Chapter 168: Neighbor (A Celebration for the Platinum Arch-Alliance Leader! )
Chapter 168: Neighbor (A Celebration for the Platinum Arch-Alliance Leader! )
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, several more years had passed.
Fang Xi, who had just celebrated his seventieth birthday, emerged from a pill shop, a hint of dejection in his expression.
His plan to gather pills and pill formulas that could enhance Divine Consciousness had, one might say, been declared bankrupt from the very start.
“Even the large-scale pill shops in the inner city only sold relatively common types of second-order pills and formulas. . . Pills that enhanced Divine Consciousness were exceedingly rare, only to be found at auctions, and as for their formulas, they were the exclusive techniques of certain second-order alchemists, never sold publicly. . . I was still too naive. ”
Fortunately, Fang Xi didn't feel overly dejected; in life, there were always more unsatisfactory things than satisfactory ones, and one couldn't expect perfection in everything.
He had now purchased several more second-order pill formulas, effectively establishing his reputation as a second-order low-grade alchemist. Occasionally, besides Qi Refinement cultivators, a few Foundation Establishment fellow Daoists would entrust him with refining some pills.
Overall, the gains were barely enough to cover his rent with a slight surplus, allowing him to settle down long-term in White Peace Immortal City.
‘Besides that. . . I've mostly gathered information about the black market. . . perhaps it's time for a visit. ’
And then there was that low-grade Foundation Establishment Pill.
Even with proper storage, this type of pill's efficacy would last at most about twenty years; if he didn't sell it soon, it would become worthless in his hands.
Fang Xi prepared to seek an opportunity to sell it in the black market.
“Hm? ”
He returned to Peach Blossom Pavilion and found that the nearby cave abode had also been rented out.
“Uncle. . . ”
In the courtyard, Wei Yi Xi was playing with the Big Green Fish. Seeing Fang Xi, she immediately approached him with a pitiful expression: “I want to go home, my jade bees and spirit fields back home have no one to look after them. . . ”
In these past few years, Wei Yi Xi had truly had her temper refined by Fang Xi, who kept her by his side.
Now, besides beast taming arts, she had also taken up beast veterinary medicine as a supplementary study, making her quite a skilled craftswoman.
Alas, after being away for a long time, she still felt homesick.
Even though White Peace Immortal City had superior spiritual energy and all kinds of amenities, it was still the same.
“The situation is volatile right now, don't go back. . . ”
Fang Xi sternly reprimanded her: “The spirit land is right there, it won't sprout legs and run away. . . ”
In truth, he also knew that Emerald Cliff was merely a temporary stop in his life, but for Wei Yi Xi, it was the legacy her parents had fought for with their lives.
Born there, raised there, called her homeland—how could she abandon it?
Seeing Wei Yi Xi's downcast expression, his tone softened involuntarily: “Staying in this city, you can precisely refine your cultivation. Your spiritual roots aren't bad; you have hope of Foundation Establishment. . . If you can achieve Foundation Establishment, that would truly bring solace to Daoists Hua and Wei's spirits in heaven. . . ”
After comforting his grand-niece, Fang Xi gazed at the courtyard full of peach blossoms, pondering the matter of the neighboring cave abode, when Ruan Dan returned, a hint of joy on her face: “Uncle Fang, my master has returned. . . She invites senior to come over for a talk. ”
“Oh? ”
Fang Xi's eyes lit up, and he immediately had some conjectures.
The cave abode next to Peach Blossom Pavilion, named 'Azure Wave Cave', was shaded by green trees, and its spiritual energy was around mid-grade second-order, sufficient to meet the needs of a mid-stage Foundation Establishment cultivator.
“Brother Fang! ”
Ruan Xing Ling stood at the entrance of her cave abode, personally greeting him, her face full of smiles.
“Xing Ling, why didn't you tell me you were back? ”
Fang Xi seemed to complain, yet he walked into the cave abode with extreme naturalness.
This left Ruan Dan, who was about to lead the way, stunned. Looking at Fang Xi's expression, her own became incredibly complex, as if worried whether she would have to change her address from 'Uncle Fang' to 'Martial Grand-uncle' in the future.
...
Inside Azure Wave Cave.
Ruan Xing Ling invited Fang Xi into a quiet room, then with a wave of her hand, closed the door, making Ruan Dan feel like an outsider.
“Arise! ”
Fang Xi raised his hand, releasing several array flags that sank into the surrounding walls. Immediately, a shimmering light appeared, forming a layer of barrier.
“Good, with this, our confidential discussion here should not be leaked. ”
He sat cross-legged, his expression solemn: “Xing Ling, these past few years. . . have you made your move? ”
The 'move' in question, naturally, referred to reporting the presence of demonic cultivators in Myriad Islands Lake to the Black Heaven Sect.
This was something Fang Xi had wanted to do for a long time, but later handed it over to Ruan Xing Ling.
But several years had passed, and there seemed to be no response whatsoever.
Myriad Islands Lake remained completely calm, and that, precisely, was the most abnormal thing!
Ruan Xing Ling tucked a strand of hair behind her ear and poured Fang Xi a cup of spirit tea, her expression a little bitter: “I certainly did. . . Xing Ling concealed my identity and delivered messages to the cultivators guarding several of the Black Heaven Sect's market towns. . . As you know, the result was nothing. ”
“The Black Heaven Sect actually remained inactive? ”
Fang Xi's pupils contracted: “Could it be that the 'Old Ancestor Jiang' of the Black Heaven Sect has already passed away? ”
The Core Formation cultivator overseeing the Black Heaven Sect was ancient, renowned as a living fossil of the Yue State's cultivation world. Many cultivators dared not speak his name, referring to him only as 'Old Ancestor Jiang'.
“Impossible! ”
No sooner had he spoken than Fang Xi shook his head: “If a Core Formation cultivator were to die, no matter how much the Black Heaven Sect tried to conceal it, they couldn't. News would already be flying rampant across the Yue State, and it might even have plunged into chaos. . . ”
“Xing Ling's view is the same as Brother Fang's, so there's only one possibility. . . ” Ruan Xing Ling's bitter smile deepened.
“Acquiescence? The Black Heaven Sect actually acquiesced to demonic cultivators occupying Myriad Islands Lake? Doesn't the sect master of this sect know that what the 'Heaven Extermination Alliance' seeks to exterminate is the 'Heaven' of the Black Heaven Sect? ” Fang Xi fell into deep thought.
Ruan Xing Ling, on the other hand, was thoughtful: “When Xing Ling was traveling, it coincided with the battle that annihilated the Situ Clan. In that battle, the greatest losses were actually incurred by the other Foundation Establishment families. . . And the Situ Clan's subsequent retaliation, because the Black Heaven Sect was too powerful, primarily focused on direct perpetrators like the Song Clan, and even the Talisman Shen Clan was wiped out as a result. . . If we deduce from the outcome, before and after the Situ Clan's extermination, the Black Heaven Sect not only remained unscathed but also greatly weakened the various Foundation Establishment families and other forces in the Yue State. . . ”
“If it's a grand scheme, then the Black Heaven Sect's plotting runs incredibly deep! ”
Fang Xi suddenly felt a chill run down his spine, as if he saw an invisible colossal hand wantonly manipulating the chessboard of the Yue State.
Back then, in the Purple Mystical Mountain mystic realm, they used incentives to lure numerous aristocratic families into jointly attacking Red Leaf Valley and the Situ Clan.
Afterwards, they allowed the Situ Clan to retaliate, striking back at the major Foundation Establishment forces. . .
And now, they even acquiesced to the Situ Clan recuperating in Myriad Islands Lake. . . When the demonic cultivators make a comeback in the future, the ones most impacted might very well be the Song Clan!
This was probably also part of the Black Heaven Sect's scheme: allowing the Heaven Extermination Alliance to recover a bit of their vitality so they could continue their deathmatch with the Song Clan!
“They are repeatedly using the Situ Clan as a blade. . . and the crucial point is that this blade has no choice but to act according to the wishes of its enemies. . . Those remnants don't even understand this, truly pitiful creatures! ”
Fang Xi couldn't help but sigh.
Ruan Xing Ling's expression was moved: “When Xing Ling was traveling, I once heard a saying—‘Foundation Establishment cultivators are but clouds above the Yue State's cultivation world, while the Black Heaven Sect is the true Heaven! ’ Now that I think about it, how true those words are! ”
Clouds might obscure for a time, but once a great wind blew, nothing would remain.
Only that 'Heaven' remained unmoving!
Even if one spat at the heavens, or threw stones. . . they would ultimately only hit themselves.
“This matter. . . must absolutely not be known to a third person, Xing Ling, you. . . ”
Fang Xi looked at Ruan Xing Ling.
“Brother Fang, do you still not trust Xing Ling? ” Ruan Xing Ling smiled, pressing her lips together: “Before each action, Xing Ling concealed my identity. . . Afterwards, I fled a thousand li away, then detoured back to the Immortal City, intending to stay here for a good while. ”
“That's good, then. It's just that I'll have to trouble Xing Ling to make one last move. . . This time, choose the Song Clan's market town. ”
Fang Xi thought for a moment, then said thoughtfully.
The Black Heaven Sect might not care about the Heaven Extermination Alliance's demonic cultivators, but the Song Clan would definitely care.
If it was the Song Clan going to Myriad Islands Lake to fight the demonic cultivators to the death, Fang Xi would be happy to see it happen.
Furthermore. . . if their conjecture was true, then this would be 'acting in accordance with the grand trends, as if divinely aided'!
The Black Heaven Sect would likely be very pleased to see the Song Clan deplete their strength in such a manner, and might even fan the flames.
“The Song Clan? ”
Ruan Xing Ling looked at Fang Xi, her expression slightly odd. She had also specifically inquired about the story from back then.
One could only say that it was incredibly unwise for the Song Clan to provoke Fang Xi back then. . .
But in her heart, she was also somewhat speechless, feeling that Fang Xi was far too hidden.
Even if he didn't display himself too prominently, even if he were just as outstanding as Luo Gong, White Peace Immortal City's choices would surely have been different.
“Yes, if it's the Song Clan, this matter can be achieved. Perhaps Xing Ling can return to her homeland sooner. . . ”
However, Ruan Xing Ling said nothing, only silently committing the matter to memory.
...
A long while later, Fang Xi finally emerged from the secret room, encountering Ruan Dan, who was moving into the adjacent abode.
“Uncle. . . Fang! ”
Ruan Dan bowed, barely able to maintain her frosty demeanor.
“Hm. . . from now on, we'll be neighbors. You can come to me for anything. ”
Fang Xi gave a slight nod and turned to leave.
His relationship with Ruan Xing Ling could only be described as more than friends, less than lovers.
Fang Xi quite appreciated Ruan Xing Ling's temperament.
As for her ordinary features, they were truly unremarkable!
Fang Xi had never been particularly keen on goddesses capable of toppling kingdoms, for beauty was, after all, a source of calamity!
Conversely, a refined, elegant woman with an outstanding disposition and an intelligent, virtuous heart was always his first choice.
As for Daoist Companions?
Fang Xi's ambition lay in the Grand Dao; he had never considered such matters.
Moreover, having cultivated to the Martial God realm, his control over his vital essence was utterly complete, and he currently had no intention of leaving behind any descendants.
...
Peach Blossom Pavilion, cultivation chamber.
Fang Xi circulated his cultivation method and found that the liquid magical power limit of the 'Evergreen Wood Longevity Art' had reached twenty-nine drops.
“It's a bit slower than I estimated. Indeed, cultivation becomes harder the further one progresses. . . ”
While this liquid magical power recovered relatively quickly after being expended in combat, slowly increasing its upper limit was extremely difficult. Fang Xi had nothing else to say about it; he simply relied on his innate talent and spiritual veins, persistently 'grinding' every day!
After circulating his cultivation method through a Grand Cycle, he began cultivating the 'Thousand Silks Puppet Control Art', and when his Divine Consciousness grew weary, he slowly recovered through meditation.
Once all of this was completed, Fang Xi communicated with the 'All-Heavens Precious Mirror' with his Divine Consciousness and arrived in the Shard World.
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