Fang Chen smiled and cupped his hands. "May I ask who are you?"

The Ninth Prince seemed slightly taken aback. However, he quickly said in a self-deprecating manner, "That was my oversight. I am Ji Liang, my father is the Ninth King of the Western Continent."

"I see. So it's the Ninth Prince," Fang Chen said.

Ji Liang noticed that Fang Chen had his eyes closed and smiled. His gaze shifted to Langya Wenqiu, who stood beside Fang Chen. With a hint of apology, he said, "Daoist Fang, is this Langya Wenqiu?"

Langya Wenqiu was the one to answer him. In a sharp tone, she said, "I am. What business do you have with me, Ninth Prince?"

"Lady Wenqiu, perhaps there was some misunderstanding between us. Regarding the incident back at the Azure Dao Manor, it was indeed a misunderstanding on the part of my subordinates. I am here to apologize to you," Ji Liang said as he clasped his hands and bowed.

Everyone around was stunned, their gazes shifting between Langya Wenqiu and the Ninth Prince. Could the Void Immortal Sword Sect really be so renowned that even the Ninth Prince would bow to an unknown sword cultivator from the sect?

Seeing how deeply Ji Liang bowed, Langya Wenqiu found it difficult to react harshly. She stiffly smiled and said, "You're too kind, Ninth Prince. The matter of Azure Dao Manor has been resolved, and there's no need to dwell on the past."

Ji Liang smiled slightly. "Does that mean you have forgiven me?"

Langya Wenqiu hesitated in silence for a moment before nodding reluctantly. "Yes, I forgive you."

"That's good," Ji Liang said, seemingly satisfied and happy.

Ji Liang's lips curled slightly as his gaze returned to Fang Chen. He sighed in admiration. "Daoist Fang, your techniques are truly extraordinary. That Spiritual Attachment Technique of yours is enough to surpass the most talented disciples of the current Dao Sects. I've always been interested in Daoist arts myself. I wonder if I might have the opportunity to sit and discuss the Dao with you?"

"You're too kind, Daoist Ji," Fang Chen responded with a calm smile. "If we have the chance, I would be happy to sit and chat."

Seeing Fang Chen's polite response, Ji Liang nodded lightly and began introducing the four people with him.

"Daoist Fang, this is Han Linqiu from the Grand Dao Library. His father is Master Han of the Desolate Academy."

Master Han of the Desolate Academy? Isn't he the son of an Immortal King?!

The crowd's eyes flashed with shock.

"This is Wang Yi from the Lingyun Sword Sect. His father is an expert of the sword Dao and is close to Ascension Realm."

The son of a Profound Immortal from a sword cultivation lineage?!

Once again, the crowd was stunned.

"This is Xu Peng of the Green Elephant Sect. His father is none other than the Peng King of the sect."

This time, the crowd wasn't just shocked but filled with awe. The Azure Elephant Sect was one of the most famous demon cultivator sects in the Central Continent. It was said that six or seven out of every ten powerful demon cultivators were from the Azure Elephant Sect! Rumor had it that Peng King's speed was unrivaled, even surpassing sword cultivators' sword-transformation techniques.

At that point, the only woman with Ji Liang glanced at Ji Liang. "You don't need to introduce me."

Her eyes drifted toward Fang Chen, and she revealed a gentle smile. "Daoist Fang, I am Su Lingzhu, daughter of Emperor Su Mo of the Giant Immortal Sect."

A collective gasp could be heard from the nearby onlookers—Su Lingzhu, daughter of the Giant Immortal Sect's Su Mo? It was clear now that only cultivators of extraordinary backgrounds could stand on equal footing with the prince of the Ninth King's Manor.

When these five stood together, who in the immortal world wouldn't offer them some respect?

"It seems that after today, the world will have a few more renowned Immortal Seedlings. Their names are sure to resound throughout the Central Continent."

"Sigh… Every year, new talents rise and surpass the old ones. When will we have our chance to make a name for ourselves?"

Apart from Ji Liang, the other four were relatively unknown. They clearly had only left their sects recently to explore the world. It was evident they were aiming to make their mark on the Ancient Immortal Road and, in a hundred or two hundred years, would likely reach the same heights as Gai Hong. Meanwhile, most of these onlookers would either have passed away or, if lucky, barely reached the Nascent Soul Realm, where their immortal journey would end.

"You are all second-generation immortals, I see. My respects," Fang Chen remarked, cupping his hands with a trace of emotion on his face.

Second-generation immortals?

The group was momentarily taken aback, their brows furrowing slightly. Su Lingzhu immediately asked, "What do you mean by second-generation immortals, Daoist Fang?"

"All of you are the children of immortals, aren't you? That makes you second-generation immortals, no?" Fang Chen explained.

The group was enlightened, even though his terminology was odd, the meaning became clear after his explanation.

Ji Liang smiled lightly and said, "While our backgrounds may be different, the immortal path is fair. Each step we've taken to reach this point is just like anyone else's—through our own efforts, just like you, and every other Daoist here."

At that moment, Xu Peng suddenly spoke up. "Daoist Fang, I heard that some misunderstandings arose between Gai Wu and the Void Immortal Sword Sect recently. Since you're acquainted with the Demoness Yu, perhaps you could give me some face and let this matter go. Gai Wu shouldn't have to hide anymore."

Han Linqiu glanced at Xu Peng, his brow slightly furrowed.

Upon hearing the name Gai Wu, a flicker of disdain crossed Wang Yi's eyes. Even within their circle, there were distinctions, and people like Gai Wu weren't regarded highly by some.

When Langya Wenqiu heard Xu Peng refer to Fairy Yu as "Demoness Yu," a trace of displeasure flashed across her face.

"Demoness Yu, huh…" Fang Chen nodded slightly. He smiled at Xu Peng and said, "How much does your face weigh? And how much is it worth?"

Xu Peng was stunned.

The nearby cultivators quietly sighed. When it came to their background, Xu Peng had the Peng King behind him. However, Fang Chen also had the Void Immortal Sword Sect behind him, the Heavenly Cloud Emperor, even.

In terms of lineages alone, Xu Peng might even fall slightly short. As for strength, everyone had witnessed Fang Chen's Spiritual Attachment Technique. Therefore, it was clear that, unless Xu Peng had comparable means under his sleeve, he would stand no chance against the black paper figure.

Xu Peng hadn't expected Fang Chen to not give him any respect at all. After a moment of stunned silence, his gaze turned cold. "What do you mean by that?"

Fang Chen's smile widened a little. "Still don't get it? How much is your 'face' worth? Even Gai Hong came to plead with me, and I didn't agree. So why should I for you?"

After speaking, Fang Chen smiled at Ji Liang and the others, saying, "Everyone, I'll be heading into the Ancient Immortal Road with Junior Sister Wenqiu for now. Let's chat another time."

With that, he and Langya Wenqiu walked toward the jagged, rocky ruins, their figures gradually disappearing from view.

Xu Peng's face turned grim, and he muttered coldly, "It seems he's placing himself on the same level as Brother Gai."

"He defeated Brother Gai," Wang Yi of the Lingyun Sword Sect remarked emotionlessly.

Xu Peng shot him a glance and retorted icily, "That was just a fluke due to the intervention of some wicked being. What does that have to do with him?"

Wang Yi didn't respond.

𝒇𝒓𝒆𝒆𝙬𝒆𝒃𝓷𝒐𝓿𝙚𝙡.𝒄𝓸𝒎

Han Linqiu chuckled. "Xu Peng, you shouldn't have pleaded for Gai Wu. His business has nothing to do with you. Now you've antagonized Fang Chen for no reason."

"So what if I've offended him? Do I need to curry favor with him?" Xu Peng sneered disdainfully.

However, Xu Peng's eyes unconsciously flicked toward Ji Liang, who had subtly given him the suggestion to speak up for Gai Wu earlier through a transmitted message.

"Enough, enough. Let Gai Hong deal with Gai Wu's mess. There's no need for us to bother. Today's goal is to secure our status as Immortal Seedlings. Let's move forward, everyone," Ji Liang said with a smile, waving his hand dismissively.

A few moments later, they too disappeared into the depths of the ruins.