Chapter 19: Divine Guardian Aura, Grand Heavenly Thunder Invocation

“Not to be shared with outsiders? Then how about I teach you?” Fang Wang looked at Zhou Xingshi, smiling as he asked.

Zhou Xingshi’s expression changed slightly, and he hurriedly replied, “Senior Brother Fang, please don’t joke with me. How could I dare to dream of such a thing?”

Fang Wang shook his head, laughing, “I’m not joking. From now on, you’re under my guidance. Naturally, I hope you grow stronger. Go now, and come back in seven days to collect these two jade slips.”

Zhou Xingshi was delighted, though he dared not show it. He agreed and rose to leave.

He had only taken a few steps when he suddenly remembered something and turned back, “By the way, the Sect Master asked me to remind you—the usual tasks for the Third Branch, you can still take them. They'll temper your combat experience and your resolve. If you need anything, you can approach him. However, the rewards for these tasks will remain the same on the surface.”

Zhou Xingshi was deeply moved. Whenever he thought of Fang Wang possessing the Heavenly Origin Spirit Treasure, he couldn’t help but feel a chill.

That was the legendary Heavenly Origin Spirit Treasure!

In the entire history of the Great Qi cultivation world, such a treasure had never appeared before.

Zhou Xingshi never doubted Guang Qiuxian’s judgment. For on that day, his own spirit treasure had truly been afraid, and afterwards he learned that all of Taiyuan Sect’s spirit treasures had become uncontrollable. To have such might immediately upon forming, what else could it be but the legendary Heavenly Origin Spirit Treasure?

Fang Wang nodded, then picked up the jade slip on the table.

Seeing this, Zhou Xingshi did not linger, leaving swiftly.

After the mountain gate of the cave dwelling closed, Fang Wang looked at the jade slip in his hand and thought, “Zhou Xingshi, are you mine or the Sect Master’s? Let’s see how you perform.”

Yang Yuanzi’s words were etched in his mind; he would never fully trust anyone, at least not in his heart.

That so-called Ten Thousand Poison Spring-Autumn Worm—Fang Wang always felt it was more than just reciting an incantation. The incantation was likely only a means to prevent Zhou Xingshi from attacking him. Yang Yuanzi must have other methods, at the very least to remotely control Zhou Xingshi’s life and death.

How interesting. Zhou Xingshi’s fate is in Yang Yuanzi’s hands, yet he serves Guang Qiuxian, and now must assist Fang Wang—a triple identity, surely a torment for him.

Fang Wang began to read the jade slip with his spiritual sense.

The first words he saw were: Divine Body Protection Barrier!

…

Seven days passed in the blink of an eye.

Zhou Xingshi arrived as expected. Inside the cave, he held the two jade slips, hesitating as he asked, “Are you really giving these to me? And in such a short time, you memorized all the cultivation methods?”

Fang Wang nodded, “It wasn’t difficult. Take them and cultivate.”

For Zhou Xingshi, it had only been seven days, but for Fang Wang, a hundred and thirty-eight years had passed.

Within the Heavenly Palace, it took him forty years to master the Divine Body Protection Barrier, and ninety-eight years to learn the Grand Heavenly Lightning Summoning Technique.

The Divine Body Protection Barrier, as its name suggests, is a defensive spell.

The Grand Heavenly Lightning Summoning Technique is far more domineering—it calls upon the thunder of the heavens to descend and destroy enemies, of boundless power.

Judging by the time spent cultivating, Guang Qiuxian had not been stingy; both were superior techniques.

Ordinary cultivators spend most of their days absorbing spiritual energy; the time left for spell cultivation rarely exceeds a third. To achieve mastery in the Divine Body Protection Barrier would likely take over a century, and that’s assuming a talent comparable to Fang Wang.

The Grand Heavenly Lightning Summoning Technique is even more inaccessible—most disciples of Taiyuan Sect would never touch such a method in their lifetime.

As a personally taught disciple, Fang Wang could also select three superior techniques from the Hall of Dao Methods, but for now, he had no such plans. At present, his combat abilities were sufficient; it would be better to focus on accumulating cultivation.

Looking at the two jade slips in his hand, Zhou Xingshi’s emotions surged.

He survived because Fang Wang spoke on his behalf. Now, before he had even done anything, Fang Wang had granted him two peerless arts. How could he not be moved?

Yet he was not one to express much.

“Very well!”

Zhou Xingshi responded, then bowed and took his leave. Only after the mountain gate closed did Fang Wang feel at ease to cultivate.

It was merely offering borrowed flowers in tribute; if it won him loyalty, all the better. If not, he lost nothing.

…

Autumn passed and winter arrived. Snow finally fell, covering the peaks of Taiyuan Sect in a blanket of white, bringing a desolate yet unique beauty.

A giant flying sword cut through the vast snowfall, landing before the gates of the immense city within Taiyuan Sect.

Two figures leapt off the sword; one was the Emperor of Great Qi, disguised to look like a scholar.

The Taiyuan Sect disciple standing atop the sword looked down at him and said, “Your token grants you one month’s stay. After that, leave on your own accord, or the Law Enforcement Hall will show no mercy.”

With that, the disciple departed on his sword.

Once he disappeared into the snowy expanse, the young man behind the emperor muttered, “Your Majesty, that one was truly arrogant, almost…”

“Silence! Do not speak recklessly!” the emperor snapped coldly, frightening the youth into silence.

Snowflakes fell in abundance. The emperor brushed the snow from his head, gazing at the towering city walls with longing in his eyes. He whispered, “Come, let us see this land of immortals.”

Amidst the vast snow, master and servant walked toward the gate, their figures so small, as if they might be swallowed by the snow at any moment.

Elsewhere.

On the peak of the Third Branch, the gate of a cave dwelling opened. Fang Wang walked out with his six clansmen, all chatting and laughing.

“Brother Fang Wang, we’re heading off.”

“Be sure to cultivate diligently when you return.”

“Hehe, with Thirteenth Brother’s guidance, we’ll certainly cultivate well.”

“Fang Wang, don’t worry, I’ll definitely become an inner disciple!”

Fang Wang stood watching as they descended the mountain.

It had been ten months since they joined Taiyuan Sect. The clansmen chosen by Zhou Xue had already cultivated spiritual energy and embarked on the path of immortality. The most advanced had reached the third layer of the Qi Nourishing Realm, but their sword-flying skills were not yet mastered, so they had to walk down the mountain.

Snow fell in abundance. Watching his clansmen’s figures fade into the whiteness, Fang Wang felt warmth in his heart.

In his previous life, reading immortal cultivation novels, he thought the path of cultivation was lonely and desolate. Now, with these clansmen, he had support and reliance—this feeling was wonderful.

At that moment, Fang Wang suddenly understood why Zhou Xue brought the Fang clan disciples together to cultivate. Aside from strategic planning, companionship and support were crucial. Being isolated might foster potential, but it was exhausting.

The mountain gate beside him opened, and Gu Li walked out. Seeing her, Fang Wang felt a headache.

This girl truly had her sights set on him.

Whenever he went out, as long as she was in her cave, she would follow.

Gu Li walked naturally to Fang Wang’s side and asked, “Are those your clansmen?”

Fang Wang replied politely, “Yes, we grew up together.”

Gu Li raised her right hand, gently gathering her hair, “I envy you. In the Gu family, only I came to Taiyuan Sect—the others went to different sects.”

Cultivation families, for longevity, often distribute their children among various sects. Fang family had just entered the world of cultivation, lacking such resources.

The two began to chat idly. After long hours of cultivation, Fang Wang wanted to enjoy the scenery, so he accompanied her in conversation.

Most of the time, Gu Li spoke while Fang Wang listened.

“By the way, have you succeeded in forging your spirit? Why can’t I see through your cultivation? Have you surpassed me?” Gu Li asked curiously, her large bright eyes fixed on Fang Wang, sparkling with a special light.

Unable to withstand her gaze, Fang Wang looked off into the distance, “Yes, I succeeded—Superior Profound Origin Spirit Treasure.”

His cultivation had reached the third layer of the Spirit Forging Realm, close to the fourth, while Gu Li was still at the first layer, so it was natural she couldn’t see through him.

“Guess what grade my spirit treasure is?” Gu Li smiled, covering her mouth.

Fang Wang immediately realized hers was higher, no wonder she quickly became a personally taught disciple. He had thought the Gu family had bought her way in, but it seemed her talent was key.

So Zhou Xue’s words were true—even without him, Taiyuan Sect would have become the strongest sect in Great Qi’s cultivation world.

“Earth Origin Spirit Treasure?” Fang Wang asked, feigning caution.

“Yes, lower grade Earth Origin Spirit Treasure. Though my spirit is a little higher than yours, your cultivation has surpassed mine. It seems your methods are superior. When we’re about to break through to the Spirit Pill Realm, shall we spar?” Gu Li nodded, her face full of anticipation.

Ah, so that was her intention.

Fang Wang had thought Gu Li liked him, but it turned out she simply didn’t want to lose.

Now, he felt no burden and raised his chin, smiling, “Agreed. You’d better practice hard. I’ll wait for you to challenge me before every major realm breakthrough.”

“It’s a deal!”

“Mm!”

They exchanged smiles, and Gu Li began to speak of the customs of North Luo, introducing her family.

Half an hour later, the bell of the Third Branch sounded.

Fang Wang had heard this bell twice before—it signaled branch tasks. He’d never paid much attention, as personally taught disciples could ignore these.

“Let’s go and have a look. We shouldn’t stay cooped up in the cave all the time.”

Gu Li suggested, and after a moment’s hesitation, Fang Wang nodded.

For some reason, hearing the bell stirred unease in his heart, as if something bad had happened.

The two flew on their swords toward the Pure Heart Hall atop the mountain.

From the cave dwellings all over the Third Branch peak, disciples emerged, all flying to the summit, gathering before the Pure Heart Hall.

Seeing Fang Wang and Gu Li arrive, many disciples crowded around, enthusiastic. Some male disciples clenched their fists, thinking the two had formed a relationship.

Some female disciples, whose hearts had just begun to stir, felt disappointed—this Senior Brother Fang was so handsome, but it seemed he already had a soulmate.

Senior disciple Li Yu stood on the steps, hands behind his back. Upon seeing Fang Wang, he nodded and smiled.

After a while, when nearly all disciples had arrived, Li Yu spoke, “Today, we’ve gathered everyone because a disciple of the Second Branch has encountered trouble and needs our Third Branch’s assistance. This task is entirely voluntary and will require us to enter the territory of the demonic sects.”

A disciple of the Second Branch in trouble?

Fang Wang immediately thought of Fang Hanyu. He had been gone for months and had yet to return. Earlier, chatting with his clansmen, the youngest, Fang Xin, was still worried about him.

As soon as Li Yu finished speaking, disciples began to question why matters of the Second Branch should involve the Third Branch.