface, veins bulging on his forehead, closed his eyes and shouted irritably, “Finish shaping your spirit and get lost! Don’t waste my time practicing swordsmanship!”

This had gone on for a month, and Gu Tianxiong regretted it deeply. He should never have greeted this kid a month ago; should’ve just let him wander.

Fang Wang yawned, saying, “You can practice swordsmanship anytime, but people can’t cultivate all the time. You have to find some joy—that’s what a friend of mine said. I just can’t remember who.”

Gu Tianxiong clenched his fists, cursing inwardly that Fang Wang was mocking him.

Little did he know, Fang Wang truly had forgotten.

While fishing, Fang Wang mused to himself.

Whoever said that philosophical truth was right. After four hundred years of arduous training in the Celestial Palace, nearly going mad, a month without cultivation, wandering Sword Heaven Marsh, his state of mind improved greatly.

In a word: exhilaration!

But this state wouldn’t last much longer. In three days, he’d have to resume cultivation.

Cultivation is the foundation of an immortal; one can relax occasionally, but never give up training.

Just then, a strong wind blew from the east, scattering the thick fog over the lake. Startled, several sword cultivators turned to look; a group of cultivators flew in from the horizon—not riding swords, but directly soaring. Their attire was exquisite and elegant, their bearing extraordinary—not ordinary people.

Eighteen in total, both men and women, four of whom carried a sedan chair, making everyone curious about its occupant.

“Tsk tsk, a group at the Spirit Pill Realm, yet they carry a sedan chair. Which sect’s disciples have such prestige?”

Fang Wang thought to himself. Suddenly, Xiao Zi leapt from the lake into his arms, poked her head out, and whispered, “Master, there’s a demonic aura—very scary, likely a Great Demon King.”

Great Demon King?

A being comparable to the Spirit Condensation Realm?

Fang Wang narrowed his eyes, focusing on the sedan chair.

That group quickly landed on the opposite shore, and four gently set down the sedan chair. Fang Wang’s sharp eyes could see across the vast lake: a man in black with a strange, demonic air stepped out.

The man seemed to sense Fang Wang’s gaze, turning his eyes towards him. Fang Wang instantly looked away, not wanting trouble.

Gu Tianxiong walked over to Fang Wang, muttering, “Kid, be careful. Stay away from those guys—I sense something’s off.”

Fang Wang replied, “Something’s definitely wrong, but you’re the one who needs to be careful. Don’t always stick your neck out.”

Just in this month, Gu Tianxiong had quarreled several times with other sword cultivators, always defending others.

Every few days, sword cultivators seeking Sword Sage’s legacy arrived; as people gathered, there were inevitably disputes. Gu Tianxiong couldn’t stand those who bullied others with their cultivation, so he often intervened.

Fang Wang suspected that the Gu family’s extermination was because Gu Tianxiong stirred up trouble.

Now, thinking back, it had been less than six years since the Gu family was wiped out.

Zhou Xue never mentioned the exact time.

Gu Tianxiong snorted, saying, “I suspect they’re from the Demon Tribe. The south of Great Qi is full of demons, especially those from overseas—countless in number. Great Demon Kings often take human form and come ashore seeking immortal fate. Sword Sage returned from overseas, so those demons may be here for the same reason.”

Fang Wang noticed the demonic man leading his eighteen followers along the lake shore.

He wasn’t worried about these demons troubling Sword Sage.

That day, when he used the Universe Fan to shake Sword Sage’s sword formation, he realized how terrifying Sword Sage truly was—not someone the demonic man could compare to.

Though the demonic man gave Fang Wang a sense of danger, it wasn’t enough to inspire fear—certainly not like Sword Sage.

So, Fang Wang and Gu Tianxiong continued their idle conversation.

Other sword cultivators on the lake discussed the mysterious arrivals.

By evening, the mysterious group returned to the opposite shore, each sitting in meditation, not interacting with other sword cultivators.

Three days later.

Fang Wang returned to the wooden bridge where he shaped his spirit, cultivating. The pavilion’s doors remained closed; he could sense Fang Hanyu’s presence—the inheritance process ongoing.

Once he started cultivating, time seemed to speed up for Fang Wang.

Days passed swiftly.

Another month went by.

“Come in.”

Sword Sage’s voice reached Fang Wang’s ears—it was odd, for the voice was transmitted magically and sounded utterly exhausted.

He immediately rose and approached, Xiao Zi clinging to him, still afraid of the demonic man suspected to be a Great Demon King.

Entering the main hall, Fang Wang closed the door behind him.

He saw Fang Hanyu lying flat on the ground, face twisted in pain, mysterious energy fluctuating around him.

“No need to worry. He’s successfully inherited my sword energy and is shaping his spirit now. He’ll succeed in two days at most,” Sword Sage said gently, sitting in meditation. He looked much older, his back hunched, his body greatly thinned.

Fang Wang stepped forward, concerned. “Master, are you all right?”

Sword Sage lifted his gaze, speaking slowly: “With sword energy and intent leaving my body, my essence has drained away. I have no more than seven days left to live.”

Fang Wang’s expression changed. He frowned and asked, “Master, is there any way to extend your life?”

“Extend my life? Heh… My fate has come; no medicine can save me. Your concern is enough. What I’m about to give you is the true purpose behind setting up the spirit-shaping here.”

As Sword Sage spoke, he tremblingly raised his right hand; a piece of red jade flew from his sleeve to Fang Wang.

Instinctively, Fang Wang caught it, seeing three words carved upon it.

Yellow Sword Lord!

Holding the jade, he sensed powerful spiritual energy and restrictions within, making him extra cautious.

“I’ve finally found my successor. With this token, you are the Yellow Sword Lord. Once you surpass the Spirit Condensation Realm, you can take this token overseas—it will guide you to your destination, where you’ll find immortal fate unattainable in Great Qi. My talent was lacking; I found that fate too late, but you are different…”

Sword Sage spoke weakly, then suddenly laughed aloud: “Hahaha, Heaven-Origin Spirit… Chan’er, in the end, I win… My successor will surely surpass you, perhaps even claim the seat among the Twenty-four True Immortals…”

His laughter was so strong that he couldn’t help coughing.

Fang Wang listened, feeling trouble looming.

Was this the surprise Zhou Xue mentioned?

Overseas immortal fate?

He would have to surpass the Spirit Condensation Realm to go?

When Sword Sage finished coughing, Fang Wang finally asked, “Master, what is the origin of this token?”

“Master? Call me teacher,” Sword Sage whispered, looking at Fang Wang with expectant eyes.

Seeing this, Fang Wang knelt halfway, cupping his fists. “Teacher, thank you for granting us your legacy!”

Sword Sage smiled. “Good! Very good! At last, the Sword Sage has a worthy successor!”

“My good disciple, don’t ask further now. When you surpass the Spirit Condensation Realm, use your divine sense to probe the token, and you will understand everything. But for now, trouble approaches—a Great Demon King from overseas has come, seeking this Yellow Sword Lord token.”

Sword Sage’s smile faded, his expression grave.

Fang Wang narrowed his eyes. “Is this Great Demon King your mortal enemy?”

Sword Sage took a deep breath. “I know your cultivation isn’t low, certainly above Spirit Shaping Realm; this means you are a dual-fate Spirit. But you must not oppose him—a Great Demon King is equivalent to the Spirit Condensation Realm, far beyond your current reach. When Yu Han wakes, leave with him.”

Yu Han was Fang Hanyu’s alias.