Chapter 1549: Someone Must Die

Fang Chen's expression shifted slightly. "Has the Killing Spiritual Division sent a new chief over?"

On second thought, it was only natural. After all, he had been removed from office, so Tuxiong Star would indeed need a new chief. He wondered whether Pu Yuanzhu was aware of this matter.

Boom!

Suddenly, the ground shook violently.

Xun Guozhu's face darkened. "Isn't this getting annoying? He's here again!"

"The one from the Killing Spiritual Division?"

Xun Guozhu nodded lightly. "Who else could it be? He's relying on having a bit of ability and looks down on everyone. Pu Yuanzhu was far more humble than him."

Outside the Desolate Academy, countless cultivators tore through the air and arrived. All of them were cultivators from the Six Departments. Among them were many teachers at the Dao Union Realm and instructors in the Tribulation Realm.

The main gate of the Desolate Academy had already been forced open. A figure was striding in through the gate, acting as if he owned the place. His actions infuriated the cultivators present.

"Everyone, we already met once last time. Don't worry, I'm not your enemy," said the newcomer, smiling. "I simply wish to see your patriarch. I have something to discuss with him."

He had fair skin, a slender face, and phoenix-like eyes, looking quite handsome. However, no one was paying attention to his looks. Their focus was on his cultivation. As he walked, the immortal essence around him, faint yet unmistakable, was extremely dense.

It reminded everyone of their own patriarch's oppressive aura.

"Fellow cultivator, you're clearly not acting with propriety. A guest ought to act as such," said a voice.

Moments later, a figure appeared before the crowd. This man stood tall and imposing like a mountain; it was Mister Lu of the Combat Department.

Seeing Mister Lu arrive, the cultivators of the Six Departments nearby all felt a wave of relief. Rumors had been circulating lately that Mister Lu was close to becoming a First Rate Sect Leader.

In the future, the position of patriarch of the Desolate Academy would very likely be inherited by him.

"Little Lu, you're not an Immortal. There's nothing for us to discuss," said the newcomer, who was glancing at a particularly vibrant flower by the roadside.

He approached the flower and plucked it, bringing it to his nose. A sigh of admiration escaped him as he appreciated its fragrance. "When flowers bloom, one should pluck them while they may be plucked. Do not wait until there are none left."

Mister Lu's expression changed slightly. He did not call for Old Xun, but instead said in a deep voice, "You may have this flower, but please leave immediately. The Desolate Academy stands apart from this world. Those who are not disciples of the Desolate Academy may not enter without permission."

"Independence and transcendence come from standing at a higher level," said the newcomer softly. "On Tuxiong Star, all other forces are indeed far inferior to your Desolate Academy, which is why your status is so transcendent. But with status comes an obligation to shoulder responsibilities, don't you say?"

Mister Lu took a deep breath. "In the past, the Killing Spiritual Division never forced anyone. Why is it that the moment you arrive, you insist on forcing our Desolate Academy to join your Killing Spiritual Division?"

"The previous chief was too lenient. But now, I am here." The newcomer smiled, speaking in a soft voice. "Everything must change. We must change, and you must change as well. Those who walk the same path live. Those who follow a different path die. I said this last time to your patriarch, but his temper was too fiery. He beat me and drove me away without giving me a definite answer. So today, I've come again."

Those who follow a different path die?!

The crowd's expressions shifted instantly, their faces growing solemn.

That was an open threat. If they did not join the Killing Spiritual Division, they would die? What kind of logic was that?

"The Spirit Blood Sect has already been completely defeated. With your cultivation, you are more than capable of handling everything related to the Spirit Blood Sect. Why must you push things so aggressively?" Mister Lu asked in a deep voice.

At the same time, several other heads of their divisions also arrived.

The heads of the Alchemy Department and the Achievement Department had only taken office in recent years. Compared to the others, their cultivation was weaker, but they were still Immortal Kings.

However, compared to the Immortal Realm, the Ascension Realm was still worlds apart. Even with all six masters present, the newcomer's composure was not diminished in the slightest.

"To accomplish great things, one cannot look only at the present—one must look toward the future," the newcomer explained. "I am merely laying plans for what is to come. I hope you will stand shoulder to shoulder with me and contribute your strength for the sake of all living beings under heaven."

At that moment, Old Xun flew over together with Fang Chen, arriving just in time to hear those words. He immediately tore away the man's pretense with a mocking laugh. "That sounds nice and all, but in truth, all you want is to rack up achievements so you can get promoted quickly and leave this backwater place, right?"

"Patriarch!"

Everyone hurriedly saluted. But at the same time, they noticed another figure standing behind him.

Who is that?!

Many looked confused, but some recognized Fang Chen, looking shocked.

Mister Fang?!

At this moment, the only person who could be standing behind the patriarch had to be Mister Fang, who had not shown himself for many years!

As before, Fang Chen's facial features had become blurred, making it impossible for outsiders to see his true appearance. Only Mister Lu and a few others knew Mister Fang's real identity.

The newcomer's smile grew. "Daoist Xun, we meet again."

"Last time we met, you fled in disgrace. This time, how do you plan to leave?" Xun Guozhu stood with his hands behind his back. He calmly said, "I said it before, if you barged in here again without cause, you wouldn't be leaving so easily."

"This time... I'm not leaving." The newcomer shook his head. "Last time, I came unprepared and suffered a small loss at your hands. But today is different."

As he spoke, he slowly took out a bronze bottle and placed the flower he had just plucked inside. The spirit flower, which had possessed only ordinary spiritual power, seemed to be granted a second spring the moment it entered the bottle, blooming incessantly.

Xun Guozhu was surprised. "A spiritual treasure?"

From that bronze bottle, he sensed the aura of a spiritual treasure.

The reason he had been able to force this man into retreat the last time was largely due to the Black Profound Heaven Locking Flag in his possession. He hadn't expected that in such a short time, the other party would also acquire a spiritual treasure.

Noticing the change in Old Xun's expression, the newcomer held up the bottle and said, "Daoist Xun, this time, would you be willing to listen to me explain my vision for the future?"

"If I refuse, will you refuse to leave?" Old Xun asked calmly.

The newcomer nodded. "Yes. I won't leave. Not only that, but I will take this place as my base on Tuxiong Star. From here, I will manipulate everything and place my pieces across the world."

His gaze swept over the surroundings, satisfaction evident in his eyes.

"As expected, this is the place you have your eye on." Xun Guozhu could not be bothered with further words. "Then fight. Let's fight it out, either you die, or he dies."

He pointed at Fang Chen.

Everyone was stunned.

The newcomer looked at Fang Chen in surprise. "Him?"

"Of course. He'll fight in my place now. He's still young, while I'm already old." Xun Guozhu said with a faint smile. "He's more than enough to deal with you. These old bones of mine don't want to fall apart."

The newcomer narrowed his eyes and studied Fang Chen. "I didn't notice you just now. Are you also in the Immortal Realm? How should I address you?"

He could not see through Fang Chen at all. His gaze grew noticeably more serious.