Chapter 204: Hundred Flowers Fragrant Realm

After spending one month comprehending all of Leshui’s techniques, leaving words on the stone wall shocked all sides!

After departing from Leshui Sect, not only Second Young Master Fang, but everyone on the Dharma Ship was in high spirits.

Even Yu Qingli, who didn’t quite understand the inner workings and preferred not to strain his mind thinking, clearly sensed a stark difference. When headed to Duskblade Sect, he and Second Young Master Fang experienced a rather uncomfortable cold reception. Things turned much smoother upon their arrival at Leshui Sect. Following their experience at Leshui Sect, their subsequent visit to Yun Huan Sect proved even more successful.

Yun Huan Sect was located on Taohu Lake, its mountain gate having three layers of protection. As the sect mainly comprised women, it had the most rules.

In Qingjiang Prefecture’s cultivation world, many told tales of Yun Huan Sect being the hardest to cross.

It was said that any man who trespassed into their domain usually met a dire fate.

The majority simply never emerged again. Those who did manage to escape mostly developed a lifelong fear of women.

Even Qi Refiners bearing invitations and visiting with due courtesy were typically only received in the outermost courtyards by male stewards—few in number and of extremely low status within the sect. Only if the visitor enjoyed such high esteem that Yun Huan Sect dared not offend, and thus could not treat lightly, might they be invited to the middle gate. Even then, reception was handled only by Yun Huan Sect’s leader and several elderly female elders.

As for the inner sanctum where the younger female disciples trained, meditated, rested, and lived? One shouldn’t even entertain the thought…

However, when Second Young Master Fang’s Dharma Ship arrived before Yun Huan Sect, it immediately encountered a reception utterly unlike any other.

As they approached the mountain gate, they were already met by two neat rows of over a dozen Yun Huan Sect disciples holding lanterns, having laid out celestial clouds in wait.

Fang Cun stepped off the Dharma Ship and was immediately escorted inside the mountain gate with his party of five: the Little Fox Girl, Xiao Qingliu, Yu Qingli, and He Zhenzhang. After being served tea, exchanging pleasantries, and resting for a while there, they left He Zhenzhang, whose eyes were darting everywhere in his excitement, behind in the outer courtyard. Fang Cun, the Little Fox Girl, Yu Qingli, and Xiao Qingliu were then escorted toward the middle gate.

There, they met Yun Huan Sect’s female Sect Leader. Xiao Qingliu, the Little Fox Girl, and Yu Qingli each received rewards bestowed by her. Naturally, Fang Cun reciprocated appropriately to the Sect Leader’s surrounding disciples.

Next, Xiao Qingliu and Yu Qingli were left behind in the middle gate to sip tea, while Fang Cun and the Little Fox Girl were invited into the inner sanctum.

No one knew what transpired inside the inner sanctum.

Xiao Qingliu and Yu Qingli simply drank tea quietly for half an hour before Fang Cun reappeared.

The Little Fox Girl trailed beside him, using small paws to cover her eyes.

Yun Huan Sect’s Sect Leader followed them out, beaming widely. “Second Young Master Fang, do consider it!” she said, her voice sweet and persuasive. “It wouldn’t be a bad deal for you!”

The usually composed and unflappable Second Young Master Fang now appeared uncharacteristically flustered. Even his robes seemed slightly askew. His face was flushed deeply red as he struggled to maintain composure. He managed a smile and offered a formal bow to the Sect Leader. “Esteemed Ancestor,” he said, his voice slightly strained, “This junior… this junior is still young! Matters like this truly cannot be rushed…”

“You’re certainly not too young!” The female Sect Leader chuckled. “Many mortal men your age are already fathers!”

Second Young Master Fang seemed to stiffen slightly at this. “Esteemed Ancestor,” he said with a forced, weak smile, “Men… men truly should prioritize their careers…”

The Sect Leader giggled softly, her voice like dripping honey. “Well then, we’ll leave that to you. But since you managed to pass… that… Yun Huan Sect recognizes your worth. Whenever you are interested, feel free to come back for a visit. After all, your talent is extraordinary, and you’re so… well… no one would lose out either way. Oh!” She suddenly seemed to remember something, turning to call behind her, “You few, lack some manners, don’t you? Hurry out and see Second Young Master Fang off properly…”

Upon hearing her words, Fang Cun visibly shuddered. His eyes darted urgently toward Yu Qingli and Xiao Qingliu. “Quick! Let’s go!” he hissed under his breath.

“We’re leaving now?” Yu Qingli was completely bewildered. They had stayed at Leshui Sect for over a month! Even at Duskblade Sect, they had stayed longer than their brief visit here!

“Why such haste, Young Master?” the Sect Leader cooed. “Yun Huan Sect has prepared transcribed copies of all its techniques and doctrines for you. Truthfully, it would be better for your comprehension if you stayed within the sect to study and discuss them mutually. But since you insist on leaving…” She sighed softly, a note of mock regret in her tone. “…then we must acquiesce. However,” her eyes sparkled, “if during your comprehension you encounter anything unclear… you are always welcome to return to Yun Huan Sect to discuss it. And naturally,” her smile became positively radiant, “should you gain any profound insights… do not forget us…”

With this, she gave a light flick of her long sleeve. Almost immediately, a female disciple with an elaborate palace hairstyle stepped forward, holding an ornate box. The sudden movement startled Fang Cun. Only when he saw the disciple roll her eyes—revealing her to be Willow Lake City classmate Meng Qing’er—did he relax slightly, letting out a breath he hadn’t known he was holding.

“They’re just… giving him transcribed copies of all their techniques to take away?” Yu Qingli, listening beside him, suddenly understood Fang Cun’s desperate urge to leave. But immediately, a new wave of confusion washed over him. Why was Yun Huan Sect being so excessively generous? Even Leshui Sect hadn’t offered transcribed copies for Fang Cun to leave with!

Staying within a host sect to study their scriptures was one thing. Providing portable, comprehensive copies was an entirely different level of concession!

Furthermore, an even bigger question nagged Yu Qingli: just what was Second Young Master Fang so afraid of? Yu Qingli had never seen Fang Cun look so utterly rattled. After making hasty farewells to the Sect Leader, he practically fled from the middle gate like a gust of wind, his feet barely touching the ground. He didn’t stop until they reached the outer courtyard, clambered aboard the Dharma Ship waiting outside the gate, and seemed finally able to breathe easier…

“Second Young Master Fang… safe travels…” The Sect Leader’s voice drifted toward the departing vessel. She stood barefoot upon the clouds just beyond the gate, her skirts fluttering gently in the breeze, glimpses of slender legs visible beneath. By her side, seven ethereally graceful figures seemed to materialize, waving towards the receding ship with sweetly encouraging smiles.

“My deep gratitude for Esteemed Ancestor’s great favor and the precious gift of your methods…” Fang Cun caught sight of the seven women and his expression instantly became profoundly awkward. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he bowed stiffly in return for their farewell.

“Do remember what I told you,” the female Sect Leader’s lilting voice carried clearly over the distance to the deck, “And be sure not to mention it to outsiders…” Her words were punctuated by a cascade of silvery bell-like female laughter.

Amidst the lingering laughter, the Dharma Ship practically fled, plunging headlong into the concealing clouds as if chased by unseen forces.

…………

“What just happened back there?”

“What did you actually do to Second Young Master Fang?”

“And hey… how come you’re here too!?”

It wasn’t until the Dharma Ship had put considerable frantic distance between itself and Yun Huan Sect, until the outlines of its mountain gate had faded to almost nothing on the horizon, that Yu Qingli and He Zhenzhang simultaneously found their voices. Yu Qingli fixed his confused gaze on the still utterly stunned-looking Little Fox Girl, while He Zhenzhang whipped his head around to stare, wide-eyed and intrigued, at the unexpected Meng Qing’er.

The Little Fox Girl, upon hearing their questions, immediately raised her paws to cover her eyes again.

“Tch,” Meng Qing’er sniffed, shooting a glance tinged with mild disdain at Fang Cun, who still looked a bit pale. “So much for the legendary Willow Lake City ladies’ man, the supreme roamer among flowers…” she added, a hint of sarcasm in her voice. “We praised you so much back in the sect, seems it was wasted!”

He Zhenzhang’s eyes lit up like lanterns upon hearing this. He surreptitiously tugged at Meng Qing’er’s sleeve. “C’mon! Give me the juicy details…!”

“Never mention it… It’s best never mentioned…” Fang Cun slumped heavily against the bulkhead, radiating utter exhaustion.

Meng Qing’er just rolled her eyes at He Zhenzhang and nudged the ornate box she’d been carrying towards Fang Cun. “The Sect Leader instructed me to follow you, Young Master Fang,” she said, her tone shifting to serious business. “She said if you managed to derive something amazing again, like you did at Leshui Sect, I should bring a copy back for the sect. That would be counted as a major merit – enough to become a True Disciple upon my return. And if,” she tilted her head, looking slightly pleased with herself, “I manage to hitch a ride on your rising reputation and gain even more merit, then I could even become her personal disciple…”

She paused, then her lips curved into a mischievous smile as she added, “Though, of course, the biggest merit would be…” Her gaze swept meaningfully, assessingly, over Fang Cun’s form again.

“I beg you, stop, just stop…” Fang Cun waved his hands frantically, cutting her off. He took a closer look at Meng Qing’er. “Here,” he said, “Give me your hand.”

Meng Qing’er looked puzzled but obediently offered her slender hand. “What for?”

Fang Cun gently squeezed it for a moment, then let go, seemingly relieved. “Good,” he sighed deeply. “No… lingering ill effects…”

His expression suddenly turned deeply reflective, tinged with a melancholic regret. “I thought I was something special,” he murmured, almost to himself. “I thought I’d seen it all. I thought I’d encountered more bizarre sights, more beauties, more monsters, than anyone around me… But I was foolishly young.” He shook his head slowly, a wry, almost weary smile touching his lips. “I had no idea… the waters of this world could be so unfathomably deep… Just how terrifyingly formidable… its mystic arts and divine powers could truly be…”

“Just what exactly witnessed? What kind of ordeal was it?” Yu Qingli and especially He Zhenzhang were utterly bewildered. He Zhenzhang’s brows were furrowed so intensely he resembled a troubled character in a classical ink painting.

“I mean… was it really that bad?” Meng Qing’er asked, quirking an eyebrow dismissively. “It was just one move… the Hundred Flowers Fragrant Realm…”

Merely hearing the name repeated aloud, “Hundred Flowers Fragrant Realm,” caused Fang Cun to visibly flinch. He squeezed his eyes shut tightly, taking slow, deliberate breaths to calm himself.

“…Hundred Flowers Fragrant Realm!?” He Zhenzhang, however, upon hearing the name, practically jolted upright, his face alight with fierce excitement and envy. “Second Young Master Fang… You actually witnessed the Hundred Flowers Fragrant Realm!?”

Fang Cun merely looked exhausted, showing absolutely no inclination to answer.

Yu Qingli, still confused, tentatively asked, “And what… what is this Hundred Flowers Fragrant Realm?”

“It’s Yun Huan Sect’s absolute pinnacle divine technique!” He Zhenzhang declared with zealous fervor. “It’s said that this divine ability is breathtakingly beautiful, utterly ineffable, even on par with the infamous Pleasure Quarters of that Great Demon Sovereign! Those who fall under its power…” He lowered his voice dramatically. “…Forget Golden Core cultivators… even Nascent Souls… they simply never emerge…!”

Yu Qingli gasped, genuinely shocked. “That powerful? Even a Nascent Soul can’t escape it?”

“No!” He Zhenzhang clarified fervently, shaking his head hard. “It’s not that they can’t escape! It’s that once they do escape… they want to go straight back!”

“……” Yu Qingli’s expression became exceedingly peculiar.

“Do. Not. Speak. Of. This. Any. More.” Fang Cun suddenly sat bolt upright, his gaze sharp and deadly earnest as it swept across everyone aboard the ship. “Not one word of it is ever to leave this ship. Understood?”

Everyone inside the cabin stared at him – his unusual level of agitation, the commanding intensity in his voice. Then, as if a spell broke, they burst out laughing simultaneously.

…………

“Sigh… one weight finally lifted…”

Back at Yun Huan Sect’s mountain gate, the female Sect Leader still hadn’t returned inside. She stood gazing pensively in the direction Fang Cun’s Dharma Ship had vanished.

“Sect Leader seemed exceptionally generous towards that Second Young Master Fang…” The female disciples gathered beside her tittered softly. “Not only granting him access to our techniques, but having us personally demonstrate them for him to witness…”

“I was just about to reprimand you lot about that…” the Sect Leader turned, shooting her disciples a mock scolding look, though a smile played on her lips. “I told you to hold back… Why on earth did you decide to unleash the full power?!”

The disciples dissolved into playful giggles. “How could we hold back? Young Master Fang was just… far too handsome!”

“Perhaps it was for the best, all things considered,” the Sect Leader finally conceded, unable to suppress her own smile. “No matter how high this Second Young Master Fang climbs in the future, he’ll find it hard to bring heavy measures down upon Yun Huan Sect. The bet has been placed, so do it thoroughly.” Her expression shifted to thoughtful command. “Young Master Fang is currently consolidating his reputation. Spread tales – make up something plausible. Say he shattered nine formations alone… Cleared their path single-handedly with his sword, climbed the mountain gates… That sort of heroic feat.” She smiled knowingly. “And paint us as having been humbled, perhaps a bit pitiable… Emphasize how thoroughly impressive he was…”

Some disciples nearby pouted playfully. “It feels a bit… unfair though. He did hold his ground ultimately, but honestly… we weren’t exactly defeated either…”

“Tch!” The Sect Leader laughed outright. “If you couldn’t even make him want to stay willingly within Yun Huan Sect… then by my measure, you lost!”

Her laughter subsided into a soft sigh, and she lifted her gaze again to the empty sky where the Dharma Ship had faded. “This Second Young Master Fang…” she mused quietly, “…is profoundly different from his elder brother. In my view…” she shook her head slowly, “…Yunwu Sect’s choice this time around seems rather unwise.”

…………

Aboard the Dharma Ship now well away from Yun Huan Sect, Fang Cun, who had finally regained some semblance of composure, allowed a faint sigh to escape quietly within his heart. He recalled the message Yun Huan Sect’s Sect Leader had shared with him during their ‘encounter’. A flicker of cold resolve passed through his eyes. He turned deliberately towards Yu Qingli.

His voice was soft, but deliberate. “The next stop… we head for Lingwu Sect.”

“Lingwu Sect…”

The moment Yu Qingli heard the name, his expression immediately darkened significantly.

He understood perfectly well why Fang Cun had chosen to announce this to him specifically.

Truthfully, since the moment he had followed Fang Cun out of Shoushan Sect, he had known this confrontation was inevitable.

“I… do not wish for my personal matters… to interfere with the Elder’s great undertaking!” Yu Qingli said the words carefully. This time, he deliberately referred to Fang Cun as ‘Elder’ – formally emphasizing the chain of command.

Fang Cun met his eyes steadily. “This isn’t about your personal matters interfering with me,” he stated firmly. “This time…” His voice softened but carried a decisive edge. “…Lingwu Sect set the first obstacle for our Shoushan Sect.”