Chapter 45 The Demonic Sect

Sword energy from the mouth? Wasn't that the level I reached after forty years of cultivation?

Hearing Gu Li's words, Fang Wang was now certain that his mastery of Divine Nurturing Sword Qi surpassed everyone in the Gu family—all those still alive, at least.

"I see, no wonder it's so difficult to practice," Fang Wang replied, feigning agreement.

Gu Li, worried she might dampen Fang Wang's enthusiasm, comforted him, "Don't lose heart. You have such rare talent—your mastery of the Sword Control technique is already astounding. In time, your Divine Nurturing Sword Qi will surely be exquisite, far beyond even my grandfather."

"Thank you for your encouragement, Miss Gu. I must train harder, then, lest I disappoint you."

"Hmm. If you manage to master Divine Nurturing Sword Qi, remember to tell me."

"Oh? Why?"

"My father eagerly awaits your success."

"Will your father betroth you to me once I've mastered it?"

"As if! You wish! With my talent, my father would never meddle in my marriage. All my life, I shall pursue cultivation, never marriage!" Gu Li glared at him, her cheeks tinged with red.

Fang Wang couldn't tell if she was shy or annoyed, but he dared not claim to have already mastered Divine Nurturing Sword Qi. As for his own talents, he preferred to keep them concealed.

"Enough talking; I must go cultivate!" Gu Li huffed, turned, and went back to her cave dwelling.

Fang Wang smiled, thinking this side of Gu Li quite amusing—at least she wasn't so aloof as usual.

He followed her into the cave, preparing to train. With the journey to the Great Sage Cave Heaven ahead, he might encounter cultivators from other kingdoms, so he must grow stronger.

...

The month passed swiftly, and winter's snow had yet to melt at Taiyuan Gate.

At the main branch, before the Origin Abyss Hall.

Fang Wang and Gu Li arrived riding their swords, landing softly. Five disciples were already waiting, including Zhou Xue and Xu Lang.

Xu Lang saw Fang Wang, looking somewhat awkward, yet still nodded to him. Fang Wang returned the gesture without airs.

Zhou Xue came to Fang Wang's side and teased, "A matched pair—your relationship seems quite close."

Fang Wang raised his brows, "After all, we're neighbors."

Gu Li shot Zhou Xue a glance and quietly moved aside, giving them space. She wasn't left out; the other disciples began chatting with her.

Fang Wang laughed softly, "You are the true leader. Han Yu and the others all said they've benefited from your help and guidance. You haven't neglected anyone. I can't compare to that—you really are our big brother."

Big brother?

Zhou Xue smiled, lips pressed together. "That's not a flattering title. Don't think too much. Focus all your energy on your cultivation. If I need to leave, I'll tell you in advance. You needn't worry about the Fang family."

---

Fang Wang nodded. Having survived life and death together, they were worthy of trust. Along the journey, thanks to Zhou Xue, he hadn't had to trouble himself with other matters—even rescuing Fang Han Yu, Zhou Xue accompanied him.

Even the matter of revenge was handled by Zhou Xue. Outwardly, Fang Wang voiced no complaints, but inwardly, he held fast to his determination.

When he possessed the strength to confront Lu Yuanjun and the forces behind him, he would personally slay his enemies!

Soon, Lu Yuanjun arrived with another disciple. For the first time, Taiyuan Gate's nine disciples gathered together. Lu Yuanjun was naturally the focal point, adept at dealing with people, attentive to everyone.

Zhou Xue was equally adept, conversing and laughing with Lu Yuanjun like close senior and junior. Fang Wang, knowing the truth, sensed her murderous intent.

At that moment, the doors of Origin Abyss Hall opened. Guang Qiuxian emerged with a group of elders, Deputy Gate Master Chen Anshi following closely behind, his aura even more striking.

"Deputy Gate Master Chen Anshi is a spy for the Devouring Demon Sect. The coming attack on Taiyuan Gate by the demonic path will be orchestrated by him. Stay away from him, and trust nothing he says."

Fang Wang suddenly heard Zhou Xue's voice transmitted directly to him, and his heart raced.

Good heavens, aren't you afraid the deputy gate master will overhear?

Fang Wang didn't dare look at Zhou Xue or Chen Anshi; his gaze fixed on Guang Qiuxian.

His transmission technique was surely less refined than Zhou Xue's, so he dared not reply.

Guang Qiuxian stopped at the stone steps and spoke, "This journey will be led by the deputy gate master and the inheritance elders. Details will be given on the way. Though opportunity awaits, so too does peril. Take care, and I shall await your return at Taiyuan Gate."

Fang Wang's gaze fell on Elder Zhao Chuanqian, who had first introduced him to Guang Qiuxian and brought him into the third branch.

Zhao Chuanqian sensed Fang Wang's attention, maintained his dignified bearing, and met Fang Wang's eyes, but did not respond.

Chen Anshi stepped forward, waved his right hand, and a small wooden boat flew from his sleeve, swiftly enlarging until it was thirty feet long, with a red pavilion and lanterns hanging from it.

The boat hovered in midair. As it appeared, Fang Wang felt the surrounding spiritual energy converge upon it.

Chen Anshi, Zhao Chuanqian, and five elders leapt aboard, followed by the nine disciples.

Standing on the deck, Fang Wang used his divine sense to inspect the vessel, finding beneath the planks an array of talismans and intricate magical implements.

Soon, the boat set out, its speed surging, vanishing into the snowy mist in the blink of an eye.

Guang Qiuxian stood on the steps, watching, as the elders departed one by one. Finally, Yang Yuanzi emerged from Origin Abyss Hall to stand beside him.

Only the two remained.

The cold wind stirred their hair.

"Brother, I can't shake the feeling that the transformation of Great Qi into a cultivation kingdom is unreliable. This journey to the Great Sage Cave Heaven is likely to bring trouble," Yang Yuanzi remarked, his tone indifferent.

Guang Qiuxian replied expressionlessly, "I know. But the Great Sage Cave Heaven is not controlled by any sect—such an opportunity must not be missed. It will help these disciples grow, especially Yuanjun. Taiyuan Gate needs his strength."

Yang Yuanzi frowned, "Lately, rumors about Lu Yuanjun have spread in the main branch. Brother, you must keep a close eye on him—don't indulge him. Don't forget his origins."

Guang Qiuxian glanced at him, "Brother, the grudges of the past belong to the past. As for the rumors, as long as they don't cause trouble, let them be. You, too, have learned some arts from Green Cicada Valley—should I punish you?"

"Hmph! Then let me see whether your favored Lu Yuanjun can stand against Xia Qingchan of the Devouring Demon Sect or Xu Qiuming of the Hanging Flood Sword Sect!" Yang Yuanzi retorted coldly.

---

Guang Qiuxian shook his head with a wry smile and turned toward Origin Abyss Hall.

...

The setting sun hung low, half hidden by the horizon.

Fang Wang stood on the deck, facing the wind, admiring the beautiful landscape along the way, his mind refreshed.

After being confined in the Heavenly Palace for one hundred and twenty years, he needed to relax, lest his mind become unbalanced.

In his previous life, he read countless cultivation novels, each with its own school of thought, but never expected that upon treading the path himself, it would be so different.

What was this?

Cultivation by imprisonment?

Fang Wang amused himself inwardly. Though the years in the Heavenly Palace were dull and oppressive, the sense of achievement afterward was exhilarating, so he was still grateful for possessing the Heavenly Palace.

"What are you thinking?" Zhou Xue's voice came as she walked to Fang Wang's side, standing shoulder to shoulder.

Fang Wang glanced at her and smiled softly, "Nothing, just admiring the scenery. Cultivation seeks freedom, and from here, viewing heaven and earth—does that not count as freedom?"

Zhou Xue looked to the distant sky, saying nothing.

Fang Wang didn't press further, continuing to immerse himself in the majestic landscape.

At dusk, the sky blazed crimson, the clouds like spilled blood. The undulating mountains below were shrouded in darkness, but their peaks glowed, giving the world a dreamlike quality.

"The Great Sage Cave Heaven will mark a turning point for Great Qi's cultivation world. Once inside, be extremely cautious. If you meet disciples from other sects, trust none. If anyone shows malice, either kill or flee—do not hesitate."

Zhou Xue's voice rang in Fang Wang's ear, again using transmission.

Fang Wang didn't respond, fearing the other disciples and elders might notice.

Then Zhou Xue continued, introducing the prodigies from other sects, listing several who must not be provoked.

Gu Li meditated near the boat's edge. She opened her eyes and caught sight of Fang Wang and Zhou Xue's silhouettes, bathed in the afterglow of sunset, so perfectly matched that she was lost in a daze.

A month ago, having witnessed Zhou Xue's abilities, Gu Li knew she was no match, so now she had another target.

"If I cannot defeat Zhou Xue, how can I ever challenge you?"

So she thought, her gaze growing resolute.

At that moment, another watched Fang Wang and Zhou Xue: Lu Yuanjun, standing at the edge of the pavilion's second floor.