"Don't rush. Think it over some more."
After being turned down again and again, even He Yunsong's Dao heart had begun to waver. Still, he plastered on a smile and said,
He was a renowned powerhouse of many years, with countless disciples under his tutelage. When had he ever lowered himself so much to invite someone?
"Grand Elder, see him out."
Fang Zhongwu had always respected Fang Yuan's choices.
Since Fang Yuan hadn't agreed to go to the Azure Cloud Academy, they naturally couldn't accept the treasures left on the table. They had to return them all.
"It's a pity. This Green Vine Spirit Root is an important ingredient for Yuan'er's second Foundation Establishment."
Ever since returning from the Ancestral Land, Fang Zhongwu had been gathering materials, racking his brains and sending people far and wide.
But they were still missing one crucial Treasure Herb.
The Nine Tribulation Azure Lotus's talent focused mainly on the soul, and treasures of this kind were the hardest to find.
"Family Head!"
After seeing He Yunsong off, the Grand Elder came to Fang Zhongwu's study with a rectangular wooden box in his hands and bowed slightly.
"Zhongde, there's no need for formalities between us."
The Grand Elder nodded and asked, "I heard you've been searching for spiritual herbs related to the mind. Is it for Fang Yuan?"
Fang Zhongwu's eyes narrowed. He couldn't tell what the Grand Elder was getting at, but he nodded anyway.
"Many years ago, while adventuring abroad, I came across a Treasure Herb by chance. Perhaps it can be of use."
Fang Zhongde opened the wooden box, and a fragrant scent wafted out. Inside lay a white plant about half an arm's length, with nine flowers blooming at its tip. The blossoms were white as well, pure and immaculate, like something from a dream.
"A Dream Soul Flower over ten thousand years old?" Fang Zhongwu was astonished.
Forget ten-thousand-year-old Treasure Herbs—even thousand-year-old ones were extremely rare and precious in the Great Zhou Dynasty.
"Zhongde, what do you mean by this?"
A gift this valuable surely came with an important request.
"Fang Yuan defeated Fang Lian in the Ancestral Land and brought glory to our clan, crushing the Wangdu Fang Family's wolfish ambitions."
Fang Zhongde cleared his throat and declared righteously, "As his elder, it's only right for me to reward him."
"This gift is too valuable." Fang Zhongwu knew that was only an excuse. "If there's anything I can do to help, Brother Zhongde, just ask."
Fang Zhongde pondered for a moment, then said slowly, "My son hasn't lived up to expectations. After the family competition, he wants to go adventuring abroad."
"Go adventuring?" Fang Zhongwu exclaimed. "That's a good thing. It means the boy has the drive to better himself."
Fang Zhongde sighed. "I wouldn't object to ordinary adventures, but he wants to leave the Great Zhou Dynasty and even cross the Million Great Mountains."
As he spoke, Fang Zhongde glanced at Fang Zhongwu, seemingly without meaning to. His gaze was laden with significance.
Fang Zhongwu's expression turned serious.
He had crossed the Million Great Mountains in his youth and knew how arduous the journey was—and how many dangers could arise beyond anyone's control.
"Try to talk him out of it. At the very least, he should reach the Foundation Building Realm before venturing so far from home."
Fang Zhongde shook his head with a bitter smile. "Unless I tie him up and keep him here, there's no changing his mind."
"I'd like to ask you to have your Private Guard protect Yuan'er along the way," Fang Zhongde said respectfully, bowing.
Fang Zhongwu thought it over for a moment, then agreed. With a wave of his hand, maps, manuals, and other items appeared on the table.
"These are records from my travels in my youth, along with some insights into cultivation."
Fang Zhongde looked at them with respect, knowing how valuable they were. He said earnestly, "I thank you on Yuan'er's behalf, Family Head!"
"We're family. Promising juniors deserve to be looked after."
Before leaving, Fang Zhongde said, "Please tell Fang Yuan that he achieved what I couldn't back then. He also helped me vent years of anger. Thank him for me."
Fang Zhongwu seemed to recall something from the past and nodded slightly.
"All the materials are ready. We can begin setting up the formation!"
Fang Zhongwu entered a secret chamber. Many unusual objects lay before him: spiritual herbs, talismans, demon beast scales...
He formed hand seals, and intricate patterns appeared. More than ten flags flew out behind him, heading in different directions.
"Brother Yuan, you really are amazing!"
News that Fang Yuan had refused the Azure Cloud Academy Vice Palace Master's personal invitation soon spread throughout the family, leaving everyone astonished.
To most disciples, a great sect was far beyond their reach.
For many, their horizons ended at the Great Zhou Dynasty, and the Azure Cloud Academy was the finest martial academy they could imagine.
Better to keep their feet on the ground than reach for the stars. How many peerless geniuses like Fang Yuan could there be in the Great Zhou Dynasty?
His two refusals of the Azure Cloud Academy had stirred up quite a reaction among the disciples. Some approved, others couldn't understand, and everyone had their own opinion.
"The Young Master's talent is extraordinary. His sights should be set on a great sect, not on staying in one corner of the world."
"It's not like he has to stay at the Azure Cloud Academy forever. They promised he could enter a great sect in a year!"
"I think the Young Master should go," one disciple analyzed.
"By refusing twice, he's not only slighted the Azure Cloud Academy. Staying there would also do him nothing but good."
"The current Palace Master of the Azure Cloud Academy is the National Preceptor of the Great Zhou Dynasty, with connections everywhere. That would benefit the family, too."
A beautiful female disciple scoffed indignantly. "The Young Master can make his own decisions. Who are you to criticize him?"
The man tried to argue, but when he saw she was an Elder's Descendant, he immediately fell silent.
Scenes like this played out all over the Fang Family. Not only did many disciples fail to understand; some elders were confused as well and wanted to offer advice.
But then they remembered that even the family's two heavyweights—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?" Fang Yuan asked with a smile in the courtyard.
Fang Man's thoughts had been seen through. He scratched his head awkwardly.
"Don't let my choice affect yours. The Azure Cloud Academy would be good for your future. It's a fine choice."
Fang Man nodded. "I know I don't have talent as astonishing as yours, Brother Yuan. Getting into the Azure Cloud Academy would already make me more than happy."
"Don't underestimate the heroes of the world, and don't sell yourself short."
Fang Yuan patted Fang Man on the shoulder. "Even I envy your incredible ability to recover."
"I'm just good at taking a beating," Fang Man said bashfully.
"I haven't seen Ke'er lately. What's she doing?"
"She's in seclusion, training hard. She probably wants to place well 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.
She was neither arrogant nor impatient, and she had plenty of perseverance. She trained exceptionally hard.
After leaving the Fang Family, He Yunsong didn't stop to rest at all. He planned to return to the academy immediately and report back.
As luck would have it, he ran into two people coming toward him on the road. At first, he assumed they were approaching to curry favor, so he was cold toward them.
But once he recognized them, his attitude softened. "What brings you two here?"
The visitors were the Flowing Cloud Prefecture Lord and the Duke Zhenguo's Heir.
"Teacher, you're leaving the Fang Family so soon?" the Flowing Cloud Prefecture Lord asked, puzzled.
Mention of the Fang Family brought a rush of unpleasant memories to He Yunsong's mind. He was silent for a long while.
"Teacher has come to Flowing Cloud County, even to Clear Sea City. How could I not pay you a visit?"
The Flowing Cloud Prefecture Lord owed much of his current position to the Azure Cloud Academy and was deeply grateful.
He Yunsong ignored the remark and asked, "Were you two going to the Fang Family?"
The Flowing Cloud Prefecture Lord had spent years in officialdom and knew how to read the room. Seeing that He Yunsong was in low spirits, he hurriedly waved his hands.
"We came specifically to visit you, Teacher."
Ye Lingkong nodded in agreement beside him.
"Well, you've seen me. If there's nothing important, I'll be off."
Under normal circumstances, He Yunsong wouldn't have treated them this way. After all, both men held high positions.
But today, he was in a foul mood and had no desire to make small talk. He turned into a streak of light and quickly vanished.
The Flowing Cloud Prefecture Lord and Ye Lingkong were left standing there, bewildered...
Before you continue