Chapter 149: Utterly Different
Chapter 149: Utterly Different
On the fourth day, more disciples than ever gathered before the Lecture Boulder of Shoushan Sect.
Nearly everyone was there!
Craning their necks and murmuring restlessly, the sea of upturned faces looked like geese jostling for food.
Earlier, because of the new rule set by Elder Fang Cun, the disciples of Shoushan Sect had been forced to accumulate merit and study new arcane arts. This had filled them with resentment—so much so that even the Sect Leader and the other two elders couldn’t tame their discontent. Although Elder Fang had managed to assert his authority at first, his effect had gradually faded as more and more disciples stopped taking it seriously. They simply didn’t bother to show up. After the first day, fewer and fewer people came to the Lecture Boulder to listen. Even fewer headed down the mountain to seek merit. The Sect Leader and elders could only watch helplessly…
But everything changed when news spread that Second Young Master Fang had traveled to the Rear Mountain to meet Elder Shenshan, and a fierce battle followed…
Now all the disciples had heard about Elder Fang’s visit to the Rear Mountain, and even the details had emerged.
How Second Young Master Fang took a lantern into the Rear Mountain at night, finding Elder Shenshan sleeping soundly while clutching a painting. How Fang rushed forward with a quick step, striking with a Divine Dragon Emerges from the Sea. How Shenshan woke and countered with an Old Bear Hugs the Tree…
They battled for three hundred rounds, nearly destroying the entire Rear Mountain. Streaks of lightning ravaged countless peaks. Even the moon itself hid behind the clouds in fright… And then, finally, Second Young Master Fang sacrificed a soul-captivating artifact left behind by Immortal Master Fang Chi, calming the crazed Elder Shenshan. From the chaos of Shenshan’s mind, Fang retrieved the lost spiritual cultivation method of Shoushan Sect: the Divine Nether Body Tempering Art…
…Don’t question how truthful this sounds! Go ask Elder Shenshan yourself if you don’t believe it!
… …
“Why haven’t the elders come out yet?”
“It’s already the solar hour of Wei…”
“Lectures would’ve started by now on any other day!”
“Elder Fang Cun, I love you!”
Standing below the Lecture Boulder, the disciples were a restless crowd. Some waited impatiently. Others felt anxious. Many could barely contain their anticipation.
Before this, they’d all been full of complaints about the daily lectures and forced merit-seeking. But after news broke about Elder Fang’s trip to the Rear Mountain? They were beyond excited. Yet the elders hadn’t shown themselves. For three long days, there were no lectures. The disciples were itching with impatience. Rumors said the Sect Leader and elders were busy verifying the authenticity of a certain method. All they could do was wait.
Finally, on this day—the day lectures were set to resume—the disciples sensed something big was about to happen. They rushed over, scarcely able to contain themselves.
Every moment became agonizing… The waiting was excruciating.
… …
“Hold your tongues! Don’t make another sound!”
Just as the disciples’ impatience threatened to boil over, an icy scoff pierced the air. Everyone shuddered and turned toward Jade Mirror Peak. Wisps of cloud gathered, coalescing into a Soaring Cloud. Sunlight illuminated the figures drifting slowly toward the Lecture Boulder atop its vapor.
Among them stood a figure in white robes at the center of the cloud—Second Young Master Fang Cun. He looked serene. His personal attendant, Little Fox Girl, stood beside him holding an Old Umbrella. Behind them were Young Sect Master Xu and Elder Cold Stone, both radiating newfound confidence. Gone was their uncertainty; shoulders squared, brows knit with the weight of importance.
It was Elder Cold Stone who had shouted. His usually meek voice now carried undeniable command. Gone were the timid pleas of “Please don’t argue, children”… Now he exuded authority.
“El–Elder Fang…”
“Is Elder Fang finally here?”
A disciple recognized the figure moving through the cloud. Excited shouts burst out.
Whoosh!
Heads snapped skyward. Many more disciples surged toward the Lecture Boulder. Even from far away, the stewards from the kitchens, the alchemy workshop, even the groundskeeper and other servants stuck their heads out, straining to see.
“I have to admit…”
Fang Cun felt their gazes upon him. Silently, he thought: “This feels pretty great!”
Yet he couldn’t afford to crack. He kept his expression rigid, letting the wisps of cloud disperse around him as he descended toward the stage. Landing abruptly would have been simpler and saved Cultivation Power, but Fang understood the value of presence. Fluttering downward with arms clasped behind his back—steps light, graceful as if descending an invisible staircase—held a different kind of weight from just dropping onto the rock.
These were two different levels of coolness.
Countless eyes tracked his every step. Hearts beat in time with his feet touching rock.
“Elder Cold Stone…”
Once firmly on the Lecture Boulder, Fang turned to the elder.
“Yes!”
Cold Stone hurried over, excitement radiating from him.
“Before my retreat,” said Fang gently, “did I not advise our disciples to study Divine Nether arcane arts and earn merit for our sect? How fares that… command?”
Cold Stone blinked, momentarily thrown off. “Ah, yes! S-some have… surely…”
The hearts of the gathered disciples quickened. Though not personally questioned, heads bobbed as one—a flock of chickens pecking at scattered grains.
“Excellent!”
A light smile touched Fang’s lips. His gaze swept the crowd below. Instantly, the murmurs ceased. Expectant silence fell.
“As a County Sect, it is our duty to teach disciples the Path of Cultivation and guide them in earning merit!”
Fang’s voice, though quiet, carried clear as a bell to every eager ear: “Shoushan Sect is a millennia-old guardian. When Demon Lords attacked, she sheltered the people. When hordes of demons descended, she defended these mountains and upheld the Dao! Such righteousness demands admiration, demands respect! I, Fang, merely borrowed my elder brother’s name, arriving by chance to take up the undeserved mantle of Elder. I am deeply ashamed of my inadequacies! Yet seeing such a venerable sect fallen to this state… pains me deeply…”
Disciples stared up, transfixed. Silent. Hungry lambs waiting for nourishment.
Fang sighed softly, shaking his head: “And you, disciples… you witnessed the decline, yet entered Shoushan Sect regardless. Why? To safeguard her dignity? To protect her ideals? To pass on her legacy? Such courage… earns my deepest admiration. Yet, seeing your future so limited without proper guidance… fills me with sorrow for your stalled potential…”
“…”
His words stirred something complex within them. They squirmed slightly.
Had they truly entered Shoushan Sect solely to uphold its fading legacy?
Hardly! It was because other sects wouldn’t accept them.
Still, Elder Fang’s elegant words resonated… unexpectedly touching.
“But hope has arrived…”
The words sent their hearts clawing into their throats.
Fang turned, offering Young Sect Master Xu an encouraging look. Xu, flustered yet honored, took a deep breath and stepped forward. Clearing his throat before the sea of expectant faces, he announced firmly:
“From today onward! ALL disciples—shall undertake the Divine Nether Body Tempering Art!”
“…”
“…”
Then…
An explosion of sound rocked the Lecture Boulder. Wave after wave of deafening cheers erupted, thunderous enough to tear the clouds overhead. Pure joy surged through the crowd—a release of nervous energy held for endless hours.
Relief. Disbelief. Elation.
It was… indescribable.
Just one cultivation art?
It was far more. Shoushan Sect had once stood shoulder-to-shoulder with the Nine Immortals Sect, the twin pillars of Qingjiang Prefecture! Possessing this art meant prestige. Losing it had made them a laughingstock among the Five Great Sects—sometimes even forgotten, reduced to nothing. Naturally, its disappearance had stripped the disciples of all dignity.
Previously, their only option was the rudimentary Five Qi Treasure Body Refining method—akin to what Rogue Cultivators or imperial craftsmen practiced. They were weaker than wandering outlaws who might secretly dabble in forbidden techniques. All they had were a few worthless spells! Their reputation? Everyone knew Shoushan Sect was where talent went to die…
But now? Holding the body tempering art changed everything!
Those stuck with the basic Five Qi method could ascend, reaching the formidable Fourth Order Divine Nether Body. Previously unfathomable spells would unravel. Their power would soar.
And what of their future? What if the Divine Nether Body Tempering Art elevated Shoushan Sect back to its former glory, rivaling giants like the Nine Immortals Sect? Would they too gain that aura? That invincible swagger? The instant respect from others? Would their names carry prestige wherever they traveled?
This wasn’t just a new technique. This was the difference between heaven and earth!
… …
“Shoushan Sect disciples learning the Divine Nether Body Tempering Art? Studying the Divine Nether Scriptures?” Fang raised the Ledger of Merits, and the joyous clamor instantly hushed. Thousands hung on his next words: “These things stand as their natural right!”
Voice turning crisp, his gaze sharpened: “But protecting the people? Eradicating evil? Establishing merit?” He paused pointedly. “THAT, too, stands as your natural duty! I commanded you to seek merit…Did. You. Listen?”
His question struck many like lightning, halting their jubilant momentum. Since Fang Cun had declared this rule at the Dining Hall, it had sparked endless resistance. Forced attendance at lectures? Ordered to earn merit down the mountain? These alien demands went against their nature. Listening wasn’t so terrible—a short walk. But leaving the mountain to find merit? Pure drudgery! Who wished to do that?
Especially as resentment simmered in some hearts. Why obey the new Elder they barely knew?
Observing the shifting expressions—guilt, resistance, flickers of unease—a slow smile crept onto Fang Cun’s face.
His favorite part had arrived…