Seeing that even Gai Hong recognized Fang Chen, both the Qin and Langya Clan cultivators were deeply shocked. The more observant had even noticed that Gai Hong’s demeanor changed dramatically upon seeing Fang Chen. It was as if he had encountered something extremely frightening, his gaze filled with clear apprehension.

The leaders of various factions looked at Fang Chen with a mix of awe and wariness. "Why... does even the son of the Heavenly King Zhen fear him? Could he be the direct disciple of that Sword Immortal?"

Although the Sword Immortal of the Void Immortal Sword Sect had not taken action for many years and was not technically a true founder, there was a long-standing rumor about him. It was said that the Sword Immortal had once declared, "I am invincible beneath First Rate Sect Leader, above the founder, one for one!"

This rumor had circulated for years without any refutation from First Rate Sect Leaders, which lent it significant credibility. It was said that he was not a First Rate Sect Leader, but his prowess didn’t fall short of a First Rate Sect Leader!

The head of the Qin Clan turned to look at Chu Lan suspiciously. "

Madam... how exactly do you know him?

"

Was it really possible that his wife had convinced someone with such stature to help her?

Chu Lan either didn’t hear the Qin Family head’s message or simply chose to ignore it. She kept her gaze fixed on Fang Chen, her eyes filled with admiration. She finally understood where Fang Chen’s confidence came from.

"

Old Brother Qin, things are looking grim. I am pulling myself from this matter,

" the Wei Family Ancestor transmitted.

A hint of anger flashed in the eyes of the ancestor from the Qin Clan. "The matter is not yet settled, why the rush? Don’t you want your disciples to be appointed to the Ninth Generation King’s Manor?"

With that, the Qin Clan ancestor turned his attention back to Fang Chen, his gaze flickering.

Fang Chen smiled calmly. "Gai Hong, I’m not having an episode today."

Gai Hong immediately relaxed, as if he realized his behavior was somewhat out of character. He cleared his throat to cover his embarrassment and approached Fang Chen with a faint smile. "Daoist Fang, what brings you here? Are you from the Azure Dao Manor?"

"Gai Hong, let me introduce you. This is Langya Wenqiu, a disciple of the Extreme Sword Peak of the Void Immortal Sword Sect and my junior sister," Fang Chen introduced.

Gai Hong was slightly surprised and glanced at Langya Wen Qiu. He quickly connected the dots with Fang Chen’s identity and inwardly cursed.

So, he is indeed a disciple of the Void Immortal Sword Sect! I suspected that was the case when I saw him protecting Demoness Yu! However, back then, I checked his Immortal Register and found nothing about him being one of their disciples. The Void Immortal Sword Sect might have removed his record in advance and then reinstated him later!

Gai Hong nodded slightly. "No wonder you’re here, Daoist Fang. I heard that the chaos in the Azure Dao Manor is related to the Qin and Langya clans."

He then scanned the crowd and his gaze fell on Jiang Tian’ai. A hint of suspicion flashed in his eyes as he tentatively asked, "Are you surnamed Jiang, junior?"

"Do you know me?" Jiang Tian’ai asked, surprised.

Gai Hong looked puzzled. "I’ve heard that the Profound Immortal Xiu Yue recently took on a disciple of exceptional talent. In just over twenty years, she advanced from the Qi Refining Realm to the Golden Core Realm, and is about to challenge the Ancient Immortal Road. I am assuming that’s you, Junior Sister Jiang?" 𝙧

Given that the Jiang Family is a descendant of the ancient first family, which existed in an era long before the current Central Continent, he should have known it would be like this. It was said that the once powerful and mighty Jiang Family had been cursed and fell into decline until it vanished from the records.

According to ancient texts the Jiang Family had enslaved nine true dragons during its peak, which was immensely domineering!

"A direct disciple of a Profound Immortal!?"

The expressions of the surrounding cultivators grew more grim. No wonder she had Middle Three Realms cultivators accompanying her. In an era where the First Rate Sect Leader and Immortal Kings rarely appeared in public, a Profound Immortal was the pinnacle that these cultivators could aspire to.

Among those present, aside from a few Fusion Realm cultivators like Qi Jian, most of the clan leaders had never even seen a Profound Immortal in person.

Generally, Profound Immortals didn’t meet with visitors casually, unless they were old friends of the same level.

Langya Wenqiu was surprised.

So her master is a Profound Immortal.

Her master was merely an elder of the Extreme Sword Peak with a cultivation level at the Dao Union Realm, not even close to a Profound Immortal. She deeply understood how difficult it was to become a disciple of a Profound Immortal.

It was said that their sect leader, who rarely showed respect to anyone, only had the fortune to be a disciple under a certain Profound Immortal ancestor of the Void Immortal Sword Sect after achieving the Dao Union Realm.…

"That should be me. I am Master’s most recent disciple," Jiang Tian'ai said.

"How fortunate! To meet the two of you here today must be destiny," Gai Hong said with a hearty laugh. "If you don’t mind, why not come aboard my Immortal Boat? We can drink tea and discuss the Dao."

Countless envious eyes turned toward Fang Chen and Jiang Tian'ai. These gazes came not only from young disciples of various major clans but even from some clan leaders who couldn’t help but harbor secret jealousy.

Despite being in the same realm as Gai Hong, many of them didn’t even have the privilege to visit Gai Hong’s boat. That was the difference that came from one’s background!

Fang Chen thought for a moment before replying, "We… should first settle the matters here."

Gai Hong’s expression shifted slightly. He nodded. "You’re most definitely right, Daoist Fang. These matters need to be resolved first."

He turned to Qi Jian. "Prefect Qi, have you come up with any solutions? Judging by your appearance, it seems you don’t have any ideas. Let me take the liberty to propose a solution."

The Qin Clan’s ancestor and the others felt a tinge of nervousness.

"This issue, though it originated from the Three Solar Fruit, and the Langya Clan must bear some responsibility, I’ve heard that they have been looking to negotiate and do not want to continue this war. It is actually the Immortal Qin Clan that has insisted on war.

"After the war broke out, the Immortal Qin Clan couldn’t make progress and suffered defeat. Lord Qi misunderstood the Ninth Prince’s intentions and intervened. Now, many territories of the Immortal Qin Clan have been captured by the Langya Clan, correct?

Gai Hong’s words caused both the Qin Clan’s ancestor and Qi Jian to look displeased.

"Here’s the proposal: Both sides should withdraw, and the Immortal Qin Clan will compensate the Langya Clan with five hundred mid-grade spirit stones. This will settle the matter," Gai Hong said, looking at the Qin clan’s ancestor and Langya Xing Zhou. "What do you both think?"

"The Langya Clan agrees with your proposal and is fully satisfied," Langya Xing Zhou immediately stated.

The Langya Clan’s cultivators secretly rejoiced. Although the compensation was less than initially demanded, five hundred mid-grade spirit stones were still a lot. Overall, this would likely cover their losses. Conversely, the Immortal Qin Clan would suffer a significant loss. This outcome caused the Langya Clan to be secretly delighted.

The Qin Family’s ancestor opened his mouth to speak, but before he could, Qi Jian’s respectful voice came from his ear, "Your decision is very fair, Lord Gai. We will proceed as proposed. I will personally oversee this to ensure that no further conflict arises."

Despite having many things to say, the Qin Family’s ancestor could only silently fume and curse Qi Jian in his mind.