Chapter 33: The Fang Family Trio

Fang Hanyu’s talent was truly astonishing?

Upon hearing Qing Wan’er’s words, Fang Wang did not doubt her; instead, his heart brimmed with anticipation. After all, Fang Hanyu had been fitted with the Heartless Demonic Eyes, a pair of eyes carefully prepared by Azure Cicada Valley. Zhou Xue had also said that, after receiving these eyes, Fang Hanyu would be reborn like a phoenix from the ashes, his aptitude far surpassing what it once was.

Even though he believed it, when he finally witnessed Fang Hanyu’s talent firsthand, he was still taken aback.

At noon, Fang Wang and Fang Hanyu sparred by the lakeside.

It had only been a month since their last meeting, yet Fang Hanyu’s cultivation had risen another level. Now, he no longer wore the concealing bandage over his eyes. As their figures crossed and receded, his eyes shone with a crimson glow. Thanks to his tremendous speed, it seemed as though two blood-red lines were rapidly stretching and moving, occasionally prompting startled cries from the watching spirit beasts in the distance.

Fang Wang held back, acting entirely as a sparring partner. He could sense that Fang Hanyu’s reflexes were already comparable to someone at the ninth stage of the Qi-Nourishing Realm.

Whenever he increased the tempo of his attacks, Fang Hanyu would quickly adapt and keep up. Most impressive of all was Fang Hanyu’s ability to swiftly learn the sword techniques Fang Wang used.

So, this was the Heartless Demonic Eyes?

Fang Wang grew even more interested in Fang Hanyu’s eyes and began to demonstrate the basic sword techniques of the Soaring Swan Divine Sword Art.

Although it appeared as if he was simply forming sword shapes with ease, the truth was more complex. Normally, the Soaring Swan Divine Sword Art required sword movements as a guide, but Fang Wang, having reached the stage of great perfection and complete mastery, could manifest it so effortlessly.

Every strike in the Soaring Swan Divine Sword Art was different.

As Fang Wang’s swordplay began to change, Fang Hanyu mimicked him. Their movements were nearly in unison.

What did this signify? It showed that Fang Hanyu’s powers of observation were extraordinary—especially his eyes, which moved with such dizzying speed that it was hard to follow.

Looking closely, Fang Hanyu’s pupils were blood-red while the irises were a shade of greenish-blue. At first glance, he resembled a fearsome specter, truly terrifying.

One had to admit, after acquiring the Heartless Demonic Eyes, his entire aura had changed; he was more aggressive than before, and to Fang Wang, he now had the air of a demon cultist.

Half an hour passed.

Fang Hanyu stopped, half-kneeling on the ground with one hand gripping his sword, breathing heavily, his body drenched in sweat.

Fang Wang stood before him, looking down and asking, “How much have you mastered?”

“I’ve memorized everything, but I haven’t fully learned it yet,” Fang Hanyu replied between breaths. He looked up at Fang Wang, his eyes shining with excitement.

Sunlight bathed them both, and this scene left Qing Wan’er somewhat dazed.

She had a premonition that a hundred years from now, these two would be renowned throughout the Great Qi.

Fang Wang extended his hand. Fang Hanyu smiled, grasped it, and let himself be pulled up.

“These eyes of yours are remarkable. Not only has your aptitude soared, but your physical capabilities have greatly improved as well.”

“Yes. Every movement seems slow to me now, and for some reason, as soon as I see something, I can memorize it, and my body imitates it smoothly. The only problem is a surge of uncontrollable killing intent—I’ll need to keep that in check in the future.”

“Incredible. If your experiences and transformation were put in a story, you’d be the protagonist without question.”

“The protagonist?”

“Indeed. From now on, let’s say you, Zhou Xue, and I are the three main characters of the Fang family. Zhou Xue will handle strategy and manage the family, you’ll be responsible for vanquishing our enemies and sweeping all obstacles aside. In stories, trios like this often accomplish great things!”

“And you?”

“I’ll be in charge of being invincible, of course.”

“…”

Though Fang Hanyu was speechless, he was secretly thrilled; he felt recognized at last.

Among the first generation of cultivators in the Fang family, Fang Wang and Zhou Xue led the way. Fang Hanyu had always been a prodigy at martial arts, but after turning to cultivation, he couldn’t keep pace with the other two. He’d long harbored a stubborn drive within his heart.

Taking a deep breath, Fang Hanyu pledged solemnly, “Very well! From now on, whoever you two tell me to kill, I’ll kill—no questions asked!”

With green irises, crimson pupils, and his long hair somewhat disheveled, even in broad daylight Fang Hanyu gave off the impression of a living specter.

“Continue cultivating. Do your best until you can form your life-spirit.”

Fang Wang chuckled softly. He was in no rush to return to the Grand Abyss Sect; the spiritual energy here in the Fang Territory was no less than that in his own cave. He might as well nurture Fang Hanyu here. Once they returned to the Grand Abyss Sect, Fang Hanyu could train other Fang family disciples. That way, he’d have a group of trustworthy and useful people at his side.

For now, it was time to develop steadily—grow stronger himself and strengthen his kin. When the time came, he’d be able to challenge Lu Yuanjun!

Lu Yuanjun was far more than just a genius; aside from his own might, the forces behind him were surely formidable.

With that thought, Fang Wang’s fighting spirit surged.

…

Nestled among the mountains beside a great river stood a large inn, three stories tall, with smoke curling from its kitchen at all hours. Cultivators frequently arrived and departed.

At the center of the first floor’s open hall, a middle-aged scholar with a folding fan stood, speaking with fervor: “In the battle below Hai City, the White-Robed Swan stunned the world with a single sword, slaying Li Honggang. The lingering aura of his sword remained in the sky for ages! That strike seemed to sever fate itself, yet in truth, it ignited a passion for the sword path among all cultivators!”

“White robes, fox mask—the Swan rises among mortals!”

As his speech ended, the surrounding cultivators erupted in applause. The Swan’s exploits always stirred their blood.

At a table in a corner, Fang Wang’s father, Fang Yin, sighed, “The White-Robed Swan is truly formidable. Who would have thought the world of cultivators could be as exciting as the martial world?”

Across from him sat Zhou Xue, wearing a bamboo hat. She smiled faintly, “The White-Robed Swan is indeed remarkable. With such a talent, the Grand Abyss Sect is sure to flourish, and our Fang family will benefit as well.”

A young man beside them asked curiously, “Sister, have you seen the White-Robed Swan?”

Zhou Xue shook her head, replying, “People like that are far beyond my reach. Enough about him—his fame is widespread. Be careful; if his enemies overhear, they may think we’re associated with him.”

At these words, the young man shrank into himself, and the elders at the table cast him disapproving glances.

“How far are we from the Fang Territory?” Fang Yin asked.

Zhou Xue replied, “Before we reach the Fang Territory, we must first make a stop elsewhere to prepare for its construction and, incidentally, to augment the Fang family’s strength.”

The others showed no worry, only anticipation. Since Zhou Xue had led them from the Fang estate and kept them on the move for months, her leadership had earned their complete trust—even the elders deferred to her.

Fang Yin sighed, “It’s been so long since I saw that boy Fang Wang. He was always a clever one. I hope he doesn’t offend anyone once he gets to the Grand Abyss Sect.”

The others offered comforting words, praising Fang Wang’s sensible nature.

Zhou Xue merely smiled, raising her teacup in silence to savor the fragrance.

…

By the lakeside in the Fang Territory.

Fang Wang sat in meditation, absorbing spiritual energy while keeping his eyes on Fang Hanyu, who was practicing by the water. Spiritual energy condensed into mist about Fang Hanyu, swirling around him as he tried to form it into a dragon. For now, it looked more like an overgrown python.

“The Heartless Demonic Eyes are truly formidable. The boy is already grasping the basics,” Fang Wang mused. No wonder Zhou Xue was so intent on collecting so many eyes—they were indeed powerful.

If he hadn’t witnessed Fang Hanyu’s rampage, nearly slaughtering all the spirit beasts in the Fang Territory, Fang Wang might have wanted a pair of those eyes himself. Two months ago, on a certain night, Fang Hanyu had suddenly gone mad during his cultivation and tried to massacre the local beasts. Fortunately, Fang Wang intervened in time and knocked him unconscious. Since then, Fang Hanyu had not relapsed, but the incident left a lingering unease in Fang Wang’s heart.

What grade of natal treasure spirit would Fang Hanyu forge after obtaining the Heartless Demonic Eyes?

Fang Wang was full of anticipation.

It had been five months since his return to the Fang Territory. His cultivation had reached the fifth stage of the Spirit-Forming Realm, while Fang Hanyu had advanced to the eighth stage of the Qi-Nourishing Realm, close to breaking through to the ninth. Once Fang Hanyu reached the ninth stage, Fang Wang would take him back to the Grand Abyss Sect.

Fang Wang believed that, with his own exceptional talent, Elder Guangqiu would accept Fang Hanyu and provide a method to suppress his inner demons.

After a while, the mist around Fang Hanyu dispersed. He turned to Fang Wang, sighing: “Fang Wang, this technique is really hard to master. What stage have you reached? Can you show me?”

Fang Wang laughed, “If I show you, you still won’t understand it. This technique is extraordinary—it’s a legacy from the Supreme Hao Sect. Best not to pry, lest you frighten yourself.”