https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-445-A-Gentleman-s-Jade-is-Fit-for-His-Task-Part-1-/12981707/
Chapter 445: A Gentleman's Jade is Fit for His Task (Part 2)
Chapter 445: A Gentleman's Jade is Fit for His Task (Part 2)
”
Another disciple, equally enraged, added, “This time, eighty-eight innocent brothers and sisters have died. Eighty-eight, Holy Maiden! There were only one hundred and twenty of us who entered!”
Lan Xinxue wanted to say that Fang Che's words might not be entirely true.
But at this moment, everyone's emotions were already stirred. The deaths in the Yin Yang Realm were too bizarre and mysterious.
Moreover, it was too suffocating.
Who could have known that the rules had changed? Who could have known how to avoid them?
It was too unjust!
They were their loved ones, their own kin, their own siblings... It tore their hearts apart!
And the other reason Lan Xinxue couldn't bring herself to speak was...
Fang Che was right in front of her.
She had always shown her admiration and affection for him. If she expressed her doubts now, how could she bring herself to say it?
If she spoke up, wouldn't her plans be exposed?
As she pondered, she heard Fang Che say, “Fellow senior brothers and sisters... this is my fault. Alas, I was too shortsighted. I truly didn't know that you all were unaware... It's my mistake. If because of my words, you all start a conflict with the Underworld... wouldn't that be a great sin of mine, Fang Che?”
He earnestly said, “So, I implore you all, when you encounter someone from the Underworld, please give them a chance to explain, can you?”
He sincerely asked, “What if it's just a misunderstanding?”
Fang Che's demeanor, like a gentle breeze clearing away the clouds, instantly won everyone's favor.
A male disciple from the Netherworld Palace said, “Brother Fang Zhi Shi, your gentlemanly conduct is admirable. But this matter... is too significant. Eighty-eight lives lost, this is a blood debt as heavy as a mountain.”
“If the Underworld is our enemy, we have nothing to say. They are in the right, no matter what. But to die under the hidden information of our own people...”
He heaved a sigh, and tears rolled down his cheeks.
Fang Che also sighed and said, “Fellow seniors, please accept my condolences.”
Lan Xinxue's expression darkened as she sighed, “Brother Fang, are you saying... is this really true? I can't believe it.”
Fang Che chuckled inwardly.
This woman, she truly doesn't trust me.
So he gently said, “Sister Lan's deep affection for me is clear, how could I possibly deceive you in such matters?”
Lan Xinxue's face turned red, and she stamped her feet, her voice filled with embarrassment, “Brother Fang, you... how could you... in front of so many people, you're making me so embarrassed...”
Everyone laughed.
But it was evident that the previous hostility towards Fang Che had unknowingly diminished greatly.
Those who had once harbored murderous intent towards him now felt a mix of complex emotions.
Brother Fang, he indeed didn't bear any ill will towards us.
“Brother Fang, what rank are you now?” Lan Xinxue asked.
“Sister Lan, you should be at the Lord Rank now, right? Second Rank?” Fang Che asked with a smile.
“Brother's insight is like a blazing torch,” Lan Xinxue replied.
“I'm a little higher than you, about two or three ranks higher,” Fang Che smiled.
“No wonder I couldn't see through Brother, but Brother could see through me at a glance... Brother Fang truly has extraordinary talent, blessed by heaven.”
“Where, where, it's just that I've devoted myself to cultivation, never encountering any dangers. Basically, all my time is spent on cultivation, so my progress is faster. If Sister had known how to avoid danger like me, your progress wouldn't be any slower than mine.”
Fang Che smiled warmly.
Hearing the words 'devoted to cultivation, all time spent on cultivation', everyone's hearts felt a little stifled.
If Yin Yunxiao had told us, we wouldn't have ended up like this. Now, we've wasted so much time running for our lives, and so many brothers and sisters have died!
Blood vengeance!
Naturally, everyone set off together.
In this way, the atmosphere became increasingly harmonious.
After all, previously, everyone's pillar of support was Lan Xinxue, at the second rank of the Lord Rank. But with such uncertainty, they felt very insecure.
Now, with Fang Che's addition to the team, his cultivation was much higher than Lan Xinxue's, and everyone had unknowingly gained a powerful backer. With this mindset, they naturally felt closer to Fang Che.
Along the way, they chatted and talked, and the atmosphere became more and more harmonious.
Of course, Fang Che wanted to take this opportunity to build good relationships.
“Do you think I'm unreasonable? Aggressive? You mean the one at the Four Seas and Eight Directions Tower who insisted on registering? Alas, I'm telling you, you're wronging me.”
Fang Che looked helpless, “Think about it yourselves. Your sect has undergone so many Yin Yang Realm trials, and how many times have we, the Guardians, known about it? Not once. Not a single time.”
“This time, you finally revealed your true intentions, so naturally, there will be a response from above. That's why I'm here, with a task. If I didn't do this, how could I force you to reveal your purpose? How could I ensure my stay to complete the task?”
“You have nothing to lose, it doesn't matter if the task is completed or not; but for me... I'm not in a sect, I'm in the workplace. If I don't complete the task given by my superiors... the consequences are obvious.”
Fang Che looked at the crowd, seeing understanding on their faces, and heaved a long sigh, “Fellow junior brothers and sisters, tell me, facing all the genius disciples from the various sects, do I, Fang Che, really enjoy offending people? Do I really have no reservations? Offending everyone who comes here? All those who come here are geniuses, the future leaders of their sects!”
“If I offend them all, what good will it do me?”
Why do I have to do this?"
Fang Che's expression was one of deep regret, "If there was no reason for this, I, Fang Che, am not a fool. How could I have been so reckless? You say I'm unreasonable, but how could you possibly understand the anguish in my heart..."
A deep sigh escaped his lips, his face filled with sorrow.
Having heard Fang Che's words, the Netherworld Palace disciples couldn't help but understand. Putting themselves in his shoes, they instantly realized how difficult and conflicted Fang Che must have felt back then.
Unable to hold back, one of them sighed, "It's our fault. We only considered our own perspectives and didn't think about how hard and conflicting it must have been for you, Senior Brother Fang, to make such a decision.
"It's good that you understand," Fang Che chuckled. "To be honest, meeting you is my luck, as I can explain. But there are so many otherworldly sects, and it's impossible for me to explain to every single one. Not every sect is as understanding as you, so I really don't know what to expect on my journey."
Fang Che smiled bitterly, "Perhaps you've all heard this saying before: 'In the mortal world, one's actions are not one's own.' I didn't understand these words before, but when I truly comprehended them, I realized how heartbreaking and helpless those eight words are."
Everyone sighed in unison.
Yes.
In the mortal world, one's actions are not one's own.
Almost everyone knew these eight words and had uttered them countless times. However, very few truly understood their true meaning.
"Speaking of this saying, I must defend the Heavenly Palace and the Underworld," Fang Che interjected. "After all, it was because I spoke out about this matter that it caused all of you to harbor ill feelings towards the Underworld. I myself feel that I've stirred up trouble. But if we consider the saying, 'In the mortal world, one's actions are not one's own,' perhaps Yin Yunxiao and the others didn't speak up for the same reason."
"It's not just about the success or failure of the trial, but also a struggle for the supremacy of our teachings. Throughout history, the Heavenly Palace and the Underworld have always held the highest positions, leading all otherworldly sects. What do they rely on?"
Fang Che sighed, "Although there are reasons like inheritance, I believe a large part of it is the resources they bring out from a treasure land like the Yin-Yang Realm. And every time they bring out resources, it's definitely several times more than what you all bring out."
"If we put ourselves in their shoes, if everyone brought out the same amount of resources, or if your Netherworld Palace suddenly produced a genius who brought out resources far surpassing those of the Heavenly Palace and the Underworld... How would the latter maintain their superior status in the long run?"
Fang Che earnestly explained, "So it's understandable for them to hide things, as it's not just about alliances but a struggle for supremacy. Moreover, as far as I know, the Netherworld Palace and the Underworld originate from the same sect. You understand the competitive relationship between them, even without me explaining it."
"So, fellow junior brothers and sisters..."
Fang Che said, "Regarding the Underworld's actions, I believe you should try to understand. After all, if they are surpassed and suppressed by you... Well, you know..."
As the group continued on their journey, deep in thought, one of the older disciples spoke up, "Senior Brother Fang is truly benevolent and righteous. We know that he has our best interests at heart and doesn't want us to conflict with the Underworld. Such a magnanimous heart deserves our respect."
"But this is no longer just a matter of teachings. Perhaps the Underworld thinks this way, but our Netherworld Palace has lost eighty-eight disciples. And each of these disciples is a genius among geniuses!"
"From all the disciples, we carefully selected those qualified to participate in the Yin-Yang Realm trial... Senior Brother Fang knows the significance of each of these losses. Our Netherworld Palace cannot bear such a heavy blow."
"Senior Brother Fang means well, and we appreciate it. But regarding the grudge with the Underworld, please don't try to persuade us," the disciple said, pointing to the others. "Among those who perished in the Yin-Yang Realm, some were our partners, some were our siblings from the same mother, and some were fellow disciples who grew up together and formed deep bonds. Senior Brother Fang, you can't understand the pain of losing such close kin. This is a blood debt that can never be erased, not in this lifetime or the next!"
The others' faces turned sorrowful and indignant.
Indeed, this was a blood debt of epic proportions! The Underworld, having concealed the truth and caused such consequences, must take responsibility and pay the price!
Fang Che sighed with a heavy heart, "Alas... Although I can't convince you, you should also know when to stop. After all, there's a vast sect behind us with a heritage spanning tens of thousands of years. Once conflict arises, it's inevitable that the sect will be shaken."
He smiled faintly, "Unless... unless you want to replace the Underworld..."
Replace the Underworld? The thirty-odd disciples' eyes lit up.
Fang Che didn't say anything further.
He had already said more than enough.
If he continued, he might as well expose himself. He had made it so obvious, and if these disciples still didn't understand, they were truly beyond help.
But Fang Che was confident they would understand.
After all, they were all geniuses!
Fang Che remained silent, and no matter what the others asked, he maintained a troubled expression, "I'm just an outsider, so it's really not appropriate for me to speak."
"I've already unintentionally stirred up trouble, and I feel terrible about it. I shouldn't do anything else."
"I'm sorry for my lack of consideration."
"Fellow junior brothers and sisters, as a Guardian, my words and actions may be biased."
If we were to be influenced by you and end up in conflict, we might face punishment from our sect upon our return."
"It's been a pleasure getting to know you all, and I truly wish to maintain a lifelong friendship. I'm willing to stand by your side, sharing our thoughts and secrets without any doubt or suspicion."
"You can make your own decisions, or discuss it among yourselves. More people means more strength, but also more opinions."
"I'll go ahead and scout the terrain."
And so, Fang Che set off alone to survey the terrain ahead.
The members of Netherworld Palace gathered to discuss the matter.
Watching Fang Che's departing figure, everyone sighed, "Senior Brother Fang is truly a gentleman."
"Saintess, what do you think about this?"
The group huddled together.
Lan Xinxue furrowed her brows in deep thought.
"What do you all think?"
"The Underworld is ambitious, and this grudge must be avenged."
"But Senior Brother Fang's words make sense; it's too obvious, and it might cause a disturbance within the sect."
"So, we need to take a long-term approach to this matter."
"Maintain a friendly facade but strike in secret?"
"But it might still expose our intentions."
The group discussed animatedly, each expressing their opinions.
In the end, the decision rested with Lan Xinxue.
Lan Xinxue's brows remained tightly knit as she observed her fellow disciples' indignant expressions. She felt a sense of helplessness.
Rationally, she believed that Fang Che's words were true.
From the beginning, Fang Che had always presented himself as a righteous and upright gentleman before her, a true guardian.
Moreover, considering her deliberate display of affection, Fang Che was unlikely to be lying.
However, from a practical standpoint... Although many senior brothers, senior sisters, junior brothers, and junior sisters had died, it had little to do with Lan Xinxue herself.
Furthermore, the Underworld and Netherworld Palace had always been allies, supporting each other and working together.
This included their sect's ultimate skill.
All she needed to do was reach that final step, complete the final fusion with Yin Yunxiao, and she would immediately join the ranks of the peak experts.
This outcome would be mutually beneficial for both the Underworld and Netherworld Palace.
At most, it would be sacrificing Fang Che without anyone knowing.
And when the time came, Yin Yunxiao's schemes would not be a match for her...
This was a truly long-term plan.
"I feel that Senior Brother Fang is right. Although the Underworld concealed the situation and didn't inform us, leading to unnecessary losses, at this point, it's not appropriate to act rashly."
The group shot her disapproving glares.
You're the Saintess of Netherworld Palace, and yet you're so easily swayed by him? Lan Xinxue furrowed her brows in thought, then said, "At the very least, we shouldn't openly clash. But this is still a blood debt."
She wanted to consider her fellow disciples' feelings.
"For the sake of the sect's stability, we should exercise restraint in conflicts involving core disciples. However, if any of them are alone, I won't stop you from taking action. Moreover, seizing the spatial ring to increase our sect's foundation is something we need to do."
Lan Xinxue coughed, "In any case, we shouldn't openly clash, but everything else should remain as it is. In secret, if there's an opportunity... everyone can act as they see fit. It's all for the sake of the sect, and everything is for the sect. Remember this, fellow disciples."
She smiled faintly, "Senior Brother Fang said something very reasonable... that we can't necessarily replace them."
Everyone's spirits lifted, and they all exclaimed, "All for the sect!"
The meeting concluded.
The group's thoughts were now aligned.
Fang Che returned from scouting ahead, still graceful and handsome, with a refined demeanor and an aura of righteousness.
He smiled without speaking, "There's no danger ahead. But we're approaching the Yin-Yang Realm, and spiritual herbs have already started to appear."
He took out a cluster of emerald-green, crystal-like Lan Xuxue Grass, held it up to the light, and said, "There are three clusters nearby, so I picked them all. There will definitely be more ahead, so don't worry, fellow disciples."
Everyone smiled, "Senior Brother Fang is being so generous. We're all on the same side, so why would we be envious of you?"
Fang Che laughed, "After all, I took advantage of the opportunity to scout ahead and gained a little benefit. I can't hide this."
Fang Che's gentlemanly demeanor impressed everyone.
He truly embodied the qualities of a friend worth having.
Being with someone like him meant having peace of mind, free from the fear of being schemed against.
A female disciple from Netherworld Palace smiled and said, "Senior Brother Fang is too honest. It's fine among ourselves, but if we encounter him in the future, we can't be so straightforward and honest. We might suffer because of it."
Fang Che smiled sheepishly, "Where did you get that idea, Junior Sister? Our relationship is already worth this much to me, and besides, there's Lan Junior Sister here. I can't make it difficult for her to speak in front of you all. I should be helping her save face."
Everyone laughed, and Fang Che became even more approachable.
They continued on their journey.
Fang Che touched the spatial ring, which contained over a thousand stalks of Lan Xuxue Grass, and smiled warmly.
In reality, he had taken this opportunity to collect all the Lan Xuxue Grass within a five-thousand-mile radius ahead.
He only left seven or eight stalks in visible locations.
This was to showcase his absolute "gentlemanly demeanor."
By doing so, the disciples of Netherworld Palace would naturally feel grateful and increase their resentment towards the Underworld.
(End of Chapter)
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