Chapter 269: Three Steps and A Kowtow

Spirit Void City was relatively calm for the next two days. Apart from the rumors that had been circulating about the citylord taking his family and subordinates and fleeing overnight, there was nothing else worth mentioning.

Fang Chen had continued to craft top-grade Purple Lightning Talismans during these past two days, causing two of his Sky Blue Stone Brushes to be ruined. He was now using the last one. His Thunderous Wood Paper was about to run out, too, and the Nine Tribulations Cinnabar was also running low. On the contrary, the number of Purple Lightning Talismans in his ring kept increasing. These were all hard currency that could be converted into spirit stones at any time, or exchanged for spiritual materials.

To Fang Chen, the process of crafting talismans was also a form of cultivation. If he had enough spiritual materials, he could work continuously for several months or even a year without rest, making talismans day and night.

Abbess Qing He’s voice came from outside the door. "Lord Fang, my master has arrived. She’s waiting in a dilapidated temple three miles outside the city.”

Fang Chen put away his tools, crossed to the door and opened it. He smiled at Qing He. "Let Abbess Zhu Yue know that I will try to send them over there. When the time comes, Abbess Zhu Yue just needs to cooperate with me."

Abbess Qing He nodded softly. "Understood."

"It's time for us to scale Mount Spirit Void," said Fang Chen.

***

Mount Spirit Void.

Hundreds of cultivators from the Qingzhou Sword Sect were sitting cross-legged on the ground, absorbing the spiritual energy of heaven and earth. Suddenly, the Qi Refining Realm cultivators who seemed to be their masters opened their eyes to see a figure in green clothes walking toward them. They quickly called everyone to rise.

Everyone’s hearts were on tenterhooks; they had no idea what Fang Chen would do, but they couldn’t help but admit that they looked forward to it a little. If Fang Chen was going to impart them with a few moves, then they’d benefit immensely. After all, he was a true sword cultivator! With their cultivation levels, they rarely had the chance to encounter someone like him, especially now that he was their sect leader. If any of them could be bestowed his sword inheritance, then they’d ascend to the Heavens with a single leap!

Not to mention that any cultivator who had joined the Qingzhou Sword Sect was already clearly passionate about the sword, so, to them, a sword cultivator was a symbol of faith!

"I have something for you to do. If you do it well, I will be your true sect leader from that day forward," said Fang Chen as he approached them.

Everyone’s face stiffened.

"Please give us your order!" said one of the leading Qi Refining cultivators.

Fang Chen began, "Listen carefully..."

By the time a cup of tea’s worth of time had passed, everyone’s faces had turned a little doubtful, but they assured Fang Chen that they would do their best to fulfill his instructions.

"Is everyone from the sect here?" asked Fang Chen casually.

Seeing Fang Chen's interest, everyone secretly rejoiced. They were most afraid that Fang Chen would only value their sect’s site, and not them specifically.

"Almost everyone is here except for the former sect leader as well as the Grand Elder, whom you have killed, Sect Leader. We’ve left a few disciples back at the sect to stand watch while we’re away, and we have a few disciples at the foot of the mountain right now,” replied Qi Refining Realm cultivator respectfully.

"What's your name?" asked Fang Chen.

"I am Zhong Yue, Sect Leader," replied Zhong Yue hurriedly.

"What’s your position in the sect?" asked Fang Chen again.

"I am the Second Elder, and I am responsible for guiding the disciples in their cultivation."

"Alright. You’re now the Grand Elder." Fang Chen smiled. "Do what I’ve told you very carefully. Don't disappoint me."

With that, Fang Chen turned around and left.

Several Qi Refining cultivators began to offer Zhong Yue their congratulations, but they were rather envious in secret.

"Congratulations, Senior Zhong."

𝒇𝒓𝙚𝒆𝔀𝓮𝓫𝒏𝓸𝙫𝓮𝓵.𝓬𝙤𝙢

Zhong Yue tried his best not to show the joy in his heart. "Junior Brothers and Sisters, have you heard the sect leader’s instructions very well? When the time comes, don't disappoint him!"

"Yes!" responded everyone in unison.

***

In a courtyard in Spirit Void City.

As a woman calmly walked into the courtyard, the disciples and Elder hurried forward to greet her.

"Master."

"No need for the formalities.” The Spirit Void Sect Leader waved her hand. She then scanned the courtyard with her eyes. “Where is that distinguished guest you’ve mentioned, Master?"

"Heh. That girl sure is courteous." Xia Xuanji flashed and appeared in front of the Spirit Void Sect Leader, clasping his fist.

Mid-stage Foundation Building Realm!

Sensing Xia Xuanji’s cultivation, the Spirit Void Sect Leader's expression shifted.

The Grand Elder made the introductions. "This is Brother Xia,” he said.

Her master called him his brother, so she wasn’t sure how to address him. "Xia...?"

Seeing the hesitation in the Spirit Void Sect Leader’s eyes, Xia Xuanji showed a smile. "Don’t sweat the titles. You can address me however you wish, lass," he said. "We’re cultivators; we don’t need to care about such formalities.”

The Spirit Void Sect Leader nodded, then said, "Brother Xia, the message my master has sent me wasn’t very clear. Could you please fill me in with the details?”

Xia Xuanji nodded and explained how they’d bring down Fang Chen. Upon hearing that she had to go to the Ye Family and perform ‘three steps, one kowtow,’ her face fell. "Brother Xia, don’t you know I am at the Foundation Building Realm?" The Spirit Void Sect Leader's face turned aflame, and her voice took a tone of anger. “My reputation will be absolutely tarnished if I do 'three steps, one kowtow'!”

"Spirit Void Sect Leader, why does it matter if you're at the Foundation Building Realm? The world of cultivation is a dog-eat-dog world. If we can't even put aside this bit of pride, how can we talk about advancing to higher levels? Now, what lies before us is the inheritance of sword cultivation, and perhaps even the art of refining. Obtaining either one would greatly benefit us!" said Xia Xuanji in a deep voice.

The Grand Elder sighed. "Brother Xia is right. Moreover, this person not only injured you but he also seized our sect's site, trampling on our Spirit Void Sect's reputation. Opportunities like this are rare. I hope you can set aside your pride for a day to secure a hundred years worth of prosperity."

The Spirit Void Sect Leader’s eyes wavered, then after a brief moment of silence, she voiced her doubts. "But if the people behind him find out that it was our Spirit Void Sect's doing..."

"I will personally take action tomorrow. None of this will be traced back to you," Xia Xuanji reassured them.

The Spirit Void Sect Leader looked at him for a few moments before muttering softly, "According to what Master said, your background is extraordinary. Are you really not afraid of retaliation from the sword cultivator behind that expert?"

Suddenly, the Grand Elder conveyed a few words to her via voice transmission.

Hearing his words, the Spirit Void Sect Leader's expression shifted erratically, and she looked at Xia Xuanji with uncertainty.

Xia Xuanji smiled back at her.

After some time, the Spirit Void Sect Leader smiled brightly. "Brother Xia, we'll be relying on you tomorrow."

Xia Xuanji laughed heartily. "Of course."

Xia Xuanji was confident that he had blocked off every single path of retreat for the swordsman. If he could obtain the inheritance of sword cultivation and the art of refining, with the help of this Foundation Building Realm cultivator stirring up trouble, he could fish in troubled waters. By refining dozens of Spirit Blood Pills from the Flame Empire, his gains would be considerable!

***

On the street, Ye Wenxiu and several young members of the Ye Family were having a walk.

Ye Wenxiu felt stifled and lost; Zihan had left, promising him that she would definitely come back to find him. But Ye Wenxiu knew that the Spirit Void Sect Leader had seriously offended the Sea Dragon Sect, so he wouldn’t be back any time soon. He couldn't help but wonder when he would be able to see her again.

"Wenxiu, don't be so down. Maybe if you keep nagging that senior every day, he’ll be moved by your sincerity and take you in as his disciple."

"Yeah, if the senior is touched by your sincerity, our Ye Family will prosper."

Several young members of the Ye Family chimed in, in good spirit.

Suddenly, one of them pointed and exclaimed, "Look, isn't that the Spirit Void Sect Leader?"

Everyone’s eyes drifted to where he was pointing. When they saw the scene before them, they were shocked. "Three steps, one kowtow? What is she doing?!"

Ye Wenxiu quickly looked up upon hearing the commotion.