Chapter 292: Ten Years (For the White Silver Alliance Leader)
Chapter 292: Ten Years (For the White Silver Alliance Leader)
The Nurturing Yuan Cave.
"Alas, woe is us. . . Ancestor Lu has returned to the Great Void, departing from our sect. . . All disciples of our sect are heartbroken beyond measure. . ."
...
Fang Xi watched the Sect Master, Wei Xuan, delivering a lengthy eulogy, his own emotions complex.
'Though I had long anticipated this. . . why do I feel nothing inside, even a little like laughing? '
'Strictly speaking, among the Core Formation cultivators of these three nations, he's the third one I've seen off now. . . Old Ghost Jiang, Perfected Bai Feng, and now Ancestor Lu Qing. . . Hmm, that useless External Core from Ethereal Valley Sect doesn't count as Core Formation. . . he's still just a Foundation Establishment baby. '
'To live long is to see much; the era of the previous generation of Core Formation ancestors has come to an end. . . '
'With Lu Qing's death, there's truly no one left in the Green Wood Sect who can stop me. . . '
Finally, Wei Xuan delivered the concluding remarks:
"Ancestor Lu fearlessly guarded our sect, achieving numerous military merits for our Green Wood Sect and eliminating great enemies. . . Ultimately, one year ago, he signed a peace treaty between our Green Wood Sect and the Ethereal Valley Sect, forcing Old Ghost Yan to swear an oath never to invade the Green Wood Sect again in his lifetime!"
This individual, a Foundation Establishment Perfected cultivator, projected his voice far and wide.
"What?"
"A truce has already been signed?"
"That's wonderful!"
Fang Xi suddenly felt the morale, which had plummeted with Ancestor Lu's passing, instantly surge!
'This Green Wood Sect. . . actually kept it from me. . . Well, what can I say? I'm an outsider, after all. '
'Releasing this news now, announcing it to the entire sect and the State of Mu, is probably to stabilize morale, right? '
'It seems. . . I really am not the protagonist. . . The protagonists in those storybooks carry a disaster aura, causing trouble wherever they go, be it natural calamities or wars. . . commonly known as a death magnet. . . '
'How is it that when I came to the Green Wood Sect, I brought peace instead? '
Fang Xi sighed internally, his face displaying a feigned look of pleasant surprise. Looking up, he saw Zheng Tie's encouraging and affirming gaze.
Cultivators do not dwell on elaborate formalities. After paying their respects at Ancestor Lu's memorial tablet, the Foundation Establishment cultivators dispersed.
Just then, a black light approached, revealing the cultivator within to be 'Tie Jiu'.
"Fellow Daoist Cao. . . how is your cultivation progressing?"
Tie Jiu forced a smile, but even the scar on his face seemed stiff.
"With the aid of a third-order spirit vein cave-dwelling, it's quite good. . ."
Fang Xi smiled and exchanged a few words with Tie Jiu.
Tie Jiu then departed, and as Fang Xi watched his retreating figure, a thoughtful expression appeared on his face: "This fellow probably senses something is amiss, too, having been dealt a harsh blow by reality. He's looking for an alliance. . ."
He didn't blame the sect's higher-ups for treating them differently; it was all inconsequential anyway.
A wage-earner's spirit is all about the paycheck. As long as they provided enough spirit vein cave-dwellings, everything else could be ignored.
Thinking this, Fang Xi returned to Zheng Tie's cave-dwelling to inquire for news.
After all, to go back into seclusion after such a major event would appear quite abnormal.
"My virtuous nephew. . . I, too, just learned of this."
Zheng Tie arrived shortly after, sighing as he saw Fang Xi.
"Regardless, this is ultimately a good thing. . . I was truly afraid that Ethereal Valley Sect would attack after Ancestor Lu passed away."
Fang Xi, however, showed a relieved expression: "At that time, lives would be devastated. If I were still a rogue cultivator, I might have died even faster. . ."
"My virtuous nephew indeed has far-sighted vision. . . " Zheng Tie nodded, encouraging him: "Your joining our sect during such tumultuous times shows true loyalty, completely unlike those who came later. The Sect Master has given instructions that your treatment shall be on par with core Foundation Establishment disciples, absolutely without discrimination!"
"Many thanks, Uncle Zheng. . ."
Fang Xi immediately expressed his gratitude, then asked about other news, such as the Black Heaven Sect's situation.
"Your prediction was correct. The Black Heaven Sect has also signed a pact. Now, the cultivation world of the three nations can be considered completely at peace. . ."
Zheng Tie was filled with emotion.
After all, he also didn't wish to encounter such a large-scale war in the cultivation world.
"Ancestor Lu's merit is immeasurable. . . I recall when Tie Jiu and I paid our respects to the ancestor, his voice and smile were still clear, yet now. . ."
Fang Xi sighed emotionally, though inwardly, he was thinking with resignation:
'Now that the cultivation world of these three nations has returned to peace. . . if I had stayed in Myriad Islands Lake, I would have been quite an eyesore. . . '
'Wait. . . I already ran away, didn't I? Then it's fine. . . '
...
"Alas, with Ancestor Lu's ascension. . . even without external enemies, the future of the State of Mu will not be peaceful. . ."
Zheng Tie was deeply worried.
Although the Green Wood Sect now possessed a third-order spirit vein and formations, and its Foundation Establishment cultivators were superior in both strength and number within the State of Mu, he felt no sense of security.
Without a Core Formation cultivator, there was no true confidence!
Even if Ancestor Lu Qing had arranged everything before his ascension, the more precise the arrangements and plans, the more suspicious they were to flaws, leading to a chain collapse (chain collapse)!
He looked at Fang Xi, admonishing him: "The sect has given new Foundation Establishment cultivators seven more years. After seven years, you must follow Elder Qian's instructions from the Affairs Hall closely. . . Although we cultivators pursue longevity and freedom, in times of need, we cannot do without protective means. Do not neglect your Foundation Establishment-stage spells and spirit artifact techniques. . ."
"Don't worry, I know."
Fang Xi gave a hearty smile. . .
...
Seven years later.
Inside the Verdant Bamboo Grove cave-dwelling.
A figure flickered, and Fang Xi appeared from nothingness. He touched the storage ring on his hand, a hint of a smile gracing his lips.
He had taken the opportunity to visit the Shard World again, where he transformed into a mysterious Wu King, acquiring quite a few resources.
The most important among these were a batch of third-order spirit wood, perfectly suitable for crafting various high-grade talisman papers.
As for the secret art for creating 'talisman jade'?
Fang Xi comprehended it for a while, refined two pieces of ancient blank jade talismans, and after several attempts, found that conventional talisman-making techniques simply couldn't leave any marks on them. So, he could only seal them away for now.
He pondered for a moment, then went to the artifact refining room.
Fang Xi's eyes flickered slightly. With a raise of his hand, he summoned the 'Green Reaping Sword'.
This sword, after being refined by him using that section of superior-grade third-order spirit wood obtained from Dan Ya's treasure vault, now possessed even more astonishing power.
Not only that, the sword's body had gradually turned verdant and jade-like, seemingly showing a tendency to transform into jade.
'The Green Reaping Sword's power has increased again. . . but unfortunately, the improvement is not significant. Even superior-grade third-order spirit wood is like this, let alone the inferior-grade third-order spirit wood I acquired this time. . . '
'It's better not to. Rashly refining too much spirit wood into it might actually lead to the artifact's quality becoming miscellaneous (mixed/impure). . . '
'Currently, the material of this 'Green Reaping Sword' is almost at the superior-grade third-order level. To increase its power, I must start with the 'Immortal-Slaying Treasure Glyphs'. . . What a pity. . . '
Fang Xi shook his head and sighed.
After gaining the freedom to move about, he naturally didn't let go of those treasure glyphs, forcefully acquiring quite a few.
However, the Shard World indeed had limitations; treasure glyphs were the highest, with no further path for advancement!
'After all, it's just a trial ground for Foundation Establishment Perfected disciples. . . The opponents being comparable to ordinary early-stage Core Formation cultivators and False Core Perfected is the limit. . . Any higher, even true genius disciples would suffer heavy casualties. . . '
Fang Xi stroked the Green Reaping Sword, feeling a slight regret.
This sword held significant meaning for him, but it was foreseeable that if the 'Immortal-Slaying Treasure Glyphs' had no further potential, the sword would inevitably fall behind the progress of his cultivation, eventually becoming dispensable.
'Cultivated with Core Formation True Essence, the 'Life and Death Seal's' power has grown much faster than the 'Green Reaping Sword'. Is this the limitation of treasure glyphs? Because they are achieved quickly, does it somewhat damage the foundation for future progress? '
'However, no matter what, this sword should be perfectly fine for use up to late-stage Core Formation. . . '
'This treasure glyph art, while beneficial for quick results. . . ultimately has some hidden dangers. Fortunately, I have never cultivated it myself. . . '
Fang Xi sat cross-legged, a crystal containing a treasure glyph appearing in his hand. He began to quietly meditate on it.
Time flew by quickly. . .
A month later.
Fang Xi, with disheveled hair, was lying comfortably on a bamboo chair, holding the scroll containing the Situ family's corpse refining inheritance.
"I've mostly comprehended the 'Corpse Control Art'. . . it's just the soul-splitting technique in the last section that's a bit troublesome. . ."
The Sea of Consciousness, where the soul resides, was the most crucial and private part of a cultivator!
Even if the secret art described it in flowery language, when it came to actual practice, Fang Xi still hesitated.
Although, he felt that with his current Divine Consciousness strength, which was perhaps comparable to a mid-stage Core Formation cultivator, actively splitting a portion of his soul shouldn't be a big problem.
'However. . . it's probably best to wait until later, when I break through to mid-stage Core Formation. . . my soul will be even stronger, and the side effects will be minimal. . . '
'As for the refining method of the Black Fire Demonic Corpse, I've largely understood it. As long as I have enough materials, I can proceed with attempting to refine it. . . '
'Although there's a third world waiting for me, I've already gained a lot from the second world. . . Until I refine the Black Fire Demonic Corpse, I don't really have much motivation to explore. '
Just then, Fang Xi's brow furrowed.
He stood up, put the black leather book into his storage ring, and went outside his cave-dwelling.
In the verdant bamboo grove, Zheng Shan had already been waiting for a long time.
Upon seeing Fang Xi, a hint of joy immediately appeared on her face as she bowed: "Uncle-Master Cao. . . Uncle-Master Qian has requested your presence!"
"Counting the days, the ten-year period has arrived. . ."
Fang Xi sighed, then turned to close the door of his cave-dwelling.
Though there wasn't anything particularly valuable inside the cave-dwelling.
Even Green Horned Dragon had been staying in his spirit beast pouch, rarely let out to stretch.
"Uncle-Master Cao truly is a dedicated cultivator. . ."
Watching Fang Xi's departing light, Zheng Shan gave a wry smile and continued to tend to the spirit herb garden.
Initially, she naturally had some ideas. Although Uncle-Master Cao Chong Yun had an ordinary appearance, he was a Foundation Establishment cultivator after all!
Even as a concubine, many female disciples in the sect would be tempted.
However, this Uncle-Master's personality was too cold. She had been here for seven years, and they had only exchanged a handful of words. Every day, he just cultivated inside his cave-dwelling!
A hint of resentment couldn't help but appear on Zheng Shan's face. . .
...
Affairs Hall.
Fang Xi entered and instructed a disciple to announce his presence.
Not long after, he saw Elder Qian slowly approaching, seemingly preoccupied with many thoughts.
Upon seeing Fang Xi, he forced a smile: "Junior Brother Cao. . . you've arrived."
"The ten-year period has come to an end. As a Foundation Establishment cultivator of the sect, I naturally must come to accept tasks and contribute to the sect."
Fang Xi's face was righteous and solemn, but he subtly slipped a storage bag over.
"Alas. . . Junior Brother Tie proactively accepted a task five years ago and went out to battle. . ."
Elder Qian, having received the Spirit Stones, still seemed rather unhappy.
But Fang Xi slowly sipped his spirit tea, showing no urgency, nor did he inquire further.
"Junior Brother Cao. . . " This patience made Elder Qian unable to hold back: "Don't you want to know what exactly happened?"
"If the sect wishes me to know, I will naturally know. If the sect does not wish me to know, then I will not intrude."
Fang Xi replied indifferently, then asked: "Senior Brother Qian, is my task difficult for you?"
"No. . . not at all. Since Junior Brother Cao excels in talisman arts, then please accept this task. You just need to submit a certain number of second-order talismans to the sect each year. . ."
Elder Qian tossed over a jade slip.
Fang Xi took it, quickly scanned it, and found it to be a standard talisman crafting task, then nodded with satisfaction.
Although this task might be burdensome for a mid to low-grade second-order talisman master, potentially hindering their cultivation or even requiring them to supplement material losses from their own pocket.
But for him, a third-order talisman master, it naturally presented little problem.
"Many thanks, Senior Brother Qian. I shall take my leave. . ."
Fang Xi cupped his fist and departed directly.
Elder Qian watched Fang Xi's receding back, his eyes flickering: 'These two entered the sect at the same time. Tie Jiu is aggressive and proactive, while this Cao Chong Yun is dedicated to bitter cultivation. . . Both seem fine. . . But it's only been ten years. I still need to wait and see. . . '
'Now that the sect is in such a precarious state, even we Foundation Establishment cultivators are willing but unable to do much. . . '
'Alas. . . if the ancestor were still here, how wonderful that would be? '
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