Immortal of the Nine Realms

Wang Zhenlong nodded in satisfaction. ”That’s right, by acknowledging me as your master, you’ve secured the sword embryo legitimately.”

Fang Chen wondered if he would have actually taken it back if he hadn’t accepted him as his master. Given the behavior of these people, this wasn’t unlikely.

”Here, this is a gift from your Master,” Wang Zhenlong continued. ”You’re just at the Golden Core Realm now, so you can’t really use the valuable stuff. Here are 500 mid-grade spirit stones for you.”

With a wave of his hand, 500 mid-grade spirit stones appeared before Fang Chen.

Outside, Qin Huicheng and the others gasped in awe at the sight of the spirit stones. Their eyes were filled with envy. Even someone like Qin Huicheng, one of the top three prodigies in the Void Immortal Sword Sect, could only receive 10 mid-grade spirit stones a month. 500... that would take years to save.

Moreover, it was nearly impossible to save that much due to numerous expenses.

”Supreme Emperor Wang is really generous,” someone remarked.

”Forget it, forget it,” the various peak masters shook their heads and left, except for the Extreme Sword Peak’s master who remained.

In the main hall of the sect.

”Thank you, Master,” Fang Chen said, receiving the spirit stones and cupping his fist in thanks.

He still had 600 mid-grade spirit stones; with the sale of the Black Dragon Fish, he would have a total of 1000. Adding these 500... He could enter the Three Thousand Dao Realm 3 times and would be close to reaching the peak of the Golden Core Realm.

”Your current cultivation level is too low,” Wang Zhenlong said, waving his hand. ”For now, follow that lass, Ling, back to the Extreme Sword Peak to continue your training. If you encounter any bottlenecks or have questions about the sword path, you can come to my cave and I will help you. Go now.”

”Then I will take my leave, Master.”

Fang Chen bowed respectfully and then turned to leave the main hall of the sect.

Qin Huicheng and the others cupped their fists toward Fang Chen. ”Congratulations, Junior Brother Fang.”

”Supreme Emperor Wang hasn’t accepted a disciple in a long time. Considering that you’re his third disciple, I hope you don’t let him down,” the Extreme Sword Peak Master said, looking at Fang Chen with a hint of expectation.

”I have two senior brothers?” Fang Chen asked, surprised.

Noting Fang Chen’s curiosity, the Extreme Sword Peak Master said calmly, ”Supreme Emperor Wang had two previous disciples. Their talents were perhaps not inferior to yours, but unfortunately, both died young. You’d better be a bit more fortunate.”

Wang Zhenlong’s voice echoed from the main hall. ”What’s this you’re saying, you girl?!”

The Extreme Sword Peak Master said nothing further and transformed into a beam of sword light with Fang Chen and Qin Huicheng and disappeared.

***

When they arrived at the Extreme Sword Peak, the Extreme Sword Peak Master left without a word. Qin Huicheng could only smile wryly and said, ”Junior Brother Fang, don’t take it personally. This is just how the Peak Master is; she doesn’t have anything against you.”

”It’s fine,” Fang Chen replied with a smile.

He had intended to ask about Jing Yuehan, but it seemed he would have to wait for another opportunity.

”Junior Brother Fang, I’ll first show you to an available cave dwelling. The inner sect practices are quite relaxed. Unlike other places, we don’t have so many rules here. It doesn’t matter if you have a master or not; some senior brothers and sisters might even meditate for ten or twenty years without coming out.”

Qin Huicheng took Fang Chen to search for an empty cave dwelling while explaining some details about the Void Immortal Sword Sect along the way.

”Senior Brother Qin, how many disciples are there in the inner sect?” Fang Chen asked.

Fang Chen had heard that the Void Immortal Sword Sect had around 100,000 sword cultivators, but nurturing such a large number of sword cultivators seemed like an incredibly difficult task. After all, how many people truly had a talent for the sword path? It seemed excessive to have that many.

Qin Huicheng appeared momentarily taken aback by the question. After a moment of thought, he shook his head lightly and said, ”I don’t know, never really counted them.

”Some people have been wandering outside for decades or even centuries without returning. Others might be in closed-door cultivation in the inner sect. They could have died in seclusion for all we know. If I had to guess, there are probably around eight or nine thousand.”

Qin Huicheng looked at Fang Chen seriously. ”You mustn’t say this outside. If anyone asks, just tell them that the Void Immortal Sword Sect has 100,000 sword immortals.”

”Understood,” Fang Chen nodded lightly, grasping the implication.

”This is it,” Qin Huicheng said, leading Fang Chen to a cave dwelling. ”This cave was previously occupied by Junior Sister Yu. Since you and she are on good terms, it’s appropriate for you to have it. It has five acres of spiritual fields, a spiritual spring, and there’s a branch of a spiritual vein beneath the cave, so the spiritual energy is abundant.”

Fang Chen noticed that there were peach blossoms planted in front of the cave dwelling. It was known that Fairy Yu, during her time in the Grand Xia, particularly loved peach blossoms.

Qin Huicheng gazed into the distance and sighed lightly. ”A few miles ahead is Junior Sister Jing’s cave dwelling. It’s a pity....”

”Senior Brother Qin, I was just about to ask about this. How long will Junior Sister Jing be confined?” Fang Chen inquired.

”Well, that depends on the Peak Master’s mood...” Qin Huicheng revealed a profound look. ”The mistake Junior Sister Jing made is a major taboo for the Peak Master. How long she will be confined is uncertain.”

”Is there anything to be done?” Fang Chen pondered.

”There are options, but they are quite difficult... Wait a moment!” Qin Huicheng suddenly looked at Fang Chen with a piercing gaze. ”You’ve reminded me of a potential solution.”

”Does it involve me?” Fang Chen asked softly.

”Yes, it does. Considering your performance at the Immortal Dynasty Manor, where you greatly outperformed the so-called Immortal Seedlings, if you were to go to the Ancient Immortal Road and become an Immortal Seedling, the Peak Master might be quite pleased.

”If you then mention Junior Sister Jing’s situation, the Peak Master might be inclined to grant her amnesty out of happiness.”

Qin Huicheng’s eyes grew brighter as he spoke. ”If you could bring back something valuable from the Ancient Immortal Road, there’s a good chance this matter could be resolved.”

Fang Chen nodded lightly. ”The Ancient Immortal Road, huh...”

Using up the three chances in the Three Thousand Dao Realm should allow him to make a trip.

At that moment, someone’s voice resounded behind them. ”Senior Brother Fang!”

Both turned to see Langya Wenqiu flying towards them, waving at Fang Chen.

”Thanks for standing up for her regarding the matter with the Azure Dao Manor,” Qin Huicheng said, patting Fang Chen on the shoulder before vanishing into the sky.

Langya Wenqiu landed in front of Fang Chen, surprised as she looked at Qin Huicheng’s retreating figure. ”Senior Brother Qin left just like that?”

”Perhaps he had urgent matters to attend to,” Fang Chen replied.

”That makes sense. Senior Brother Qin is usually quite busy,” Langya Wenqiu nodded in agreement. She then asked, ”Senior Brother Cheng mentioned that if we don’t sell the Black Dragon Fish soon, they will spoil. Should we head to the market now?”

Fang Chen’s eyes flickered with interest. ”Are there any alchemy materials available there?”

”You’re looking to refine some pills?” Langya Wenqiu smiled. ”No worries, there’s plenty of them at the market. You should find what you need.”

Soon, the two arrived at a lakeside. Langya Wenqiu had referred to the place as a market, but Fang Chen had thought it was just a figure of speech. It turned out to be very much like a bustling market, with people setting up stalls casually. The place was lively with a constant flow of people.

”Disciples from the nine peaks usually come here to browse and pick up what they need,” Langya Wenqiu explained as she scanned the surroundings.

Her eyes lit up as she found a good spot, and she quickly set up their stall.

Fang Chen planned to sell only half of the Black Dragon Fish at first to gauge the market price. If necessary, he could sell more, aiming to gather around 1500 mid-grade spirit stones.

As soon as the Black Dragon Fish was displayed on the stall, dozens of figures immediately flocked.