Chapter 235: The Suspected Answer

A heavy atmosphere filled the reception hall.

None had expected that Meng Zhixue’s visit to Fang Cun would take such a serious turn so quickly.

He Zhenzhang and Meng Qing’er stood nearby, their hearts lodging in their throats. Beside them, Little Fox, who had been practicing calligraphy, now had her ears stiffly pricked. Her brush hovered mid-air over the paper, unmoving for long minutes. Farther away, Young Sect Master Xu and the two Elders watched with furtive hesitation—too curious to leave, yet too afraid to hear anything unpleasant.

Surprisingly, Meng Zhixue, hearing the slight mockery in Fang Cun’s tone, seemed to relax at last.

Her expression turned weary. Shaking her head softly, she whispered, “I couldn’t do it…”

Before anyone could respond, she began recounting her experience at the Nine Immortals Sect: “After joining the Nine Immortals Sect, my cultivation advanced swiftly. The sect treated me well, acknowledging my talent and some other reasons… so even while still at the Foundation Establishment stage, I was directly named a Core Disciple. They gave me generous resources and profound techniques freely…”

“My training went smoothly, everything seemed fitting. I even wished to find like-minded fellows to establish another ‘Nanshan Alliance’ like we had back in Willow Lake City. To battle demons together, following the example set by Immortal Master Fang Chi. The Nine Immortals Sect was his home sect, every corner filled with his legends. Logically, uniting people under his banner should have been simple. Yet, the reality…”

Here, she gave another small shake of her head. “… was nothing like I imagined. At the Nine Immortals Sect, I saw the changes wrought by Fang Chi’s legacy. I also heard many tales about him—some praiseworthy, others… less so. For instance: he once plunged deep into a demon host’s ranks to save a little girl. He succeeded, but three fellow disciples died rescuing her. People asked: Was it worth it?”

“He also once eradicated a tribe of demons terrorizing a village, upholding his principles. Yet, his actions provoked a fierce revenge. That entire village was ultimately devoured. Later, he pursued those demons relentlessly for hundreds of miles, cutting them all down. But what use was it? The villagers were already gone. That village… died with them.”

Her voice grew softer as she spoke. Only after a long silence did she exhale quietly. “Because of that village incident, your brother returned to the sect battered and wounded. Yet, none of his fellow disciples would speak to him. Not long after… he descended into the mortal world, contemplating right and wrong. When sects around Qingjiang speak of ‘worldly enlightenment,’ they refer to this event!”

Fang Cun listened quietly, saying nothing.

Even he had to admit that Meng Zhixue might know more of his elder brother’s trials than he did.

“My arguments about Immortal Master Fang Chi’s legacy caused repeated strife among the disciples and even alerted the elders!”

Meng Zhixue sighed faintly. After a pause, she continued, “Later—whether by the elders’ arrangement or because Lu Xiao heard about it—he sought me out to debate. He posed me a question back then: Did I want to ‘do good,’ or did I want to ‘be good’?”

“He said: Being ‘good’ is easy. Just follow your conscience; confront injustice whenever you see it. But this kind of ‘goodness’ is short-sighted. Those who pursue it? Undoubtedly, it brings a great comfort to their souls. They act as their hearts dictate. Afterward, even if things turn messy? Their conscience is clear. Because their intentions were pure!”

“‘Doing good,’ however? That’s different!”

A frown deepened between Meng Zhixue’s elegant brows. “Truly ‘doing good’ might not require being ‘good.’ Winning may demand any means. Small sacrifices? Acceptable. Only the final outcome counts—if it truly serves the good. Compared to those who chose mere ‘goodness,’ one outcome is fleeting, the other lasting… He asked me: Had I thought deeply about it? Which path should I choose?”

“I remember our time in Willow Lake City. Filled with fervor, we wanted to do good. Yet, honestly? We were just youngsters trying to be good. How those matters were truly resolved… We didn’t understand then. But now I do! Back then? We were merely youths craving the feeling of being ‘righteous’! And now… What you, Second Young Master Fang, are doing? In my view? It is wrong. Yet, I must admit: in Master Yu’s place… I wouldn’t have been able to help him!”

“For a long time, this question haunted my Dao Heart. Paralyzed. My cultivation failed to advance even an inch! Seeking an answer… I accepted the elders’ suggestion: to follow Lu Xiao and observe his methods. I struggled with much of what he did… Yet now, witnessing your actions? I find myself… baffled! Could it be… Could I have been wrong… this whole time?”

………

The words Meng Zhixue suddenly spoke left everyone in the hall stunned and speechless.

Even He Zhenzhang and Meng Qing’er seemed lost in tangled thoughts, confused.

Even Young Sect Master Xu and the two Elders seemed pondering deeply in the distance.

“So… that fellow Lu Xiao could actually utter such things?”

Fang Cun listened intently for a while before lightly nodding. He looked at Meng Zhixue. “Bullshit.”

“Ehh?”

Meng Zhixue, eyes filled with anticipation for his answer, was stunned by his bluntness.

He Zhenzhang and Meng Qing’er stared dumbfounded: “Is the answer supposed to feel… like street talk?”

But Fang Cun looked utterly serious as he spoke calmly: “What meaning does such a question possess? How can being ‘good’ mean you can’t do good? How can doing good necessarily prevent you from being good? Any person can choose to be a virtuous person. They can also choose to accomplish virtuous deeds. A mind prone to extremes… inevitably distorts perspectives! Especially on matters like life choices?”

He Zhenzhang and Meng Qing’er, listening on, unconsciously fell into deep thought.

On the side, Little Fox, eavesdropping while clutching her brush, vigorously nodded her head in agreement.

“Perhaps.”

Meng Zhixue shook her head. “But some moments demand we choose. Today I implore you, Second Young Master Fang: When facing key choices… To achieve a truly desirable outcome… Should we compromise? Or accept things we intrinsically abhor? Should we ignore certain evils?” She glanced toward Fang Cun, hesitant yet intense. “Like… to aid Master Yu, you allied with the Lingwu Sect to frame Elder Xue. Might you later counsel him to give up his vengeance… for a ‘greater good’? Could you… Could you even…” Her gaze locked onto him. “…simply ignore his suffering?”

Her tension radiated sheer earnestness.

Fang Cun heard her out… in silence.

After a pause, he suddenly regarded Meng Zhixue. “So this is why your cultivation has stagnated.”

Meng Zhixue started slightly, then gave a slow nod.

Next, Fang Cun turned his gaze to He Zhenzhang and Meng Qing’er individually. “And you two? How fares your Cultivation progress?”

He Zhenzhang, engrossed in the heavy talk, blinked in surprise at being addressed. “My cultivation? Always the same. At Leshui Sect, I haven’t been bestowed authentic artes yet! Just breathing exercises, practicing calligraphy, strengthening my Acquired Qi… Though…” He scratched his head awkwardly. “…following you on this trip… Perhaps the food’s so good? I feel…A notable breakthrough!”

Meng Qing’er also quickly nodded. “Mmmhmm! Just like a heavy stone lifted away! My Cultivation Power has solidified immensely!”

“It seems… My earlier guess holds weight.”

Fang Cun lightly nodded after a second of silence. Without clarifying his deduction, he instructed Little Fox Girl: “Fetch those two transcription drafts.” She swiftly retrieved newly-transcribed records—cultivation exercises combining Shoushan Sect arts with adapted techniques from Leshui and Yun Huan Sects. From his sleeve, Fang Cun pulled two pristine slips: One bore the refined Sleeve Cosmic Palm technique, intended for He Zhenzhang. The other held Umbral Nether Prison, the refined evolution of Hundred Flowers Fragrant Realm, for Meng Qing’er.

“You two? Upon returning to your sects? Having escorted me, your standing will rise. Training conditions? Should greatly improve. I transmit these arts early—so you may lay deeper foundations.” He handed them the slips. “Master them now. With me here? When you encounter blockages… Seek me freely.” Finally? Material aid and provision? Freely offered. Without limit!”

“Wha…”

He Zhenzhang and Meng Qing’er gaped.

They’d personally witnessed Fang Cun wielding both these arts to subdue Young Master Bai! They knew their matchless worth!

Receiving dual transcending arts and boundless cultivation resources? Such favor?

“Weren’t we discussing Meng Zhixue’s dilemma…?”

Sizes of talismanic slips changed with expenditure.

Ensuring both held substantial imbued resources and refined citations, Fang Cun focused on Meng Zhixue next. He enunciated gently: “I understand the knot binding your cultivation. I hold my own response. Yet your perspective? Too narrow. Mine? Too harsh. To truly unravel your doubt?” He met her eyes solemnly. “Only one might resolve this…”

Meng Zhixue leaned forward urgently: “Who!?”

“My brother. Fang Chi.”

Fang Cun stated it with calm precision. “Earlier? You remarked: Years ago? Following a similar moral crisis? My brother descended into solitude? Became rejected? Finally sought answers within the mortal world?”

Meng Zhixue nodded quickly.

“…Then… My brother? Likely attained resolution.”

After weighing it thoughtfully, Fang Cun suggested: “If willing… Await several suns. Soon? I will grasp his reply. When achieved? You shall have peace.”

Hope fluttered behind Meng Zhixue’s eyes. She slowly nodded.

“For now? We focus on actions.”

Fang Cun proclaimed levelly: “Tomorrow… Dawns Raincling-Li’s vengeance.”