Chapter 913: Protecting the Ancestor

Fang Zhijian listened to Fang Chen's reprimand and nodded repeatedly, not daring to show the slightest hint of defiance.

At this moment, the old eunuch rushed to Qian Shun's side with a grave expression. "Your Highness, apologize quickly."

Qian Shun looked bewildered. "Apologize? Is he really that person?"

The old eunuch was visibly anxious, transmitting his voice urgently. "

Apologize now, or your life might be in danger today!

"

Qian Shun finally came to his senses. He stammered, "Senior Fang, I-I was wrong earlier. Please forgive me."

Fang Zhijian sneered. Seeing Qian Shun suddenly so submissive, he couldn't help but grin. "Now you realize your mistake?"

Fang Yun stared coldly at Qian Shun. If Fang Chen hadn't intervened, her son would have died at his hands. She usually didn't interfere with their petty squabbles, but Qian Shun had gone too far this time!

Seeing Fang Chen remain silent, Qian Shun grew increasingly uneasy. Still, as a prince, he wasn't overly frightened.

After a moment's thought, he said, "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave now."

The old eunuch was momentarily stunned, his scalp tingling.

He realized that the prince had no idea how terrifying this sword cultivator from the Fang Family was!

Fang Chen smiled and asked, "Are you Qian Jiuye's son?"

Qian Shun was taken aback but quickly nodded. "Yes, I am."

"Then your death penalty is waived." Fang Chen nodded, then he turned to the old eunuch. "Go back and inform Qian Jiuye."

The old eunuch promptly replied, "Understood, my lord."

He quickly led Qian Shun away.

Qian Shun, still not fully grasping the situation, chuckled along the way. "That man isn't as fierce as the rumors say. Knowing I'm the emperor's son, he just found a way to save face."

The old eunuch glanced at him, his expression gradually cooling. "Your Highness, he only waived the death penalty. You still have a price to pay."

"What penalty could there be?" Qian Shun scoffed. "Father loves me the most. If it weren't for that, he wouldn't have given me that treasure for protection."

He angrily glanced back. "Unfortunately, he destroyed my treasure. Hmph!"

The old eunuch shook his head.

This prince is beyond saving.

At the Fang Manor.

Fang Chen sat in the grand master's chair, with Ye Wenxiu and the others standing behind him. After chatting casually with Fang Yun for a while, Fang Kun, Fang Ao, and their spouses quickly arrived. Upon seeing Fang Chen, everyone was momentarily stunned. Then their faces lit up with joy as they walked into the hall.

Fang Chen stood up, cupped his fist, and smiled. "Elders, how have you been in recent years?"

Fang Ao laughed heartily. "We're doing well. But you—it's been so many years since we last met. You should come back to visit more often."

The group began to chat warmly.

However, Fang Kun and Fang Mosheng just stood to the side with forced smiles, as their relationship with Fang Chen wasn't as close as Fang Ao's.

After a short while, Fang Tingjian and Fang Wanli also arrived, along with many younger members of the Fang Family.

Younger members, having heard the news, had gathered outside the hall, peeking in. They were eager to see the legendary senior who had once cut through the cycle of life with his sword.

Fang Wanli said with displeasure, "You brat, you still remember to come back? How come there's been no word from you for so many years?!"

Fang Chen chuckled bitterly. "Ancestor, it's just that I've had too many matters to attend to. This time, it's only because I managed to carve out some time to return and see everyone."

Fang Wanli said sternly, "Too many matters? Where have you been running off to? You've been so busy—have you been cultivating properly? Even though you're a sword cultivator, your cultivation is still the most important. Strengthening your foundation is the key to seeking the path to immortality."

Fang Tingjian shot him a glance. "Wanli, do you think Fang Chen doesn't understand this principle? Take a closer look at his cultivation now."

Checking, Fang Wanli was a little surprised. "Hmm, your cultivation level is difficult to discern. Are you in the late Foundation Building Realm or have you reached perfection?"

The last time they parted, Fang Chen had already been a Foundation Building Realm cultivator. Now, more than thirty years had passed. Given his talents, Fang Wanli thought Fang Chen had to have at least reached the late stage of the Foundation Building Realm.

Fang Kun and the others were also curious. While it was true that Fang Chen's sword had once injured a Nascent Soul Realm cultivator, his own cultivation had not been particularly high at that time. Now that many years had passed, they were eager to see what level he had reached.

Fang Chen revealed, "I just recently advanced to the Enlightenment Realm."

Fang Wanli laughed heartily. "I knew it, with your talents—"

His smile suddenly froze. He stared at Fang Chen in shock, unable to finish his sentence.

The Enlightenment Realm?

Fang Kun and the others were confused. This term was both familiar and unfamiliar to them.

They knew the Enlightenment Realm was the first realm of the Middle Three Realms. But they had never seen a cultivator at the Enlightenment Realm in the flesh.

Cultivators at that level were usually only found in third-tier empires and above. They could also be found in fourth-tier empires, but very rarely so. It was improbable for one to appear in a fifth-tier empire like Grand Qian.

In just a few decades... Fang Chen had gone from being a Foundation Building Realm cultivator to someone in the Enlightenment Realm?

Fang Zhijian couldn't help but gasp in amazement. If his uncle wasn't boasting, the Fang Family might be on the verge of greatness!

Fang Tingjian's expression became serious. "Fang Chen, have you really reached the Enlightenment Realm?"

Fang Chen nodded lightly. "When it comes to cultivation, there's no room for falsification."

"Good." Fang Tingjian smiled, nodding heavily. "Our family now has an Enlightenment Realm cultivator. From now on, we'll have firmer footing."

"Are you really not fooling us?" Fang Wanli couldn't help but take a swig from his gourd, staring suspiciously at Fang Chen. "Just tell us the truth. No matter what your cultivation level is, as your elders, we won't look down on you. And as a sword cultivator, you needn't fear anyone mocking you!"

Fang Chen smiled helplessly. He took out some mid-grade spirit stones and handed them to Fang Tingjian.

"Ancestor, you and the others will need mid-grade spirit stones to break through. Here are a hundred. They should be enough for both of you to advance to the Nascent Soul Realm."

𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Everyone's eyes went wide in shock. The spiritual energy emitted from these mid-grade spirit stones was distinctly different from that of low-grade ones. Even if they hadn't used them before, they had seen them from afar. These were unmistakably mid-grade!

To casually hand over a hundred mid-grade spirit stones... This only confirmed the fact that Fang Chen was indeed a cultivator at the Enlightenment Realm!

Fang Tingjian's expression grew serious. He took the mid-grade spirit stones but did not immediately put them away. Instead, he remained silent for a moment before looking at Fang Chen. "What about you?"

Smiling, Fang Chen assured, "I've kept some for myself. It's enough."

"Good," said Fang Tingjian, nodding and taking the spirit stones.