Weaving a Cocoon, Trapping Oneself

"Has someone been deliberately making things difficult for you lately?"

Fang Yuan arrived at Miao Yunshang's residence. As the master of Rain Listening Pavilion, she had the most comprehensive information.

"There have indeed been many small troubles."

A hint of contemplation flickered in Miao Yunshang's beautiful eyes. "But they're all still within normal bounds. As for Young Master Lin's side, I've already taught him a lesson."

"If this happens again, don't worry about the consequences. Just kill them all."

Fang Yuan's tone was indifferent, but carried an unquestionable authority, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"You don't need to hold back too much. There aren't many people in Clear Sea City worth taking seriously in my eyes."

Fang Yuan's words gave Miao Yunshang a full sense of security, completely filling her heart and body with a warm current flowing through her.

This was something she had never experienced in all her years wandering outside, not even when she was in the Murong Family.

"If this really is someone's scheme, that Young Master Lin should come again."

Fang Yuan thought for a moment. "I'll have Steward Fang Rong stay nearby for two days. You all just maintain your normal routine."

"Keep in touch with me about anything. Before the end of the month, have all the disciples of Rain Listening Pavilion become martial artists."

"If any disciple can't keep up, demote them to registered disciples. If it happens repeatedly, have them withdraw and become support staff. Use your own judgment on the specifics."

Miao Yunshang nodded slightly. Seeing Fang Yuan hand over another pile of cultivation resources, she quickly said:

"The resources you left last time, Young Master, were already plenty."

"Their cultivation needs to improve, but your strength can't fall behind either."

With that, Fang Yuan left Rain Listening Pavilion. On the way, he mused that he still needed to acquire more cultivation resources.

His own cultivation relied on the Fang Family, but if he wanted to support another group and build up his forces, he definitely couldn't use too many family resources.

Once Rain Listening Pavilion's framework was fully established, their development would mainly depend on themselves. He would just keep the general direction from straying.

"That trip to Green Ridge Stronghold last time—I did contribute a bit."

Fang Yuan's eyes shifted slightly. The trifles he had previously looked down on still carried considerable weight for Rain Listening Pavilion, which was still in its infancy.

"Here we are!"

Fang Yuan didn't rush to Imperial Fragrance Tower. Instead, he made his way to the outer city, stopping in front of a blacksmith's shop.

"Sir, we're an old establishment here, fine craftsmanship. What do you need?"

The clanging of hammering iron echoed continuously. An apprentice at the door wiped sweat with a towel hanging around his neck and asked with a smile.

"I want a three-thousand-jin saber forged."

"What?"

The apprentice outside thought he had misheard, standing frozen for a moment, but he was quick-witted enough.

"Please wait a moment. I'll go fetch the shopkeeper."

After a short while, a burly man in plain clothes with bare arms walked over, his gaze landing on Fang Yuan.

"A three-thousand-jin saber—that's no light burden."

"I've long heard that Master Di's forged blades are the finest, drawing no blood when they kill."

Di Qiu lifted his eyes slightly and made a gesture of invitation, transmitting his voice with true qi.

"Who do you need me to kill for you, and when?"

"The Lin Family in the inner city. No survivors. The time to act will be the day someone comes to pick up the blade."

Fang Yuan formed his words into a thread and replied with true qi as well, a chilling gleam flashing in his eyes.

"Good."

Di Qiu didn't ask why. He simply accepted calmly and watched Fang Yuan leave.

"Someone wants to muddy the waters—then let's stir up a monstrous wave."

Fang Yuan figured that anyone with some foundation in the inner city would inevitably check the background before offending someone.

A spoiled young master might be reckless, but he wasn't brainless.

To find out who was backing Rain Listening Pavilion, a little effort would suffice.

After all, Xiao Zi frequented this place often. To a certain extent, she represented Fang Yuan's will.

"The Lin Family—let's hope they don't spin a cocoon around themselves."

Fang Yuan had no interest in a family he'd never even heard of. Live or die, it was all the same to him.

But if they provoked him, willingly letting themselves be used as pawns, they'd have only themselves to blame for his thunderous wrath.

Some might think—

Why should a minor squabble between juniors drag an entire family into it?

But in reality, once that so-called Young Master Lin died, the Lin Family would inevitably come demanding an explanation.

The Rain Listening Pavilion could not be blocked; in the end, Fang Yuan had to step forward, even alarming the clan.

If the one behind the scenes truly wanted to blow things up.

The Lin Clan, then, deserved to perish.

"The inner city has been too quiet on the surface for too long. It's time to remind people, so no random clan dares to show their face."

And that Di Qiu from the blacksmith shop earlier was a genuine Foundation Establishment True Person, who had been living incognito for three or four years.

He was originally a craftsman in the Fang Family's forging division, but later caused trouble and fled the Fang Family.

Yet in his carelessness, he only thought to run himself, leaving his entire family behind in the Fang Family.

If not for Fang Qingyun taking pity on a little girl and sparing her life, the whole family might have died.

And at that time, the one truly qualified and positioned to make the decision was Fang Yuan, who was accompanying his own younger sister.

It was for this reason that Di Qiu, upon later learning his family still lived, was incomparably respectful to Fang Yuan.

So many years had passed.

This was the first time Fang Yuan had spoken up; Di Qiu knew the rules and naturally wouldn't ask any more questions.

"It seems that from now on, when I go out, I still need a carriage."

Without realizing it, Fang Yuan had arrived at the entrance of the Imperial Fragrance Tower.

This distance was hardly tiring, but the luxurious carriages parked on either side of the entrance still gave off an impressive air.

"Greetings, Young Master!"

Before Fang Yuan could step into the Imperial Fragrance Tower, a chorus of respectful salutes rang out, and many clan disciples bowed in succession.

"Why aren't you all going inside?"

This victory banquet was hosted by the Prefect, naturally including everyone who had gone to Green Ridge Stronghold.

Many clan stewards didn't want to attend such an occasion, so they sent the younger disciples instead, just to enjoy the excitement.

"How could we attend the feast before the Young Master has arrived?"

Fang Yuan gave a slight nod, his gaze sweeping over the crowd, but he didn't see Fang Man, which struck him as odd.

Fang Man disliked this kind of occasion too, but if Fang Yuan was present, he would definitely come.

"Reporting to the Young Master, Fang Man said he had an insight and was about to break through. He's in seclusion and sends his apologies."

Fang Ping came to Fang Yuan's side, bowed slightly, and spoke in a low voice.

"Don't just stand outside. Everyone, go in!"

Fang Yuan walked at the front, with Fang Yan and Fang Ping half a step behind, while the others followed behind the two of them.

"So that's the unparalleled genius of the Fang Family. Truly handsome beyond compare."

"In a while, it'll be the Prefecture City Grand Competition. I still think that Fang Family lad will take the top spot."

"Hard to say. The Wang Clan's Qilin Child is also exceptionally gifted."

The Imperial Fragrance Tower was the finest restaurant in the prefecture city; only those with a certain level of strength could frequent it.

But encountering Fang Yuan and his group advancing, they had no choice but to step aside and stand at the side, letting out sighs of admiration.

"Why trouble the Prefect to wait in person?"

At the stairs leading to the top floor, the Prefect, dressed in plain clothes, wore a full smile and kept his posture low.

"I was worried the banquet might be dull, so I specially invited the city's outstanding young talents. You won't mind, will you, Young Master Fang?"

Fang Yuan's face remained as calm as clouds and wind, but in his heart, he had already guessed.

This victory banquet was likely not ordinary.