Chapter 153: One Wrong Step Brings Eternal Regret
Chapter 153: One Wrong Step Brings Eternal Regret
Zhang Chaoxian felt a wave of despair wash over him. He took a deep breath and finally forced out, “This disciple has nothing to say.”
“Ah…” Fang Jifan looked regretful. “Are you keeping something to yourself? Something you don’t want to say?”
This poor Taoist wants to kill you, you scoundrel!
Zhang Chaoxian roared inwardly, yet he remained prostrate on the floor. His knees were painfully pressed against the hard surface, and his arms, supporting his weight, were growing numb. He lowered his head dejectedly and said, “Reporting to Martial Uncle, this disciple truly has nothing to say.”
Fang Jifan suddenly sniffed coldly.
The teasing, deliberately friendly expression vanished instantly, replaced by a terrifying murderous aura.
The sight sent a jolt through the Taoists present. They stared at Fang Jifan in stunned silence, none daring to breathe too loudly.
Fang Jifan’s voice was icy. “If you have nothing to say, then it’s time for your Martial Uncle to speak, my little Xiānxiān disciple-nephew…”
A vein bulged on Zhang Chaoxian’s forehead. Fang Jifan… it was unbelievable!
What kind of nickname just popped out of his mouth like that? Being called “little Xiānxiān disciple-nephew” nearly made him faint.
Fang Jifan said, “Wang Tianbao, as a fourth-generation disciple of our sect, should call me Grandmaster Uncle. Correct?”
Cold sweat dripped down Zhang Chaoxian’s brow. “Yes, yes…”
Fang Jifan crossed his legs and glanced at Wang Tianbao in the crowd. Wang Tianbao’s face had turned waxen yellow. His energy seemed drained, and his legs felt weak.
Fang Jifan continued smoothly, “So, for Grandmaster Uncle to discipline him… perfectly reasonable, wouldn’t you agree?”
“But…” Zhang Chaoxian felt he shouldn’t show weakness and wanted to retort. However, he quickly realized any attempt was useless. Not only was he pinned down here, creating an uneven dynamic with Fang Jifan, but with terms like ‘Little Xiānxiān’ and ‘little Xiānxiān disciple-nephew’ constantly thrown his way, arguing would mean losing regardless. What could he even say?
He said weakly, “Yes, Martial Uncle speaks the truth.”
“Then, what else do you have to say?”
“Nothing more,” Zhang Chaoxian wished he could vanish into the ground.
“But Martial Uncle knows… deep down, you’re definitely not convinced,” Fang Jifan drawled slowly.
Zhang Chaoxian, being older and stuck prostrated on the ground with his face down, was reaching his physical limit. Beads of sweat, large as soybeans, formed on his forehead. He gasped feebly, “Convinced… how would this disciple dare to be unconvinced?”
Fang Jifan stretched his legs. “Hah, but Martial Uncle sees you don’t look convinced at all.”
Zhang Chaoxian wanted to die.
Being ridiculed by such a brat left him fiercely wishing he could just leap up and fight Fang Jifan to the death.
But reason warned him: absolutely not! Could anyone tolerate a nephew beating his uncle? A junior disrespecting an elder?
Gritting his teeth, looking utterly defeated, he declared firmly, “Martial Uncle must be mistaken. No, absolutely not.”
Fang Jifan chuckled and stood up, patting Zhang Chaoxian’s shoulder.
Feeling deeply wronged, Zhang Chaoxian finally raised his head. The movement loosened his stiff muscles and joints, giving him a surprising sensation of pleasant relief.
He was the de facto leader of Longquan Taoist Temple. Apart from his Master, who didn’t revere him like a god within these walls? And now… how had this Martial Uncle just appeared out of nowhere?
But Zhang Chaoxian had no choice. He forced an awkward smile towards Fang Jifan. Right now, he only wished to end this matter quickly and send this troublesome god packing.
So, Fang Jifan smiled back at him.
And he smiled back at Fang Jifan.
Staring at Fang Jifan, he had a strange illusion – he thought he saw genuine sincerity in this scoundrel’s smile. Has this young man become a spirit fox?
Feeling pressured, he smiled back at Fang Jifan even more earnestly.
Their eyes locked close together. Fang Jifan patted his shoulder again. “My little Xiānxiān disciple-nephew…”
The smile on Zhang Chaoxian’s face froze instantly. Despite decades of worldly experience, his complexion at that moment was only slightly better than pig’s liver.
Fang Jifan sighed. “Martial Uncle sees you don’t look well. That’s a sign of kidney weakness. You need to take care of yourself, my disciple-nephew. Moderation… is key.”
“Me…” Zhang Chaoxian bared his teeth, his eyes bloodshot and terrifyingly fierce. With decades of cultivation and worldly wisdom, mastering composure was second nature; one couldn’t claim to be utterly unshaken before Mount Tai collapsing, but maintaining a calm facade through storms was standard. Yet today, all his restraint crumbled completely. However skilled his acting, facing Fang Jifan felt utterly futile.
One wrong step brings eternal regret.
If he hadn’t acknowledged this man as Martial Uncle earlier, he could have just followed through with the mistake. He had never anticipated such shameless and base behavior from this young fellow! Held back because of his Master, he had shown the ritual respect. Once he performed that bow, the relationship was cemented. Fang Jifan had manipulated the “Martial Uncle-Martial Nephew” status, playing him like a fiddle, giving him not a single opening to fight back.
Now, confronting Fang Jifan head-on was impossible. To do so meant defying his master and the natural order of seniority—an inexcusable sin. But the anger was choking him. Fang Jifan’s words, dripping with the condescending “concern” of an elder for a junior, were like sharp awls piercing his chest. It hurt!
More terrifyingly, spoken publicly before everyone, this seemingly caring advice was, in truth, a savage blow to his authority within Longquan Taoist Temple. He, who had dominated life here, was being publicly humiliated and played with.
He took a deep breath—there was no help for it. At least openly, he had to endure.
This man held a high position solely because their Master had muddled things. So what? Longquan Taoist Temple was still under his control. He still had the final say.
So, he squeezed out another strained smile. “Thank you, Martial Uncle, for your concern.”
Fang Jifan looked at him intently. This old fellow… still had impressive forbearance! He glanced at Zhang Chaoxian with a knowing, slightly mocking expression, making Zhang Chaoxian’s heart clench with unease. A new wave of dread washed over him – Is this troublemaker scheming again? He truly didn’t know how much longer he could hold out.
Fang Jifan spoke abruptly. “Disciple-nephew, what punishment does Wang Tianbao deserve for disrespecting his elders?”
Upon hearing this, Wang Tianbao immediately collapsed to the floor. He knew… he was done for.
Zhang Chaoxian’s old face twitched uncontrollably.
Wang Tianbao had clashed with Fang Jifan. Based on seniority, Fang Jifan was his Grandmaster Uncle. So, if Fang Jifan wanted to punish Wang Tianbao now, he truly had nothing to say in objection. He muttered, “I leave it entirely to Martial Uncle’s judgment.”
“Excellent. He’s in charge of the Vegetarian Hall, correct? Fire him. From today, have him obediently sweep the ritual halls.”
Zhang Chaoxian hesitated for a split second. All he wanted now was to escape. The situation had been too sudden; he was completely unprepared. Trapped under the watchful eyes of the crowd, he was utterly helpless against Fang Jifan. Forcing the words out felt like wrenching a tooth, “What Martial Uncle says is most reasonable.”
“Wang Tianbao managed the Vegetarian Hall and turned it into quite a mess. In your Martial Uncle’s opinion, this has severely damaged the reputation of the Temple. As your elder and part of Longquan Taoist Temple, your Martial Uncle is greatly concerned about the Temple’s standing.”
“…”
Zhang Chaoxian’s eyes nearly popped out of his head. Fang Jifan!? How dare YOU say that? Look at your own reputation first! Our Master secluded himself year after year in the Three Pure Ones Pavilion. How could he know your background? You may fool our Master, but can you fool everyone? Shameless scoundrel! Worrying about Longquan’s reputation? Longquan associating with you is the true disgrace!
Of course, he didn’t dare say this aloud. He was terrified of Fang Jifan prolonging this public entanglement. He forced another rigid smile. “Yes, yes… This disciple-nephew will certainly… enforce strict discipline…”
“We need someone reliable to take over,” Fang Jifan said with a smile directed at him.
Zhang Chaoxian’s heart skipped a beat. Alarm bells rang—he was a seasoned player enough to catch the implication in Fang Jifan’s words.
Fang Jifan lifted his gaze, scanning the crowd. His eyes finally landed on one Taoist. “What’s your name?”
The Taoist looked like he had just seen a ghost but hurriedly stepped forward, bowing respectfully. “Martial Uncle, this humble Taoist is Li Chaowen.”
Another disciple with the ‘Chao’ generation name.
Fang Jifan smiled with a hint of amusement. “You seem quite suitable. From today, you will be in charge of the Vegetarian Hall.”
Li Chaowen’s face instantly turned ghostly pale. He frantically wanted to shake his head and refuse, but Fang Jifan looked back at Zhang Chaoxian. “Well, little Xiānxiān disciple-nephew? What do you think?”
A flash of cold fury flickered deep within Zhang Chaoxian’s eyes. An almost imperceptible glance slid towards Li Chaowen; something dark and unfathomable stirred in the depths of his gaze.
But… hearing “little Xiānxiān disciple-nephew” again nearly made him erupt. Refusing would only invite more trouble… but agreeing to this…
Fang Jifan feigned indifference. “No hurry. My little Xiānxiān disciple-nephew can think it over.” His voice held an impatient edge.
“Very well.” Zhang Chaoxian finally gave in completely. This needed to be ended quickly, without further delay. Besides… it was only a small Vegetarian Hall appointment. “This disciple-nephew… agrees.”
Fang Jifan smiled broadly. “Excellent, excellent news. Your Martial Uncle is most pleased. Ha! The hour grows late. It’s time for your Martial Uncle to depart the mountain.”
Zhang Chaoxian breathed a long, silent sigh of immense relief, hurriedly forcing a smile. “Let me see Martial Uncle out.”
“No need,” Fang Jifan waved dismissively. “You… focus on recovering your health.”
Instantly, Zhang Chaoxian’s face stiffened again.
Fang Jifan let out a small yawn. “Have Disciple-nephew Chaowen escort me.”
Zhang Chaoxian hadn’t truly wanted to see Fang Jifan off; it was just polite formality. When Fang Jifan specifically named Li Chaowen, he cast a profoundly meaningful glance at his Disciple-brother.
Li Chaowen’s face lost all color. There was no trace of joy at being appointed to oversee the Vegetarian Hall; instead, he looked utterly bereaved, like someone facing a great calamity. He trailed dejectedly behind Fang Jifan as they exited the hall.
Ah, life is truly wonderful!
Fang Jifan reflected inwardly, feeling deeply satisfied. He led his disciples and Wang Shouren down the mountain path.
Li Chaowen followed Fang Jifan step by step, opening his mouth several times during the descent but swallowing his words. Finally, when they reached the foot of the mountain, Fang Jifan turned around. “Xiao Li…”
Li Chaowen looked miserable. “Martial Uncle…”
“Your Martial Uncle sees there’s something heavy on your mind?” Fang Jifan looked at him with an amused glint in his eye.
Li Chaowen gave a slight jolt, struggling to hide it. But Fang Jifan’s direct question pierced straight through. He couldn’t hold back any longer. “Martial Uncle, your poor disciple is doomed by you! Ever since our Master entered seclusion to meditate on the Dao, the Eldest Martial Brother has been solely managing the Temple. No one else dared interfere! Today, Martial Uncle punished his disciple but then gave me control of the Vegetarian Hall… What will the Eldest Martial Brother think?”
Fang Jifan burst out laughing, a carefree sound. “What concern is it of mine what he thinks? He wouldn’t dare hit me anyway!”
The sheer audacity left Li Chaowen utterly speechless. He looked on the verge of a breakdown, tears welling up. “But this poor disciple is finished! In the Eldest Martial Brother’s eyes, I’m the treacherous collaborator who sided with Martial Uncle! He’ll never forgive me! The Vegetarian Hall… it’s a burning coal shoved into my hands! Eldest Martial Brother rules absolutely; he won’t tolerate any defiance within the Temple… Martial Uncle… save me!”