Chapter 170: To Be Made a Fool Of

A Dharma Ship soared into the air. Countless sword lights filled the sky, escorting its flight as it traveled.

It was hard to put into words the state of mind of the stewards and disciples left behind at the Shoushan Sect when they witnessed that scene.

The ship, dark as a raincloud, rose to mid-air. It stirred endless drifting clouds as it sailed majestically out of the mountain ranges. Escorting it on all sides were forty-eight disciples. Each wore a spotless white silk sword robe that fluttered gracefully. Where their Magical Power surged, their Sword lights blazed brilliantly. Like forty-eight meteors streaking alongside the ship, their divine radiance filled the void, dimming everything else. It looked as if a celestial chariot descended, forcing demonic forces to scatter before it…

Even though they knew those white robes and sword lights weren’t particularly valuable, it was still incredibly exciting!

…

If even the stewards and staying disciples of Shoushan Sect, who knew the true situation, were stirred by this grand spectacle, then the common folk in the cities, towns, and villages caught in its path didn’t stand a chance. Whether someone was cooling off at the village entrance, fishing in the river, holding big bowls while eating beside a millstone, or… even someone who had just blown out the lamp to quickly “handle some business” while the lady’s husband was away… all were startled by the powerful pulses of energy surging high above in the sky. They all came out to watch.

Forty-eight sword lights weren’t that many in number, but each one was so dazzlingly bright they created an illusion of overwhelming abundance, as if hundreds or thousands of cultivators were traveling together. The sword lights slicing through the night sky trailed long tails, making it look like entire teams of cultivators were journeying side by side. And the brilliant lights happened to illuminate the Dharma Ship hidden within the night’s gloom.

“What is that?”

“Sword Immortals! Are those… Sword Immortals coming from Shoushan Sect?”

“I haven’t seen Sword Immortals on the move for years! What are these immortals out to do?”

“Good heavens! So Shoushan Sect has that many Sword Immortals? Just the other day, I snuck over near their mountain to steal some fruit…”

”

…

”

…

As they flew past, they left behind countless astonished gazes and hushed controversies. Legends began to stir.

It had to be admitted, that they didn’t just leave a stunning impression among the common folk. Even the Shoushan Sect disciples flying in the air experienced their own moment in the spotlight. Sure, flying around was no big deal for them personally. But showing off small tricks like that in front of common folks? That usually felt a bit embarrassing. Yet now, with their entire Sect doing it together, any shyness vanished. Their Sword lights blazed even brighter, and they showed off, tracing intricate patterns across the sky with their flying paths.

Of course, the spotlight moment came with a cost – their Magical Power was draining pretty fast.

It was just a journey requiring one night. By the time they reached a deserted spot halfway, all the disciples had to land and take a break… just to recover their Magical Power.

…

At noon the next day, right when the townspeople were busiest, the Shoushan Sect entourage arrived above Qingjiang City. Instantly, just as stunningly as they had throughout the night, the entire city’s population was jolted. People hurriedly raised their heads to watch. The Old Master Fan’s rules were usually incredibly strict, so they rarely saw displays of immortal power like this. Especially not one so spectacular.

Now, looking up at the sky, they saw a Dharmic Ship projecting overwhelming pressure, slowly sailing into the city’s airspace. It hovered motionless, like a small mountain flying in the sky. Around it, disciples in white robes stood upon their Flying Swords, poised and perfectly uniform. As the Ship settled centrally overhead, the disciples took stationary positions around it. Their Sword Qi surged menacingly, radiating with an air of arrogant pride… like immortals descending from the heavens.

“It’s Shoushan Sect…”

“The Shoushan Sect disciples who said three days ago they’d come today to slay demons have arrived!”

“Good heavens! Is that how the immortals fly?”

“Huh? Why are they coming straight into the City?”

”

…

”

…

Three days earlier, Fang Cun had spoken publicly, planting a seed of anticipation in countless hearts across Qingjiang Prefecture. Now, the disciples had come as promised, and with such flair. It immediately sparked cheers and whoops of welcome, as if this whole arrangement had been a promise made directly between Shoushan Sect and the citizens of Qingjiang City.

Another point: Qingjiang Prefecture had strict rules against Qi Refiners flaunting their powers in front of commoners or causing disturbances. Yet, Shoushan Sect had flown directly into the city, hovering mid-air. That shocking confidence definitely felt novel. Especially with every Shoushan disciple clad in identical white robes, wielding identical Flying Swords – that visual impact wasn’t easily described.

“Young Master Chief Warden! The Shoushan Sect disciples entered the City directly!”

“Should we drive them out?”

At this moment, seeing the Shoushan disciples enter the City so ostentatiously, the Divine Generals and guards around Qingjiang City were equally stunned. They were well acquainted with the Old Scholar’s rules. Wasn’t this move by Shoushan Sect precisely what the senior hated most?

But the Chief Warden, currently clutching his mouth with a lazy expression, turned and glared at the guards. Three days ago, he had just had his tongue cut out. He was taking medicine to re-grow the muscle and tissue. It was exhausting to even attempt to speak, not to mention the discomfort during the regeneration process. Plus he just felt inexplicably irritable; everything made him anxious.

I got into trouble just three days ago! And you want me to stir up more trouble now?

Besides, didn’t the Sect announce it three days ago? And they’re here in Old Master Fan’s name, right?

That leader is the Fang family’s Second Young Master… the guy who met the Divine Queen and came back unscathed! Is he someone easy to mess with?

Many thoughts swirled through his mind. But the Chief Warden just snatched paper and brush. His reply was a single written character:

“GET LOST!”

All the guards instantly shut their mouths and obediently stayed put, watching the spectacle alongside the rest of the Qingjiang Prefecture citizens.

…

“That Shoushan Sect! Such lawless arrogance!”

As the Shoushan disciples swaggered into the City, naturally Old Master Fan, residing in the mountain estate outside the City, learned of it immediately. Seeing the displeasure on his old servant’s face, the Old Scholar just snorted coldly, “Three days ago, when that second son of the Fang family suddenly became so ‘reasonable’, taking everything upon himself and vowing publicly before the people… well, he intended to gain prestige for Shoushan Sect, that much was obvious!”

“However… he quoted my words. Said he was acting on my instructions. Invoked in my name. So even if the younger generation is a bit too flashy, what can I say? Let them have their moment for now. Better leave them be for the time being…”

The old servant frowned, “Old Scholar, you won’t stoop to squabbling with youngsters, but we servants cannot stand by idly. Shoushan Sect swaggers into the City? What does that say for your previous rules? Moreover, with such audacity, charging ahead with grandiose claims… If we tolerate this, soon the hearts of all Qingjiang people will be full of their praises! Where, then, will the people place you, the Old Scholar who dedicated himself solely for their sake?”

“Silence!” Old Master Fan gave the old servant a cold look and snapped, “I serve the people solely for their sake. Why would I crave false fame?”

“Of course, yes, yes…” The servant quickly smiled appeasingly. “This old servant just can’t stand such cheap methods of catching the crowd’s eye!”

Old Master Fan smiled thinly and said, “What does it matter? A boy trying to swing a giant halberd… he’s only setting himself up for shame!”

…

Back in the City, the arrival of the Shoushan disciples caused countless citizens to jostle for a look, gasps rippling through the masses. Waves of praise washed over them. Just as the entire City’s attention was completely captured by the Shoushan disciples hovering overhead… an awkward silence followed. They waited several breaths… but representatives from the other Five Great Sects, or Divine Generals from the County Mansion… none appeared.

“Young Master Xu… why don’t you step out and ask?”

Inside the Dharma Ship, Fang Cun took a quiet sip of tea and suggested to the Young Sect Master.

Though filled with questions, the Young Sect Master smoothed his robes and stepped out onto the ship’s deck. His expression immediately became solemn and grave. He projected his voice clearly, “The three-day pact has arrived! It is time to slay demons! Where now are the respected colleagues of the Five Great Sects?”

His clear voice echoed out over the City.

The citizens, curious, looked around eagerly. “That’s right! Where are the other Five Great Sects?”

“Didn’t they say the Six Great Sects were going to team up to fight the demons?”

“Definitely! I watched the commotion right here three days ago. Heard it clear as day! So why is only one Sect here today?”

”

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”

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The longer the wait, the heavier the suspicion grew.

Not only were the common folks increasingly suspicious, whispering questions to each other, but even the Shoushan disciples standing rigidly around the Dharma Ship on their swords began to feel uneasy. Holding this ‘pose’ was getting tiring.

The Young Sect Master asked his question once.

Receiving no response, he asked again.

Seeing no one emerging, a distinct sense of awkwardness settled in.

He had a vague sense that the gaze of the countless people looking up from the City below was shifting… tinged with confusion… and a hint of amusement.

…

Heh heh…

Hidden within the City, some wardens and guards were also watching secretly but didn’t bother to show themselves. They just covered their mouths and chuckled coldly.

One warden grabbed pen and paper, writing just two words for his subordinates to see:

“TO BE MADE A FOOL OF!”

…

“The Old Scholar really saw the truth of it…”

Back in the mountain estate outside the City, after listening to his men’s reports, the old servant was also beaming with satisfaction and admiration.

“Hmph! Those old foxes from those Sects… how could a mere young brat possibly bring them to heel?” Old Master Fan grunted. “Prepare my carriage. Shortly… it seems I shall still have to go and clean up his mess.”

The old servant hurriedly went to make arrangements.

He didn’t even need to ask. He scheduled the Old Scholar’s departure for precisely half an hour later.

…

“Young Master Fang… this…”

After asking his question several times unanswered, the Young Sect Master, also feeling he couldn’t linger outside any longer, turned and returned inside the Ship. His face was full of helplessness and anxiety.

“Entirely expected!” Fang Cun set down his teacup and smiled. “Alright… time to invite our Shoushan Sect’s esteemed experts to take the stage.”

“Experts?” Young Sect Master Xu stared blankly. Shoushan Sect still had experts?

Why don’t I know?

While he stood there utterly bewildered, from the cabin next door, Elders Cold Stone and Green Pine stood up slowly. They had been preparing all night, barely containing their murderous intent. They cleared their throats, expressions turning profoundly heavy, as if bearing mountains on their shoulders.

Just as they were about to stride out of the cabin, Xiao Qingliu arrived. “Young Masters, one moment, please! The Young Master has something for you.”

The two Elders paused. Little Qingliu opened the carved box he cradled. Inside were several glittering, crystalline Dragon Stones.

“You understand,” Xiao Qingliu grinned, closing the box lid and stepping aside.

The two Elders stared fixedly at that box. The killing aura radiating from them instantly intensified tenfold.