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Chapter 368: The Sweetest Dreams Are the Hardest to Wake From, and Partings Are the Bitter End of Ga
Chapter 368: The Sweetest Dreams Are the Hardest to Wake From, and Partings Are the Bitter End of Gatherings (Part 2)
"About-face! Follow me!"
One hundred and seventy-four people followed, and the last one was kicked away by Zhao Wushang, "Move faster!"
Blood splattered.
The atmosphere turned silent.
The excitement of arriving at the Escort Agency was quickly replaced by a chilling realization.
...
As the group left, Mu Lin Yuan finally appeared, shaking his head with a smile, "Tsk tsk, Commander Starlight's authority in this Escort Agency is as high as the heavens. I've witnessed it firsthand."
"Master is teasing me again."
Commander Starlight hurriedly stepped down from his throne, smiling, "You rarely visit, and I thought you might have forgotten about me."
"Hehe... I might forget anyone but never you, my dear friend."
Mu Lin Yuan smiled, "But let's get to the point. I need to return to my seclusion, and my master has ordered me to break through the Venerable Rank."
"That's easy. I have some medicinal pills here."
Commander Starlight reached for his pocket.
"Not necessary for now."
Mu Lin Yuan forced a bitter smile, "If I need to break through and have to ask you for pills, then I'm truly letting my master down."
"This breakthrough is a natural progression. My master brought back reward pills from headquarters, and he gave me two as well. It's enough."
Mu Lin Yuan smiled, "So, you keep your precious two pills."
"Cough... that's not a small number either."
Commander Starlight chuckled.
"This time, apart from delivering these people, the most important task is to bring you a sword manual from your master."
Mu Lin Yuan took out a jade slip from his chest, "Blood Spirit Seven Swords, a sword technique that can be cultivated to the Saint Rank throughout the realm, reaching the Sage Monarch."
His face turned solemn, "This jade slip can only be used once before it self-destructs. You must prepare yourself."
"Understood."
Commander Starlight's expression turned serious.
"Blood Spirit Seven Swords, your master has just acquired it, and as far as I know, he's just started cultivating it."
Mu Lin Yuan coughed, his eyes revealing a peculiar smile, "You understand."
"I do."
Commander Starlight boasted, "After some time, when my master arrives, I'll ask him about the intricacies, and I'll demonstrate it for him."
"Hahahaha..."
Mu Lin Yuan laughed so hard he could barely breathe.
Especially considering Fang Che's comprehension abilities and photographic memory, it was possible that by the time he mastered it, Yin Shengong might still have some ungrasped intricacies.
That would be quite a spectacle.
Mu Lin Yuan decided that when the time came, he would definitely bring Qian Sanjiang and Hou Fang to witness the excitement.
"Alright then."
Mu Lin Yuan laughed, then showed a disgusted expression, "Let's go. Looking at your ugly face is annoying. Let's go to your place for a meal and a chat."
"Okay."
Fang Che immediately agreed, and the two went their separate ways, meeting at the Scholar's Residence...
...
The rear courtyard of the Escort Agency had entered hell mode.
Under the vengeful minds of over five hundred young demons, the One Heart Sect's 170 members found themselves in a sea of torment.
They started with a spot-check of the Code of Conduct.
"Have you all read it?"
"Yes."
"Have you memorized it?"
"Most of it."
"The exam begins now. Those who score less than 90 will be hanged and whipped a hundred times."
"Begin!"
And so it started...
Although these demons had been forced to memorize the Code in recent days, who could remember everything? Especially since they were being tested on the most obscure parts... After the afternoon exam, all 174 were hanged.
The relentless training: these little demons are almost all Martial Marquis, a formidable force.
Not daring to utter a word: even if they cut you down, there's no crime in it.
Thus, the demons began their grueling training.
Constantly reciting, training, and strategizing, they pushed themselves to the limit.
Not only memorizing the Code of Conduct, but also the geography of the southeast and half the continent, including the rivers and mountains, and the various factions and powers along the way, and the need for river crossings, and how to handle different escort missions based on the cargo...
In summary, every two hours, all one hundred and seventy of them were hung up and whipped, after having their cultivation sealed!
"This is a hundred times more brutal than Master Hou Fang's training..."
Over a hundred people were on the verge of tears.
"After five days, you must be able to escort independently. If you're not up to standard, we'll replace you all!"
Zheng Yunqi's voice was menacing: "Do you still want to sleep? What are you dreaming about? Get up and fight! They actually want to sleep!"
In an instant, over five hundred people pounced like wolves, their fists flying...
One hundred and seventy-four people were terrified, their hearts pounding: "Who said we wanted to sleep? We didn't say that."
But you, you're the one who mentioned sleep, and now you want to incriminate us...
The entire Tianxia Escort Agency was filled with screams and groans, the sound of whips and blood splattering everywhere, from morning till night...
Round after round of so-called 'examinations' continued, with new trials being introduced...
...
Fang Che and Mu Lin Yuan enjoyed a hearty meal at the wise man's residence, with Ye Meng personally cooking and hosting a family banquet, serving the wine herself.
Mu Lin Yuan was deeply gratified, and instructed Fang Che: "In my life, I have nothing remarkable to show for myself. Only the Ice Clear Platform, which is undoubtedly the top-ranked technique in the Clear Heart Scripture. Later, I'll teach this technique to my wife."
"Thank you, Master," Fang Che said with a smile.
Mu Lin Yuan's unique technique, which he privately wanted to teach Fang Che, was naturally acceptable. However, with Mu Lin Yuan's frequent visits, if he discovered that Ye Meng had learned his unique technique without his consent, he might feel a bit uncomfortable.
Mu Lin Yuan nodded in agreement, and everything was settled.
For Ye Meng, this technique was also a high-level skill, and it would greatly benefit her undercover work.
Mu Lin Yuan drank heartily, and later, he said to Fang Che, "There will be major changes. The Sect Leader has instructed me to inform you that within the shortest time, around seven hundred escort leaders and escorts will report here. Then, you can handle it as you see fit."
"I understand!" Fang Che nodded.
"And there's another matter arises."
"No matter what!"
Mu Lin Yuan emphasized, "No matter what happens, even if the sky falls or we die, you must not make any rash moves! Do you understand?"
Fang Che was startled, "What's going on? Why would you say something like that?"
"You don't need to know. You just need to know that you shouldn't make any moves."
Mu Lin Yuan's gaze turned cold and sharp, "Remember these words."
"But I need to know what's happening!"
Fang Che insisted, "Otherwise, I'll definitely act."
"It seems the Guardians are about to launch a crackdown on the One Heart Sect."
Mu Lin Yuan smiled bitterly, "This wave might be an unprecedented crisis."
"Indeed, such a thing has occurred."
Fang Che was shocked.
"For now, the situation seems stable... But facing that Eastern Military Advisor, we can't be too optimistic."
Mu Lin Yuan sighed and then smiled, "Don't move! No matter what, don't move! Even if we die in front of you, you must not act!"
His voice, though low, was stern and resolute.
Fang Che's face turned dark, his expression reaching its lowest point. He remained silent for a while.
"I promise!"
Mu Lin Yuan shouted angrily.
"I promise,"
Fang Che took a deep breath, "But you must also promise not to die. No matter what, you must not die! If the situation becomes dire, you can come to Tianxia Escort Agency."
"I promise,"
Mu Lin Yuan agreed verbally, but he smiled bitterly in his heart.
Not die? If it's possible to avoid death, who would willingly choose to die?
If the situation truly becomes critical, can your Tianxia Escort Agency protect anyone?
Night fell.
Mu Lin Yuan did not stay the night but left under the cover of darkness.
Watching the gray-robed figure disappear into the night, Fang Che's expression turned serious. What is the Ninth Master up to? Now is not the time to uproot the One Heart Sect.
After pondering for a while, he decided to take things one step at a time.
Ye Meng was quick and efficient as she cleared the table.
"I'll teach you the Ice Clear Platform technique."
"Okay."
That night, Fang Che quietly practiced the technique. He was surprised that Mu Lin Yuan had not made any rash moves.
This Ice Clear Platform technique required strict control. Any emotional fluctuations could disrupt its effectiveness.
"After today, I'll have to start my shift at the Guardian Palace..."
Fang Che lay on the bed, his thoughts racing.
The holiday had arrived.
...
Early morning.
Fang Che, the Chief Steward, arrived at the Guardian Palace, full of energy and vigor, and received a warm welcome.
The entire Guardian Palace was filled with thunderous applause.
They welcomed Fang Che's triumphant return. Everyone was incredibly enthusiastic.
Although Fang Che was only at the King Rank, he was the number one King in the world. He was a truly renowned figure! At noon that day, everyone from the Guardian Palace went to several restaurants, and Fang Che treated them all.
Then, Fang Che was awarded a Gold Star, becoming the Chief Steward of the Guardian Palace, overseeing both halls.
Yes, he was no longer just the Chief Steward of the Two Halls but the Chief Steward of the entire Guardian Palace.
In the Second Hall, the Chief Attendant announced the temporary promotion of Yun Jianqiu to Deputy Chief Attendant, assuming leadership duties under the instructions of Fang Che.
Furthermore, a new appointment was issued.
Starting today, Fang Che is appointed as the Deputy Hall Master of the Battle Hall.
Working alongside Hall Master Yuan Jingjiang, he will manage the Battle Hall.
In simpler terms, Fang Che is now the Deputy Hall Master of the Battle Hall and the Chief Attendant of White Cloud Continent, with a particular focus on managing the Second Hall.
This is equivalent to a two-level promotion.
Yuan Jingjiang inexplicably felt demoted to the position of Deputy Hall Master.
With Fang Che's appointment as Deputy Hall Master, the entire Battle Hall was filled with enthusiasm. Cheers rose in waves, one after another.
The level of support for Fang Che as Deputy Hall Master far surpassed that of Yuan Jingjiang as Hall Master.
Regarding this, Yuan Jingjiang felt a mix of pain and joy.
After all, the more capable Fang Che became, the safer the Battle Hall personnel would be, the more merits they would accumulate, and the faster they would advance. Moreover, Yuan Jingjiang's pressure would lessen.
"Since Fang Che is more capable than me, I might as well relax from now on."
Yuan Jingjiang was quite open-minded about this.
Also, starting today, Fang Che officially had his own office in the Guardian Palace, and it was quite spacious.
Inside the office, there was a cultivation room, and on the other side, there was a small room for rest, and surprisingly, there was even a small bed inside.
"The life of a leader is indeed too extravagant."
Fang Che sighed, and then lay on the small bed to enjoy a moment of relaxation.
At the banquet...
Zhao Ying'er specially held a cup of wine to offer a toast.
"Hall Master Fang, congratulations on your promotion."
Over the past month, Zhao Ying'er had looked haggard, but today, she had obviously made an effort to dress up. Still, her haggardness was hard to conceal.
Her eyes, like autumn waters and rippling waves, now carried a hint of hidden resentment.
"Zhao, you're too kind. Work hard and strive for achievements. In the future, you'll also reach a high position."
Fang Che smiled and said, "Cheers."
He had the demeanor of a superior.
Zhao Ying'er bit her lips, looking at Fang Che, and finally raised her head to finish the wine in one gulp. Then she said, "Hall Master Fang, please make time to visit my home. You're already married, and I haven't even paid my respects to your wife. It's impolite of me."
Her scorching gaze fell upon Fang Che's face, not blinking for a moment.
Many in the Second Hall had also thought about this topic.
But when they heard Zhao Ying'er's words today, not a single person dared to chime in.
Even the most obtuse person could sense the undercurrents of tension.
An atmosphere of a demon battlefield emerged!
Fang Che smiled faintly and said, "Sure, I'll invite everyone together..."
"I'd like to go alone." Zhao Ying'er stubbornly insisted.
"That's not good, a man and a woman alone..."
"What about your wife? If you don't mind, I'll bring my sister, Xiu Yun, along." Zhao Ying'er didn't relax and said, "Does Hall Master Fang not welcome us?"
Jing Xiuyun silently sighed on the side.
Why am I being dragged into this? With no choice, she forced a smile and said, "Yes, I'll go with Zhao to pay our respects to your wife."
Fang Che reluctantly compromised, smiling wryly, "Alright, if you want to go, then go. My home is quite simple, just don't look down on it."
"I won't. Then it's settled!"
Zhao Ying'er poured another cup of wine, clinked it with Fang Che's cup, and finished it in one gulp. Her eyes fixed on his, and she said, "Alright, alright... It's settled."
Fang Che was helpless, and as he saw the topic coming to an end, he looked at Zhao Ying'er, who seemed to have more to say. He hurriedly said, "I'll discuss some official matters with Hall Master Yuan..."
Zhao Ying'er left with a sullen expression, and Jing Xiuyun gave her a stunning look and a thumbs up, "Ying'er, you're so bold today!"
"Bold?"
Zhao Ying'er smiled bitterly.
I've missed too many opportunities. If I don't take a bold step now, I fear... I might truly become a bystander.
Fang Che leaned close to Yuan Jingjiang's ear and whispered, "Help me."
Then, he began to speak with a serious expression, "This thing, that thing, yes, right, isn't it... You know, hehe, oh, it's just like that... Oh, it's settled!"
Yuan Jingjiang was completely confused but could only cooperate, so he frowned, looking solemn, and nodded repeatedly, "Yes, it's like that, oh, there's no choice, who can say otherwise... Yes, yes, it's worrying, worrying..."
And so... this pretense lasted for a long time.
It wasn't until Song Yi Dao and Fan Tian Tiao came to offer a toast that Yuan Jingjiang finally felt relieved, sensing the sweat pouring down his back.
Finally, the banquet came to an end.
Fang Che and Yuan Jingjiang both felt like they had received a grand amnesty.
They looked at each other, both with faces covered in sweat.
"It wasn't easy." Fang Che wiped his sweat.
"Yes, it wasn't easy." Yuan Jingjiang also wiped his sweat.
"So tired."
"Indeed, so tired."
The Hall Master and Deputy Hall Master looked at each other, both feeling mentally and physically exhausted.
"By the way, Fang Che, during this time, you've taken good care of Tang Zheng. He's now a Second Rank General, and he's full of gratitude and admiration for you."
Yuan Jingjiang said, "Make time, and I'll host a meal? Let's have a private chat? We can also discuss this fellow. He's been pestering me these days, wanting to apply to become a formal attendant, but I've referred him to you. I said he needs your signature..."
Yuan Jingjiang smiled and said, "Becoming an attendant is this fellow's wish, and now there's finally hope. But a Second Rank General is still a bit low. I suggest he becomes a Third Rank General first, and then we can make him official. What do you think?"
Fang Che frowned, thinking of Tang Zheng, and remembering how he had given him two bottles of General-level medicinal pills earlier. Tang Zheng's restrained reaction, the light in his eyes, made Fang Che smile with interest. Yuan Jingjiang wanted to delay until he reached the Third Rank, but Tang Zheng would likely break through in a few days with those pills. So, Fang Che said, "..."
(End of Chapter)
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