"Ding-dong, ding-dong..."
With the departure of the Iron River Gang, the Guard and Guest Elder of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, already at their limit, could no longer hold on.
He dropped his weapon and collapsed instantly.
He gasped for breath, feeling an unprecedented sense of relief at surviving such a disaster.
Even Lan Daoxing and Shen Cangsong, both First Grade martial artists, were not exempt. When they fought against Qi Zhen and Han Kui, who were stronger than them, they both suffered serious injuries.
Leaning against a broken stone pillar, Lan Daoxing gasped for breath.
The wound on his left shoulder was still bleeding, and his face was as pale as paper, but his eyes shone with an astonishing brightness.
He gazed at Fang Han's retreating figure, at the young man standing with his sword, and felt a surge of indescribable emotions welling up within him.
Qi Zhen, First Grade Late Stage cultivator, was no match for this young man.
This young man was only twenty years old.
He had lived for over fifty years and had seen many exceptionally talented people, but he had never seen anyone like Fang Han.
"Lord Lan."
Fang Han sheathed his sword, turned around, and walked to Lan Daoxing.
"How are your injuries?"
Lan Daoxing snapped out of his daze, quickly stood up by supporting himself on the stone pillar, cupped his hands in a respectful bow, and spoke in a hoarse but sincere voice.
"I will never forget Young Master Fang's kindness in saving me."
Fang Han shook his head slightly and helped Lan Daoxing up.
"Lord Lan, there's no need for that. The Hundred Treasures Pavilion has already chosen to ally with my Azure Profound Sect, and my Azure Profound Sect will certainly not stand idly by while the Hundred Treasures Pavilion is bullied by the Iron River Gang."
His attitude was extremely polite, after all, this person could potentially become his father-in-law.
Lan Daoxing straightened up, his gaze lingering on Fang Han's face for a moment. The thought that had been lingering in his mind for so long finally settled down at this moment.
He had long suspected that his daughter, Lan Yuexin, was in love with Fang Han.
He didn't quite agree with this. As far as he knew, Fang Han already had someone else in his heart. How could the daughter of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion Master share a husband with another woman?
But today, after witnessing Fang Han's strength and potential, his lingering resentment has vanished.
A young person as outstanding as Fang Han is a once-in-a-century find.
My daughter is already incredibly fortunate to have such a good husband; what's wrong with sharing one husband?
The next morning, as dawn broke.
Chen Wanjun and his three companions appeared outside the ruins of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion.
The four men traveled through the night, their robes covered in dust, and their faces showing signs of exhaustion.
When they saw the ruins of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion and the Guard from the Hundred Treasures Pavilion cleaning up the mess, they paused slightly.
"A battle has already broken out here?"
Han Qing spoke in a low voice.
Chen Wanjun strode quickly into the ruins.
Fang Han was standing in the middle of the ruins, whispering something to Lan Daoxing.
His green robe was slightly dusty, but his breathing was steady, and he showed no signs of injury.
" Fang Han."
Chen Wanjun walked closer, his gaze sweeping over Fang Han. After confirming that Fang Han was unharmed, he asked.
"A battle has broken out here. Could it be an attack by the Iron River Gang?"
Fang Han turned around and bowed to Chen Wanjun:
"Vice Hall Master Chen, the Iron River Gang did indeed attack, but they have already retreated."
Chen Wanjun raised an eyebrow slightly:
How was the refund processed?
He didn't believe that the name of the Azure Profound Sect alone could force the Iron River Gang, which had a Grandmaster in charge, to retreat.
"After the disciple injured Qi Zhen, the leader of the Iron River Gang, Qi Zhen led his men away."
Fang Han's voice was steady, as if he were talking about something perfectly ordinary.
Upon hearing this, Chen Wanjun paused slightly.
Han Qing, Chen Tie, and Jin Han also stopped in their tracks, their gazes all falling on Fang Han.
"You injured Qi Zhen?"
Jin Han spoke first, her voice hoarse and filled with disbelief.
Qi Zhen, the leader of the Iron River Gang, has, according to recently gathered intelligence, already reached the First Grade Late Stage.
Could Fang Han really injure Qi Zhen, First Grade Late Stage cultivator?
" Elder Jin, this disciple dares not speak presumptuously."
Fang Han met Jin Han's gaze, his voice steady.
" Qi Zhen was indeed injured by his disciple, which is why he led his men to retreat."
Jin Han fell silent.
She recalled that a few months ago, when Fang Han was on a mission with her, although his combat strength was strong, he was only equivalent to Second Grade martial artist.
Now, even Qi Zhen, First Grade Late Stage, is no match for them.
Such a rapid pace of progress...
Chen Wanjun remained silent for a moment, his gaze lingering on Fang Han for a long time, before he slowly spoke, his voice tinged with emotion:
"It seems we all underestimated you."
"Vice Hall Master Chen is too kind."
Fang Han shook his head slightly.
Chen Wanjun didn't say anything more, but simply turned around and glanced at the ruins.
Before the morning mist had even dissipated, the ruins of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion's headquarters had already been bustling with activity for several days.
Fang Han beside the remaining pillars of the pavilion, his gaze sweeping over the ruins.
In the days following the retreat of the Iron River Gang, Hundred Treasures Pavilion mobilized its staff from various branches to clear the ruins, collect the remains, and repair the damaged courtyard walls, working busily and systematically.
Lan Daoxing's injuries healed faster than he had expected.
After Qi Zhen left that day, Lan Daoxing, having consumed some rare and precious herb, saw his pale face regain some color at a visible speed.
In just a few days, Lan Daoxing has been able to walk freely, and the wound on his left shoulder has scabbed over. There are not many traces of injury to be seen in his movements.
"As expected of one of the top three merchant guilds in the county, they have a lot of good stuff, and my injuries have healed so quickly."
Chen Wanjun's voice came from beside him.
Fang Han turned his head and saw Chen Wanjun standing with his hands behind his back on the other side of the corridor pillar, his bright eyes, like morning stars, looking at Lan Daoxing in the distance, directing his servants to tidy up the debris.
"In terms of wealth, the Hundred Treasures Pavilion is probably even richer than some of the major powers."
Fang Han said.
Chen Wanjun nodded slightly and said nothing more.
Han Qing, Chen Tie, and Jin Han stood not far away, each in silence.
These past few days they've been guarding the Hundred Treasures Pavilion to prevent the Iron River Gang from making a comeback. Fortunately, after the enemy retreated, there was no further activity, so they had some peace and quiet.
Another day passed.
The morning light pierced through the thin mist, gilding the ruins of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion with a pale gold.
Lan Daoxing changed into a dark blue Brocade Robe, with a matching silk sash around his waist, and looked much more energetic than he had a few days ago.
He walked up to Fang Han and the others, cupped his hands in a respectful greeting, and spoke in a hoarse but steady voice:
"I am deeply grateful for your care these past few days. My injuries are mostly healed today, and I am ready to set off for the Azure Profound Sect to pay my respects to Sect Master Chen."
"You're too kind, Pavilion Master Lan."
Chen Wanjun returned the greeting with clasped hands.
"In that case, let's set off."
The group left the ruins of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, exited the Prefecture City, and headed towards the Azure Profound Sect along the official road.
Although Lan Daoxing's injuries had mostly healed, he was not fully recovered and his travel speed was not very fast.
The stone door to the secret chamber slowly closed behind Qi Zhen, shutting out the dim lights in the corridor.
Yan Wuji sat on the stone chair at the head of the table, his gray robe gleaming dimly in the candlelight.
He was holding a yellowed book in his hand, engrossed in reading it, and did not look up when he heard the stone door close.
"You're back."
His voice was old and flat, as if he were simply stating something perfectly ordinary.
Qi Zhen walked closer and bowed.
" Supreme Elder "
His voice was hoarse, carrying a hint of suppressed weariness.
Smelling the blood, Yan Wuji put down his book and looked up.
When he saw Qi Zhen's appearance clearly, his cloudy yet deep eyes paused slightly.
Qi Zhen's dark gold Brocade Robe was stained with large patches of dried blood, and a long tear in the fabric on his left shoulder revealed a bandaged wound underneath.
His right arm hung at his side, and his movements were noticeably stiff.
The robe also had several tears on the sides and thighs.
Although it has been treated, the injuries are still quite serious.
His gaze lingered on Qi Zhen's wounds for a moment, and his brows furrowed almost imperceptibly.
"You've suffered a serious injury?"
His voice remained calm, but beneath that calmness, a hint of surprise was slowly emerging.
"Yes, I sustained some injuries during this operation."
Qi Zhen straightened up and met Yan Wuji's gaze.
Yan Wuji remained silent for a moment, then gently tapped his fingers twice on the armrest of the stone chair.
"The headquarters of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion is only two First Grade martial artists, Lan Daoxing and Shen Cangsong. With your and Han Kui's strength, it shouldn't be difficult to take them down."
His voice wasn't loud, but it carried a hint of scrutiny.
What happened?
Qi Zhen took a deep breath and recounted the events of the night the Hundred Treasures Pavilion was attacked in detail.
From storming the headquarters of the Hundred Treasures Pavilion, to Lan Daoxing and Shen Cangsong's desperate resistance, to the situation turning so favorable and Hundred Treasures Pavilion about to be captured—
Then Fang Han appeared and blocked his attack with a sword. The two fought fiercely for dozens of rounds, but he was eventually defeated and seriously injured by Fang Han, so he had to order a retreat.
His narration was concise and clear, without embellishment or omission of key points.
Yan Wuji listened quietly.
When he heard that Fang Han had blocked Qi Zhen's knife, his brow twitched slightly.
When he heard that Fang Han had fought fiercely with Qi Zhen and ultimately seriously injured Qi Zhen, a hint of undisguised surprise finally appeared on his ancient face.
" Fang Han?"
He spoke slowly, his voice carrying a hint of solemnity.
"He's the one who injured you?!"
" Supreme Elder, this boy concealed his true strength at the Grandmaster Banquet."
Qi Zhen's voice was hoarse, carrying a hint of apprehension that even he himself was unwilling to admit.
"His true cultivation level is already at the early stage of the Second Grade, and his combat strength far exceeds his cultivation level. My subordinates are no match for him."
"At the Grandmaster Banquet, although I could tell that this young man was hiding some strength, I never expected that he would be hiding so much strength."
Yan Wuji remained silent for a long moment before speaking.
He stood up with his hands behind his back and walked to the stone wall of the secret chamber.
The candlelight cast his thin shadow long on the rough wall.
At the Grandmaster Banquet, when Fang Han and Yang Yuan were sparring, Fang Han was hiding his true abilities.
He thought Fang Han was at most hiding the strength of two or three minor realms, but he didn't expect—
This kid actually possesses strength close to two major realms.
Despite being at the early stage of the Second Grade, his combat power was able to suppress Qi Zhen First Grade Late Stage.
Such talent, such combat prowess...
" Supreme Elder "
Qi Zhen's voice sounded from behind, tinged with urgency.
" Fang Han Han's growth rate is too astonishing. If we don't nip him in the bud before he becomes too powerful, he will surely become a major threat to our Iron River Gang in the future."
He paused, then lowered his voice even further.
"I humbly request that the Supreme Elder personally take action and eliminate this child."