Chapter 227: Giving Appreciation

Since the Ghost Official had appeared, it was certain that the Nine Immortals Sect, recognized as the premier sect in Qingjiang, would send representatives. Yet no one anticipated that they would send the Divine Eye Young Master. Instantly, hearts filled with surprise and a touch of excitement…

Fang Cun, however, grasped the Nine Immortals Sect’s strategy instantly.

Since leaving Shoushan Sect, every act of his – refusing Duskblade Sect’s trade offer, aiding enlightenment and leaving messages on cliffs for Leshui Sect, the frankly embarrassing “Plucking Flowers as Swords” incident at Yun Huan Sect, or now defeating Light Condensation cultivators while at Foundation Establishment stage here at Lingwu Sect – had greatly boosted his fame. Clearly, his reputation would soon eclipse everyone else across the Six Sects of Qingjiang…

So, the Nine Immortals Sect felt threatened? Worried his rising star might cause unforeseen problems?

Sending this Divine Eye Young Master… was he here to challenge him, to steal his thunder?

Be that as it may, the arrival of the Divine Eye Young Master from Nine Immortals Sect did bring genuine relief to everyone at Lingwu Sect.

The Ghost Official’s fearsome reputation was immense. They’d slaughtered fifteen Golden Core cultivators from the Seven Clans in one go, and were possibly lurking right outside Lingwu Sect right now, waiting for another chance to kill. Even though Lingwu Sect had fully activated their Mountain Protection Array, with all Elders gathered and on high alert, they still felt uneasy. After all, the Ghost Official possessed the power to slay fifteen Golden Cores outright!

Such cultivation level… it was terrifyingly sufficient to charge in and massacre an entire sect!

But now, with the arrival of the Nine Immortals Sect party – the Divine Eye Young Master himself accompanied by three Golden Core Realm Elders – this combined force should surely be enough to deter the Ghost Official?

…

“Second Young Master Fang, the Divine Eye Young Master Lu Xiao of the Nine Immortals Sect and three Elders request your presence for discussion!”

Just as they were pondering this, a steward from Lingwu Sect arrived, asking Fang Cun to proceed to the main hall.

Logically, Fang Cun was also a guest of Lingwu Sect; he shouldn’t need to personally receive Young Master Lu Xiao. But this guest’s stature was truly immense, and Lingwu Sect instinctively wanted every important figure present to welcome him.

Fang Cun didn’t refuse. He simply smiled and said, “I’ll be there shortly!”

Returning to his chamber, he changed robes, hung a jade pendant, and tied up his hair with a crown. His face was as bright as the divine moon, his figure tall and lean; he was quite pleased with his appearance. The only slight imperfection was his youth contrasted by the starking black and white strands peppered in his hair.

But there was no need to fuss over such details. The youthful face paired with these silver streaks diminished any sense of boyishness, blending youthful handsomeness with a touch of mature world-weariness. Fang Cun inwardly approved. He collected the Little Fox, who had been slacking off instead of practicing calligraphy, along with He Zhenzhang, Meng Zhixue, Young Sect Master Xu, and the two Elders, then stepped onto a cloud aura, drifting leisurely towards Lingwu Sect’s main hall…

They could have walked the short distance, for sure… but maintaining presence mattered!

As their group descended at the main hall, they saw two rows of disciples flanking the entrance – all Nine Immortals Sect members. They looked stern and unsmiling, their aura exceptional. Crowds of curious Lingwu Sect disciples thronged outside, jostling for a peek inside.

Fang Cun gave a light cough, and the crowd immediately noticed Second Young Master Fang, swiftly parting to create a path.

As he strode calmly into the hall, even He Zhenzhang and the others unconsciously straightened their backs, as if sensing palpable pressure.

“Second Young Master Fang has arrived…”

Someone announced, and the previously cheerful chatter within the hall instantly quieted.

Every gaze reflexively turned towards the hall entrance, shifting repeatedly between the two central figures.

Fang Cun raised his eyes as well. There, at the far end of the main hall, seated beside the Lingwu Sect Leader in the seat of highest honor, was the Divine Eye Young Master in pale red robes. He appeared young, seemingly around Fang Cun’s age, serene and composed, possessing handsome features. Simply sitting there, he seemed to merge with the hall around him, yet simultaneously became its focal point.

His most striking feature was his eyes. They weren’t black and white, but glowed with a luminous jade hue.

Like gems carved from exquisite jade, set into his eye sockets.

“Cataracts?”

Fang Cun couldn’t help feeling a flicker of surprise upon seeing them.

…

Legend had it that this Divine Eye Young Master was born with mystical eyes capable of seeing the trajectories behind all things in heaven and earth.

But looking at him now… wasn’t it just cataracts?

Pretty serious ones too…

His gaze naturally slid left, landing just behind the Divine Eye Young Master.

On both sides of the Divine Eye Young Master sat the three Nine Immortals Sect Elders. One was Elder Ge, whom Fang Cun recognized. The other two also exuded deep, profound auras, unmistakably at the high tiers of the Golden Core Realm. At the feet of the Divine Eye Young Master rested a red-furred, wolf-like vicious beast the size of a calf, radiating ferocity. This was likely the fearsome beast Lu Xiao had subdued in his youth.

Behind him stood three Core Disciples of Nine Immortals Sect radiating elegance. One was a man with a cold-jade like countenance, another was a boy who looked quite young, and the last was an exceptionally beautiful and ethereal young woman—Meng Zhixue!

She was turning her head to look at the hall entrance just as her gaze met Fang Cun’s.

Fang Cun gave her a slight, knowing smile as a greeting.

“Haha! Second Young Master Fang is here! Please, come in and take a seat! Allow me to introduce you to the prodigy of the Nine Immortals Sect!”

The Lingwu Sect Leader boomed with hearty laughter, warmly ushering Fang Cun to the right side. The two Shoushan Sect Elders immediately scrambled to grab seats lower down, wisely leaving the uppermost seat for Fang Cun, who accepted it smoothly and took his place. Young Sect Master Xu looked awkward; seeing all seats occupied… he ended up silently standing at the back.

“So this is Second Young Master Fang?”

The Divine Eye Young Master, Lu Xiao, only looked up after Fang Cun had sat down and a disciple served tea. His jade-colored eyes rested on Fang Cun’s face. After a brief assessment, he spoke gently with a hint of admiration, “A true dragon among men. The aura is indeed extraordinary. Emergence from seclusion this time, meeting Second Young Master Fang was Lu Xiao’s most anticipated encounter. Your elder brother, Immortal Master Fang Chi, is a revered senior of our Sect, and also the person Lu Xiao respects most in this life. It is unfortunate that fate was thin; Lu Xiao never had the privilege of meeting Immortal Master Fang Chi in person to seek his profound wisdom. Seeing Second Young Master Fang brings solace to this heart.”

His manner was impeccably courteous, his voice refined and gentle.

Yet, to many seasoned veterans present, this Divine Eye Young Master was remarkably skilled with words.

But somehow… it subtly implied that Second Young Master Fang perhaps… didn’t quite match his brother…

Fang Cun immediately detected the layered meaning within the words. He smiled and replied, “The Nine Immortals Sect leads the Six Sects of Qingjiang. Its disciples are role models for Six Sects’ disciples. Witnessing such bearing from a Nine Immortals Sect disciple today also brings deep satisfaction to my heart!”

Then, he addressed the Little Fox beside him, “Reward!”

The Little Fox replied softly, “Yes!”

She took a jade pendant prepared earlier and walked lightly towards the Divine Eye Young Master…

…

“Uh…”

The hall plunged into a stunned silence. Everyone was momentarily dumbfounded.

What kind of move was this?

Second Young Master Fang was an Elder of Shoushan Sect, theoretically placing him above Six Sects’ disciples in seniority…

But giving a “reward” upon first meeting…? Was he truly treating the Divine Eye Young Master as a junior?!

Seeing Fang Cun’s action, even the three Nine Immortals Sect Elders frowned inwardly, feeling a surge of anger. They looked at the soft, seemingly fragile Little Fox Girl approaching Lu Xiao with indignation. Simultaneously, perhaps provoked by her Demonic Qi or something else, the massive red wolf beast abruptly raised its head, baring its teeth at her.

The vicious beast stirred, unleashing a wave of monstrous ferocity. Those nearby were instantly startled, hearts leaping into their throats.

Before anyone could react, the Little Fox Girl seemed annoyed and delivered a kick squarely to the wolf’s head.

This kick was utterly unexpected, sending a jolt of shock through everyone present.

The red wolf beast bristled, its furious aura intensifying, poised to pounce the next instant.

The Little Fox Girl didn’t back down either. She bared her tiny fangs, glaring fiercely back.

Seeing this standoff, all the cultivators present were astounded, their hearts hanging suspended in dread.

Fearing the Little Fox Girl might come to harm, some nearby were already poised to rush forward to shield her.

Meanwhile, Fang Cun sat back observing slowly, a smile playing on his lips, clearly amused.

It was then that Lu Xiao gently reached out, pressing his hand upon the red wolf’s back. Calmly stroking its fur, the monstrously ferocious beast gradually bent its legs, lowering itself to the ground, though it still glared balefully at the Little Fox Girl. Undaunted, she continued holding out the jade pendant towards Lu Xiao, seemingly determined for him to take it.

Lu Xiao looked at the pendant for a moment before smiling and accepting it. “Thank you for the appreciation, Elder Fang.”

Fang Cun smiled warmly, “Good children deserve recognition. Might I ask what brings Young Friend Lu here?”

Hearing “Young Friend Lu,” more eyes turned subtly strange.

“Naturally, concerning the Ghost Official!” Young Master Lu Xiao answered with utter composure, his voice light. “The Ghost Official has struck three times consecutively, flouting all laws, wreaking havoc upon our Qingjiang. As disciples of righteous sects, how can we sit idly by, allowing this vicious demonic cultivator to continue poisoning our home? Lu Xiao emerged precisely to investigate this scourge, expose the fake Ghost Official, drag this heinous evildoer into the light… to restore tranquility to our Qingjiang populace and justice for the cultivators of the Seven Clans…”

His words brought a somber mood to the gathered cultivators.

Everyone understood: the Divine Eye Young Master had publicly appeared only twice before. First, revealing celestial talent that stunned the world. Second, demonstrating overwhelming power, defeating all challengers from the Six Sects. This third emergence demanded an extraordinary feat worthy of great renown.

And what could possibly outshine capturing the infamous Ghost Official?

While they had anticipated this, hearing him declare it outright still carried unexpected weight.

Fang Cun showed no surprise, though he keenly sensed the underlying pride in Lu Xiao’s tone. He chuckled, “The noble passion of youth is truly precious. I admire your spirit, Young Friend Lu. Yet the Ghost Official has plagued us for years. None have brought him to justice. Not a single trace has been uncovered. Being newly arrived, pray tell, what method will you employ to flush out this hidden enemy?”

The Divine Eye Young Master answered softly, effortlessly, as if stating the obvious: “With these eyes.”