Chapter 168: The Plan Is Set
Chapter 168: The Plan Is Set
The Dharma Ship arrived back at the sect early the next morning.
At that time, the Shoushan Sect was still peaceful. Some disciples were cultivating Qi in the mountains, others were gathering herbs, and a few were preparing to leave the mountains to perform Merit. Two elders were sound asleep in the Hall of Virtue, still hugging their jars. The morning fog and rising sun painted a picture of serene transcendence. Nobody yet knew what wild promises their elder had made to the people of Qingjiang Prefecture, or how heavy a burden he had laid upon them.
But the Young Sect Master Xu knew. Though he didn’t understand what Elder Fang meant by “trophy,” one thing was certain: since Elder Fang Cun had made that vow and oath, their own sect could not afford to mess it up, regardless of what other sects did. He had spent the entire night sleepless on the Dharma Ship, already coming up with a preliminary plan. He absolutely had to recall all disciples to the mountain to discuss a strategy.
Just as he prepared to disembark and immediately rush to the Bell of Alert on Virtue Peak, he saw Elder Fang Cun yawning and heading back to Jade Mirror Peak to catch up on sleep. The sight made the Young Sect Master Xu stomp his feet on the deck in frustration.
“We only have a little over two days, Elder Fang!”
This Elder Fang, like hopeless mess, shuffled back drowsily: “Just make your arrangements!”
The Young Sect Master Xu walked in frantic circles like a cat chasing its tail, utterly helpless.
He even wondered: Could Elder Fang be planning to use some Magic Treasure passed down by his elder brother again?
…
…
While the Young Sect Master Xu threw himself into every possible effort, Fang Cun truly did return to Jade Mirror Peak. He collapsed onto his bed and slept soundly. When he woke up, he felt completely refreshed. Seeing the darkening sky outside the hall, he knew it was night again.
He had promised to meet in Qingjiang Prefecture in three days. Traveling from Shoushan Sect to Qingjiang Prefecture by Dharma Ship took nearly a day. Now, he had slept through another day. That meant he had a little over a day left, even if they traveled overnight. Presumably, the Young Sect Master Xu was becoming frantic and anxious by now. Fang Cun sighed, got up, and prepared to eat something.
Yu Qingli, Xiao Qingliu, and the Little Fox were all waiting in the hall. They had likely heard about Fang Cun’s promise in Qingjiang Prefecture. But knowing him well, while they waited for his instructions, they weren’t overly worried.
Fang Cun slowly finished a bowl of lotus seed soup. Then he said to Xiao Qingliu, “Summon those Ancient Demons into the mountain!”
Xiao Qingliu grinned immediately. “Knew you’d need them, Young Master! They’ve been waiting outside the mountain since earlier!”
With that, he dashed out of the hall. Moments later, several figures respectfully entered the hall.
“Lin Jiyi pays respects to the Young Master…”
“Guai Li pays respects to the Young Master…”
“Ghost Scholar pays respects to the Young Master…”
“Hongtao pays respects to the Young Master~~”
These were the former great demons who had followed Fang Cun from Willow Lake City to Shoushan Sect. Of course, when Fang Cun was at the Breath Refining Realm back in Willow Lake City, he’d seen them as fearsome figures. But now, calling them “Ancient Demons” felt a bit inappropriate.
These individuals were noticeably more respectful than they were in Willow Lake City. Upon entering the hall, they knelt properly before Fang Cun, heads bowed silently, yet visibly pleased. Even Fang Cun could see a change in their aura; their strength had clearly grown much stronger compared to their time in Willow Lake City.
It seemed studying the Divine Nether Body Tempering Art had brought them significant benefits.
Fang Cun glanced over them. “You’ve been here almost two months now. How have you been lately?”
The four exchanged looks, then all bowed together. “We are eternally grateful for your profound kindness and generosity, Young Master…”
Fang Cun listened carefully to their words. He could hear that some of the gratitude was genuine.
After all, as Rogue Cultivators in the martial world, their sources for cultivation methods, divine abilities, and resources were scarce. Most were resigned to practicing the common Five Qi Body Refining Art. Him bestowing the fourth-grade divine method was unimaginably significant to them, especially for those at the Breath Refining Realm like Lin Jiyi and Lady Hongtao – it was an immensely fortunate opportunity.
Of course, martial world figures retained their inherent cunning and wildness. Thinking they would become blindly loyal, risking life and limb for him just because of one fourth-grade method, was naive. These people weren’t fools.
“I summoned you here because there’s something you need to do!”
Fang Cun cut straight to the point.
Upon hearing this, the Rogue Cultivators immediately looked serious, their posture more formal. Lin Jiyi straightened slightly and said respectfully, “We humble folk are aware of the promise you made in Qingjiang City, Young Master. When you have matters, it falls upon us to pave the way. Whatever you need us to do, please give the order directly. Our lives belong to you; we are ready to risk them…”
Not only did Lin Jiyi speak nicely, but the others did too. Back in Willow Lake City, they were controlled by Fang Cun’s Life-Death Sigils – their lives were already forfeit. Being suddenly gifted the Divine Nether Body Tempering Art felt like an immense boon.
But they weren’t foolish. In the martial world, riches didn’t fall from the sky for no reason. Why would he bestow such a blessing?
Following martial world logic, the greater the benefit you receive, the more ready you must be to sell your life for the giver…
To their surprise, Fang Cun chuckled. “Who said I called you here because of that?”
The Rogue Cultivators were stunned, looking utterly confused.
You made a heavy promise in Qingjiang Prefecture just yesterday, and summoned us today… if not for this, then why…?
“I’ve taken a liking to Qingjiang Prefecture’s territories!”
Fang Cun looked at them with a light laugh. “Can you conquer it for me?”
“What?”
The old demons almost fell over.
Just when they breathed a sigh of relief, this came? This was Qingjiang Prefecture!
Admittedly, this place was far bigger than Willow Lake City, but it was also infinitely more complex. Who knew how many factions were entrenched here, intertwining like deep roots, obscured like thick mist? Not one backer here was simple; not one cultivator’s skills were shallow. Setting aside that, just think of the countless Golden Core level experts aiming to establish roots here, those powerful figures… Could they, these few, possibly measure up…
“To enter the martial world, timing and opportunity are crucial.”
As if knowing their thoughts, Fang Cun said calmly, “Right now, all the Chief Wardens and Divine Generals in Qingjiang Prefecture are either injured or shaken; they likely won’t be focused on official affairs. The major sects will soon be too busy to worry about minor ripples in the martial world…”
“That timing and opportunity is yours right now.”
The old demons exchanged glances, inwardly surprised by Fang Cun’s grasp of Qingjiang Prefecture’s situation.
But they knew their own limits. Though they had obtained the Divine Nether Body Tempering Art, they hadn’t practiced it long. Qingjiang Prefecture was full of hidden dragons and crouching tigers. The different business territories were clearly divided; it was extremely hard for outsiders to meddle. With their abilities, they were only able to act like big shots back in Willow Lake City – and that was because the Devouring Sea Gang’s Lao Chao had died, the Academy and City Governor kept a low profile, creating a power vacuum.
Qingjiang City was vastly different from Willow Lake City. How could it be compared?
“I understand the principle ‘a mighty dragon should not provoke a snake in its own lair.’ So you don’t need to worry!”
Observing their expressions, Fang Cun smiled, then tossed a small pouch in front of them.
“Add this in. Any chance now?”
Their pupils constricted seeing the pouch. They knew it contained the Life-Death Sigils Fang Cun used to control them; they knew perfectly well how terrifying it was. As the pouch landed before them, their hearts skipped multiple beats. If they could hold this nearly unsolvable (as Gu-Master Guai Li described) item themselves, and use it to control other demons and evil cultivators in Qingjiang Prefecture…
“How about adding this too?”
Fang Cun lightly placed a silver note beside the small pouch.
The old demons looked at the amount written on the silver note, and their breathing instantly became heavy.
They naturally knew this wasn’t the only silver note; it represented sufficient funding!
Without waiting for their answer, Fang Cun picked up a teacup and smiled, “What if we add those cultivation methods too?”
The old demons were almost breathless, staring dumbfounded at Fang Cun.
Earlier, Fang Cun had someone give them a fourth-grade method. They genuinely hadn’t expected that. Though they recognized some parts seemed incomplete, it was still something beyond their dreams. Besides, Fang Cun letting them see the incompleteness implied that diligent service might lead to its completion. Since they couldn’t betray him anyway… what was there to fear?
But receiving it themselves was one thing. Being able to pass it on… that was another matter entirely…
A fourth-grade method entering the martial world? What kind of magnet would that be for those whose cultivation paths had dead-ended, who saw no hope ahead?
“Young Master… just what do you truly want?”
Amidst the atmosphere thick with incredulous joy, Lin Jiyi suddenly took a breath, lifted his head, and asked.
Fang Cun smiled at him. “What do you think?”
Lin Jiyi felt his mind jolt, quickly lowering his head again. “Whatever Young Master desires… it’s enough!”
Fang Cun thought carefully; he realized no answer could have pleased him more than this.
“Go!”
With a wave of his hand dismissing the martial world figures, Fang Cun felt as though a great weight was lifted off his shoulders.
Yu Qingli, watching from the side, felt some confusion.
If he wasn’t mistaken, wasn’t the Second Young Master Fang sending these martial world folk out to stake a claim?
But the Demon Hound matter wasn’t even settled yet! And now you want to take advantage of the chaos in Qingjiang City?
“The key to the Crow Mountain issue doesn’t lie with them!”
Fang Cun discerned his thoughts and explained briefly. Then, he smiled at Xiao Qingliu:
“Young Lord Xu and the two elders are probably frantic with worry in the Hall of Virtue by now. Go and invite Elders Jin Yin and Fu Gui to come here!”