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Chapter 377: The Netherworld, Complete! [A bonus chapter by Nan Gua Yi Xiao Chuchen, dedicated to th
Chapter 377: The Netherworld, Complete! [A bonus chapter by Nan Gua Yi Xiao Chuchen, dedicated to the two Alliance Leaders.]
The Heavenly Escort Bureau suddenly lost one hundred and fifty members.
Those who remained were somewhat somber, and some couldn't help but survey their surroundings with a sense of longing.
The departure of the Seventy-Two Golden Flowers left a void and a lingering sense of regret that was impossible to suppress.
To vent their emotions, Zhao Wushang and Zheng Yunqi set up a sparring platform in the backyard, and everyone was required to take part, including the escort captains who had joined later from the One Heart Sect.
That's how men are; they feel empty and lonely, so they start a fight, and after beating each other up, all feelings of melancholy disappear.
After the Starlight Commander returned, he held a meeting with the ordinary women who were still at the Escort Bureau—the women Zhao Wushang and others had redeemed from slavery.
"If you don't want to work at the Escort Bureau, you can each take two thousand taels of silver and find your own way. Or you can go home."
The Starlight Commander was concerned that after these young masters from prominent families left, only the demons from the One Heart Sect would remain, and these girls might be bullied since they had no martial power.
However, to his surprise, not a single one of them was willing to leave.
Instead, they begged to stay.
This left the Starlight Commander puzzled.
In fact, the Starlight Commander had slightly misunderstood the situation; for these girls, staying at the Heavenly Escort Bureau was the best choice. They had no martial power, only the skills of entertaining and serving men, so leaving would almost certainly lead to being at the mercy of others.
But staying at the Escort Bureau meant safety and protection from numerous high-level martial artists.
These high-level martial artists would, at most, only appreciate them and would never do anything to harm them because their bodies were too weak, and even if something did happen, they wouldn't be able to handle it.
So, it was safer for them to stay.
Although these women were once courtesans, they had experienced the ways of the world in brothels and had a clearer understanding of human nature than most. Working at the Escort Bureau meant safety, a chance to find a suitable partner, and they could still maintain their status as respectable women.
Even if they became famous in the brothel, they were still prostitutes. Truly wealthy families would never marry a prostitute!
Now, if they left, they could walk with their heads held high, proudly declaring, "I'm from the Heavenly Escort Bureau." How prestigious would that be?
Even if they found a partner and got married, they could still continue working at the Escort Bureau—there were already four or five such precedents at the Bureau.
Why would they leave? You couldn't drive them away even if you tried.
After understanding all this, the Starlight Commander decided to let things be.
Moreover, with these women staying, the Escort Bureau took on a more graceful and feminine atmosphere, which was quite pleasing.
Zhou Meier's reception work and Wu Lianlian's financial duties had been thoroughly handed over before their departure.
The new staff might be a bit unfamiliar with the tasks, but the Starlight Commander believed they would fully adapt within a few days, and he wasn't worried about it.
For a while, there was chaos outside with battles and deaths, but the Escort Bureau and the Guardian Palace remained peaceful, as if they were in a heavenly realm.
The Starlight Commander even started to feel a bit idle.
Furthermore, no one from the Divine Deity Sect had come looking for them, which left him somewhat dissatisfied.
Why were they taking so long to come for help?
This Kou Yifang was a Sect Leader, for goodness sake! What kind of quality was this? Hurry up and come so I can sell you off—how efficient and straightforward that would be. Why drag things out? In the end, it's all the same.
During this time, Fang Che felt like his life had become more disciplined.
He reported for duty punctually and left just as timely, even finding time to do some personal errands at the Escort Bureau in between.
His cultivation progressed steadily, surpassing the fourth rank of the King level and even reaching the peak of the fifth rank.
Ye Meng's cultivation had also advanced to the sixth rank of the Martial Marquis level.
His sword skills became increasingly sharp.
Every night, they dual-cultivated, improving together. But after each session, Ye Meng felt like her body had fallen apart.
Her eyes had no focus, and she felt a mix of hatred and love for Fang Che's combat prowess.
During this time, the shadows continued to deliver messages promptly, keeping the Starlight Commander informed about all the changes at the Escort Bureau, including personnel updates and his own actions.
Each report made Ye Meng feel guilty towards her man.
As a result, she became even more obedient.
Fang Che, of course, relished this obedience and even took it further.
In terms of martial skills, the Heaven-Hating Blade had undergone a complete transformation and reached maturity, while the Heaven-Supporting Blade had become second nature to him. Fang Che even created a few unique moves based on his own sword techniques.
Regarding his swordplay, Fang Che had started to deconstruct the Great Sun Sword and continuously meditate on it, integrating it into his understanding.
He had also thoroughly mastered the advanced techniques of the Blood Spirit Seven Swords, even improving them to increase their power significantly.
As for his training with the halberd, Fang Che first collected a pile of secret manuals on halberd techniques and practiced each move.
Then, taking an unconventional approach, he refined and combined these techniques based on the gun-wielding methods taught by Lord Lin, gradually integrating them into his halberd training.
He experimented with blending the halberd moves with various energies: stellar, earth, and malevolent.
Sometimes, it took him over a dozen manuals to refine and combine into a single move.
And he discovered that his halberd skills were gradually taking shape, perfecting themselves in a harmonious manner.
Despite the tediousness and complexity, Fang Zhe relished the process of creating something from nothing and forging his own path.
The more he delved into the intricacies, the more profound his understanding became.
His dedication to gun training surpassed his efforts in the other three aspects, and the Netherworld had been completely transformed into a finished product by the little sprite.
Just looking at this gun made Fang Zhe feel genuinely ferocious.
The gun measured two zhang in length, with a spiral-tipped handle and a sharp, heavy blade.
The gun barrel, black with a hint of purplish-red, was exceptionally heavy. A dragon coiled around it, its scales providing an excellent grip and preventing slippage.
The gaps between the scales allowed a gentle breeze to cool the hand during use, ensuring a firm grip even when drenched in sweat—a crucial feature for any gun.
With a casual flick, the gun became spotlessly clean.
Even without shaking, liquids would swiftly slide down the fur, unaffected by the stickiest of substances in the world. Fang Zhe adored this feature.
However, fox fur was a rare find, and Fang Zhe couldn't find any at the moment. He wasn't too concerned; if he found some, he'd use it, and if not, a bare-bottomed gun wouldn't hinder his killing.
Fang Zhe's admiration for the Netherworld gun reached a point where he couldn't bear to part with it.
Holding and standing with the gun made him feel incredibly powerful.
"What a pity. It can only be a hidden trump card!"
"I wish I could be like Duan Xiyang, casually carrying around the White Bone Gun and showing it off!"
"It's a sense of power that comes from within."
Fang Zhe was obsessed with cultivation.
His passionate research into various weapons was enough to move anyone. His diligence in practice had reached a certain level. He practiced whenever he had free time during his shifts, rehearsing in his mind, and continued to cultivate and validate his skills until midnight.
After midnight, he diligently practiced dual cultivation, advancing together.
In a day of twelve hours, Fang Zhe dedicated at least ten and a half hours to cultivation.
Especially now, with nothing else to do, he made full use of his time.
With no tasks from the One Heart Sect or special arrangements from the Ninth Master, and with the Guardian Palace and the White Cloud Martial Academy running smoothly, Fang Zhe had nothing to do.
The Heavenly Escort Bureau was operating normally, and all the demons of the One Heart Sect had become well-behaved.
Fang Zhe found himself with too much free time.
He even felt lonely.
Every day, he longed for the countless beauties from the secluded mountain sects to visit him, as they had promised, but none of them showed up.
He wasn't used to this sudden idleness.
Out of sheer boredom, he even took Ye Meng back to Blue Wave City for a couple of nights before hurrying back.
He thought there would be something to do now.
But upon his return, there was still nothing.
Fang Zhe was perplexed. Had the world become so peaceful? This period of boredom reminded him of something—the autobiography of Lord Jun Lin.
Lord Jun Lin's autobiography was incredibly lengthy. With great patience, Fang Zhe read it continuously for over a month to finish it.
It was undeniably captivating.
The book was filled with adventures, mysteries, encounters, revenge, the fall of nations, brotherhood, and more, leaving no element untouched.
There were also beauties... especially the red-clothed ones!
Lord Jun Lin described them in exquisite detail. A simple game of chess with a beauty could span tens of thousands of words.
Fang Zhe read until his head spun, and it was evident that Lord Jun Lin had artistically embellished his story, as almost every peak beauty on the continent had fallen in love with him.
Today with one, tomorrow with another.
The day after with...
Then, after some time, he began to marry them one by one...
A quote from Lord Jun Lin stuck with Fang Zhe: "Such beauties would be a waste for others!" So, he too embraced a philosophy of universal love.
But as the story progressed, it became filled with sorrow and desolation. The beauties, one by one, reached their life's end and departed, and it was only then that Lord Jun Lin truly calmed his heart.
Until the end, he remained alone, fighting the Celestial Scorpion's avatar...
A hero, a life of romance!
A compassionate hero with a resolute heart.
Fang Zhe couldn't decide how to hand over this book.
The biggest issue was Duan Xiyang.
Duan Xiyang clearly knew that Lord Jun Lin's legacy was with the Night Demon, so if this book appeared, it would naturally be spread by the Night Demon.
Why would the Night Demon spread this book?
In an attempt to boost morale on the Guardian Continent, Fang Zhe had an idea that would benefit no one in the Only Righteous Sect, but instead, it would deal a devastating blow to their reputation. What would Night Demon do in this situation?
Once such suspicions arose, his undercover mission would come to an abrupt end.
Thinking about this, Fang Zhe couldn't help but feel a sense of helplessness.
Regarding that night when Dong Changfeng invited him out, Fang Zhe was filled with a million resentments!
I know you meant well, but you've really messed me up!
Ever since that night, Dong Changfeng had never shown up again.
Originally, Fang Zhe planned to hand over these jade slips to Ye Meng, but since she had no issues, he could just edit and delete some parts. However, now... it's a no-go.
It's stuck in my hands! If I want to publish, aside from everything else, my strength must be able to rival Duan Xiyang's before it's even possible.
Or I could directly discuss it with Duan Xiyang... Hmm?
Fang Zhe's eyes lit up at the thought.
If I directly negotiate with Duan Xiyang, this matter might actually be feasible.
But this matter requires careful planning and long-term consideration. I can't afford to mess things up.
As for Yin Shengong, I've reported multiple times, including the fact that I've already tamed the Demon Heads. Yin Shengong already knows all about it.
But now, the Southeast Guardian is like a madman, surrounding the Four Sects. Yin Shengong is so intimidated that he doesn't dare to show his face.
Even regarding the news of his disciple's return, Yin Shengong is exasperated.
Because he knows that this guy is currently doing nothing, idly causing trouble. When he messages Yin Shengong claiming to report, it's purely harassment.
"Master, I'm so bored, there's nothing to do... I need to find something to keep me busy. Is there any mission available?"
"None! Get lost!"
"Master, I'm truly bored to death..."
"Get lost!"
"Master, I've already mastered the Blood Spirit Seven Swords Promotion Volume, but I'm still not very clear on how to incorporate the Stellar Energy, Earth Energy, and Malevolent Energy. Currently, I've only managed to grasp the Stellar Energy, Earth Energy, and Malevolent Energy. As for how to integrate the Heaven Energy, Star Energy, and Stellar Energy, I'm still a bit clueless. Please guide me, Master."
"You motherfcker, get lost! Far away!"
Yin Shengong burst into a fit of rage.
I haven't even mastered it yet, and you've already grasped so much. Are you just showing off in front of me?
"Master, if you have any doubts about this set of techniques, I can be of service."
This time, Yin Shengong didn't even bother to reply.
No matter how thick-skinned the Old Demon Head was, he wouldn't ask his disciple for guidance!
Moreover, he couldn't hide it from Mu Linyuan and the others. If this gets out, would I even be considered human anymore?
Even now, Mu Linyuan, this old bastard, after breaking through to the Venerable Rank, keeps showing off in front of me, sourly saying, 'Sect Master, the sword technique hasn't been successful yet? Asking Night Demon for guidance isn't embarrassing...'
Every time Yin Shengong heard these words, he felt an intense urge to kill.
He really wanted to throw Mu Linyuan into a pit of feces.
Fang Zhe sent another message to Yin Shengong, but the Sect Master was like a dead man, not replying at all.
Do whatever you want, I'm already the Deputy Sect Master's favorite, and you're not going to pay attention to me anymore.
...
Fang Zhe then started messaging Yan Beihan: "Yan, what are you up to?"
"Practicing with the gun."
"Oh, still practicing the gun? It's been so long, and you still haven't mastered it?"
"Night Demon, what's up?"
"Nothing."
"Get lost!"
"Chen, what have you been up to lately?"
"Cultivating."
"Oh, good to hear you're cultivating. Keep at it."
"Night Demon, what's up?"
"Nothing, just bored. Saying hi."
"..."
Chen Yin was completely lost.
This motherfcker... You're so annoying!
"Star, your subordinate, Xing Mang, is here."
"Xing Mang, what's up?"
"Cough, I feel a bit embarrassed to bring this up."
"Go ahead."
"Cultivation resources are running a bit low..." Fang Zhe said, looking at the mountain of Spirit Crystals and pills piled up in the warehouse.
"Wait, after asking you last time, I've been collecting them. They're almost ready. I'll have someone send some to you right away. Which aspect do you need?"
"To solidify the foundation and enhance cultivation, without side effects and no pill toxins."
"Wait!"
...
After shamelessly bothering everyone he knew, Fang Zhe also asked Feng Xing for a pile of resources, but still felt empty and lonely.
The feeling of boredom made him a bit unhappy.
Accustomed to the constant life-and-death situations, dancing on the edge of a blade, and spinning before the King of Hell, this peaceful life made him feel like his body was crawling with fleas.
Out of boredom, Fang Zhe arrived at the Guardian Palace, only to be caught by Zhao Ying'er.
"Hall Master Fang, you promised to visit my place."
Zhao Ying'er spoke.
Jing Xiuyun, who was forcibly dragged along by Zhao Ying'er, had a helpless expression.
Regarding Zhao Ying'er's persistence, Jing Xiuyun was surprised.
Men and women are different. For instance, Jing Xiuyun and Zhao Ying'er, Jing Xiuyun was the one being pursued back then.
Moreover, men had to pursue with great effort before winning over a beauty.
But Zhao Ying'er was the one doing the pursuing...
Therefore, people's joys and sorrows are never the same. Jing Xiuyun, with her pretentious and dramatic behavior, could attract men's crazily, but she didn't understand Zhao Ying'er's bitter psychology of pursuing a man at all costs.
"Ha... Come in, there's no problem."
Fang Che chuckled, "Anytime is fine, it's not a big deal."
"Really, anytime?" Zhao Ying'er asked.
"Yeah, yeah, haha."
"Then let's make it tonight!"
"Tonight?"
"Fang Che, is that okay?"
"Cough... How about tomorrow? I'll prepare some food, and let my wife cook."
"There's no need to go through all that trouble, we can just buy some on the way."
"Cough... My place is a mess..."
"It's fine, we're just visiting, that's more real."
"..."
Fang Che blinked, unable to find a reason, he was cornered. He looked at Jing Xiuyun for help, but she turned her head away, ignoring him.
"Alright, tonight it is."
Fang Che compromised. After all, Ye Meng had already made an appearance the last time.
"Okay, after the shift, we'll go with Fang Che."
Zhao Ying'er smiled, her eyes curving.
"Okay."
Fang Che scratched his head.
He couldn't understand why Zhao Ying'er was so bold today. He remembered her as a shy girl.
Her newfound courage was overwhelming.
Not only was Fang Che puzzled, but Jing Xiuyun was equally baffled.
After they left, Jing Xiuyun quietly asked Zhao Ying'er, "Ying'er, why are you so bold today? You cornered Fang Che into a corner and didn't allow him to avoid it... You're so fierce! This is unlike your usual self."
Zhao Ying'er's eyes were slightly hazy, she shook her head and smiled, "It's nothing. Maybe I've come to a realization... After all that's happened in the Guardian Palace, I've experienced a lot... First, a few unfamiliar priests died mysteriously. At that time, it wasn't very obvious, but when Ren Chang suddenly disappeared, I suddenly felt a deep sense of sorrow..."
"Even in the scorching summer days, my heart often felt a chill of autumn."
"Then I was attacked, and my life hung by a thread. After recovering from my injuries, I returned to find that Sister Xiuyun, you might not know how I felt... When I left, everyone was fine, but upon my return, ten familiar faces were gone. At that moment, the entire Executor Hall felt like a foreign place."
"And then, after so long... Tang Zheng was gone."
A look of loneliness and desolation flashed across Zhao Ying'er's face, "So I don't know when I might be gone too. And in this life, there's still so much I haven't done, I haven't truly strived for myself..."
"If I were to suddenly pass away, how much regret would I have?"
"I haven't even said a few heartfelt words to the one I like. Even until death, I feel like my woman's heart is floating in midair."
"Until death, I'll still be a Zhao, not taking on my husband's surname. In the underworld, for eternity, I'll remain a Zhao, unable to be like other women... Buried in my husband's ancestral tomb."
Jing Xiuyun sighed softly, "Don't think so pessimistically, we'll all be fine."
Zhao Ying'er sighed and said, "These past few days, I've been dreaming of my mother."
Jing Xiuyun was surprised, "Your mother?"
"My mother passed away eleven years ago. Eleven years ago, the Beast Tide suddenly surged in the Ten Thousand Beast Jungle, and the One Heart Sect and Night Demon Sect attacked simultaneously, putting the Southeast in imminent danger. It was during that battle that my mother died."
Zhao Ying'er's voice grew heavy, "I dreamt that my mother was cooking for me, waiting for me to come home for dinner."
Jing Xiuyun felt a sudden chill rise, stammering, "How can you trust dreams? Don't overthink it."
Zhao Ying'er said, "We've all heard a saying that... the spirits of the deceased in heaven, fearing they might disturb their children, the closer the relationship, the less likely they are to appear in their dreams. But once they do, it's a sign of something significant."
Jing Xiuyun said, "That's just nonsense made up by idle scholars, and you believe it?"
Zhao Ying'er smiled faintly, "That's why I suddenly feel a sense of urgency. So, no matter what, I want to fight for myself once."
"But Fang Che already has a family."
Jing Xiuyun pointed out.
"Isn't it normal for a man to have three wives and four concubines?" Zhao Ying'er argued.
"Besides, I just want to ensure I have no regrets. It doesn't mean I'm seeking a particular outcome."
Jing Xiuyun remained silent.
She pouted, "Then let's wait and see Fang Che's little family tonight."
"Hehe."
...
In the afternoon, Fang Che held an assessment for everyone in the Executor Hall.
Everyone was nervous, sweating profusely, and some even ended up with bruises and swollen faces.
Fang Che felt the need to divert Zhao Ying'er's attention, hoping they would forget about visiting his home in the evening. So, he seized the opportunity to beat up Hong Er Cripple, who hadn't been punished in a long time.
Hong Er Cripple was utterly bewildered. "What did I do wrong this time?"
(End of Chapter)
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