Fang Zhongde's Overture

"Don't be hasty. Take your time and think it over."

Repeatedly refused, even He Yunsong's Dao heart wavered somewhat, but he still forced a smile as he spoke.

He was, after all, a renowned expert of many years, with countless disciples under his command—when had he ever lowered himself so much to invite someone?

"Grand Elder, please see him out."

Fang Zhongwu had always respected Fang Yuan's choices.

Since he had declined to go to Azure Cloud Academy, the treasures left on the table naturally could not be accepted; they were all returned.

"A pity. This Green Vine Spirit Root could have served as key material for Yuan'er's second Foundation Building."

Ever since returning from the ancestral land, Fang Zhongwu had been tirelessly gathering materials, racking his brains and mobilizing many hands to search far and wide.

But one crucial spirit medicine was still missing.

The Nine Tribulation Azure Lotus talent focused primarily on the soul, and heavenly treasures of this kind were the hardest to find.

"Patriarch!"

After seeing He Yunsong off, the Grand Elder entered Fang Zhongwu's study, holding a rectangular wooden box, and gave a slight bow.

"Zhongde, you're here. No need for formalities between us."

The Grand Elder nodded and asked, "I heard the Patriarch has been searching for spirit medicines related to the mind. Is it for Fang Yuan?"

Fang Zhongwu's eyes narrowed, unable to discern the Grand Elder's intent, but he nodded nonetheless.

"In my early years, while training abroad, I happened upon a spirit medicine by chance. It might prove useful."

Fang Zhongde opened the wooden box, and a clear fragrance wafted out. Inside lay a white plant half an arm's length tall, with nine blossoms at its tip—pure white, sacred, and dreamlike.

"A Dream Soul Flower over ten thousand years old?" Fang Zhongwu was somewhat startled.

Not to mention a spirit medicine over ten thousand years old—even a thousand-year-old one was hard to find within the Great Zhou Dynasty, extremely rare and precious.

"Zhongde, what is your intention here?"

A gift of such weight arriving at his door surely meant a significant request.

"Fang Yuan defeated Fang Lian in the ancestral land, displaying our clan's might and crushing the ambitions of the Wangdu Fang family."

Fang Zhongde cleared his throat and spoke with righteous fervor: "As an elder, giving him a reward is only fitting."

"This gift is far too valuable." Fang Zhongwu knew these words were just a pretext. "If there's anything I can help with, Brother Zhongde, please speak freely."

Fang Zhongde pondered for a moment, then said slowly, "My son is unambitious. He wishes to go out and train after the clan competition."

"Go out and train?" Fang Zhongwu raised an eyebrow. "That's a good thing. The boy has an enterprising and upward-seeking heart."

Fang Zhongde sighed. "I wouldn't oppose ordinary training, but he wants to leave the Great Zhou Dynasty, even cross the Million Great Mountains."

As he spoke, Fang Zhongde glanced meaningfully at Fang Zhongwu, his gaze laden with implication.

Fang Zhongwu's expression tightened.

In his youth, he had crossed the Million Great Mountains himself, and he knew full well how arduous the journey was, how many uncontrollable dangers lay ahead.

"Better to persuade the boy. At least wait until he reaches the Foundation Building Realm before venturing far."

Fang Zhongde shook his head with a bitter smile. "Unless I keep him tied up, I can't change his mind."

"I'd like to ask the Patriarch to have your Private Guard secretly protect Yuan'er for part of the journey." Fang Zhongde bowed respectfully.

Fang Zhongwu thought for a moment, then agreed. With a wave of his hand, maps, manuals, and other items appeared on the table.

"These are all records I made during my early training, including some cultivation insights."

Fang Zhongde's face showed reverence, fully aware of the value of these items. He said earnestly, "I thank the Patriarch on behalf of Yuan'er!"

"We are all one family. Outstanding juniors deserve to be looked after."

Before leaving, Fang Zhongde said, "Please also tell Fang Yuan that what I failed to accomplish back then, he has achieved. It has avenged me as well. Thank him."

Fang Zhongwu seemed to recall a past event and nodded slightly.

"All the materials are ready. We can begin setting up the formation!"

Fang Zhongwu entered a secret chamber, where many rare items were laid out before him—spirit medicines, talismans, beast scales...

He formed hand seals, and profound patterns emerged, while over a dozen banners flew to various positions behind him.

"Brother Yuan, you're the man!"

The news that Fang Yuan had rejected the personal invitation of Azure Cloud Academy's Vice Head spread through the entire clan in no time, stunning everyone.

For the vast majority of disciples, the great sects were far too distant.

Many people's horizons were limited to the Great Zhou Dynasty, with Azure Cloud Academy being the finest martial academy they knew.

Reaching for the sky was far worse than keeping one's feet on the ground. How many prodigies like Fang Yuan could the Great Zhou Dynasty produce?

His twice-repeated refusal of Azure Cloud Academy indeed stirred considerable reaction among the disciples—some approved, some were baffled, each with their own opinion.

"The Young Master's talent is extraordinary. His sights should be set on the great sects, not content with a corner of the world."

"It's not like he has to stay at the Azure Cloud Academy forever—they promised he could enter a major sect after a year!"

"I think the Young Master should still go," another disciple analyzed.

"Refusing twice not only makes the Azure Cloud Academy lose face, but staying there also brings nothing but benefits."

"The current head of the Azure Cloud Academy is the Great Zhou Dynasty's National Preceptor, with connections everywhere—it's good for the family too."

A pretty female disciple sneered indignantly, "The Young Master has his own judgment. Who are you to criticize?"

The man wanted to retort, but seeing she was an Elder's Descendant, he immediately shut his mouth.

Scenes like this played out all over the Fang Family. Not only were many disciples baffled, but even some elders were confused and wanted to offer advice.

But then they thought—if even the two titans of the Fang Family, the Family Head and the Grand Elder, had no objections, what more could they say?

"Fang Man, you want to go to the Azure Cloud Academy, don't you?" In the side courtyard, Fang Yuan asked with a smile.

His thoughts seen through, Fang Man scratched his head awkwardly.

"Don't let me influence you. The Azure Cloud Academy is good for your growth—it's an excellent choice."

Fang Man nodded. "I know I don't have your astonishing talent, Brother Yuan. Just being able to enter the Azure Cloud Academy is more than enough for me."

"Don't underestimate the heroes of the world, and don't sell yourself short."

Fang Yuan patted Fang Man on the shoulder. "Your incredible recovery ability—even I envy it."

"I'm just good at taking a beating," Fang Man said sheepishly.

"I haven't seen Ke'er around lately. What's she up to?"

"Closed-door training. She wants to get a good ranking in the Prefecture City Grand Competition," Fang Man replied.

Fang Yuan thought of that stubborn girl. She was the third among the younger generation to break through to the Xiantian Realm.

Steady and unflappable in temperament, she also had great perseverance and trained extremely hard.

After He Yunsong left the Fang Family, he didn't stop to rest at all, planning to return directly to the academy to report on his mission.

He happened to run into two people on the road. Thinking they were just trying to curry favor, his attitude was cold.

But after recognizing who they were, his demeanor softened slightly. "You two have come—what business do you have?"

The arrivals were the Flowing Cloud Prefecture Lord and the Duke Zhenguo's Heir.

"Master, you're leaving the Fang Family so soon?" the Flowing Cloud Prefecture Lord asked in confusion.

Mentioning the Fang Family stirred up an unpleasant memory in He Yunsong's heart. He was silent for a long moment.

"Since Master has come to Flowing Cloud Prefecture, even to Clear Sea City, how could your student not pay a visit?"

The Flowing Cloud Prefecture Lord owed much of his current position to the Azure Cloud Academy and carried a sense of gratitude.

He Yunsong didn't take the bait. Instead, he asked, "Were you heading to the Fang Family?"

Having navigated officialdom for years, the Flowing Cloud Prefecture Lord was sharp enough to notice He Yunsong's low spirits and quickly waved his hand.

"We came specifically to see you, Master."

Ye Lingkong nodded in agreement from the side.

"You've seen me. If there's nothing important, I'll be on my way."

On a normal day, He Yunsong wouldn't have acted this way—after all, the two men before him held considerable status.

But today, he was in a foul mood and had no desire for idle chat. He transformed into a streak of light and vanished swiftly.

Leaving the Flowing Cloud Prefecture Lord and Ye Lingkong standing there, bewildered...