Chapter 55

The Fang family's young disciples set out on the road to Yuhuaxian Sect.

The Fang family's Young Lady sat inside a palanquin, seeing no one, as if cultivating.

Fang Yu also sat inside a palanquin, cultivating.

After breaking through to the 8th Stage of Physical Body, Fang Yu's strength continued to rise; his power had surpassed five Xuan Huang Lie Ma, reaching twenty-seven thousand jin.

This power was nearly approaching the strength of six Ma.

Yet this was still not his full strength.

He could feel the divine herb's power still lingering within his body, requiring more time to fully refine it.

In terms of spiritual cultivation, he had also practiced Yuan Chen Spirit Art these past days, greatly enhancing his spirit—but to reach the Spirit Communication Realm, he still needed a certain opportunity.

"Fang Han, sneaking off to practice martial arts again."

One night, past the third watch, all the Fang family's young disciples had fallen asleep; Fang Yu saw Fang Han slip out secretly, heading to an open, deserted area to practice Wu Gong in secret.

He practiced the Songhe Wan Shou Fist.

Crane claws tracing sand, ice crane guarding plum, immortal crane shaking feathers, crane dancing through the sky, pine and crane prolonging life.

Fang Han executed each of the five moves in sequence, moving like an immortal crane, still as a pine tree.

"Songhe Wan Shou Fist—you've trained it well. You've practiced for a long time, haven't you?"

As Fang Yu observed Fang Han, a streak of light arrived from afar, landing beside Fang Yu, its gaze fixed on Fang Han's direction.

"Ah, Young Lady!"

Fang Han, who had been cultivating, clearly hadn't expected to be discovered; he instantly showed panic, like a thief caught red-handed by the owner—wanting to flee immediately, yet daring not to move.

After hesitating for several breaths, he knelt before Fang Qingxue and Fang Yu.

Thud!

"Young Lady, spare my life! Young Lady, spare my life! This servant only saw it by accident, couldn't resist practicing—Young Lady, spare my life!"

Fang Yu saw Fang Han kneeling on the ground, displaying an expression of utter terror.

"He's acting again."

Fang Yu remained expressionless, silently watching Fang Han's performance.

He knew this was Fang Han's act—to legitimize his secret martial arts training and simultaneously gain Fang Qingxue's cultivation support; a two-for-one scheme.

The kneeling, the cries for mercy—all part of his plan.

Indeed, Fang Qingxue fell for it.

"You're not bad—you still know fear. Had you run just now, your fate would've been like that rock over there."

At that moment, Fang Qingxue flicked her fingertip—puchī—a violet lightning blade flashed through the air; a thousand steps away, a boulder three men tall was struck and instantly reduced to ash.

In an instant, a mountain rock a thousand steps distant was obliterated, revealing the terrifying power of the Divine Ability Secret Realm.

Fang Yu knew this was one of the Eight Divine Abilities of Yuhua Sect—the Violet Lightning Yin Thunder Blade—extremely formidable, its lethality terrifying; even if his cultivation base reached the Realm of Divine Valor, being struck by that violet lightning blade would mean instant death.

This casual display of power seemed to exceed one hundred Xuan Huang Lie Ma, revealing Fang Qingxue's profound magic power.

"Young Lady, spare my life! Young Lady, spare my life!"

Seeing this, Fang Han appeared stunned, lowering his head and pounding it repeatedly, begging for Fang Qingxue's forgiveness.

"Rise."

Fang Qingxue's voice rang out, calm and flat—this peerless expert's tone never varied, devoid of any emotion, as if joy, anger, sorrow, and delight had all been cultivated away, leaving only the serene detachment of one pursuing immortality.

Fang Han still did not rise; he remained trembling with fear. "This servant stole martial arts, committed a grave sin—better to kneel and atone. Please, Young Lady, reprimand and punish me."

This was an act of loyalty.

"By rights, you shouldn't have reached the 5th Stage of Physical Body. Even Fang Yu took considerable time to reach it. How did you achieve the 5th Stage of Physical Body? Did you consume some divine elixir?"

Seeing Fang Han's display of loyalty, Fang Qingxue's expression softened slightly.

"Yes, five years ago, while washing horses by the Long Yuan River, I saw a giant horned snake roll out of the water—I was terrified. But then lightning struck and killed it. Curious, I ate its gallbladder. Strange thing—it was incredibly hard; I boiled it all afternoon before it softened. Ever since, my body improved steadily, so I began secretly learning martial arts—I truly deserve to die!"

Fang Han bowed his head again.

"Unicorn Viper?"

Fang Qingxue's gaze shifted slightly toward Fang Han. "A century ago, our Fang ancestors slew a Unicorn Viper. I never knew there were two—a male and a female. You obtained its gallbladder? That's a naturally born divine herb. After consuming it, one gains boundless strength. You've managed to sneak and cultivate for five years, reaching the Realm of Divine Power—quite impressive."

"Fang Yu, this servant is quite capable. You should nurture him."

Fang Qingxue turned her gaze to Fang Yu and spoke. "If his realm advances further, removing his servant status is not out of the question."

"Yes."

Fang Yu nodded.

"Thank you, Young Lady! Thank you, Young Master!"

Hearing this, Fang Han bowed his head again.

Fang Qingxue paid no heed; her body drifted lightly away.

Only Fang Yu and Fang Han remained.

Fang Yu studied Fang Han; Fang Han did not raise his head, still kneeling respectfully.

"Rise. Your current cultivation base is only the Realm of Divine Power. To break into a higher realm, you need elixirs. For your diligence and relentless cultivation, I grant you five Essence Pills. Train hard. If your realm rises, shedding your servant status won't be an issue—you'll become a core disciple of the Fang family, no different from me."

Fang Yu watched Fang Han for a moment, recognizing an opportunity.

An investment opportunity.

Just as Fang Han was about to rise, yet not yet fully ascended—invest now, and the returns would be substantial.

After all, Old Devil Fang had devoured countless lives, yet he repaid every debt and grudge: those who offended him were devoured outright; those who aided him reaped endless benefits.

Even those who merely stood with him, without aiding him, gained many advantages.

This old devil always loved to scatter benefits—lavishly, generously. Investing now carried no risk.

Thus, after a moment's thought, Fang Yu bestowed five Essence Pills upon him.

This suited his status, not so conspicuous as to stand out.

"Many thanks, Young Master Yu!"

Fang Han finally stood up, took the five Essence Yuan Pills, and bowed respectfully once more.

"This Young Master Yu seems different from the other Fang clan juniors."

Fang Han thought to himself.