Chapter 79: The Words of the World, The Sword Sect Seeks Battle

“I heard you’ve already taken the Sword Sage as your master. That’s something I hadn’t expected—I thought he’d only grant you the Sword Lord’s Token,” Zhou Xue said, watching Fang Wang with a hint of emotion in her tone.

This boy never failed to surprise her.

Fang Wang nodded. “Though our time together was brief, his Heaven and Earth Sword Intent is truly formidable. He even taught me the Cold Feather Sword Qi. We ought to call him Master.”

Zhou Xue laughed softly. “I know well how powerful the Heaven and Earth Sword Intent is. His reputation across the southern seas is vast—far greater than you imagine.”

Fang Wang asked in astonishment, “If he’s so powerful, why would monsters dare pursue him?”

“The reason the Sword Sage is who he is isn’t just his strength—he’s never taken a life. Six centuries of cultivation, and he hasn’t killed a single person or creature. That’s why I let you come here without worry. Such great cultivators are rare in the world. I had you hide your name only because Sword Heaven Marsh has so many cultivators that trouble might arise and interfere with your Soul Shaping. The Sword Sage’s days are numbered; he could depart this world at any time.”

Zhou Xue’s words brought the Sword Sage’s visage back to Fang Wang’s mind.

His master had never killed anyone…

Fang Wang’s curiosity about the Sword Sage’s past grew stronger.

“By the way, have you met Gu Li’s father, Gu Tianxiong?” Zhou Xue shifted the topic.

Fang Wang narrowed his eyes. “I have. Was that part of your plan as well?”

Zhou Xue smiled. “Gu Tianxiong loves making friends. If you came to Sword Heaven Marsh, you’d likely meet him. He’s fond of defending the weak. The Gu family was destroyed for offending the Great Demon King, incurring his wrath. Since you’re close with Gu Li and the Gu family is eager to win you over, you ought to help them—so you won’t have regrets later in life.”

The word ‘regrets’ made her gaze turn wistful, as if recalling old memories.

Fang Wang felt fortunate that Zhou Xue was his kin. If she were an enemy, she’d be terrifying; the ability to foresee the future is impossible to guard against.

“Sword Heaven Marsh is excellent. Let’s develop it as the Fang family’s second home. Oh, and if the Sword Sage’s sword servants wish to follow you, take them in. If it’s too troublesome, let Cold Feather oversee them.”

Having said this, Zhou Xue turned and walked along the lakeside.

Fang Wang hurriedly asked, “Where are you going?”

Without turning back, Zhou Xue replied, “To give Cold Feather some instructions. Then I’ll head further south to seek a treasure.”

This time, Fang Wang didn’t ask if she could take him along. If Zhou Xue truly wanted, she’d say so herself.

“She must be worried about me—came specially to make sure I’m all right?”

Fang Wang watched Zhou Xue’s retreating figure and mused quietly.

But the next moment, he quickly dismissed the thought.

Too arrogant!

That’s just a delusion of life.

Fang Wang turned and walked toward the opposite side of the lake.

He planned to cultivate in Sword Heaven Marsh for a while, and guide Fang Hanyu and Song Jin Yuan.

Song Jin Yuan had been an orphan since childhood. With the Sword Sage gone, he was at a loss. Fang Hanyu invited him to join the Fang family, and after some hesitation, he agreed—mostly because he wanted to follow Fang Wang. For the Fang family, gaining a Heart Profound Realm expert was certainly a boon.

Fang Wang returned to the bridgehead and resumed his cultivation. Song Jin Yuan and Xiao Zi sat on either side of him, gazing at the lake as they meditated on the sword.

Half an hour later, Fang Hanyu found Fang Wang and said Zhou Xue had departed; their next meeting would likely be at Grand Abyss Gate.

Fang Wang only nodded slightly, saying nothing more.

Fang Hanyu sighed inwardly.

A woman’s affection, but the man is indifferent!

He felt Zhou Xue’s visit was clearly out of concern for Fang Wang; her feelings needed no words.

---

Alas, Fang Wang feigned ignorance, leaving Fang Hanyu wondering whom he truly cared for.

Fang Hanyu stared at Fang Wang’s back, lost in thought before finally leaving.

Though he inherited the Sword Sage’s Sword Qi, his mastery of swordsmanship was still lacking. He’d spent much time recently sparring and sharing insights with other sword servants.

The sword servants had followed the Sword Sage here. Though the Sage had passed, after witnessing Fang Wang’s Heaven and Earth Sword Intent, they saw him as the new Sword Sage and wished to follow him. Thanks to Fang Wang, they treated Fang Hanyu with warmth as well.

Zhou Xue’s arrival was just a minor episode.

Besides the sword servants, nearly a hundred swordsmen remained, including Gu Tianxiong. They were intrigued by Fang Wang, wishing to observe his cultivation. Fang Wang did not disappoint them, occasionally gathering everyone to lecture on the Heaven and Earth Sword Intent. How much each could comprehend depended on their own fortune, and his generosity only deepened their admiration.

Eight months later, Fang Wang broke through to the third layer of the Heart Profound Realm.

Now, Sword Heaven Marsh’s sword servants fully accepted Fang Hanyu. With the life-bound treasure granted by the Sword Sage, his aptitude in swordsmanship soared. In half a year, he mastered several exquisite sword arts and now commanded the Sword Sage’s Sword Qi with ease, enough to sweep aside most Heart Profound cultivators.

Under Fang Wang’s guidance, Song Jin Yuan gradually sensed the existence of the Heaven and Earth Sword Intent. Though full comprehension remained elusive, at least hope had returned; he was no longer dispirited.

A bold thought even arose in his mind:

Fang Wang’s understanding of the Heaven and Earth Sword Intent surpassed that of his master, the Sword Sage!

Years following the Sword Sage, he’d never glimpsed its mysteries, but after half a year with Fang Wang, he sensed its presence.

One day.

Fang Wang opened his eyes, stretched, and stared at the lake.

Xiao Zi leapt up from the depths. “Young Master, more and more cultivators are arriving at Sword Heaven Marsh lately. I sense trouble brewing.”

Fang Wang, who had planned to leave, raised his eyebrows and said, “Is that so? Go ask Hanyu.”

Xiao Zi immediately dove beneath the lake and vanished.

Fang Wang was not worried; after defeating the Great Demon King, his confidence soared. Even facing the Spirit Condensing Realm, he felt assured.

This time, he would confront Lu Yuanjun and Zhao Zhen!

The reputation of the Sword Sage of Tianyuan would ensure Grand Abyss Gate took him seriously. He believed that between himself and Lu Yuanjun, the sect would surely choose him. Even if Guang Qiuxian and Yang Yuanzi objected, they would have no recourse.

He wondered how long it would take for the Qi Dynasty to become an Immortal Cultivation Dynasty.

Fang Wang had paid little attention to this matter and knew nothing of its progress.

An hour later, Xiao Zi returned, accompanied by Gu Tianxiong, whose face was filled with anxiety.

Fang Wang stood at the bridgehead, gently fanning himself. Though puzzled, he didn’t rush, waiting for them to approach.

“Trouble is coming. The Grand Elder of Xuanhong Sword Sect, Kong Xi, has announced he’ll come to Sword Heaven Marsh to challenge the Sword Sage’s Heaven and Earth Sword Intent!” Gu Tianxiong said gravely.

Grand Elder?

Fang Wang raised an eyebrow. “Is Kong Xi very strong?”

Gu Tianxiong took a deep breath. “He’s not the sect leader, but he holds the name of Sword Sect. In the Qi Dynasty, only three can match him in swordsmanship! He reached the ninth layer of the Heart Profound Realm one hundred thirty years ago. In his youth, he sought to apprentice under the Sword Sage but was refused. He likely bears a grudge. Hearing you inherited the Sword Sage’s legacy, he’s declared that in a year he’ll challenge you here. All swordmasters are invited to witness. It’s been five months already; in seven more, he’ll arrive.”

“That old villain is vicious—he’s made it public. If you don’t accept, the world will mock you. But his seniority is vastly above yours; it’s shameless!”

Gu Tianxiong was furious. Unconsciously, he already regarded Fang Wang as one of his own.

If not a son-in-law, then at least a brother!

Xiao Zi was unconcerned. “What’s there to fear? Is Kong Xi fiercer than the Great Demon King? My Young Master should compete with the best in Qi Dynasty!”

Fang Wang hadn’t expected trouble to come so soon after slaying the Great Demon King.

---

“Since that’s how it is, let him come,” Fang Wang said calmly, though a trace of anticipation stirred in his heart.

He had yet to truly exhaust his strength.

Moreover, the challenge had been issued to the world—if he fled, what would people think? What would Grand Abyss Gate think?

He saw through the scheme, but was willing to accept it!

His confidence stemmed from his cultivation and skill!

“But…” Gu Tianxiong frowned, wanting to advise him, but unsure how, for he didn’t know how strong Fang Wang truly was.

At that moment, Song Jin Yuan descended from the sky, landing before Fang Wang. Expressionless, he said, “You wish to be the best under heaven, so you must face this challenge. Master cultivated for six hundred years—he was the Sword Sage not because he never lost, but because he never avoided a challenge.”

Fang Wang raised an eyebrow. Song Jin Yuan was goading him.

“Seven months remain. Let’s wait,” Fang Wang said, shaking his head as another thought arose.

Lu Yuanjun and Zhao Zhen—surely they hadn’t fled?

Though he hadn’t returned, news of his inheritance and slaying the Great Demon King must have spread through the Qi Dynasty’s cultivation world. Otherwise, the Grand Elder of Xuanhong Sword Sect wouldn’t be so restless.

If Lu Yuanjun and Zhao Zhen ran, then they were decisive, and he’d pursue them later.

If not, then fate had sealed their doom.

With that thought, Fang Wang lifted his robe and resumed his meditation.

Gu Tianxiong, seeing his advice dismissed, could only give up. He looked at Song Jin Yuan, raised an eyebrow, and said, “Song Jin Yuan, shall we spar somewhere?”

This boy was unruly—daring to provoke his son-in-law! He needed to be taught a lesson, lest he cause trouble for his son-in-law in the future.

For his daughter’s happiness, Gu Tianxiong felt compelled to act.

“Let’s go,” Song Jin Yuan replied, needing a match to regain his confidence.

Thus, the two strode across the waves, Xiao Zi tagging along for the excitement.

---

Within a bright great hall, a young man in black approached—it was Xu Qiuming, the foremost genius of Xuanhong Sword Sect.

Xu Qiuming ascended the steps, frowning at the figure seated above.

“Uncle, isn’t it inappropriate for someone of your stature to challenge Fang Wang?”

Xu Qiuming’s sister, Xu Tianjiao, had been saved by Fang Wang, so he owed him a debt of gratitude and had to come.

Sword Sect’s Kong Xi, thin of frame, wore loose black robes, his long black and white hair hanging unbound. A red sword mark adorned his forehead, making his already imposing face even more intimidating.

Kong Xi opened his eyes, gazing down at Xu Qiuming. “He inherited the Sword Sage’s legacy and slew the Great Demon King. He’s not merely a prodigy—he is a swordmaster renowned throughout the land. What’s inappropriate about my challenge?”

“Forgive my bluntness, but if I do not act, Fang Wang will soar, and you will forever live in his shadow. Xuanhong Sword Sect will be beneath Grand Abyss Gate, forced to endure their oppression!”