Chapter 80: The Supreme Treasure of the Great Qi Immortal Realm, A Timeless Legend

“His Celestial Origin Spirit is extraordinary, but is the path of immortality truly determined by the rank of one's spirit? Since ancient times, have all those who attained immortality possessed Celestial Origin Spirits? I think not.” Xu Qiuming spoke calmly, unaffected by Kong Xi’s provocation.

Kong Xi’s smile bore a hint of mockery. He snorted, “You’re still young and do not understand what the rank of a spirit signifies. This is fate. Certainly, the world is filled with opportunities, immortal destinies—some might even argue that fortune is more important. But that only applies to those who cannot achieve everlasting life; chance can only help them live better within their limited years. Yet, what is the purpose of pursuing immortality if not for longevity?”

“Earth Origin Spirits cannot grant immortality. As for whether Celestial Origin Spirits can, I do not know. But precisely because I do not know, I must act. If Fang Wang attains immortality and becomes the head of the Grand Abyss Sect, do you think the Xuanhong Sword Sect will still exist? Will the Nine Great Sects remain?”

Xu Qiuming’s expression shifted as he considered the matter from the Sword Sect’s perspective. Indeed, it seemed reasonable.

Yet...

He gritted his teeth and said, “Please, Uncle, grant me a chance. I will prove myself no weaker than Fang Wang!”

He was born with pride. Though Fang Wang’s rise astonished him, it stirred more expectation and motivation in his heart. Aside from Xu Tianjiao’s debt of gratitude, he also wished to spar honorably with such a formidable opponent.

Kong Xi closed his eyes. “Only I can handle this matter. I cannot let your master take action. Leave now; my decision is made.”

Xu Qiuming frowned, struggling for a moment before ultimately departing.

He decided to seek his master directly for judgment.

...

Ever since news spread that Kong Xi of the Sword Sect intended to challenge him, Fang Wang found himself visited daily by cultivators.

Fortunately, those who managed to reach Sword Heaven Lake were at least of the Spirit Molding Realm—they had already transcended mortal needs and would not pollute his Sword Heaven Lake.

Indeed, he already regarded Sword Heaven Lake as his domain. Others thought so as well; Song Jin Yuan and the sword attendants only acknowledged Fang Wang.

Unknowingly, Fang Wang had surpassed the Sword Sage in their hearts, for Fang Wang could directly teach them the Sword Intent of Heaven and Earth—something the Sword Sage never did.

But it was not that the Sword Sage was unwilling. He had already suffused the lake’s surface with Heaven and Earth Sword Intent, leaving it for them to comprehend. Yet their insight was lacking.

Fang Wang’s mastery of Heaven and Earth Sword Intent had reached perfection, exceeding the Sword Sage’s understanding. His teachings allowed others to attain even greater comprehension.

Days slipped by.

The number of cultivators at Sword Heaven Lake swelled. Looking from the lakeshore, figures lined the paths; the sword attendants demarcated a three-mile radius around Fang Wang’s residence, forbidding others from approaching.

There were one hundred and twenty-three sword attendants—the weakest at the sixth layer of Spirit Molding, the strongest at the fourth layer of Profound Heart. Gathered together, they formed a formidable force, enough to maintain order.

On ordinary days, Fang Han Yu and Song Jin Yuan led the sword attendants and managed Sword Heaven Lake, leaving Fang Wang free to cultivate and occasionally fish.

Four months passed in the blink of an eye.

Cultivators at Sword Heaven Lake now numbered over a thousand, representing every major sect—even the Li family had arrived.

Li Hongshuang and Li Honggang’s family, with the Li clan head visiting Fang Wang in person to apologize.

The identity of the White-robed Swan could no longer be concealed, largely because Fang Wang’s renown was too great. Even disciples within the Grand Abyss Sect feverishly investigated his background; word spread quickly, and the Li family felt only fear, not anger.

Li Qingfeng, head of the Li family, stood behind Fang Wang, earnestly apologizing with a humble demeanor.

Without turning, Fang Wang said, “Since the Li family removed Li Hongshuang from their genealogy long ago, it is naturally none of your concern. As for Li Honggang, to be honest, I greatly respect him. I am not angry. Standing up for one’s son is only right. Rest assured, I bear no enmity toward the Li family.”

Li Qingfeng breathed a sigh of relief. Though his cultivation was at the second layer of Profound Heart, the pressure from Fang Wang’s back was immense—even the purple serpent coiled around the wooden post nearby made him shudder.

To him, Fang Wang was not merely a Celestial Origin prodigy, but a peerless powerhouse comparable to the Divine Mind Realm!

---

“Master Fang, this is a token of the Li family’s goodwill. Please pass it to the Fang family. We wish to forge friendly ties.” Li Qingfeng spoke sincerely, offering a storage pouch with both hands.

Fang Wang raised his hand, and the pouch flew to him automatically, causing Li Qingfeng to marvel inwardly.

He could not sense any spiritual energy from Fang Wang.

“Thank you on behalf of the Fang family. Settle your people in, and watch my duel with the Sword Sect.” Fang Wang put away the pouch, his voice gentle.

Li Qingfeng immediately bowed and departed.

Such episodes were not limited to the Li family. Fang Wang’s Celestial Origin Spirit and his feat of slaying the Great Demon King drew many families and sects seeking alliance with him and the Fang clan.

As for the upcoming duel with the Sword Sect, they could not predict the outcome, but establishing ties with Fang Wang in advance could only be beneficial.

None believed Fang Wang would die—even if defeated, surely someone would intervene. He possessed the Celestial Origin Spirit; none could foresee the heights he might reach. A saying had already spread through the cultivation world:

Fang Wang is the treasure of the Great Qi cultivation realm!

As long as Fang Wang lived, the Divine Mind Realm would no longer be the ceiling in Great Qi!

Of course, this was the talk of common cultivators. The major sects were more concerned he might overturn the power structure.

As the duel with the Sword Sect approached, more families came to visit. Among the Nine Great Sects, two righteous factions arrived, even providing intelligence on Kong Xi.

Kong Xi had already attained the Divine Mind Realm—not just recently, but well before.

Fang Wang was not surprised. After all, he had slain the Great Demon King; anyone who dared challenge him would surely be at the Divine Mind level.

---

With a month left before the duel, Sword Heaven Lake had become lively, its shores filled with cultivators seeking sword enlightenment and representatives of various factions.

One day, Fang Han Yu arrived with a group.

Sensing something, Fang Wang opened his eyes and stood.

His grandfather Fang Meng, father Fang Yin, and many relatives approached—over twenty in total.

“Wang’er!”

Fang Yin called out, delighted.

Fang Wang immediately flashed to greet them. Smiling, he asked, “Grandfather, Father, what brings you here?”

Fang Meng stroked his beard. “My grandson is about to battle the Sword Sect—how could I not come?”

“Yes, news has spread across the land. Our Fang family has been in the cultivation world for many years; naturally, we heard. Rascal, it’s been almost sixteen years since you left home, and you’ve stubbornly refused to return. You think you’ve grown wings!”

Fang Yin scolded, but before Fang Wang could reply, Fang Meng snorted, “What do you know? My grandson pursues immortality—how could you delay him?”

Fang Yin laughed awkwardly and could only nod.

The other relatives greeted Fang Wang. Many faces were unfamiliar to him, mostly because he had forgotten, so he could only smile and nod.

Seeing Fang Wang, famed throughout the cultivation world, remain courteous, the crowd’s tension eased greatly.

“Your father has inherited my title of Duke. Now you are the heir. Of course, this identity means little to you, but it’s worth mentioning—the court is quite enthusiastic about the Fang family, likely thanks to the Grand Abyss Sect.” Fang Meng smiled.

He looked much more robust than before, spiritual energy stirring within him.

---

Fang Wang asked in surprise, “Why not let Eldest Uncle be Duke?”

One of the sons of his eldest uncle Fang Shi laughed, “Our father is busy cultivating. Letting Fifth Uncle be Duke is more trouble for him.”

Fang Yin shook his head. “My talent is average. Zhou Xue, for your sake, granted me many resources, but I am still no match for your uncles. Why force it?”

Hearing this, Fang Wang was at a loss for words.

How could he say he possessed exceptional talent, and his father must as well?

He relied on the Heavenly Palace...

“All right, greetings are enough. Good grandson, continue your cultivation. After the duel, I have something to say to you privately.” Fang Meng beamed at Fang Wang, then urged the family to leave before Fang Wang could answer.

Fang Han Yu followed to help settle them.

Watching their departing figures, Fang Wang felt a warm glow in his heart.

To the Fang family, it had only been sixteen years since they last saw him. To Fang Wang, it felt like two thousand years.

The moment he saw Fang Yin, his heart surged with emotion—he simply controlled it well.

“With them by my side, what does another five hundred years in seclusion matter?”

Fang Wang’s heart brimmed with heroic resolve. For the upcoming duel, his determination only strengthened.

He would defeat Kong Xi with overwhelming force!

He would show no mercy!

He would show the world just how powerful Fang Wang was. From now on, anyone who wanted to trouble the Fang family would first have to consider whether they were worthy of offending him!

---

The sun blazed overhead; Sword Heaven Lake, eternally springlike, remained as beautiful as ever.

On a veranda before a pavilion, Gu Li stood in the corridor, gazing out at the lake, lost in thought. She wore the robes of a Grand Abyss Sect disciple, her face veiled. Though only her eyes were visible, she was still charming.

Gu Tianxiong emerged from within, saying, “Don’t worry. You haven’t seen that boy display the Sword Intent of Heaven and Earth. Let me tell you, if Kong Xi witnessed it himself, he’d never dare challenge him.”

Gu Li did not look at him, only gazing calmly at the lake. “I’m not worried he’ll lose. I’m simply curious why you won’t let me see him. I wouldn’t take up much of his time.”

Gu Tianxiong’s face flashed with embarrassment. He feigned severity. “Daughter, he needs peace of mind right now, do you understand? Your presence would only pressure him. Even if not, it would cause distraction—since you are in his heart.”

“Really?” Gu Li turned to him, her eyes filled with expectation and unease.

Gu Tianxiong thickened his skin and replied, “Of course. Back when we hid our identities and called each other brothers, he told me he liked the disciple girl next door. But since both are prodigies, he didn’t want to commit too soon, lest it affect his cultivation. Daughter, I think he’s right. You’re both young, with plenty of time ahead. Being able to restrain your feelings is the first step toward the path of immortality.”

Gu Li frowned. “Why didn’t you say so earlier?”

Gu Tianxiong sighed. “Who knew you’d be so restless? Daughter, I must criticize you. In this, you fall far short of Fang Wang. He has the Celestial Origin Spirit; you have the Earth Origin Spirit. How far apart can you be? Focus on cultivation, keep pace with him, and you might achieve a legendary romance!”