Chapter 107: As Long As You Do Good Deeds, Do Not Worry About The Future

That night, the Fang Manor hosted a banquet for Young Master Fang’s academy classmates, friends, and neighbors.

One table was in the main hall; eighteen tables were set in the outer courtyard.

Seated at the main table in the hall were Meng Qing’er, He Zhenzhang, Meng Zhixue, Nie Quan, Yu Qingli – Young Master Fang’s classmates and friends from White Xiang Academy – along with the old alchemist Elder Qu from the Night Market and his shy granddaughter. Elder Fang and his wife personally hosted the table. Second Young Master Fang sat in a lower seat. Although this might seem inappropriate for his status or generational seniority, it was perfectly fitting for the Fang Family to invite him down. After all, these were the people who had rushed to his aid when he was nearly assassinated. Thus, regardless of their identities, ages, or generational positions, they all deserved a seat there.

In the outer courtyard, neighbors filled all eighteen tables. They chatted and laughed loudly while feasting on the Fang Family’s abundant, free-flowing banquet. Truly, the Fang Family was different. The lavish spread in the outer courtyard matched exactly what was served inside the main hall. Moreover, unlike the main hall, when dishes ran out outside, guests could simply call for the Fang Family’s servants to bring another plate.

“We only helped your Young Lord fight off a few thugs! Didn’t even get to land a proper blow! Yet you lay on such a feast! You’re far too kind!”

But the Fang Family felt this wasn’t enough. Not only did Old Steward Huang lead servants skilled at drinking etiquette to circulate with toasts, even Elder Fang and his wife personally came out to propose three toasts. Second Young Master Fang also appeared once, exchanging cheerful wine guessing games with the guests.

Old Steward Huang watched the lively scene, his heart filled with deep emotion.

Strangely, this joyful banquet reminded him of the mournful funeral feast held half a year ago for the Eldest Young Master.

Some aspects were the same; others were different.

The similarity was that few still sat drinking in the main hall, while the crowd feasting noisily on the outer courtyard tables remained vast. The distinguished heads of the great cultivation families in Willow Lake City, the instructors from the Academy, the secretaries and Divine Generals from the City Guard Office – none had come. The difference was the undeniable sense that the Fang Family’s standing in the eyes of Willow Lake City’s common folk had changed again…

The scarcity of Qi Refiners wasn’t due to disinterest.

Outside the Fang Manor at that very moment, numerous stewards of prominent households stood, holding respectful greetings and lavish gifts, hoping to enter and offer condolences.

After all, the Second Young Master of the Fang Family had faced an assassination attempt by remnants of the Devouring Sea Gang. Had he suffered fright? These elixirs were to aid his recovery…

Not only were these elite Qi Refining families from the city, clutching invitations and denied entry, even the Academy Dean of White Xiang Academy and the City Governor Bai Huali showed up. However, upon reaching the corner of the street and seeing the throng crowding outside the Fang gates unable to enter, seeing the pair of stone lion statues guarding the manor entrance, neither dared to approach the front door…

They exchanged a sigh, then turned and walked away.

That shared glance held unspoken, indescribable worry and disappointment.

………

Who could have guessed Second Young Master Fang possessed such terrifying power?

When the Eldest Young Master of the Fang Family fell, everyone in Willow Lake City assumed the Fangs were surely finished!

But they also understood that the Eldest Young Master had been incredibly renowned, suggesting the Fang Family must harbor secret reserves of strength.

What they never anticipated was how the Second Young Master would unveil that reservoir of power…

With one sword blow on the street, he beheaded Old Chao of the Devouring Sea Gang!

Wielding his blade, charged with surges of frighteningly ferocious power, he strode forward and slew a royal Guardian escort from Phoenix City right before their eyes. And then, ruthless to the end, he dispatched the secret agents hidden within Willow Lake City – whose origins remained unknown – one by one, with single thrusts. There stood the esteemed Academy Dean and the City Governor, hardened men rendered speechless and frozen with fear by this sword…

And then, the omen beyond the city walls…

The waters of Willow Lake surged upside-down into the sky, shattering three great mountains and leaving half the lake choked with dead fish!

What realm of power could unleash such cataclysmic combat?

Before, they hadn’t dared intervene in the public assassination attempt against the Second Young Master Fang because they didn’t know who was behind it. They remained aloof. But now, during this incident, Second Young Master Fang suddenly revealed a fraction of the Fang Family’s hidden might. Yet, instead of reassurance, this instilled deep, nameless dread in them. Since the assassination occurred in Willow Lake City, if the Fang Family refused to let it go and pushed for justice, what pressure would fall upon them, the leaders of the city’s two governing powers?

It felt out of control…

A profound sense of helplessness washed over them!

Staying aloof during the attempt, they still believed, even now, had been correct.

Yet, after the assassination attempt, they realized that whether they intervened or not, they couldn’t escape its shadow!

What could they do?

Technically, they could still venture into the Fang Manor. Neither would dare block their way. They could offer solicitous concern to the Elderly Couple and Second Young Master Fang. They could still perform this public duty, utter the necessary platitudes, and maintain a perfect facade. Yet, neither dared step forward now, wary of provoking Second Young Master Fang’s anger…

The omen at Willow Lake, the stone lions guarding the manor gate, drove home one grim truth.

The Fang Family might indeed be near its end. But taking others down with them? That looked frighteningly easy.

……

“Hah! I told you folks were just filled with sour grapes! All that endless talk about ‘the Fang Family losing its pillar is finished! The Second Young Master injured and can’t cultivate anymore!’ Now they’re all quiet, aren’t they? We’ve been neighbors of the Fangs for years. We’ve never seen them bully anyone. Like the papayas on their back courtyard wall – my family snatches one whenever we feel like eating. The Fangs never say a word…”

“Exactly! Those folks were always gossiping this way and that, aren’t they silent now?”

“Where’s this papaya tree exactly? I’ll go grab one later myself…”

Out in the front yard, many were already staggering drunk, some being dragged home by wives wielding cleavers. Everyone was thoroughly enjoying themselves. Today, Second Young Master Fang’s display of divine might on the streets hadn’t just demonstrated the family’s power; it boosted the standing of all their loyal neighbors. In the past, saying you lived next to the Fangs meant no one dared mess with you. Now, it seemed things would stay that way.

However, while the outer courtyard bubbled with raucous joy, the atmosphere around the single table inside felt persistently strained.

Despite Elder Fang and his wife enthusiastically proposing toasts, despite the family cook continuously bringing out rare, gourmet dishes, the guests drank when urged and picked at the food offered. Yet, an air of dissatisfaction lingered on every face.

“Young… Young Master Fang…” He Zhenzhang tried to lighten the mood, raising his cup. “I only realized today… that your skill… goes far beyond ours…”

“This strength I wield was borrowed,” Fang Cun raised his cup in turn, smiling. “I define it not as my own true cultivation. Instead, hearing of Fang Er’s peril that you came to lend aid — this loyalty is what Fang Cun cherishes. With this cup, I toast Elder Qu, Miss Qu, and the profound righteousness of all our respected classmates and colleagues at the Academy. Join me!”

Everyone at the table raised their cups; however, faint traces of bittersweet emotion colored their expressions.

“If we knew you weren’t even in the carriage, we wouldn’t have rushed over…”

Nie Quan muttered in a low voice, scratching his head helplessly.

“Whether I was in the carriage isn’t important, friends. That you came despite thinking I was — that holds the significance,” Fang Cun smiled, pouring more wine. “Another cup!”

“Hmph!”

The most hot-tempered Elder Qu slammed his cup down heavily and snorted angrily. “We are merely wild geese drifting along, unfinished students. Our coming or not matters little! What angers me is the Academy and the City Guard! They were right nearby! Hearing of such savage violence, neither showed! Has our time truly sunk to rottenness at its very core?”

At his words, Meng Zhixue and the other disciples looked even more somber, silently setting down their cups. Elder Qu had voiced the very thoughts weighing on their hearts. When Meng Zhixue heard the news, she hadn’t waited to put on shoes or tie her hair; she ran straight to help, even alerting the Nanshan Alliance. They had rushed to aid immediately. Why hadn’t the City Governor or the Academy?

Of course, officials appeared later… but only after suffering a severe, public dressing-down from Elder Fang.

They modeled themselves after Fang Chi, committed to righteous deeds. Though many fellow students struggled to comprehend their passion, their teachers often offered encouragement. This crisis, however, forced a stark confrontation: their path suddenly appeared desolate and lonely!

They had imagined a brilliant sun illuminating the sky; they merely swept away the occasional shadow. Now, they trembled before an immensity of menacing, boundless ocean night…

“What troubles you? Is the Fang Family’s wine so bitter? Or our banquet fare unfit for your taste?” Fang Cun perceived the Nanshan Alliance members’ downcast spirits and smiled teasingly at He Zhenzhang. “Or perhaps we lack some… stimulating entertainment?”

He Zhenzhang flushed with embarrassment, flapping his sleeves. “Ai-yah! Why bring that up now?”

“If that’s not the hindrance, why not drain your cups?”

Fang Cun rose, holding his cup aloft to propose a toast to the group. “As long as you do good deeds, do not worry about the future! With this bowl, Fang Er drinks to all of you!”

(Author’s Note: ‘Fang Er’ is used characteristically by Fang Cun – humble term in close company, contrasting polite ‘Second Young Master Fang’ elsewhere)

“As long as you do good deeds, do not worry about the future?” While Fang Cun spoke casually, all present found the words strangely profound. Meng Zhixue, young spirit ablaze, and Elder Qu, seasoned heart unyielding—both heaviest hearts at the table—felt something stir unnameably within them. Their jumbled thoughts seemed to lift, clarity piercing through.

(Translator note: The translation eschews archaic stylings like ‘Go thy way to do good’ to ensure accessibility for the intended teen audience.)

“An old fool like me… enlightened unexpectedly by this junior…” Elder Qu murmured reflectively.

“Young Master Fang… thank you…”

……

Cups were filled anew; heartily, they drank. As if swept clean, depression fled. Spirits suddenly soared towards joy.

Seeing his guests uplifted, genuine warmth spread across Fang Cun’s face. He subtly leaned towards He Zhenzhang: “Brother He, stay later. I request assistance…”

He Zhenzhang waved dismissively, focused on his plate. “Stop trying to placate me…”

Fang Cun lowered his voice with a conspiratorial laugh. “This time… it’s genuine…”