Chapter 106: Reckless Fools
Chapter 106: Reckless Fools
“This is bad…”
The onlookers, already terrified by Fang Cun executing Old Chao in the street, panicked completely when they suddenly saw Fang Cun charge into the crowd and start slaughtering indiscriminately. Their first thought was that Fang Cun had gone mad. But an instant later, they sensed something was deeply wrong. Those people wore plain clothes, appearing entirely ordinary, yet each one possessed cultivation! Some, in fact, seemed unnervingly powerful.
What defied logic even more was: how could cultivators so strong be utterly helpless against Fang Cun?
Amidst the fear, one man realized the danger. It was the servant in green robes, previously concealed within the panicked masses, observing Old Chao’s attempt on Fang Cun’s life. The moment Fang Cun’s killing spree began, the servant sensed disaster. And then, catching Fang Cun’s gaze sweeping sharply towards him, his heart nearly burst. Without a second thought, he turned and fled like an arrow loosed.
“Aren’t you the one who’s been enjoying the show here? Why run now?”
Fang Cun’s cool voice sounded right behind him. The green-robed servant glanced back to see Fang Cun chasing him – holding an umbrella in one hand, a sword in the other, stepping effortlessly upon the air as if crossing solid ground. Logically, Fang Cun’s current cultivation shouldn’t threaten him… but in that fleeting glimpse, the servant sensed two colossal lion phantoms looming behind Fang Cun’s wiry frame.
One on the left, one on the right, each with a tilted head, grinning mouths gaping, their eyes fixed on the servant with menacing predatory intensity.
Under the gaze of these phantoms, every other thought fled the green-robed servant’s mind. He simply pushed his speed to the absolute limit, activating every escape technique he possessed.
His cultivation level was formidable. Propelled like lightning, he covered nearly a hundred yards in moments.
“Swish!”
Simultaneously, Fang Cun channeled his acquired Merit. Boundless magical power erupted within him, and his body shot forward as if fired from a bow. The green-robed servant soaring high, Fang Cun streaking low – one green blur, another white streak; both crossed that hundred-yard distance like twin flashes.
The servant had barely begun to slow when Fang Cun, umbrella still held, descended upon him like a shadow falling from above. The silver snake sword in his hand pulsed with a terrifying, blinding silver glow.
“Young Master Fang the Second, this is a misunderstanding!” The green-robed servant cried out desperately, his voice cracking. He twisted his body violently in a frantic evasion.
“Fwhip!”
Fang Cun’s sword flashed down, cleanly severing the servant’s head from his body. Yet the headless corpse instantly warped, collapsing not into a body but a piece of mundane paper talisman that drifted slowly to the ground.
The true servant, however, had already veered sharply. He wasn’t fleeing anymore but charging headlong towards City Governor Bai Huali and his retinue of Divine Generals.
City Governor Bai Huali, Xu Wenshu, and the Divine Generals were all still reeling in shock and horror at witnessing Fang Cun’s massacre. Seeing the green-robed servant charge directly at them made their hearts leap into their throats. Instinctively, they pooled their energy and raised defensive stances.
“I am Wang Feili, Phoenix City Imperial Attendant! Willow Lake Generals, protect me!” The charging servant had no intention of attacking. Instead, he flung an object desperately towards them. It was a token, blazing red, its back engraved with the image of a phoenix. He screamed his plea as he ran towards City Governor Bai Huali’s line.
Xu Wenshu’s face was etched with shock. Upon hearing the shout and seeing the token fly towards him, he hesitated only a fraction of a heartbeat. Then, realization dawned. He caught the token with both hands, his voice filled with astonishment. “Phoenix City?”
In that same instant, the servant dashed straight past him and hid within the protective formation of the Divine Generals. “Shield me!!!” he shrieked, seeking refuge behind their ranks.
Not just Xu Wenshu, but all the Divine Generals present, as well as Elder Qu who stood nearby, and even Meng Zhixue, clearly heard the cry of “Phoenix City!” and saw the token. Stunned disbelief washed over their faces, swiftly followed by distinct terror as they wheeled to stare at the green-robed interloper.
Phoenix Imperial Attendant? That ordinary-looking servant in green robes… was actually an Imperial Attendant from Phoenix City?!
Only Fang Cun remained expressionless. Unperturbed, sword held high, he steadily advanced towards the huddled group.
“…This… this Imperial Attendant from Phoenix City…” Xu Wenshu thought frantically. “…His rank likely exceeds even the City Governor’s…”
Within the span of a single breath, Xu Wenshu made his decision. He hurriedly stepped forward, blocking Fang Cun’s path directly. “Young Master Fang the Second, you really must…”
Fang Cun spoke a single word. “Scram!”
Xu Wenshu froze, his eyes locking onto Fang Cun’s utterly impassive face.
Half a breath. That’s all Xu Wenshu took to remake his decision. He suddenly bowed deeply and retreated a step to the side, head lowered, not daring to look up or make another sound.
The green-robed servant behind him gaped in utter stupefaction….
…
…
“You spies came to Willow Lake City to watch me. I tolerated it!”
“You sneaky rats delivered my deceased brother’s belongings. I tolerated that too!”
“But now you’ve grown bold enough to instigate an assassination attempt? Just to unmask my hidden capabilities?”
“Fine! Consider yourselves successful!”
Fang Cun advanced, sword pointed forward. His tone was cold, devoid of inflection, yet an ocean of palpable killing intent washed over everyone present. Seeing the seemingly compliant Xu Wenshu retreat, the green-robed servant’s courage completely shattered. Desperation surged. In a flash of malign inspiration, his gaze shot towards Old Man Fang! Yet, in the same instant, a group of Divine Generals instantly found their backbone. They surged forward, forming a protective shield wall around Elder Fang, their expressions resolute.
Seeing this solid defense blocking his intended target, the servant abandoned the insane idea. Panicking entirely, he scrambled to leap into the sky, streaking like a maddened crow towards the city’s outer limits, his voice turned into a terrified screech echoing in the air. “General Lord! Save me!”
Fang Cun’s icy gaze snapped towards him streaking towards the horizon. His brow creased. “General Lord?”
…
…
“This Second Son of the Fang family… is truly terrifying…”
Meanwhile, nearly a hundred miles away, upon the waters of Willow Lake itself, a small boat drifted unmarked. Seated atop it, clad in worn-looking battle armor, sat a man. His face was etched with steely impassivity. One hand held a cup of wine. Though outwardly still, he seemed utterly cognizant of every minute event unfolding back in Willow Lake City. As he witnessed through some arcane scrying method his trusted servant panicked, hunted, and fleeing outright for his life towards this remote place, a tide of repressed rage turned his expression bone white, suffusing his face with dark intent.
“Why?…”
He murmured softly, frustration lacing the whisper. “…Can I still not see through it?…”
“The Fang Family of Willow Lake… What secrets do they hold NOW?…”
“How could even THOSE two vicious beings stoop so low… to willingly come to Willow Lake City… to stand as mere sentries? Guard dogs for the Fang Family?”
“…”
“…”
Frowning deeply, he released a quiet sigh.
He hadn’t anticipated this measured probe would reveal hidden factors surrounding Fang Cun. Worse, it had likely disclosed the Fang Family’s deeper secrets prematurely. He’d hoped merely to glimpse manageable truths. Instead, behind that handsome, seemingly spoiled young master lay the lethal instincts of a hardened killer! And now, he’d recklessly summoned entities whose mere shadows were enough to make mountains tremble… entities whose true identities the General Lord would never dare probe.
The sheer scale of what was obscured had momentarily blinded him. He couldn’t discern what he’d intended to see at all.
Muttering in reluctant annoyance under his breath, he made his decision. A flick of his wrist stirred his imposing sleeve. He resolved to intervene, bringing his imperiled servant under his protection immediately.
Concurrently, his strategic mind shifted. Perhaps his time lurking in Willow Lake was wasted. The timing was grievously flawed. He must depart… It was time to return to Phoenix City…
But that exact thought lingered barely half-formed within his mind when shock, primal and deadly cold, slammed through his very core.
The sleeve he’d begun raising froze mid-air. His entire aura solidified instantly; every wisp of circulating magical power clotted like hardening magma. He dared not risk even the faintest fluctuation. Not a breath drawn. Muscles rigid as sculpted steel. Frozen.
“The… Path of Heaven?”
After an agonizingly long silence, his strained voice finally broke it. Soft. Low.
An impassive, distinctly human voice spoke clearly from directly behind him, slow, deliberate, each word heavy with implication: “You hail from Phoenix City!”
The General Lord dared not reply hastily. Long moments stretched unbearably tense on the swaying boat. Finally, only the barest movement occurred: a very small, constrained nod of his head. “Since… you are already aware of this…”
“Your origins hold no meaning to me.”
The voice behind him cut through his attempted statement, its tone flat, chillingly devoid of inflection. “Immortal Master Fang. His contributions to Great Xia… immense. The magnitude of his accomplishments… incalculable. Provincial folk might remain ignorant. You, hailing from Phoenix City… should grasp this truth perfectly. He perished on the Desolate Wasteland. The manner of his death? Unknown. Beyond my jurisdiction. Yet… Barely a year following his demise… you target the sole remaining lineage bearing his blood?” A brief, cold pause hung. “Should I deem YOU reckless? Or is the Divine King you serve… truly courting the oblivion of insanity?”
The General Lord remained utterly mute. Perfectly silent.
He had become a statue carved from frigid fear, all vital signs suppressed.
“Meow~…”
He couldn’t see the owner of the voice behind him. His senses remained locked forward. Only the wooden planks of the boat remained visible… until a tiny shape emerged beside his immobile form. Smoky gray fur, wide wide naive eyes! A small kitten, barely weaned! Utterly fearless! It approached… paused to look at the stone-still man… ignored him. With a light, graceful pounce, the kitten landed upon the low table directly in front of the frozen General Lord. Its pink nose twitched… sniffing the fragrant aroma wafting gently upwards. Small black claws delicately reached towards the centrepiece… a masterfully cooked whole fish, still steaming, exquisitely presented solely for the General Lord’s consumption moments before being frozen. Tiny teeth effortlessly ripped away steamed flesh. A low, satisfied purr vibrated the wooden table.
“Aha… So it’s… YOU…”
Realization doused Genarl Lord like ice water. He barely moved his lips. Words ground out effortfully, each syllable thick, saturated with effort. “You… a figure esteemed so high… Why lower yourself to Willow Lake City? Why HERE?”
The voice drifted calmly from the unseen source behind. “My purpose is merely… trade.”
Despair crushed the General Lord. Raw terror burst forth. “S-Spare me!” he rasped, hoarse. “I leave Willow Lake! Immediately! And never set foot here again…”
“Trades involve benefit. Service. Payment.” The voice remained disturbingly calm. “My current client… is solely the Fang Family.”
“You…!”
Gritted teeth, the General Lord drew breath. Helpless fury bubbled below his controlled surface. A decision formed in utter desperation. Forcing his voice low despite the scraping tightness in his throat: “Presumptuous! You may not command the might sufficient to feast on my blood!!”
One instant!
He explosively gathered every shred of essence within himself. His body became condensed bedrock manifest! Battle-Grade cultivation detonated like breached dam! Power enough to shatter mountains erupted outward! The sky above Willow Lake darkened violently. Storm clouds materialized from nothing, churning vicious black waterspouts! Centered upon him, a storm erupted violently over the lake! Simultaneously… the entire body of Willow Lake… miles upon miles… reversed gravity! Immense collisions echoed! Lifted COMPLETELY upward, forming colossal liquid walls! Higher! HIGHER! Crashing tides surged towards the heavens! An unprecedented Tsunami-like formation visible miles away! Magnitude profound! Undulating violently astonishing! Even citizens within Willow Lake City, a hundred miles distant, felt distinctly violent tremors ripple relentlessly through the solid ground beneath their feet! The world shuddered!
Then… silence. Collapse. Weight returned.
Quantity beyond imagining!
The entire mass of lake water suspended impossibly high… parted… succumbed to gravity!
It crashed back down onto itself… shattering the surface of once placid Willow Lake with brutal force!
Echoes like celestial drums pounded endlessly.
The landmark famed for clear star-lit reflections now resembled raging ocean depths for several minutes.
Finally… the waves dampened. Residual energy swirled restlessly. A figure emerged amidst the subsiding chaos. Meticulous robes remained evidently dry. Serenely treading still-agitated waves as if solid ground… holding a plump gray kitten nuzzling his arm… eyes lazily half-closed… tiny tongue still licking its chops…
Behind him, two struggling dog shapes paddled frantically, desperate to follow him ashore against the vanishing undercurrent.
A pre-dawn shore. He paused as his feet touched damp soil. Looking without hurry towards the direction of distant Willow Lake City barely discernible beyond the forested hillsides. He sighed faintly. Murmured words barely audible under fading splashing waters: “…Another missed five thousand taels… Price refusal constitutes breach of agreement…”
…
…
Back in Willow Lake City…
That terrifying, impossibly loud noise vibrating from the distant lake struck like physical blows! Instantly! Every individual within city limits felt the bedrock beneath them lurch violently upwards! Gasped, hearts plummeting horribly! Then surged sickeningly high! Vertigo seized countless citizens! People stumbled… buildings rattled… foundations groaned.
Fang Cun already stood before the fleeing green-robed servant now utterly frozen in place… The air cleared. Fang Cun’s silver sword flickered… forwards… precise lethal energy pierced clean through… severing life connection. The servant crumpled silently. Retrieving the discarded red token safely with one smooth movement, Fang Cun glanced upon its intricate phoenix carving/markings briefly. Expressionless. Secured it inside his long coats inner pocket. Vanished existence.
Then he turned. Calmly guided the stained silver blade back into its concealed sheath housed within the handle shaft of his Old Umbrella. Gracefully closed its canopy. Tucked protectively beneath his elbow.
His gaze swept dispassionately surveying local surroundings once again.
Dean Gongyang Yanqing of the Academy now stood prominently amidst gathered peers. Silent Elder Mentor Zhong Yue stood near him. Additionally present were numerous Elder Mentors and virtually every single Academy Instructor in existence. Onlookers stood silent, sober witness. Separately… City Governor Bai Huali appeared newly arrived… flushed complexion betraying strenuous exertion… urgently scrutinizing torn wreckage staining previously clean shopping district. His expression… layered… difficult to classify… A subtle interplay masked astonishment… deep contemplation…
Fang Cun walked unhurriedly towards Dean Gongyang Yanqing holding the Old Umbrella beneath his arm.
The Dean awaited immobile… motionless equalling true stillness… observing Fang Cun’s approach with profound intensity.
Stopping exactly at polite distance… Fang Cun offered customary slight token bow. Reached inside his sleeve retrievding preprepared letter/certificate. Extended it directly toward the Dean’s waiting hand…
The letter… was the official record relating to Fang Cun’s Academy educational performance evaluation… Needed assessment remarks pertaining to foundational Moral Discipline category… intended for Academy authority inscription…
Fang Cun maintained direct eye contact, smile faint. “Regarding Moral Conduct… After thorough deliberation… I concluded… no individual currently residing within Willow Lake City genuinely met requirements to assess me. Subsequent logical thought: self-annotation implemented.” The pause held significance. “Surely… you acknowledge the rational decision accordingly…”
Dean Gongyang Yanqing’s facial skin adopted pale greenish undertones under morning light… Profounds seconds ticked… ended by a visibly effortful… measured vertical incline downwards.
Satisfied smirk etching Fang Cun’s mouth… he turned collectedly… prepared departureing paces… then paused half-step…
His attention snagged precisely upon tall prized bronze statue positioned nearby…
A delicately rendered sculpture depicting Dean Gongyang Yanqing personal mount… reverently named Gentle Green Ram… representing perfect tranquil harmony everlasting.
Possessing distinct boredom piercing boredom… Irregular horn angles annoyed him… Arrogant stance offended intrinsically…
Without pausing or altering steady walking rhythm — His right leg lifted fluidly… delivered direct blindingly fast kick… squarely onto polished bronze surface occupied precisely ram abdomen area!
Impact noise echoed as “CLANK-ONNNNG!”
The sacred statue spun neatly through clear morning air… past stunned City Governor Bai Huali… bounced… slid clattering ignominiously stopping at City Governor white boot tips…
The stiff immobile statue… dared not obey instincts… thus remained awkwardly prostrated near polished governor footwear… tail mathematically vertical…
City Governor Bai Huali… equal paralysation… Unable reaction…
Dean Gongyang Yanqing… mute existence… Expression akin stone bricks dissolving internally now extant visibly… Jaw muscles locking perfectly still tension…
Fang Cun permitted genuine brief approximation of satisfaction to touch his lips. Carefully shifting secured Old Umbrella comforted under elbow hug. Calm footsteps commenced descending stairways designed normal pedestrian egress towards teeming street-level pathways lying obscured below chasm-quiet platform towering above horizon morning panorama.