Chapter 1168: I, Xu Changshi, Have Arrived

In Youhuan City, Pu Yuanzhu appeared again. This time, when he saw Fang Chen’s appearance, he was startled.

“What’s going on?” asked Pu Yuanzhu, shocked.

It hadn’t been long since they last met, yet Fang Chen’s demeanor and face had already become so aged.

Could it be that there had been some upheaval in the Underworld in such a short time?

Fang Chen smiled. “I’ve lost some lifespan, but it’s nothing serious.”

“Indeed, it’s nothing serious. Even if your lifespan is completely gone, your Yin Lifespan won’t run out.” Pu Yuanzhu nodded and stopped focusing on that matter. Instead, he said solemnly, “The time has been set. Huang Qingque wants you to be at Yuxu Star within two months.”

“Two months, that’s quite enough time.” Fang Chen nodded. “You can go back and tell him I will attend the banquet on time.”

Pu Yuanzhu said in a low voice, “What’s your plan? You can choose not to go, but you will face obstacles everywhere in the Mortal Realm. However, if you choose to go, you have to agree to whatever he asks.”

Fang Chen smiled. “I’ll solve the root problem. As for Huang Qingque, I’ll handle it. Even if we can’t become friends, we don’t need to become enemies.”

Pu Yuanzhu’s expression was strange. He occasionally paid attention to Fang Chen, and based on his understanding over the years, what he feared most about Fang Chen meeting Huang Qingque this time was that they might become enemies.

Even with the Minor Underworld as a fallback, it would be extremely troublesome. After all, the Nine Mortal Realms were the real chessboard.

Pu Yuanzhu’s eyes were complicated. “Are you sure... you won’t become enemies with Huang Qingque?”

“Do you think I’m still the reckless youth I was back then? Over the years, I’ve seen too much and gradually understood why everyone has so many concerns about your actions.”

Fang Chen sighed softly. “Sometimes, when your position changes, your thoughts change too. Rest assured, making enemies with Huang Qingque is not prudent. In fact, it’s the worst course of action. It should be a last resort. Even if I haven’t mastered the core of the older generation’s methods, I’ve learned a bit. You don’t need to worry that I’ll mess things up out of impulse.”

A hint of relief flashed in Pu Yuanzhu’s eyes. “That’s good.”

With that, Pu Yuanzhu stood up and gave his farewell before leaving.

After he left, Fang Chen sat for a while longer before Qing Sui came in to make tea for him. After about an hour, Qi Tianran leisurely walked into the hall.

Qing Sui stood up and saluted. “Monarch Qi.”

“No need for formalities,” replied Qi Tianran politely with a smile.

𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

He turned his attention to Fang Chen and reported, “Lord, we have found some clues about the information you asked us to investigate, but it might be as futile as before...”

Fang Chen smiled. “Life is full of disappointments, and things rarely go smoothly. We already hold the advantage, which is far better than most. Tell me, where is this news about the emergence of an immortal herb this time?”

Over the past ten years, ever since he learned about the later stages of the Immortal Path, he had arranged for minor Underworld cultivators to gather intelligence all over the place.

Perhaps the Minor Underworld’s strength was far inferior to the top elites in the Nine Mortal Realms, but when it came to information channels, the Minor Underworld firmly held the upper hand.

In a war between two forces, when a side gained the initiative at every turn, even the smallest advantage would snowball.

In ten years, the Minor Underworld had uncovered dozens of rumors about immortal herbs. Only once was the information completely accurate while the rest turned out to be false, causing many to waste effort in vain. That one time, Fang Chen had also joined the scramble, but unfortunately, the immortal herb was seized by a fifth-transformation cultivator and never fell into his hands.

“This time, it’s in the Nine Star Realm...”

......

In the Floating Pagoda Realm, Xu Changshi did not come alone. Along with him were a second-transformation cultivator and four first-transformation cultivators. They were all direct bloodline core members of the Xu Family.

“Up ahead is Dangyin Mountain, right?” asked Xu Changshi, gazing at the endless mountain range in the distance, where thick dark clouds churned and Yin energy surged

The second-transformation cultivator took out a map, compared it with the surroundings, and then nodded. “We’re in the right place. But Changshi, is it really necessary for you to come in person? This kind of task could be handled by us. Chen Lingding is also a Spirit God Sect cultivator, but he might not be on our side. I’ve never heard of any connection between him and the Heavenly Saint Sect before. Why would he suddenly come to us because of Song Zhili?”

“This matter might be related to that Killing Spiritual Division cultivator. That brat was truly obnoxious, speaking disrespectfully to me. Perhaps he thinks he can use Chen Lingting as leverage?” Xu Changshi sneered coldly. “As for whether Chen Lingding has a grudge against the Heavenly Saint Sect, we won’t discuss that for now. Since he’s coming to find us this time, it’s definitely not just to use us against Song Zhili. It’s probably about that Minor Immortal Realm.”

“Minor Immortal Realm making a deal with Song Zhili... That’s really strange. What could there be that would make the Minor Immortal Realm trade with such a minor roleplayer?”

“No need to wonder. Not everyone in the Minor Immortal Realm is noble or important. There are minor roleplayers similar to Song Zhili there. Minor roleplayers naturally play with other minor roleplayers. Playing with us? They’re not qualified.”

Xu Changshi said coldly, “No need to overthink. Let’s just go directly.”

“How about we go ahead first? If you can avoid showing yourself, don’t show yourself,” suggested the second transformation cultivator.

“I’ve checked. The Dangyin Mountain Lord is a third-transformation Great Yin demon and has a good relationship with Chen Lingding’s faction. If he...”

“He’s just a third transformation Great Yin demon. I’m also a third-transformation Loose Immortal. Even if I can’t beat him, he won’t be able to hold me back. Don’t worry,” said Xu Changshi.

He waved his hand and transformed into a streak of light that flew toward Dangyin Mountain.

The others exchanged glances before reluctantly following.

In their minds, it was best if Xu Changshi didn’t move personally unless necessary. At his status and position, there was no need to be involved in every matter, especially since there seemed to be traces of the Killing Spiritual Division involved.

However, they didn’t believe it was truly a scheme set by the Killing Spiritual Division. If the Killing Spiritual Division wanted to set a trap, they wouldn’t focus on Xu Changshi; they would aim for much higher-level targets.

“Chen Lingding, I, Xu Changshi, have arrived! Come out quickly to greet me!” Xu Changshi announced, his voice booming.

Chen Lingding looked up, a faint trace of mockery flickering in his eyes. “So arrogant.”

His expression settled, and he went out personally to meet him.

“Brother Xu, I am Chen Lingding. I didn’t expect you to come here in person. Why not inform me beforehand?”

“So you’re Chen Lingding,” remarked Xu Changshi, scrutinizing him casually. “Since I’m already here, there is no need for small talk. Tell me, what’s the reason for inviting me this time?”

Chen Lingding hesitated. “Well...This isn’t a suitable place to talk. Why not come with me?”

The Loose Immortals Xu Changshi brought looked around cautiously and frowned when they heard that.

Xu Changshi nodded. “You lead the way. I don’t want to waste too much time.”

In his eyes, someone who was dead and turned into a Yin demon was not worth his attention. If it weren’t for the Chen Family’s background, he might not have come in person this time.

“Alright, Brother Xu, please follow me,” said Chen Lingding, smiling.

With a polite gesture, he led Xu Changshi toward Jiangguang City.