Immortal of the Nine Realms

Fang Wanli muttered softly, ”These two have quite a sharp nose.”

Upon seeing this, Fang Yun quickly recounted what had just happened.

Soon, everyone understood. They guessed that Qian Jiuye and Princess Shenlong were here to apologize.

In the courtyard, Emperor Qian Jiaye stood behind Princess Shenlong, donning a stern expression. He had secured his throne largely due to the support of this ancestor, and naturally, he didn’t dare act rashly.

His son, Qian Shun, stood behind him, looking pale. The old eunuch beside him occasionally cast him a glance, his eyes revealing a hint of disdain.

Soon, Fang Chen, Fang Tingjian, and the others came out to greet them.

When Qian Jiuye saw Fang Chen, a hint of emotion flashed in his eyes.

Over fifty years ago, he never would have imagined himself sitting on the throne. After a certain event had transpired, he was able to ascend to the throne. This was all because Princess Shenlong had considered his good relationship with the Fang Family and his past connection with Fang Chen. He had thus been chosen from among the many princes, ultimately becoming the Emperor of Grand Qian.

Now, reflecting on it all, it could only be said that the world was unpredictable—everything was fated.

Princess Shenlong first greeted Fang Tingjian and the others before turning her attention to Fang Chen. She cupped her fist and greeted, ”Daoist Fang.”

Fang Chen smiled and nodded. ”Have you been well?”

Princess Shenlong smiled lightly. ”Aside from a few wrinkles, I have been well.”

Then, her gaze fell on Qian Shun. ”I learned that Qian Shun nearly caused a great disaster, but fortunately, Daoist Fang intervened, preventing this calamity from escalating. However, while death can be spared, punishment cannot. I’ve brought my son here to offer our apologies.”

Fang Zhijian couldn’t help but gloat, glancing at Fang Yun. ”Mother, looks like this guy is about to be publicly punished.”

Fang Yun shot him a cold look, her gaze sharpening as she turned to Qian Shun.

If it were just a public punishment, what kind of apology would that be?

At that moment, Qian Jiuye spoke. ”Brother Fang, this brat of mine is too unruly. I originally gave him that treasure so he could protect himself in times of danger, but who would’ve thought he would use it to harm others? Today, I’ll cripple his cultivation so he’ll never harm anyone again.”

With those words, Qian Jiuye slapped Qian Shun’s Dantian.

Boom!

The sound of something collapsing echoed in everyone’s ears, like the rumbling of a mountain crumbling.

This was the sound of Qian Shun’s Immortal Veins collapsing.

Qian Shun let out a miserable scream as he collapsed to the ground, his face as pale as a corpse. He stared in disbelief at his father.

He couldn’t believe his father had really crippled him! He had crippled him as an apology for Fang Chen!

Qian Shun couldn’t understand why he had to suffer such a cruel punishment for what he believed was a minor offense!

The thought of never again having a chance to walk the immortal path made him feel more miserable than death itself.

Tears, unbidden, rolled down his face.

Fang Zhijian stood frozen, watching the scene in a daze.

In the blink of an eye, his rival, Qian Shun, was... done for?

Losing his Immortal Veins meant Qian Shun’s cultivation path had been severed. From now on, he would only be a wealthy mortal prince. He could never stand on the same level as true cultivators.

Fang Zhijian suddenly felt a pang of emptiness. Even someone with Qian Shun’s background could fall so far after offending others. What would happen if, one day, he became like Qian Shun? Would he also lose everything?

Fang Chen nodded. ”Brother Qian, you are very considerate.”

Seeing that Fang Chen had no objections to the apology, Qian Jiuye’s heart finally relaxed.

The image of Fang Chen’s sword cutting through the Nascent Soul Realm was still vivid in his mind. It wasn’t just the dominance of the sword technique that made him fearful; even Fang Chen’s background was enough to make him feel apprehensive, and he dared not offend him in the slightest.

Princess Shenlong noticed the exchange and spoke a few more words with Fang Chen and the others before leading Qian Jiuye and his group out of the Fang Manor.

Fang Chen turned to Fang Tingjian and the others. ”Ancestors, have there been any remnants of the Spirit Blood Sect causing trouble these years?”

Fang Tingjian smiled faintly and replied, ”There were indeed a few people making trouble, but we’re not sure if they were Spirit Blood Sect members. I’ve already dealt with them.”

Fang Wanli added, ”After that incident, the Spirit Blood Sect probably wouldn’t dare to make waves again. You can rest easy.”

Fang Chen’s tone turned serious. ”The Spirit Blood Sect is a huge force, much stronger than you two imagine. So, you must not let your guard down.”

Fang Tingjian and Fang Wanli exchanged glances, their expressions growing slightly solemn.

If someone at Fang Chen’s level, an Enlightenment Realm cultivator, said that the Spirit Blood Sect was a massive force, it could be taken as the truth.

Fang Chen clasped his fist and smiled. ”Ancestors, if there’s nothing else, I’ll be taking my leave soon.”

Fang Wanli was surprised. ”In such a hurry to leave? You’re not even staying for a day?”

Fang Tingjian fell silent, contemplating. He asked, ”Where are you headed?”

Fang Chen answered, ”I’m going to Azure Cloud Empire to have a look.”

”That’s a good idea,” Fang Tingjian said. ”Yun Cang has been a little unstable recently. If you go, you might be able to help Immortal Void Rush and the others resolve some issues.”

Fang Chen’s gaze shifted. ”What’s happening there?”

Fang Tingjian hesitated for a moment before speaking, ”Some cultivators from a certain third-tier empire have arrived there. Their background and cultivation are no small matter. They’re touring with their disciples. The Purple Pole Dao Academy, Jade Void Mountain, and Chenxiang Temple have all suffered significant casualties.”

Fang Wanli sneered. ”These cultivators are using the lives of Azure Cloud Empire’s people to sharpen their disciples. I’ve heard they’re Dao disciples who are skilled in talismans and pill formation.”

Fang Chen nodded. ”If Immortal Void Rush needs help, I will not stand by idly.”

After exchanging a few more words, Fang Chen took his leave. Everyone watched as the immortal boat blinked out of sight and vanished into the horizon, their expressions a mix of complicated emotions and quiet joy.

Fang Tingjian said calmly, ”The news of Fang Chen’s progress to the Enlightenment Realm must not be spread easily. Keep your mouths shut.”

Everyone paused, and Fang Kun’s face showed a trace of confusion. He respectfully asked, ”Ancestor, this news is highly beneficial to our family. Why must we—”

Fang Tingjian replied, ”Have you forgotten the Spirit Blood Sect? If they find out and prepare in advance, even someone in the Enlightenment Realm could still face danger.”

Everyone nodded in understanding.

On the Immortal Boat, Du Yunxu stood in front of Fang Chen and said quietly, ”My lord, I’ve already investigated Shangguan Tong. The superior of the Day Walker Monarch is very suspicious. He is no longer in the Underworld; he has returned to the Mortal Realm.”

Fang Chen smiled faintly. ”Who is his superior?”

Du Yunxu said softly, ”It’s... Division Monarch You Fang. But I believe Lord You isn’t courageous enough to hire someone to deal with you.”

Fang Chen smiled. ”You Fang, huh? Investigate further. Check if the Judgment Division is involved in this matter, and also look into Shangguan Tong’s identity in the Mortal Realm.”

Du Yunxu nodded. ”I will follow your orders.”

He couldn’t help but think, Shangguan Tong, this fool—does he really think that returning to the Mortal Realm will make everything fine? He has spent so many years in the Underworld. There are certainly others who walked the same path with him, and a little bit of effort will reveal his movements in the Mortal Realm.

***

At the Jade Void Mountain, within the Azure Cloud Empire.

A group of Daoist cultivators stood at the gate, pointing and gesturing at the nearby demon cultivators.

The demon cultivators of Jade Void Mountain dared not speak up in anger. Recently, these Dao cultivators had frequently come to the mountain, claiming to teach their disciples the art of hunting demons. They insisted that the disciples from Jade Void Mountain engage in battle with very harsh conditions: no use of magical treasures and no transformation into human forms.

At present, Immortal White Tiger was standing beside an elderly man dressed in Daoist robes, listening respectfully to his words along with Lu Changqing, the sect leader, and several other Golden Core Realm demon cultivator elders.

The Daoist-robed elder smiled. ”The Spirit Void Dao Sect’s demon-suppressing techniques are constantly evolving, with different methods arising for different demon races. Therefore, we require multiple rounds of practice to become proficient. I hope Immortal White Tiger doesn’t mind our frequent visits.”

Immortal White Tiger forced a smile. ”Of course not, Senior Lin. We wouldn’t dare. I’m curious, which of my disciples would you like to challenge this time?”

”I would like a demon cultivator from the monkey race.” The Daoist-robed elder glanced over the group and pointed at Victorious Buddha. ”He’s quite suitable. He’s in the early stages of the Foundation Building Realm.”