https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-364-Swan-North-Cold-s-Suspicion-Part-2-/12980514/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-365-The-World-s-Number-One-King-10-000-Words-Part-2-/12980521/
Chapter 365: The World's Number One King [10,000 Words] (Part 1)
Chapter 365: The World's Number One King [10,000 Words] (Part 1)
A shrewd gleam flashed in Yan Beihan's eyes, revealing her thoughtful expression.
"Night Demon's words... seem to have no flaws, and the information doesn't quite match up, but for the ancient fox of Yin Shengong to speak so highly of someone, there truly aren't many who fit the bill."
Yan Beihan fell into deep contemplation.
Then, she thought of Fang Che. That annoying guy did seem to fit the description a bit.
But Fang Che... he didn't seem like the type.
The malevolent energy on Night Demon was so thick it was almost tangible, and even without fighting, one could sense it from a great distance away.
And that was with Night Demon restraining himself. But Fang Che exuded a completely different aura, like a refreshing breeze.
Two completely different temperaments! One was like a bloodthirsty demon, and the other was like a celestial immortal.
Other things could be faked, but the innate temperament that seeped from one's bones was hard to change.
Yan Beihan pondered for a long time, but the more she thought, the more confused she became.
She decided to go find Yan Nan instead.
"Grandpa."
"Oh, little girl, what brings you here?"
"I suspect Night Demon's identity," Yan Beihan said with a hint of frustration.
She walked over to the chair in front of Yan Nan, sat down, crossed her long legs, hugged her calves, and rested her chin on her knees.
This was her granddaughter's typical posture when she was troubled.
Yan Nan's interest was immediately piqued. "Oh? Night Demon's identity? What do you suspect?"
"I suspect that Night Demon is Fang Che," Yan Beihan said. "The two of them seem to overlap a little."
Yan Nan's expression remained unchanged, but his heart skipped a beat.
"This guess is..."
Yan Nan chuckled, with a hint of amusement. "Don't you find it a bit ridiculous yourself?"
"I find it ridiculous too, which is why I came to ask you," Yan Beihan replied.
"Then tell me your reasons for suspicion," Yan Nan said with a smile. "Why didn't you suspect that Dongfang Sansan was Night Demon?"
The fact that his granddaughter could have such suspicions set off alarm bells in Yan Nan's mind.
If even Yan Beihan could suspect this, what about others? Was there some other glaring loophole in the Night Demon's story?
"The main reason is that Yin Shengong once said, 'In my life, I've seen many handsome young masters, but none can compare to Night Demon!'"
Yan Beihan imitated Yin Shengong's tone, capturing his words perfectly, and then continued, "Among all the so-called young masters I've met, the only one who can live up to Yin Shengong's praise is Fang Che, the Guardian's disciple."
Yan Nan immediately felt relieved.
The problem lay with that Yin Shengong! That night, he had only uttered that praise once, and he never expected Yan Beihan to remember it so clearly!
Yan Nan shook his head and said, "You'd better give up on this suspicion."
"Why?" Yan Beihan asked, unconvinced. "But my intuition tells me that Night Demon is Fang Che! My instincts have never been wrong!"
Yan Nan silently cursed women's intuition for being so unreasonable, and calmly replied, "This time, your intuition is wrong, because I know exactly who Night Demon is."
"Who is he, then?"
Yan Beihan's eyes lit up with curiosity.
"I can't tell you that," Yan Nan said, narrowing his eyes with a smile.
"Hmph, Grandpa, you're so mean!"
Yan Beihan wanted to pout, but seeing Yan Nan's tired appearance, she felt a pang of sympathy. She twisted her waist and walked away, saying, "Hmph, if you won't tell me, I'll find out myself! I won't give up until I uncover the truth! You should get some rest too, Grandpa!"
Yan Beihan left.
Yan Nan quickly wiped away the feigned fatigue from his face and sighed, "I have to say... women are truly mysterious creatures!"
He sighed again.
Although Yan Beihan was his granddaughter, he couldn't let her know about this matter.
The girl was still young, and while she might be considered exceptionally wise among her peers, she was no match for those ancient foxes.
If she ever encountered Night Demon or Fang Che and her expression or demeanor changed even slightly, others might notice something.
All of Night Demon's efforts as a mole and Yan Nan's carefully laid plans could be ruined in an instant.
This was a crucial advantage in the battle against Dongfang Sansan, and they couldn't afford any mistakes.
"Dongfang Sansan has already suspected Fang Che. It's said that she was mentally intimidated on the flying ship... We can't afford any other mishaps."
Yan Nan muttered to himself.
Dongfang Sansan hadn't kept this matter a secret, so after they disembarked from the flying ship, the news spread.
Yan Nan immediately became aware of it.
"Dongfang Sansan has sensed something... Sigh, that incident with Sun Yuan and Night Demon in Azure Wave City still haunts us. What a mess!"
"How can we resolve this?"
Yan Nan furrowed his brows, deep in thought.
He only knew one thing for certain: as long as Dongfang Sansan had doubts, and as long as those doubts persisted, Night Demon would never be trusted!
This was an absolute certainty.
Therefore, this matter was of utmost urgency.
"Sigh, the subordinates are too rough in their methods. Even after such a great achievement, they still can't put Dongfang Sansan's mind at ease. It shows how crude their actions were back then!"
...
After ending his communication with Yan Beihan, Fang Che immediately reopened the connection with Yin Shengong. "Master, Miss Yan Beihan just asked me why I didn't participate in the friendship competition. I told her I was on a mission to find the Seven Yin Yang Restoring Grass, as instructed by you."
Yin Shengong had already entered seclusion and didn't respond.
But Fang Che's heart was at ease.
Once Yin Shengong saw this message, he would understand everything.
Perfect.
After reviewing his conversation with Yan Beihan, Fang Che felt confident that there were no loopholes.
Relieved, he accompanied Ye Meng and followed Yang Luoyu on their journey. With a cheerful heart, he looked upon the mountains and rivers, finding beauty in everything. The flowers were vibrant, and the land stretched as far as the eye could see.
It was June, and the scenery along Fang Che's journey was lush and verdant. Wherever he looked, he saw a landscape teeming with life.
The three didn't ride at a fast pace. The horses galloped for a while, then slowed to a trot, allowing them to appreciate the scenery along the way. They felt that every mountain and river had its own charm, and the beauty was overwhelming.
Finally, after some time, Ye Meng forcefully wriggled out of Fang Che's embrace and rode her horse to catch up.
She exuded an indescribable heroic aura.
Yang Luoyu smiled, watching Ye Meng on horseback, graceful as a fairy. Fang Che said, "Fang Che, you've found a good wife."
"She's passable, just average."
Fang Che humbly replied, "She's not exactly beautiful, just ordinary. She's tolerable to look at, but I'm afraid she's not up to your standards, Senior Yang."
This guy was putting on an act, and even Yang Luoyu didn't feel like talking.
Thinking about how he had been single for thousands of years, and this kid had a beautiful wife at just eighteen, he couldn't help but humph in frustration. "What tricks did you use to deceive her?"
"I'm ashamed to say, I picked her up on the road."
Fang Che was telling the truth. He had indeed picked her up on the road. As he walked, Ye Meng suddenly fell in front of him.
Picked up...
Yang Luoyu couldn't bear to listen anymore. If it was that easy to pick up a wife, why was he still single? Clearly, Fang Che was just showing off.
With a dark face, Yang Luoyu spurred his horse, catching up to Ye Meng and leaving Fang Che behind.
He found that although Fang Che had a good appearance, he didn't know why his words were so irritating. His tongue should be cut off!
Fang Che had no choice but to follow behind, trying to make small talk, "Senior Yang, where is your family from?"
"I don't have a family."
"Oh... Junior here spoke out of turn. So, Senior Yang and your descendants..."
"I don't have a wife."
"..." Fang Che felt like this conversation was going nowhere.
You asked me about my wife, then you ran off after a few questions. I thought something was wrong... Now I realize it's a single dog getting triggered.
And it's a single dog with a history that normal people can't even imagine.
Ye Meng curiously asked, "Senior Yang, can you use the soundproof barrier at the King Level?"
Yang Luoyu was surprised, "How is that possible? Only those at the Monarch Rank and above can use the soundproof barrier."
Ye Meng instantly blushed, feeling embarrassed and unable to speak. In her urgency, she needed a topic to ease the awkwardness, so she blurted out, "Senior Yang, why don't you find a wife?"
Yang Luoyu stared, "..."
You two, enough already!
One person stabs, the other stabs back, is it never-ending?
He was at a loss for words.
Is it because I don't want to find one? There are so many reasons for this, damn it!
"Hmph!"
Yang Luoyu, feeling depressed, urged his horse to gallop ahead, maintaining a distance of two to three hundred zhang from the couple before stopping.
He deeply regretted taking on this escort mission.
The couple's sweet moments were enough to make him sick, and their words were like poison, seemingly innocent but directly hitting his weak spot.
Yet, he had no choice but to endure.
...
During this time, the entire continent was in an uproar.
The news of the Guardian's Friendship Competition victory had spread, and the entire continent was buzzing with excitement.
The names Fang Che and Feng Guohai were on everyone's lips, becoming extremely popular.
There was even a saying, widely circulated, that involved wordplay.
"Fang Che, this name is good. It's destined to soar like a dragon through the nine heavens and roar like a tiger in the mountains. Why is it so good? Let me tell you. First, look at the 'Fang' character. 'Fang' has no obstacles above, reaching the nine heavens. The middle horizontal stroke represents upholding justice in the world, and the two strokes below are legs walking, treading on the earth, showing great stability. This character can be called 'standing tall and upright.'"
"Then there's the 'Che' character. On one side are two people, and on the other is the 'Che' character. Two people, 'ren' means double, indicating that many will help. As for 'Che,' it represents a killing intent, as it can be interpreted as 'wielding a knife.' So, Fang Che is a man of great courage, wielding a knife to fight for the safety of others, a true hero."
"The two characters 'Fang Che' together, as they say: a man standing tall and upright, wielding a knife to eliminate the evil sect! Why? Because 'Che' also means 'thoroughly,' so wielding a knife, he thoroughly eliminates the evil sect, the only righteous sect!"
"This name carries boundless grandeur and endless ambition!"
"Fang Che, a true hero!"
"Now, let's talk about Feng Guohai. What does 'Feng Guohai' mean? People say 'the sea is vast...'"
"..."
Regardless of whether this interpretation was correct or not, everyone accepted it. The most important thing was that the speaker was Duanmu Zhong, known as the number one divine calculator in the world.
With this interpretation, the public's enthusiasm soared.
"Fang Che, the hero of the continent!"
"Bringing glory to the continent!"
"A true man indeed!"
"The number one king!"
Wherever Fang Che, Ye Meng, and Yang Luoyu went, this was the topic of discussion in every city.
As they walked through the city, Yang Luoyu sighed, "I, Yang Luoyu, have lived my whole life, but now I feel my reputation doesn't compare to yours."
Fang Che smiled bitterly, "How can we compare, Senior Yang? You're on the Cloud Sword Spectrum, a name that will be sung for eternity. My fame is just a temporary trend, and in a few days, no one will talk about it... We're not on the same level."
He then asked, "Senior Yang, you're not just going southeast to find Senior Dong, are you?"
Yang Luoyu smiled faintly, "You're not bad. Indeed, it's not just that."
Looking at the lush mountains in the distance, he said, "The Southeast Headquarters is planning an attack on the One-Heart Sect, and this operation is top secret."
Fang Che laughed, "Since it's top secret, there's no need to say more. My strength isn't enough to qualify for such matters."
"I trust you on this."
Yang Luoyu laughed.
...
The Southeast Headquarters was brightly lit and festive.
Welcoming the Champion's Return
At the Southeast Headquarters, many leaders and instructors from the White Cloud Martial Academy had gathered.
They acted as if they were the hosts of the Southeast Headquarters.
Zhao Shan He showed reluctance, almost being scolded into silence, so he waved his hand and decided to hold a grand celebration.
Moreover, he provided a substantial amount of resources as a reward.
After all, this was a moment of glory for the Southeast Headquarters.
The Hall Master of the Southeast Headquarters, Song Yi Dao, was beaming with joy, his face as radiant as a blooming flower.
Chen Ru Hai and Fan Tian Tiao, aware of Fang Che's identity as a member of the Demon Sect, exchanged wordless glances, helplessly smiling.
What was the higher-ups thinking, allowing this guy to participate? Were they really trying to catch a big fish? Since this was a friendly match organized by the headquarters, it must have been the intention of the upper echelons. Both men understood the significance of this matter.
It was imperative to keep it a secret.
If there were any abnormalities, it might genuinely affect the overall layout of the upper echelons.
The two men rubbed their faces, revealing a joyful smile. Well... this referred to Chen Ru Hai.
The key was that Fan Tian Tiao's face dared not smile.
His dried-up eggplant-like face, once it smiled, would be filled with a sense of time's passage, even more so than a wailing cry.
If Fang Che arrived and Fan Tian Tiao burst into laughter...
The Southeast Headquarters would immediately be set ablaze: Welcoming the continent's hero, the Southeast Headquarters weeps in a unique manner, prompting deep reflection...
So Fan Tian Tiao simply hid himself within the crowd.
After all, neither crying nor laughing was an option, and not attending was out of the question... so he decided to hide.
Huang Yi Fan was also hidden among the crowd, feeling a bit depressed.
Traitor! Hmph...
If it weren't for the leaders wanting to catch a big fish, would they let you show your face? Since the Ninth Master hadn't said anything, Huang Yi Fan naturally dared not speak up.
Finally.
Yang Luoyu arrived with Fang Che and Ye Meng.
Instantly, cheers erupted.
Shen Laotou, Li Chang Kong, Ice on Snow, Duan Zhong Liu, and Bao Fei Yu burst into laughter as they welcomed Fang Che.
Shen Laotou hugged Fang Che, patting his back vigorously, feeling relieved, "Good boy, you've really brought honor to us!"
Li Chang Kong expressed dissatisfaction, "I say, Shen Teacher, this is our student. The honor is ours, what does it have to do with you?"
Ice on Snow's face was filled with gentle relief as she looked at Fang Che with a soft, parental affection. She stepped forward and naturally straightened Fang Che's collar, then patted the dust off his body.
She was like a mother welcoming her son back from afar.
She stepped back and scrutinized him, smiling gently, "Perfect!"
Fang Che, filled with emotion, said, "Finally, I haven't let you down."
Calling out to Ye Meng, he said, "Ye Meng, come over here... These four are my instructors, and Ice Instructor is like a mother to me. Come and bow to them."
Turning his head, he blushed and said, "Ice Instructor, this is my newlywed... wife. Hehe, I haven't had time to bring her to see you yet."
Ice on Snow's eyes revealed a loving smile, "We've been waiting for this day, as Shen Teacher has already told us."
Ye Meng respectfully bowed to Ice on Snow, who helped her up. She looked Ye Meng up and down, smiling, "Indeed, she's a stunning beauty. Our Fang Che is truly blessed."
Ice on Snow took out a bracelet from her pocket and put it on Ye Meng's hand.
Ye Meng couldn't refuse, so she accepted it. Then, Li Chang Kong and the others also gave gifts, everyone with a smile on their faces.
"Let's have the wedding banquet when we get back to White Cloud Continent," Shen Laotou said, waving his hand and taking charge, "This Southeast Headquarters is filled with smoke and haze... it's not like..."
He stopped halfway, realizing today was a day of celebration, and quickly corrected himself, "Let's go back home and have the banquet there, that's more like a family."
The crowd clearly understood what he didn't say, and they all sneaked a smile.
Ice on Snow pulled Fang Che aside and quietly asked, "Now that you've found a wife, have you gone home to pay your respects to your mother? Visited your ancestors? Been added to the family tree?"
"It's been too busy, I really haven't had the time..."
Fang Che's heart skipped a beat. Although he had been busy and couldn't get away, this was indeed a great act of unfilialness!
"You kid!"
Ice on Snow chided him gently, "This time, forget about everything else. First, take your new wife to see your mother."
"Yes, yes."
Fang Che agreed repeatedly.
Then, the group entered the Southeast Headquarters.
A solemn and joyous ceremony was held, and in addition to cultivation resources, Fang Che was awarded 10,000 merit points!
They carried Fang Che in a flower-adorned palanquin.
Fang Che happily accepted, now having more than enough merit points.
Then, a grand banquet was held, with Yang Luoyu naturally becoming the guest of honor, and Fang Che, the biggest contributor, sitting at the main table.
Ice on Snow, worried that Ye Meng might feel awkward, pulled her aside to find another table and chat quietly.
The celebration continued!
Afterward, instead of staying at the Southeast Headquarters, everyone returned directly to White Cloud Continent.
It was already late, and they didn't go to the Guardian Palace.
Song Yi Dao announced, "I'm giving you ten days off. Go home and visit, it's time to return home in glory. Then, after ten days, come back to the Guardian Palace for another ceremony."
"Thank you, Hall Master."
Amidst the laughter, everyone returned to their rooms.
However, Shen Laotou, Li Chang Kong, and the others followed Fang Che and Ye Meng back to the Jade Cloud Residence.
The five of them drank merrily, making up for Fang Che and Ye Meng's wedding banquet.
They drank until dawn, and only after Ice on Snow's repeated urging did they finally leave, feeling content.
Before leaving, Fang Che took out some resources and handed them to Ice on Snow, asking her to bring them back to Fang Qing Yun.
It wasn't much.
Two pills of different varieties; one to supplement foundation and one to increase cultivation; a portion of heavenly treasures and earth treasures, just enough for one person.
(End of Chapter)
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