Chapter 205: Second Young Master Fang with Plucking Flowers as Swords

Because Second Young Master Fang firmly forbade Meng Qing’er from speaking, the people aboard the Dharma Ship had no idea what exactly Second Young Master Fang had encountered at Yun Huan Sect. However, shortly after they left Yun Huan Sect, many rumors began to spread quickly throughout Qingjiang Prefecture. Previously, Fang Cun’s actions at Leshui Sect—enlightening Ye Xuanzhen and leaving his techniques on the stone wall—had already shocked many people and became a favorite topic of conversation.

Yet, no one could have anticipated that Second Young Master Fang’s performance at Yun Huan Sect would be even more stunning!

It was said that shortly after this Second Young Master Fang arrived at Yun Huan Sect, he faced a challenging test set up for him by the female Sect Leader of Yun Huan Sect. Over a dozen of Yun Huan Sect’s top female disciples each took turns challenging him. With his white robe billowing, Second Young Master Fang merely professed an unwillingness to harm Yun Huan Sect’s beauties. He took a flower branch as his sword and sparred with each of these female disciples. By the time all the petals had fallen, he had already won ten matches in a row…

His extraordinary talent was unmistakably displayed, drawing endless sighs of amazement from Yun Huan Sect’s Sect Leader.

But Yun Huan Sect wasn’t to be trifled with. They then laid out the Ten Extremities Illusion Formation…

One clash followed another until, after hundreds of tense exchanges, the Yun Huan Sect disciples were thoroughly convinced. Even their Sect Leader had no choice but to honor her promise. She presented him with a transcribed copy of Yun Huan Sect’s techniques, which she had previously agreed to give him, praising his incomparable, peerless talent in this world.

Amid all these vividly told tales of fantastic duels, there was only one discordant note.

One particular Yun Huan Sect female disciple insisted that after Second Young Master Fang defeated her, he was so overwhelmed by her beauty that he couldn’t stop himself. He forcefully kissed her…

…She declared that she was a woman of strong principles. Having had advantage taken of her, she could not let it rest; she absolutely had to marry him!

…

“My reputation…”

Fang Cun shook his head helplessly upon hearing these rumors.

What could he do? Explaining was awkward, and he dared not reveal the actual truth…

Thankfully, this Yun Huan Sect disciple only said he kissed her forcefully, not mentioning that…

Still, this troublesome matter didn’t last too long. The Dharma Ship hadn’t stopped after leaving Yun Huan Sect; it immediately traveled towards Lingwu Sect. Though Yun Huan Sect and Lingwu Sect were thousands of li apart, the Dharma Ship flying through the sky was much faster than traveling by horse carriage on the ground. In just three or four days, they had already entered the territory of Lingwu Sect’s mountain gate…

Since it had been known beforehand that Lingwu Sect’s Elder Xue had some connection with Yu Qingli, the closer they got to the sect, the more tense the people aboard the ship became. Fang Cun, having been specifically warned by Yun Huan Sect’s Sect Leader, had braced himself mentally.

However, the situation at Lingwu Sect seemed to exceed everyone’s expectations.

When he went to Duskblade Sect, Fang Cun encountered deliberate cold neglect. At Leshui Sect, he received a warm and friendly welcome. At Yun Huan Sect, it ended in a panicked escape. Upon arriving at Lingwu Sect, the situation he faced was…

…an exceptionally warm reception.

Long before the Dharma Ship pierced through the layers of clouds, nearing the deep, interconnected valleys shrouded in strange mists, they had already seen it. Right before that vast expanse of valleys, a high platform had been erected. Around it, countless maidservants, pages, and strongmen stood waiting a long time, holding fine wine, spirit fruits, and ornate sashes. On the platform itself, waves of formidable auras pulsed – over a dozen people were already waiting there.

Spotting Fang Cun’s Dharma Ship appearing in the distance, they all greeted him with smiles. Two rows of strongmen flew upwards, using their cultivation power to control the mist, guiding the Dharma Ship towards a flat piece of land carved out of a mountaintop, where it gently came to rest.

“Hah! Second Young Master Fang, whose name shakes all of Qingjiang, has arrived!”

“We’ve long heard of Second Young Master Fang’s fame, only now do we finally have the chance to meet him…”

“A true, miraculous genius possesses immense Qi Luck. Us seeing you today is itself a great blessing…”

The people waiting on the lofty Immortal Platform didn’t wait for the Dharma Ship to land fully. They all strode forward heartily, laughing and calling out greetings.

“This…”

He Zhenzhang, Meng Qing’er, and the others who followed the Dharma Ship, already wary of Lingwu Sect, were momentarily stunned by this spectacle. They looked at each other in bewilderment, a strange, indescribable feeling washing over them. They had never expected Lingwu Sect to have this many people waiting.

One glance revealed that these people wore either embroidered robes or splendid cloaks. Each emanated an aura of profound strength and looked formidable. Especially those who were qualified to sit waiting on the tall platform – every single one was a cultivator of the Golden Core Realm! Their auras intertwined, creating an atmosphere that was frankly intimidating!

When had Lingwu Sect acquired so many Golden Core Realm Elders?

Judging by this display, it seemed they might even surpass the Nine Immortals Sect…

…

“Ahem… To receive such affection from my esteemed seniors, for you all to wait here… this junior feels nothing but shame…”

Fang Cun disembarked from the Dharma Ship. Faced with so many powerful Golden Core cultivators, he hurriedly bowed deeply, looking a little overwhelmed by the attention.

“Haha, Second Young Master Fang, you are too modest…”

A lean-looking man with a black crow atop his head stepped forward from the group. He was none other than the Lingwu Sect Leader whom Fang Cun had briefly met before. The Sect Leader bowed from a distance, smiling. “Second Young Master Fang, when you slew the Demon Hound at Crow Mountain, your name already shook Qingjiang. Then, your act at Leshui Sect – using just one word to enlighten someone and help them break through their bottleneck! And most impressively, within just one month, you mastered every sutra and law text of the Leshui Sect! By combining the techniques of Shoushan Sect and Leshui Sect, you created thirteen new methods! This has long spread throughout Qingjiang. How could we not know?”

“Haha, yes, precisely!”

“Especially Second Young Master Fang’s feat at Yun Huan Sect, his Plucking Flowers as Swords and winning ten matches consecutively? That has already become a source of pleasant conversation among all Qi Refiners in Qingjiang!”

“…”

As Fang Cun listened to these compliments, particularly the mention of the infamous “Plucking Flowers as Swords” incident at Yun Huan Sect, he looked slightly embarrassed.

“Am I the type to show off like this?”

But outwardly, he maintained a humble smile and just said repeatedly, “Such praise is unmerited!”

The Lingwu Sect Leader continued, introducing others. “Not only have we at Lingwu Sect eagerly awaited your arrival, but throughout Qingjiang Prefecture, countless esteemed seniors and masters longed to see you in person! Come, come, let me introduce you. This is the Third Master from the Hu Family of Shannan… This is the eldest son of the Bai Family of Huaichuan… This is the Chief Manager of Chishui’s Wan Tong Trading House…”

As he spoke, the group of powerful Golden Core cultivators surrounding him stepped forward warmly, offering polite bows.

“The Hu Family of Shannan… Bai Family of Huaichuan… Wan Tong Trading House of Chishui…”

Yu Qingli, He Zhenzhang, and the others standing nearby instantly understood who these people were.

They were representatives of Qingjiang’s Seven Great Clans!

Qingjiang was a vast prefecture. The Qi Refiners living here weren’t confined to the Six Great Sects and the County Mansion alone. There were also deeply rooted families with enduring legacies and immense influence. They also nurtured many Qi Refiners, each dominating certain territories, controlling nearly all Qingjiang’s business overtly and covertly. They each possessed terrifying networks of relationships – people in the sects, individuals in the County Mansion, even connections reaching the Divine Palace!

In terms of foundation and power, these clans were more formidable than typical minor sects…

There were dozens of such families of various sizes in Qingjiang, with the Seven Great Clans being the most powerful.

Now, listening to the Lingwu Sect Leader’s introductions, He Zhenzhang and the others realized immediately. The dozen or so Golden Core cultivators present truly came from the Seven Clans! Either important clan members or their high-ranking financial managers or stewards…

Why would these figures of such noble standing suddenly appear at Lingwu Sect?

Was it really just to pay respects to Second Young Master Fang?

…

“Unworthy, unworthy. If my revered seniors have instructions they wish to convey, this junior naturally presents himself to receive them. How could I possibly warrant such esteemed elders personally moving to meet me…?”

Seeing the politeness from Lingwu Sect and the representatives of the noble families, Fang Cun went out of his way to be even more humble and polite himself.

Both parties exchanged pleasantries and modest bows. After a little catching up and small talk, laughter filled the platform. It seemed as if everyone were old friends reunited after a long separation. There was much back-and-forth politeness – “You first,” “No, please, after you” – before they eventually, amid cheerful talk, all soared on clouds together into the depths of Lingwu Sect. Lines of servants and strongmen knelt respectfully along both sides. The sound of ethereal music began to play, drifting through the air.

This level of ceremony? It wasn’t just like hosting an Elder from Shoushan Sect. Not even a Divine Palace envoy would receive such treatment!

Upon entering Lingwu Sect, they were ushered directly into the main hall for tea. Fang Cun was much younger and of lower cultivation level than most present. Still, under everyone’s enthusiastic urging, he was made to sit in the seat of honor reserved for the chief guest. The others arranged themselves accordingly. It was noteworthy that many of Lingwu Sect’s own True Disciples, even Elders, didn’t have the right to sit; they could only stand in respectful attendance at the sides.

“This junior’s visit was solely to seek knowledge within Lingwu Sect’s collections. He truly did not anticipate the esteemed company gathered here. Having made no preparations whatsoever, the lack in propriety is profound. This junior sincerely asks for the esteemed seniors’ generous forgiveness. He will certainly pay his respects at each of your esteemed doors later to avoid accusations of rudeness and ignorance.”

Once seated, Fang Cun spoke up again with apologies, declaring himself lacking in manners.

The Qi Refiners from the various families quickly laughed at this. “Second Young Master Fang, you are far too modest!”

Others chimed in: “We heard long ago that Second Young Master Fang is journeying to the Five Sects in pursuit of knowledge, solely to complete Shoushan Sect’s records of techniques and canonical principles. Such dedication to learning and loyalty to his sect is truly admirable! Young Master, rest assured—not only will Lingwu Sect’s Scripture Hall be open to you for your study, but each of us also comes bearing certain collected classical texts, technique scrolls…” someone added. “…as well as meager gifts we wish to offer you. We only hope you won’t find them contemptible and laugh at the poverty of our Seven Clans!”

As they spoke, someone clapped his hands.

Immediately, a stream of strongmen entered the main hall from outside. Each carried boxes or chests. These were placed down continuously, flowing in one after another. The strongmen kept coming, the containers kept spreading… In mere moments, the main hall was full of them!

“Open them!”

Someone instructed with a smile. Upon this command, maidservants stepped forward and gently lifted the lids of the various chests and boxes.

Instantly, the entire hall gleamed with the luster of treasures!

The Chief Manager of Wan Tong Trading House began laughing softly and pointing, introducing them one by one:

“These seven chests? Our Seven Clans heard of your pursuit of knowledge, Young Master Fang. We specifically gathered sutras, philosophical texts, technique scrolls, and martial manuals for you. They likely seem pitifully few… The Hu Family from Shannan brings twenty-one texts; the Bai Family from Huaichuan, seventeen; the Lu Family from Zhaoyuan, four; as for our Wan Tong Trading House? We humbly offer thirty-three.”

“Over here? Medicinal treasure pills! Specifics on wounds, illnesses, poisons, and physical degeneration—one hundred and sixty pills in total!”

“And these? Talismans! Bindings, restraints, immobilizations, summonings… Four hundred and eighty-nine artifacts!

“These here? Are four types of Formation Templates…”

“These…? West Sea Mermaid Pearls…”

…

He Zhenzhang and Meng Qing’er, looking on, couldn’t help but widen their eyes nearly to the point of popping out.

What is going ON here?!