Immortal of the Nine Realms

With a courteous bow, Song Zhili cupped his fist respectfully and greeted Young Lord Qingque.

Huang Qingque barely spared him a glance. Instead, his gaze rested on the spirited young man beside Song Zhili, who stood tall with an aura of calm nobility.

”It has been some years, Brother Qingque. Have you been well?” greeted the young man warmly.

Though gentle in manner and soft-spoken, there was an unmistakable trace of pride buried deep within his eyes.

Huang Qingque replied coldly, ”Ji Tiandu, I’m only here to show some courtesy to the Minor Immortal Realm.”

His tone was distant and blunt, starkly contrasting the young man’s warmth.

A flicker of restrained anger flashed across Ji Tiandu’s eyes, but his smile remained as composed as ever. He nodded slightly and said, ”I understand. The Minor Immortal Realm owes you a favor.”

Only at the mention of a favor did a faint smile appear on Huang Qingque’s lips. He nodded, then swept his gaze across the hall.

As he pointed towards Song Zhili, he asked, ”Do any of you recognise this man?”

Just as the gathered cultivators were still speculating about Ji Tiandu’s unexpected arrival from the Minor Immortal Realm, they now exchanged unsure glances and wondered why Huang Qingque would single out Song Zhili.

A few division heads who knew of Song Zhili’s background briefly hesitated. One of them stepped forward and spoke. ”Young Lord Qingque, this man is Song Zhili, a cultivator of the Spirit God Sect.”

Song Zhili smiled politely and cupped his fist. ”Greetings, everyone.”

The Spirit God Sect?

Several division heads narrowed their eyes as immortal essence stirred faintly in the air. The atmosphere in the room instantly dropped to a chill.

”What do you all think you’re doing?” berated Division Head Mo sternly. ”Young Lord Qingque probably has his reasons for meeting a member of the Spirit God Sect today. Don’t act recklessly.”

Had the division heads truly meant to strike, they would’ve done so the moment Song Zhili entered. There was no need to wait until now.

Besides, Song Zhili was a third-transformation Loose Immortal. Only Division Head Mo and Division Head Duan might stand a chance to win against him. The others present were no match for him.

Huang Qingque announced, ”It is on behalf of the Minor Immortal Realm that I grant Song Zhili this favor. I could’ve met with him privately, but I wished to avoid unnecessary gossip. So I chose to meet him here today in front of everyone to show I have nothing to hide.”

Song Zhili grinned, nodding as he listened. His gaze drifted toward Fang Chen, who met his eyes with calm composure. Song Zhili’s smile grew deeper.

”Is the division head of Tuxiong Star present today?” asked Huang Qingque.

The room fell into brief confusion, and many instinctively looked towards Pu Yuanzhu—only to remember that Pu Yuanzhu had already withdrawn from Tuxiong Star.

The acting division head now was a familiar face.

All eyes turned to Fang Chen.

Was it related to him?

Fang Chen stepped forward, cupping his fist. ”Greetings, Young Lord Qingque.”

Huang Qingque said, ”Song Zhili has private matters to settle at Tuxiong Star, which coincidentally involves the Minor Immortal Realm. They’ve requested that you show leniency by giving them a year. During this period, you are not to attack them.”

He continued, ”In return, within the next hundred years, the Spirit God Sect will reduce their activity by half.”

The hall was stunned. None had expected such a trade.

It was a worthwhile exchange.

Half the activity over a century would spare many lives...

Fang Chen originally assumed Huang Qingque had received many benefits. Now, it seemed aside from the favor owed by the Minor Immortal Realm, the greatest benefactors were Tuxiong Star and Chaotic Star.

Suddenly, a few cultivators sensed something amiss and stared at Fang Chen in disbelief.

Song Zhili was a third transformation Loose Immortal who had forced Pu Yuanzhu to leave Tuxiong Star. Now, he is involving the Minor Immortal Realm and Young Lord Qingque to plead for just one year of peace from Fang Chen?

When did the situation shift so drastically against the Spirit God Sect?

Chu Jia, Pu Yuanzhu, Huang Qingque, and Song Zhili looked at Fang Chen in shock. Even Ji Tiandu, whose warm smile never wavered, was genuinely studying Fang Chen.

Fang Chen pondered for a moment. Soon, a faint smile curved his lips as he stepped forward and bowed. ”If you wish me to give Song Zhili a year, Young Lord Qingque, then I shall agree to his request.”

Huang Qingque blinked in surprise. He hadn’t expected Fang Chen to agree so easily. His smile deepened, far more radiant than the one he gave Ji Tiandu.

Song Zhili’s brow twitched ever so slightly.

He had thought Fang Chen would refuse and draw Huang Qingque’s ire. That, too, would’ve served their aims.

Song Zhili sneered. What a man.... Knowing when to yield to fortune and avoid danger. I have underestimated him.

Ji Tiandu’s smile grew brighter. He nodded toward Huang Qingque with gratitude visible in his eyes.

Huang Qingque announced, ”Everyone, this must be the first time many of you have met Division Head Fang. Truth be told, even I was unaware of his prowess until Song Zhili begged Ji Tiandu to come speak on his behalf.

”Division Head Fang once slayed a second-transformation sword cultivator and injured a third transformation at Tuxiong Star. For over a decade, he has guarded Tuxiong Star and defeated the Spirit God Sect countless times. Even someone like Brother Song wouldn’t dare mess with him and could only seek a favor through Ji Tiandu.”

”I daresay Division Head Fang won’t remain at Tuxiong Star forever. His future is boundless. Today is a good opportunity for all of you to introduce yourselves and befriend him.”

His words stunned the hall. Shock rippled across every face as they stared at Fang Chen anew.

Could this young man truly be a third-transformation Loose Immortal?

Chu Jia glared at Pu Yuanzhu, clearly blaming him for hiding the truth.

To wound a third transformation sword cultivator, one would need at least equivalent cultivation. How could he be a second-transformation Loose Immortal?

Song Zhili’s smile stiffened. He had been thoroughly played and mocked in front of everyone. Still, for the sake of a greater goal, he would endure.

Chuckling awkwardly, he praised, ”Division Head Fang’s techniques are indeed extraordinary and his path of sword cultivation is profound and far beyond ordinary comprehension.”

Path of Sword Cultivation?

The room grew quiet. More curious gazes turned to Fang Chen.

Huang Qingque gave Song Zhili a sidelong glance, then said lightly, ”So what if he is a sword cultivator. Although the path of sword cultivation ends at the third transformation, Division Head Fang managed to wound a third-transformation sword cultivator while still in the second transformation realm. If he breaks through to the third transformation, not many of his peers would be able to win against him. He wouldn’t be helpless against a fourth transformation opponent too....”

The room fell into silence. Burning eyes with admiration and awe turned to Fang Chen.