Chapter 155: Old Master Fan
Chapter 155: Old Master Fan
“Respects to Elder Fang…”
“Greetings, Elder Fang…”
As the sunset held onto the western sky, Fang Cun, dressed in a white robe with his hands clasped behind his back, walked unhurriedly down the newly built stone steps. He travelled alone, without Xiao Qingliu or the Little Fox. After leaving the peak, he occasionally encountered Shoushan Sect disciples rushing through the mountains. Spotting him from afar, they all stopped where they stood, focusing intently, and bowed respectfully, greeting him with a mixture of respect and awe.
If he encountered female disciples, soft whispers would follow after he passed: “He’s so handsome…”
The atmosphere of Shoushan Sect had changed drastically. Gone was the previous idleness; every disciple now hurried about, eager to claim merits at the Merit Hall or urgently seeking to study scriptures in the Scripture Hall. Within this bustle, a vibrant energy naturally blossomed. The feeling was like seeing an old willow tree, long thought dead, finally sprouting fresh, green leaves.
Of course, alongside this change, Fang Cun’s status had also transformed.
No disciple dared anymore to dismiss the young Elder Fang as they might have when he first arrived. Instead, they respected him deeply, even feared him. Their respect stemmed from this young Elder changing their destinies and bestowing great kindness. Their fear came from witnessing the miserable state of those who had offended him; none wished to taste that bitterness now.
As the disciples’ attitudes shifted positively, Fang Cun himself became increasingly gentle.
Whenever a disciple greeted him, he would respond with a light smile. Occasionally, he even stopped to chat:
“Chang San, how about your contemplation of the Treasure Body Scripture?”
“Miao Si, putting effort into the Scripture of Divine Powers now?”
“Little Shizhi Qiaoqiao, did you put on some weight lately?”
“Ah, little Shizhi Qingqing, your makeup isn’t quite right. Why not visit Jade Mirror Peak someday, and I’ll teach you myself…”
This kindness fostered an excellent reputation for Fang Cun among the disciples. Everyone praised him.
Male disciples said, “Elder Fang sheds no airs; he cares for us deeply!”
Female disciples cheered, “Elder Fang is simply too handsome…”
Male disciples remarked, “Elder Fang truly cares for us disciples. He even gifts pills to the less fortunate!”
Female disciples countered, “Elder Fang is far too handsome…”
Male disciples noted, “Since Elder Fang’s arrival, the Shoushan Sect’s rewards have grown fair and abundant for all!”
The female disciples finally snapped: “Seriously, are you trying to steal Elder Fang from us?”
……
……
Strolling through the mountains, Fang Cun boosted his image while casually patrolling one of his key support bases. Afterwards, he slowly ascended to Spirit Rock Peak, the Shoushan Sect’s Main Peak, heading straight for the Hall of Morality. Before reaching the doors, he heard loud voices arguing from within:
“Feasts harbour no goodwill; meetings bring no comfort. This time, we might face mockery!”
Elder Green Pine’s voice promptly chimed in, “For so many years, we shared no slice of the Dragon Stone distribution. Why remember us now?”
“Isn’t it obvious? Our Shoushan Sect’s current momentum is strong. How can those others sit still?”
“Exactly! Our disciples accumulated countless merits in a short time. Other sects barely caught the acclaim!”
“Mark my words, they’re brewing trouble…”
……
Fang Cun listened outside for a while before pushing the door open. “What’s being discussed?”
Inside the Hall of Morality, Young Sect Master Xu and the two elders turned upon seeing him. “Elder Fang!”
Young Sect Master Xu held a formal summons towards Fang Cun. “Thanks to Second Young Master Fang, the morale of our Shoushan Sect disciples is soaring. Accumulating endless merits has begun to lift our decline, granting us some fame. Recently, Old Master Fan of the Qingjiang Prefecture County Mansion is convening the leaders of its great sects for counsel. This summons has arrived for us!”
“A council summons?” Fang Cun took it with a smile. “Isn’t this favorable?”
“Favorable?” Young Sect Master Xu sighed bitterly. “It should be. But truthfully, Shoushan Sect hasn’t received such an invitation for many years!”
Fang Cun smiled faintly and examined the summons.
He understood the dynamic between the prefectural government and the sects. It somewhat resembled Willow Lake City’s Academy and City Governor but differed. Major sects possessed their Spiritual Veins and resources, which weren’t fully self-sustained. They required the County Mansion, representing the Great Xia Immortal Court, to grant supplements like Dragon Stones. Shoushan Sect’s Spiritual Vein, devoid of such supply, had nearly dried up.
Earlier, when Young Sect Master Xu accepted his three hundred Dragon Stones, most poured straight into that Vein.
Normally, such stones were a gift from the County Mansion.
But they were not given freely. Throughout Qingjiang Prefecture, both County Mansion and sects held the duty to protect their land, each with a focus. The County Mansion prioritised civilian safety, while sects must teach disciples and battle surrounding evils. The Six Great Sects underwent assessments every three years. Sects achieving more merit received a larger share of the Dragon Stone allocation; those with less meritorious deeds received less. This became established practice.
In Qingjiang Prefecture, the reputed top spot always belonged to the Nine Immortals Sect. Shoushan Sect skirted the edge of forgetting.
Old Master Fan occasionally summoned sect leaders and elders for crucial affairs. However, Shoushan Sect, long inactive and resigned to abandoning its Immortal Palace Dragon Stone share, had formed the habit of abstaining from such assemblies.
But now, showing signs of resurgence, they began to regain consideration.
Old Master Fan’s summons coincidentally arrived. Evidently, Shoushan Sect sparked some interest.
Rationally, it was a positive mark—a chance for the sect to finally regain its status.
Young Sect Master Xu and both elders clearly understood: whatever Shoushan Sect aimed to achieve or become later, its vital first step involved reclaiming its position within the Six Sects. Yet, uncertainty plagued them. Shoushan currently showed only the bud of recovery, still far lagging other sects’ foundations. They feared attending might invite humiliation…
By joining, they’d take a share destined for other Great Sects; naturally, displeasure would arise.
Attending earlier or later offered better timing.
Much later signified sufficient groundwork, lending weight to their voice. Much earlier, however, their inadequate standing would have confirmed unworthiness, hence they would not suffer greatly (‘dead pig fears no boiling water’). Their current awkward intermediate progression brought the most discomfort.
Initially, Young Sect Master Xu considered bringing an elder for support.
But his elders Gold Silver and Fu Gui, well-known for ‘cultivating’ their own sect leader (slacking off), unequivocally refused to join him.
Instead, they eagerly swapped cynical comments.
“Returning to the Six Sects represents a major milestone, inevitable in time. Why hesitate?”
Gently setting aside the summons, Fang Cun smiled. “As it happens, I’m unoccupied. I’ll accompany you.”
“Elder Fang will attend?” Young Sect Master Xu blinked with surprise, slightly concerned.
Elders Gold Silver and Fu Gui also stared, instinctively shaking their heads.
“Why so?” Noticing their reaction, Fang Cun inquired with amusement. “Am I unqualified?”
“No, no! Elder Fang’s qualifications stand undoubted…” Elder Gold Silver hurriedly waved, explaining with a bitter smile. “It’s only… well… Old Master Fan commands reverence across Qingjiang Prefecture—a majestic old Immortal Master, honorable upright, universally respected. We fear… your temperament, Elder Fang…”
“Exactly!” Elder Fu Gui concurred. “This meeting promises conflict among the Five Great Sects. It’s dirty work! Let the sect leader handle it alone!”
Young Sect Master Xu: “…”
If only Shoushan Sect had enough elders to legitimately expel these two nuisances…
“Whether this old sage is rigidly upright or cunningly slippery does not concern me,” Fang Cun chuckled, settling into a grand chair nearby. “I haven’t provoked him.”
“Well…” The elders exchanged uneasy glances, clearly reluctant to speak.
Young Sect Master Xu paused briefly, lowered his voice, and said, “Forgive me, Second Young Master Fang… perhaps… it truly would be prudent to steer clear!”
Seeing he had hidden thoughts, Fang Cun directed his gaze towards Xu.
Young Sect Master Xu sighed quietly. “Frankly, esteemed Second Young Master, you should indeed pay respects to this grand elder one day—just not now. Rather, follow proper timing… visit him officially, in earnest.”
Fang Cun looked at him. “Why?”
Young Sect Master Xu hesitated before answering. “Does Second Young Master Fang not know? This elder… shares deep history with the Fang Family.”
Without changing expression, Fang Cun shook his head lightly. “My knowledge remains vague. Please tell me.”
Young Sect Master Xu sighed softly. “Truth be told, I was young then and understood little. However, many elders of Qingjiang Prefecture remember this: Old Master Fan and your esteemed elder brother shared an unlikely friendship despite their difference in years. They visited frequently. Rumor claimed Old Master Fan personally guided your brother through many cultivation techniques. Later… the First Young Master’s heavenly talent burst forth, shaking the land. He became one of the realm’s mightiest Immortal Masters. Their statuses diverged immensely… and inevitably, they drifted apart. Therefore… some might say… ah…”
Seeing his discomfort, Fang Cun lightly waved his hand.
No need to say the rest; he understood.
Longtime friends? One suddenly ascends to prominence? Cutting ties instantly with former allies who offered kindness? That would look unkindly perceived anywhere. Perfect fodder for accusations of ungratefulness!
Elder Cold Stone, staying silent till then, softly added: “Beyond mere friendship, tales even claim… he once saved the First Young Master’s life.”
“Oh?” Hearing that, Fang Cun straightened his posture slightly. “In that case… my interest sharpens.”
“No hurry. First… tell me about this Old Master Fan. What sort of soul is he?”