Chapter 94: Second Under Heaven, The Insight of Little Violet [Third Update]

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Faced with Fang Wang’s request, Gu Li did not refuse; in fact, she was eager to speak more with him.

“Let’s start with Lü Changge from Great Wei. Three years ago, he challenged the Xuanhong Sword Sect, was defeated, and subsequently imprisoned by them,” Gu Li began, her voice tinged with emotion.

Fang Wang asked in surprise, “Isn’t that to be expected? After all, the Xuanhong Sword Sect is the strongest faction; they can't let Lü Changge single-handedly sweep through the entire cultivation world of Great Qi, can they?”

If Great Wei’s cultivation world were truly that powerful, they would have invaded long ago to seize spirit veins. In the early years of Great Qi, they had fought Great Wei, and his grandfather, Fang Meng, had participated in that war, decisively defeating the Wei army and expanding their territory by five hundred miles.

The rivalry between dynasties reflected the struggle within the cultivation world as well. Great Wei’s defeat in the mortal realm meant its cultivators had been bested too. Ordinary people may not know of cultivators’ existence, but cultivators often shape the outcome of wars, not by appearing openly, but by wielding their arts from behind the scenes.

For instance, when the founding emperor of Qi was besieged by warlords on all sides, meteors fell from the sky, crushing one hundred thousand enemy soldiers. The survivors were so terrified that they fled in panic. After joining the Taiyuan Sect, Fang Wang learned that this legendary battle was actually the result of the Xuanhong Sword Sect’s intervention—they dropped massive stones from the sea of clouds, masquerading as a natural disaster.

“The one who defeated Lü Changge wasn’t the Sect Master, but Xu Qiuming. He managed to defeat a cultivator at the Soul Condensation realm while only at the Profound Heart realm himself. Now, the entire cultivation world speaks of him as the second greatest genius beneath heaven,” Gu Li said, casting a meaningful glance at Fang Wang, her heart full of complicated feelings.

Such an achievement was extraordinary, yet it could not shake Fang Wang’s position.

Fang Wang was not surprised. Zhou Xue had told him long ago that Xu Qiuming would become the foremost cultivator of Great Qi, destined to leave and reach the pinnacle of the world. Even before Zhou Xue’s ascension, she might not have matched him. Unfortunately, fate had not favored him with the opportunity to ascend.

“Let’s talk about the second matter: the Chimo Sect suffered a devastating attack from the Jin Xiao Sect. Jin Xiao Sect is truly formidable—since its emergence, it has never been defeated. Their experts grow ever more numerous, and that Xiao Kuang’s reputation has already surpassed the Four Guardian Kings. Truly, I wonder where the Demon Lord finds so many high-level cultivators,” Gu Li marveled.

Fang Wang had yet to meet Xiao Kuang, but the name had reached his ears more than once. Tu Caiyi was at the Soul Condensation realm, and Xiao Kuang likely was too.

Could Jin Xiao Sect have more Soul Condensation cultivators than all nine great sects combined?

Of course, that was only what was known publicly. Just as Sword Sect’s Kong Xi had never revealed his breakthrough to the Soul Condensation realm before challenging Fang Wang.

Gu Li continued to discuss matters of cultivation, and Fang Wang listened attentively, occasionally expressing his own awe, as though those who stirred the winds and clouds were figures far beyond his reach.

Meanwhile—

Inside the Shiyuan Hall, Guang Qiuxian and Yang Yuanzi were also conversing.

Yang Yuanzi sighed, “That Sister Chai is truly remarkable. She’s already helped Zhao Qi consolidate the royal court, and even assists him in balancing the influence of other sects.”

Guang Qiuxian stroked his beard and smiled, “Of course. Our master never takes disciples lightly. To accept her means she’s extraordinary. She mastered our master’s ultimate art—attaining a level neither you nor I dared imagine.”

“Think back to when she wanted to be vice sect leader. I almost clashed with her, but she spared my pride and chose to prove her abilities through missions instead,” Yang Yuanzi recalled, his expression complex.

Guang Qiuxian smiled triumphantly, “If she hadn’t been so forceful externally, how could Taiyuan Sect have gained so many spirit veins? And how could those noble clans willingly contribute several times their usual resources?”

Yang Yuanzi snorted, “That may be so, but you should still beware of her. Chen Anshi’s betrayal is a warning.”

Mentioning Chen Anshi, Guang Qiuxian’s smile faded. Chen Anshi’s betrayal remained his greatest sorrow.

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He even felt guilty toward Lu Yuanjun, believing that if he hadn’t sent Chen Anshi to take the young Lu Yuanjun out for training, Lu Yuanjun would not be as he was now. Thus, even after Lu Yuanjun’s defection, he could not bring himself to pursue him.

“Let’s talk about Jin Xiao Sect. Both of us have been recovering for years; it’s time to face their threat. Jin Xiao Sect struck at Chimo Sect, and with their previous attack on Qingchan Valley, they’ve shown strength unafraid of the nine great sects,” Yang Yuanzi said, his brow furrowed, recalling the Demon Lord’s presence with deep apprehension.

Guang Qiuxian’s brows knit as well. In a solemn tone, he said, “The Demon Lord’s power is unfathomable. Before the demonic path invaded Taiyuan Sect, I sparred with her. I sensed she could have killed me but deliberately refrained. It seems she wanted to watch us and the demonic path destroy each other.”

Yang Yuanzi arched his brow and asked, “Was that when you were cursed, just like me?”

“Most likely.”

“Why didn’t you tell me? I thought you were escorting Lu Yuanjun and got attacked by the Demon Lord along the way.”

“How could I admit defeat to the Demon Lord? That would be too humiliating. Besides, she only probed me before leaving.”

“Hah, you do cherish your pride,” Yang Yuanzi sneered.

Guang Qiuxian snorted, “No matter. Fang Wang has grown strong. Once he breaks through to Soul Condensation, even the Demon Lord may not be his match!”

Mentioning Fang Wang, he grew proud again. During his tenure as sect leader, for Taiyuan Sect to produce a talent like Fang Wang, even in death he could face all his predecessors with pride.

“My disciple is destined to be invincible. But if Lu Yuanjun returns and they fight, you must not shield him again! That rascal struck me when I tried to help him—truly ungrateful!” Yang Yuanzi raged, cursing endlessly at the mention of Lu Yuanjun.

Guang Qiuxian forced a bitter smile and sighed, “We’ve done our best to keep him alive. If he returns and dies at Fang Wang’s hand, that’s his fate. But tell me, does Fang Wang know the truth?”

Yang Yuanzi replied calmly, “Of course. If he didn’t, why would he vie for the position of chief disciple?”

Guang Qiuxian fell silent, then asked, “Will he resent us?”

Yang Yuanzi shook his head, “Who knows what he truly thinks? At least outwardly, he still respects us. You can’t expect him to be free of all grievances—he’s human, after all. Let it be. We don’t have many years left. If he blames us, so be it, as long as he doesn’t take it out on Taiyuan Sect. Fortunately, his attitude toward fellow disciples is excellent; he never bullies the weak.”

Guang Qiuxian found reason in this but still couldn’t help but sigh.

“Brother, do you think when we die and meet her, she’ll reproach us?”

“Why would she? She saved our lives back then, but we repaid the debt. As for marrying that man—she brought it on herself. Look at his offspring, none are decent!” Yang Yuanzi cursed through gritted teeth, but his eyes were full of sorrow.

Guang Qiuxian said earnestly, “Brother, don’t dwell on her. It’s my fault for not protecting you. The first time I took you down the mountain, we were beset by the demonic path. If not for her, we both would have died. And because it was your first time seeing the world, you became enamored with her. My fault entirely.”

Yang Yuanzi snorted, “Nonsense, I never had feelings for her!”

Guang Qiuxian hesitated, then sighed.

“Let’s get back to Jin Xiao Sect. I propose we unite the righteous factions, share intelligence, and, if possible, join forces to eradicate Jin Xiao Sect!” Yang Yuanzi shifted the topic, his expression fierce.

Guang Qiuxian began to ponder deeply.

...

After an hour of conversation with Gu Li, the two finally parted.

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Returning to his cave, Fang Wang sat on his white jade bed, his expression one of lingering thoughts.

Heroes competed endlessly in the world—he, too, wanted to...

Ahem, he, too, wished to bring glory to Taiyuan Sect!

Alas, he had to restrain himself and focus first on breaking through to the Soul Condensation realm.

“Young master, what’s with that expression? Don’t tell me you’re thinking about her?” Xiao Zi lay across the table, eyeing Fang Wang curiously.

Fang Wang shot it a glare, retorting, “Who I think about is none of your concern!”

Xiao Zi flicked its tongue and asked, “Young master, should I learn some transformation arts and turn into Gu Li for you? You can do whatever you wish to me.”

Fang Wang nearly shattered his jade bed at that, glaring at Xiao Zi and scolding, “What nonsense are you thinking? Where did you learn that? You never go out!”

“Of course, I learned it in the Great Sage’s cave. Your human cultivators demonstrated it for me. Female cultivators love to transform and please male cultivators, and the men always praise them for it. Don’t you like that sort of thing?” Xiao Zi asked earnestly.

“Utter nonsense! Like it or not, what does it matter? You’re just a snake—mind your place, or I’ll deal with you!” Fang Wang rebuked.

He couldn’t let the snake continue; it stirred dangerous thoughts!

Demons were always seeking to undermine his resolve!

Fang Wang waved his hand, sending Xiao Zi flying into the small pool behind him, then sat down to cultivate.

Xiao Zi poked its wet head out of the water, watching Fang Wang’s back, tongue flicking as though pondering something.

...

In a dim chamber—

Lu Yuanjun, deep in cultivation, opened his eyes with a frown, murmuring, “Why can’t I succeed? What’s the problem?”

Floating atop a black gourd, Zhao Zhen asked, “Perhaps you never truly mastered it?”

“That’s possible. But if so, how did I absorb their souls before?” Lu Yuanjun puzzled endlessly.

Zhao Zhen shrugged, “Seems normal. The more you absorb, the stronger your ghost soldiers. Your skills need improvement. Forget about Fang Wang. By the time you master the Yin-Yang Profound Nether Art, Fang Wang may have left Great Qi entirely.”

“His treasure spirit is the Heavenly Origin Treasure Spirit. No one knows his cultivation speed. Admit it—you’re simply not his equal.”

At those words, Lu Yuanjun lifted his gaze, coldly staring at Zhao Zhen, who immediately fell silent in fright.

Lu Yuanjun snorted, his eyes flickering, “Yes, I can’t wait any longer. The longer I delay, the more troublesome it becomes.”