Chimo Sect

Spitting sword energy?

Wasn't that the level I reached after forty years of cultivation?

Hearing Gu Li's words, Fang Wang was certain that his mastery of Spirit Nurturing Sword Energy had surpassed everyone in the Gu Family—well, everyone alive.

"So that's why it's so hard to practice," Fang Wang said, feigning understanding.

Gu Li worried she might dampen Fang Wang's enthusiasm, so she comforted him, "Don't be discouraged. Your talent is so great, you've even managed to practice the Sword Control Technique to an unbelievable degree. In time, your Spirit Nurturing Sword Energy will surely reach perfection, surpassing even my grandfather."

"Thank you for your encouragement, Miss Gu. I'll have to practice more, I can't let you down."

"Mhm, if you master the Spirit Nurturing Sword Energy, remember to tell me."

"Oh? Why?"

"My father is very much looking forward to your results."

"You don't mean... if I master it, your father will betroth you to me, right?"

"How could that be! You wish! With my talent, my father wouldn't arrange my marriage. My entire life is dedicated to cultivation, I will never marry!"

Gu Li glared, her cheeks flushing slightly.

Fang Wang suddenly couldn't tell if she was embarrassed or angry, but he didn't dare to claim he had already mastered the Spirit Nurturing Sword Energy. He wanted to keep some of his true talent hidden.

"I'm not talking to you anymore, I need to cultivate!"

Gu Li huffed and turned back to her cave dwelling.

Fang Wang smiled, finding this side of Gu Li quite interesting, at least she wasn't so stiff.

He followed her back to the cave dwelling, preparing to cultivate. He might encounter cultivators from other dynasties when heading to the Great Sage's Grotto-Heaven, so he needed to become as strong as possible.

The one-month deadline arrived quickly, and the winter snow in Taiyuan Sect had yet to melt.

On the main peak, in front of Shiyuan Hall.

Fang Wang and Gu Li arrived by sword, landing on the ground. Five disciples were already waiting, including Zhou Xue and Xu Lang.

Upon seeing Fang Wang, Xu Lang's expression turned awkward, but he still nodded at Fang Wang. Fang Wang, without putting on airs, nodded in return.

Zhou Xue walked up to Fang Wang and teased, "A pair, you two seem quite close."

Fang Wang raised an eyebrow, "We are neighbors, after all."

Gu Li glanced at Zhou Xue and quietly moved to the side, giving them space. She wasn't ignored; other disciples began to chat with her.

Fang Wang chuckled softly, "It really is you. Hanyu and the others all said they received your help and guidance. You haven't neglected anyone. I can't compare to you in that regard; you're our leader."

Leader?

Zhou Xue pursed her lips and smiled, "That title sounds terrible. Don't overthink it. Just focus all your energy on your own cultivation. If I need to leave, I'll tell you in advance. You don't need to worry about the Fang Family usually."

Fang Wang nodded. They had gone through life and death together, and he trusted her. Moreover, along the way, thanks to Zhou Xue's presence, he hadn't had to worry about anything else, even saving Fang Hanyu had been with Zhou Xue by his side.

Even the matter of revenge had been taken care of by Zhou Xue. Fang Wang outwardly had no objections, but inwardly, he harbored a burning resolve.

Once he possessed the strength to confront Lu Yuanjun and the forces behind him, he would personally slay his enemies!

Not long after, Lu Yuanjun and another disciple arrived. The nine disciples representing Taiyuan Sect were finally gathered. Lu Yuanjun was naturally the central figure; he was excellent at handling people and took care of every disciple.

Zhou Xue was similar, chatting and laughing with Lu Yuanjun as if they were close senior and junior disciples. Fang Wang, knowing the truth, could feel her killing intent.

At this moment.

The doors of Shiyuan Hall opened, and Guang Qiuxian emerged with a group of elders. The Vice Sect Master, Chen Anshi, was right behind Guang Qiuxian, exuding an imposing aura as he walked, drawing even more attention than Guang Qiuxian.

"Vice Sect Master Chen Anshi is a spy from the Chimo Sect. The subsequent encirclement of Taiyuan Sect by the Demonic Path will be led by him. Stay away from him and don't trust anything he says."

Fang Wang suddenly heard Zhou Xue's sound transmission, and his heart pounded.

Good heavens, aren't you afraid the Vice Sect Master will hear you?

Fang Wang didn't even dare to look at Zhou Xue, nor did he look at Chen Anshi, his gaze fixed on Guang Qiuxian.

His Sound Transmission Technique was definitely inferior to Zhou Xue's, so he dared not reply.

Guang Qiuxian walked to the edge of the stone steps and said, "This expedition will be led by the Vice Sect Master and the Inheritance Elder. They will tell you the specific details on the way. While this is an opportunity, it is also accompanied by danger. You must take care of yourselves. I will await your return at Taiyuan Sect."

Fang Wang's gaze fell on the Inheritance Elder, Zhao Chuangan. It was Zhao Chuangan who had brought him to see Guang Qiuxian and then led him to the third peak.

Zhao Chuangan felt Fang Wang's gaze. He maintained his stern demeanor, merely exchanging a glance with Fang Wang without responding.

Chen Anshi stepped forward, waved his right hand, and a small wooden boat flew out from his sleeve. It rapidly enlarged, becoming ten zhang long. The boat also had a pavilion on it, entirely red, with lanterns hanging from it.

The wooden boat hovered in mid-air. As soon as it appeared, Fang Wang clearly felt the surrounding Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy surging towards it.

Chen Anshi, Zhao Chuangan, and the five elders immediately leaped into the boat. The nine disciples followed closely.

Standing on the deck, Fang Wang used his Spiritual Sense to examine the boat. He discovered that beneath the wooden planks were various Talisman Papers and intricate magic artifact components, complex and precise.

Soon, the wooden boat set sail, its speed suddenly increasing. In the blink of an eye, it disappeared into the snowy mist on the horizon, vanishing from sight.

Guang Qiuxian stood on the steps, gazing up at the scene. The elders behind him gradually departed. Finally, Yang Yuanzi emerged from Shiyuan Hall and came to his side.

Now, only the two of them remained.

The cold wind blew, ruffling their hair.

"Senior Brother, I always felt that Great Qi's transition to a cultivation dynasty is unreliable. I fear something major will happen during this trip to the Great Sage's Grotto-Heaven," Yang Yuanzi said, his tone indifferent.

Guang Qiuxian replied expressionlessly, "I know, but thankfully the Great Sage's Grotto-Heaven isn't controlled by any single sect. Such an opportunity cannot be missed. It will allow this batch of disciples to grow faster, especially Yuanjun. The Taiyuan Sect needs his strength."

Yang Yuanzi frowned and asked, "Recently, there have been some rumors circulating about Lu Yuanjun. Senior Brother, you must keep a close eye on him. Don't indulge him, and don't forget his background."

Guang Qiuxian glanced at him and replied, "Junior Brother, the grievances of the previous generation belong to the previous generation. As for those rumors, as long as they don't have a significant impact, don't bother with them. Don't you also know some spells from Green Cicada Valley? Do you want me to punish you?"

"Hmph! Then let's see if your doted-upon Lu Yuanjun can contend with Xia Qingchan of the Chimo Sect and Xu Qiuming of the Xuanhong Sword Sect!" Yang Yuanzi said coldly.

Guang Qiuxian shook his head and chuckled, then turned and walked towards Shiyuan Hall.

The sun began to set, half of it obscured by the horizon.

Fang Wang stood on the deck, facing the wind. He admired the magnificent scenery along the way, feeling refreshed and at ease.

After being confined in the Celestial Palace for 120 years, he needed to relax. Otherwise, he feared his mindset would suffer.

In his past life, he read many cultivation novels with various genres. He never expected that after embarking on his own cultivation journey, he would end up on a completely different path.

What would he call this?

"Prison-style cultivation"?

Fang Wang teased himself internally. Although the years of cultivation in the Celestial Palace were dull and tedious, the sense of accomplishment afterward was extremely rewarding. Therefore, he was still grateful to have had the Celestial Palace.

"What are you thinking about?"

Zhou Xue's voice reached him. She walked up to Fang Wang and stood beside him, shoulder to shoulder.

Fang Wang glanced at her and chuckled softly, "I'm not thinking about anything. I'm just appreciating the scenery of the mortal world. Cultivation pursues freedom. Looking at the world from here, isn't that a form of freedom?"

Zhou Xue looked towards the horizon, not replying.

Fang Wang didn't say anything further, continuing to immerse himself in the grandeur of the mountains and rivers.

At dusk, the sky was fiery red. The sea of clouds resembled residual blood. Below, the undulating mountains appeared dark, but their peaks were glowing, making the entire landscape look dreamlike.

"The Great Sage's Grotto-Heaven will be a turning point for the Great Qi's immortal cultivation world in the future. Be extremely cautious once you enter. If you encounter disciples from other sects, never trust them. If anyone shows ill intent towards you, either kill them or flee. Do not hesitate."

Zhou Xue's voice sounded in Fang Wang's ear, this time again using the Sound Transmission Technique.

Fang Wang did not respond, fearing that the disciples and elders behind them might detect something unusual.

Subsequently, Zhou Xue continued to use the Sound Transmission Technique to introduce Fang Wang to the prominent figures from other sects, even listing a few individuals who should not be provoked.

Gu Li sat cross-legged by the ship's edge. She opened her eyes and happened to see the backs of Fang Wang and Zhou Xue. In the afterglow of the setting sun, the two looked so well-matched that she fell into a daze.

A month ago, after witnessing Zhou Xue's performance, she knew she was no match for her. Therefore, she now had another target.

"If I cannot defeat Zhou Xue, how can I be worthy of challenging you?"

Gu Li thought to herself, her gaze becoming resolute.

At this moment, another person was watching Fang Wang and Zhou Xue. This person stood at the edge of the second floor of a pavilion – it was Lu Yuanjun.