Chapter 199: Return Of The Ancestor (1)
With utmost reverence, Gu Wang and Zhang Changsheng bowed low. "Ancestor Fang Xia, we beseech you to save the sect from crisis."
"Rise," Fang Xia commanded. With a flick of his wrist, he summoned an invisible force that supported Bu Yu, Gu Wang, and Zhang Changsheng to their feet. This display left them awestruck, erasing any doubts they may have harbored about Wu Yuan's words.
Such power could only be wielded by one who had reached the Unity stage, harnessing heaven and earth's power. It was a feat achievable by a qi refiner if they unleashed their essentia, but this force was different. It was both formless and invisible.
"I’ve understood the general state of our sect from Wu Yuan," Fang Xia remarked, his gaze sweeping over the trio. He continued flatly, "I must say, there is a clear trend of regression with each generation. Even after the fall of the Chu-Jiang Empire, you stubbornly cling to the four provinces."
A tinge of shame crossed Grandmaster Bu Yu's face. In the past, she had made the decision to keep to the four provinces. Although there were many reasons behind her choice, it was undoubtedly a missed opportunity for expansion.
"However, I cannot place the blame solely on your shoulders. The Great Jin Empire's overbearing nature cannot be ignored," Fang Xia commented, exuding the demeanor of a wise ancestor. “Bu Yu, as a hierarch of the sect, you have protected it for several decades. Your efforts, if not entirely successful, are still recognized."
It was a stark contrast to his encounter with Wu Yuan.
“However, your greatest contribution by far was accepting Wu Yuan into the sect,” Fang Xia asserted genuinely.
"Wu Yuan is, without a doubt, an unprecedented genius of our sect. Without him, the state of our sect would have worsened in recent years," Bu Yu quickly responded.
Leaving aside all other considerations, Wu Yuan killed Wang Huang and acquired treasures from the Chu-Jiang Immortal Realm. Bu Yu had witnessed these contributions firsthand. Moreover, it wouldn’t have been possible for Ancestor Fang Xia to return without Wu Yuan.
"Hehe, Wu Yuan is no ordinary genius, not just a once-in-a-century talent," Fang Xia chuckled, stroking his beard. "Wu Yuan is the greatest prodigy the Middle Land has seen ever since the Martial King divided the Middle Land into thirteen continents. His talent even outshines the Martial King himself."
The greatest prodigy Middle Land had seen in thousands of years? Outshining the Martial King?
Zhang Changsheng and Gu Wang exchanged glances. They both acknowledged Wu Yuan's incredible talent, but the Martial King held such a revered status as the founder of civilization in the Middle Land that it was difficult to accept this notion, even when uttered by Fang Xia himself.
"Do you doubt my words? You'll understand in due time. Right now, he’s a seventeen-year-old quasi-Heavenly Ranker," Fang Xia nonchalantly said. "In terms of talent, Wu Yuan surpasses me by a hundredfold."
In Fang Xia's heart, being chosen by the realm master as a successor indicated an unimaginably high level of talent.
"We believe you, Ancestor," Bu Yu responded.
She knew that debating this was meaningless. It was evident that Ancestor Fang Xia held Wu Yuan in high regard. Why question it?
"Bu Yu, Wu Yuan claims you pursued Great Grandmaster Zhong Jun of Great Jin. Did you succeed in killing him?" Fang Xia inquired.
"I did, Ancestor!" Bu Yu nodded fervently. "I managed to acquire three Purplewood Spirit Fruits and four Redwood Spirit Fruits on this trip."
"Well done," Fang Xia acknowledged with a smile. "So it appears that out of the five Great Grandmasters from the Great Jin Empire who entered the Fourth Eldritch Realm, only Tang Jin remains. As an ordinary Grandmaster, she is unlikely to have accumulated a significant number of treasures."
"Ancestor is indeed wise," Bu Yu praised.
"Enough with the flattery," Fang Xia responded seriously. "Despite the numerous challenges our sect is facing, the two significant threats we must confront are..."
Fang Xia quickly conveyed the conclusions of his conversation with Wu Yuan.
"All of this was deduced by Wu Yuan," Fang Xia emphasized, "I was trapped for over a hundred years and knew nothing of the current state of the world."
"That’s impressive, Wu Yuan!" Bu Yu exclaimed.
Gu Wang and Zhang Changsheng also looked at Wu Yuan with considerable admiration.
Wu Yuan, shook his head in resignation, knowing that Fang Xia had actually deduced the information himself. Despite this, Fang Xia insisted on giving the credit to Wu Yuan.
“The two threats we face involve Heavenly Rankers, but I have a plan to deal with them,” Fang Xia confidently asserted. “Even if ten Heavenly Rankers arrive, I’ll send them all to their graves.”
This declaration shocked Bu Yu, Gu Wang, and Zhang Changsheng. At this moment, they wholeheartedly believed that Fang Xia must have reached an unbelievable level of power.
On the other hand, Wu Yuan remained calm. On the way here, he had briefly examined the first immortal slip from the realm master, gaining some understanding of the cultivation path ahead.
He learned that the Qi Sea phase was divided into nine stages, with each set of three stages representing a threshold. Cultivators at the first three stages were considered early-stage and possessed little essentia and mana. Whether in terms of combat style or power, they had yet to undergo a qualitative change compared to Land Rankers.
The fourth to sixth stages marked a major transformation, qualifying them as mid-stage Qi Sea cultivators. They would completely break away from the combat style of martial artists and truly exhibit the fighting style of transcendent cultivators, whether in arcane arts, spirit equipment, arrays, or talismans.
Finally, those at the seventh to ninth stages were late-stage Qi Sea cultivators. When they unleashed their arcane arts in combat, they would appear no different from immortals and devils to the eyes of mortals.
Given that Fang Xia was an eighth-stage Qi Sea cultivator, defeating ten early-stage practitioners would be a piece of cake with his advantage in mana reserves alone. He wouldn’t even need to use any artifacts.
"However," continued Fang Xia in a light tone, “In order for our sect to endure in the long run, relying solely on me will not suffice. We need to produce more martial arts Grandmasters and Heavenly Rankers."
"In the past, it was a challenging feat for individuals to reach the Grandmaster level due to the scarcity of valuable treasures and lack of proper guidance. However, under my guidance, the number of experts born within the Cloudstride Sect will multiply exponentially compared to the past," Fang Xia continued confidently, his words igniting excitement within the listeners.
Why were the top-tier major factions able to maintain their legacies for millennia? One important reason was the extended lifespan of its Heavenly Rankers who could live for 500 years. With guidance from these powerful seniors, the probability of producing Heavenly Rankers over several centuries naturally rose.
Similarly, a Heavenly Ranker had the strength to seize numerous precious treasures, boosting the chances of nurturing martial arts Grandmasters.
Take the Great Jin Empire, for instance. With each new generation of the royal family, multiple Land Rankers were produced. Was this truly a result of talent alone? Of course not! It was mainly due to guidance provided by the numerous qi refiners working behind the scenes.
"I shall guide you," Grandmaster Fang Xia asserted. "But we also require more martial arts geniuses. Only with a sufficiently large population and territory can we produce enough geniuses.”
Fang Xia turned his gaze to Bu Yu. "Once we return to the sect, I will set up a large defense array around the mountain. Afterward, I will dispatch Huan Jian and his troops directly to Yuanhu Province to seize control. A province without a single Grandmaster cannot possibly claim independence."
"Ancestor, regarding Junior Brother Huan..." Bu Yu began with some hesitation.
"Hmph! Wu Yuan informed me that he wishes to cultivate in solitude, transcend mortality, and revel in freedom as he ventures across the world?" Fang Xia sneered, his disdain evident.
"A martial artist who has yet to open his qi sea, speaking of freedom? He likely hasn't even stepped into the Domain level, let alone grasped True Intent. While our sect is in great peril, all he desires is to retreat into his shell like a tortoise, all while preaching about the Heavenly Dao?"
"A disciple of Cloudstride should dedicate their life to the sect. Has he forgotten this fundamental principle?" Fang Xia's voice grew stern.
"If you cannot rectify his behavior, I will," Fang Xia declared with determination. "Does he enjoy solitude? If he pisses me off, I shall imprison him for precisely 136 years, 7 months, and 9 days. Let us see if he will beg to be released by then."
"Understood." Bu Yu obediently agreed.
Zhang Changsheng and Gu Wang couldn’t help but feel that Ancestor Fang Xia seemed to be a little different compared to their preconceived notion of him. Nevertheless, their curiosity was piqued. What was the significance of precisely 136 years, 7 months, and 9 days?
The Sword Hierarch is in for a hard time.
Wu Yuan recalled his recent conversation with Fang Xia regarding the two hierarchs of the sect. Upon hearing Huan Jian’s actions and mindset, Fang Xia made up his mind to teach him a lesson he would never forget!
"As for you, Bu Yu?" Fang Xia's gaze shifted towards Bu Yu. "It appears you have consumed a Redwood Spirit Fruit. When you return to the sect, make it a priority to consume the Purplewood Spirit Fruits and commence secluded cultivation. I will offer guidance and ascertain if you possess the potential to break through. Time is running out."
"Understood," Bu Yu responded, her voice tinged with a hint of excitement.
Turning to Gu Wang and Zhang Changsheng, Fang Xia addressed them. "You have both displayed commendable efforts in the Fourth Eldritch Realm. Each of you shall be rewarded with a Redwood Spirit Fruit. However, bear in mind that Grandmasters at the Rigid Yet Supple stage are considered the weakest among Land Rankers.
“Becoming a Grandmaster is the end goal for a martial artist. Meanwhile, entering the Heavenly Rankings is but the beginning of transcending from a mortal to an immortal," Fang Xia declared nonchalantly. "A Heavenly Ranker can relish in freedom for 500 years!"
Gu Wang and Zhang Changsheng felt their hearts skip a beat. "Thank you for imparting your wisdom, Ancestor."
"Oh, and one more thing," Fang Xia added. "Bu Yu, upon your return, promptly dispatch a messenger to Chu Jun of the Baijiang Kingdom, demanding the submission of their four provinces within ten days. If they fail to submit, Huan Jian will lead our army into battle against them."
“One should only eat as much as their stomach can handle.”
"Since I, Fang Xia, have returned, the Chu and Jiang continents are destined to become territories of the Cloudstride Sect. Whoever dares to obstruct my path shall meet their demise.” Fang Xia's voice exuded an air of calm authority, yet his dominance was unparalleled.
"Great Jin aspires to unify the world? They can dream on! Even if Imperator Jin were to return, he'd have to face me in a fight to the death," proclaimed Fang Xia.
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