Immortal of the Nine Realms

Fang Chen’s seclusion lasted for more than ten full years. Perhaps because he had remained at the fourth transformation for too long, his foundation had already become extraordinarily solid. After consuming the fifth-transformation immortal herb, the Sword Bodhi, his cultivation naturally advanced from the fourth transformation to the fifth transformation with incomparably smooth ease.

The moment he ended his seclusion, Fang Chen sensed that being’s watchful eyes fall upon him again. He became curious about the cultivation level of the overseer that the Supreme Qingming Alliance had assigned to the Mortal Realm.

Within the courtyard, Fang Hai and Fang Ling were practicing the Blazing Fist. The two were no longer the frail children they once were. One was handsome and graceful, while the other had grown into a poised and elegant young woman.

Seeing Fang Chen emerge from the bamboo building, delight appeared on both their faces as they hurried forward to pay their respects.

”Uncle Fang!”

”How has the Fang Clan been these past years? Has everything remained peaceful?” Fang Chen asked with a smile.

Fang Hai immediately explained the Fang Clan’s recent situation.

Ever since Fang Longshan led the reformation of the Hechuan Fang Clan, the clan had not expanded as outsiders expected. Instead, it had become increasingly low-profile. As a result, the rumors that the Fang Clan possessed divine ability cultivators gradually became harder for outsiders to believe.

Fang Chen nodded. Fang Longshan had listened to his advice and chosen stability over reckless expansion of the Fang Clan’s influence within the Great Zhou.

In the end, such things were nothing more than fleeting illusions. Once their ancestor advanced into the Saint realm, the Fang Clan would naturally become what the Envoy called a Saint Race. If he didn’t, no matter how hard the Fang Clan of the Great Zhou struggled, they would still ultimately face destruction.

”Have the two of you encountered any confusion in your cultivation over these recent years?” Fang Chen asked.

Fang Hai cupped his fist. ”Following the meditation method you taught us, Uncle Fang, both Fang Ling and I have felt our cultivation steadily stabilizing and improving over the years.”

A glint passed in Fang Chen’s eyes. He scanned their nine transverse bones. The lightning radiance upon them had grown increasingly dense.

Their cultivation has really improved, and the nine transverse bones have also changed somewhat. It seems that at least within the three Foundation Establishment Realms, cultivation is deeply tied to the nine transverse bones.

After chatting with the two for a bit longer, Fang Chen brought them to find Fang Longshan. Seeing Fang Chen emerge from seclusion, Fang Longshan was overjoyed and immediately gave a detailed explanation of the Fang Clan’s situation over the past decade. His explanation was far more detailed than the children’s.

Fang Chen smiled. ”With the two of them remaining in the Fang Clan, many problems can at least be resolved. You two must also properly heed Clan Leader Fang’s teachings and not neglect your cultivation.”

”Yes,” the two hurriedly answered.

Fang Longshan looked troubled for a moment. He couldn’t help but ask, ”You are leaving?”

Fang Chen smiled and nodded. ”I need to head beyond the Great Zhou. There are still parts of my memory that I need to recover.”

The two children were startled. Only then did they realize Fang Chen intended to leave the Great Zhou.

”Uncle Fang, can we come with you?” Fang Ling asked instinctively.

Fang Chen shook his head. ”You both still have your family at home, and the Fang Clan also requires you to remain here. This is not the right time for you to leave.”

He stood up, nodded toward Fang Longshan, and walked out the door.

Fang Longshan immediately led the two children to escort him outside, where they watched Fang Chen transform into a streak of light that vanished into the horizon.

Fang Longshan sighed to himself.

Seeing the disappointment on the children’s faces, he could not help but comfort them. ”As long as you cultivate diligently, one day you too will be able to travel beyond the Great Zhou. At that time, seeing your Uncle Fang again would be easy, wouldn’t it? After all, the lifespan of divine ability cultivators is far beyond what mortals can compare to. On the contrary, I fear this may be the last time I ever see him.”

***

Within the Great Zhou capital, Fang Chen swept out his divine soul and instantly locked onto the Envoy’s location. When the Envoy saw Fang Chen silently appear before him, he was shocked. He hurriedly cupped his fist respectfully. ”My lord.”

Fang Chen smiled. ”I wish to travel beyond the Great Zhou. I’ll trouble you to bring me across.”

A glint passed in the Envoy’s eyes. ”You intend to return to the Divine Realm?”

He secretly speculated whether the situation regarding the Fang Clan within the Divine Realm had changed, though he dared not ask. Instead, he changed the topic of his inquiry. ”What identity do you intend to use?”

”Naturally the identity of a Great Zhou royal clansman.”

”I understand.”

***

Half a year later.

The Envoy brought Fang Chen before a formation. At first glance, it looked extremely similar to a Starry Teleportation Formation. Yet upon closer inspection, there were subtle differences. Compared to the Starry Teleportation Formation, it was even more complex.

The two entered the formation, and a ripple-like flash of light swept past.

Fang Chen and the Envoy emerged from the formation together, appearing atop a cloud-shrouded mountain peak. There were nine other similar peaks nearby, each with an identical formation atop it.

Guards were stationed around. Upon seeing Fang Chen and the Envoy, one of them immediately approached them. The newcomer’s cultivation was roughly equal to the Envoy’s, in the first transformation.

The newcomer seemed extremely familiar with the Envoy, greeting him with a smile. ”Brother Zhou, Great Zhou has produced another awakened one?”

The Envoy coughed before turning toward Fang Chen. ”Zhou Chen, this is an overseer from the Envoy Division. His surname is Niu. You may address him as Senior Niu.”

Fang Chen cupped his fist. ”Greetings, Senior Niu.”

Overseer Niu smiled and nodded.

The Envoy smiled as well. ”Brother Niu, this is a junior from my family. He was fortunate enough to awaken a divine ability. His divine ability is no ordinary one either; he controls lightning. According to the rules, he can no longer remain within the Mortal Realm and must come to the Nether Ruins for training.”

”Oh? Lightning?”

Overseer Niu’s brows lifted, looking impressed. He could not help but size Fang Chen up a few times. ”Display your divine ability.”

Fang Chen commanded Azure Lightning to flash briefly about him. He deliberately suppressed the aura so it resembled a normal first-stage Awakening Realm cultivator.

Overseer Niu’s eyes shone. ”It really is a lightning divine ability. These are really rare. Looks like you will soon have another fierce general, Brother Zhou.”

He withdrew his gaze from Fang Chen and turned to the Envoy. ”Brother Zhou, do you have an arrangement for this junior in mind? Will he follow the Luoxue Alliance, or do you intend for him to wander through the Nether Ruins on his own for a while?”

The Envoy cupped his fist. ”Brother Niu, what are you saying? I am also a member of the Luoxue Alliance. Naturally, my junior must be the same. My duties prevent me from remaining here long. I’ll leave him in your care.”

He gave Fang Chen one last glance before turning and walking back into the formation, his figure vanishing instantly.

The smile on Overseer Niu’s face immediately faded. He looked coldly at Fang Chen. ”The Zhou Clan might have produced several notable figures, but within the Luoxue Alliance, everything is based upon fairness. You have only just awakened your divine ability. What you should do now is temper your divine ability and aim to reach the ninth transformation.

”Therefore, I intend to arrange for you to head to the front lines. There, you can fight for the Luoxue Alliance, fight for the Nether Ruins, slay foreign races, earn military merit, and improve your cultivation. Do you have any objections?”