Chapter 555: The Struggles of a Disciple... [Part 2]

Chapter 555: The Struggles of a Disciple... [Part 2]



"Grandmaster, my master... he... was impaled by his own Flying Sky Saber through his mouth and pinned to the city wall of White Cloud Continent." Fang Che's eyes were red with emotion as he spoke, his teeth clenched.

He narrated the death of Sun Yuan in an even more tragic and sentimental manner.

Sun Wutian's expression remained calm, but a flash of murderous intent flickered in his eyes.

Fang Che quickly moved on, then explained how he had used his authority to retrieve Sun Yuan's King Rank and had him buried in the ancestral tomb.

He then described how he had followed Sun Yuan's last wishes and obtained the true saber manual from the Sun Clan, which was the Heaven-Hating Blade Technique.

Fang Che also mentioned that he had left some resources and wealth for the Sun Clan—something he had genuinely done.

He went on to explain that after that incident, he began cultivating the Heaven-Hating Saber due to the surge in his hatred, which led to the discovery of the true secrets of the saber technique.

Fang Che recounted his entire experience in great detail, all the way up to when he had used Chen Yin's people to kill members of the Li Clan to avenge Sun Yuan in White Cloud Continent.

Suddenly, Sun Wutian spoke up, his voice calm, "So, Sun Yuan was killed by the Wang Clan and the Li Clan?"

"Yes!" Fang Che nodded.

Fang Che pursed his lips and said in a low voice, "Although my cultivation is lowly now, regarding my master's vengeance, I... I... I still want to personally eradicate these clans myself!"

Sun Wutian humphed, feeling a bit displeased. He glanced at Fang Che several times.

"I'll leave a few of them for you," Sun Wutian said.

"Thank you, Grandmaster," Fang Che replied obediently.

Sun Wutian's thoughts were unreadable, but after a long pause, he spoke calmly, "Over the years, how many cultivators has the Sun Clan produced?"

Fang Che gave a bitter laugh, "I did look into this once... Over thousands of years, the Sun Clan has produced hundreds of cultivators, with the highest cultivation level reaching the King Rank, which was my master's cultivation. And his final cultivation level was achieved after receiving the Celestial Sect's empowerment, reaching the Imperial Rank."

Sun Wutian grunted in response and remained silent for a long time.

However, Fang Che could sense a surge of suppressed emotions, which quickly subsided.

It was clear that the old demon was not at peace.

Fang Che, on the other hand, had different thoughts: With your ruthless style of slaughtering across the land, it's already a miracle that your lineage has survived for so long...

What more could you possibly want?

"Although the Sun Clan hasn't become extremely wealthy or powerful over the years, they've lived a peaceful and content life as a prominent local landlord. If they were to switch to the path of martial arts, it would likely bring more harm than good." Fang Che offered a reminder.

Sun Wutian nodded, "I've never had the intention of pushing the Sun Clan towards the martial path... It's better this way."

He let out a soft sigh.

Speaking of his clan, after so many years, it was ridiculous to think that he still had any emotional attachment to them.

But whenever he thought about it, he couldn't help but feel a sense of peace.

"Grandmaster, now that you've returned, do you want to visit the Sun Clan in the southern part of White Cloud Continent?" Fang Che asked, "If you wish, I can guide you there."

"Forget it," Sun Wutian said calmly, "There's nothing much to see. Knowing that the Sun Clan still exists and that the bloodline continues is enough."

His eyes held a hint of weariness, and for a moment, he showed a glimpse of humanity, "It's better if I never go back... Wherever I go, I bring disaster."

"..." Fang Che lowered his head and remained silent.

Sun Wutian's cold gaze fell upon Fang Che, "Since you are a disciple of the Sun Clan, why did you switch to the Yinshen Palace? Did the Sun Clan disgrace you?"

"Grandmaster... This is truly helpless. When the Celestial Sect was targeted during the Incubation Deity Plan, I had already learned the Blood Spirit Seven Swords from the Sect Leader, and I felt a sense of loyalty to him..." Fang Che explained nervously.

"At that time, the Yixin Sect was facing internal and external troubles. My master was on the Sect Leader's side. If the Sect Leader couldn't be protected, then..."

"After all, we were from headquarters..." Fang Che trailed off, his expression flustered.

"Hmph..." The old demon could see the complexity of Fang Che's emotions.

There was much displeasure, but also a hint of relief in having a successor.

"Grandmaster, my identity..." Fang Che looked at the old demon with pleading eyes.

This was truly a treasure mountain.

A small leak would provide enough for him to digest for a long time.

"There's nothing to change. Your master is already dead," the old demon said, "Besides, I'm separated from you by thousands of generations... Why would you want to become my disciple?"

"I have no such intention!" Fang Che quickly replied.

"It's just that when I suddenly saw you arrive, my heart... my heart was overwhelmed with emotion! It's like a child with no support suddenly realizing that he does have a backer! And such a powerful one at that!" Fang Che's voice choked with emotion.

It was clear that he was deeply moved.

Although Sun Wutian was emotionally distant, the fact that he had preserved the clan for so many years and diligently maintained it showed a glimpse of his true feelings.

After being unconscious for thousands of years, he suddenly learned that he had a successor, and not just any successor, but a descendant disciple.

This realization was enough to stir up complex emotions within him.

Now, seeing Fang Che's genuine display of emotion, especially the line, 'A child with no support suddenly realizing he has a backer!' struck a deep chord within the old demon's heart.

As a cultivator who had risen from humble beginnings, he understood better than anyone the significance of the words, 'having no support.'

Representing the desperation and helplessness of being called "Heavenly Unresponsive" and "Earthly Ineffective"!

It's the pathetic state of being bullied by others!

Fang Che bitterly said, "These past years... I don't know how I've survived. As a member of the sect, I became the champion of the Incubation Deity Plan, yet I didn't even dare to show my face."

"Countless families wanted to kill me, and our sect has countless enemies... I changed my name and hid, being cautious and walking on thin ice... Before the Incubation Deity Plan, I could still move around, but now, I dare not move at all!"

"I don't understand, Master. Over the years in our Only Righteous Sect, how many champions of the Incubation Deity Plan have there been? Why don't others have such treatment? Why is it that only after I became the champion, I suddenly became the target of everyone's arrows?"

"Moreover, this championship also caused the death of my master..."

"Now, I can only use a fake identity, and even doing so, I feel more comfortable here with the Guardian than in my own sect... Why is this? What is the reason?"

"My master died a tragic death, and I can only borrow the strength of others to kill a few of my enemies. But the true mastermind is still at large, and he is using all means to hunt me down."

"To protect me, the Sect Master has now confined the entire Yixin Sect."

"Without resources or backing, I can only grit my teeth and practice hard. Originally, I practiced with my peers, but now, every one of them has surpassed me in true cultivation!"

"And I have to rely on others even for a single pill..."

"I clench my teeth, practice desperately, complete various tasks desperately, fight desperately, hover at the gates of death, and temper myself in mountains of corpses and seas of blood, seeking that ray of enlightenment in my mind..."

"But, a thousand times the effort can be surpassed by a single pill from others!"

Fang Che spoke with extreme frustration.

He was like a helpless child in the martial world, suddenly finding his support, and pouring out all his sorrows.

Sun Wutian stood with his hands behind his back, sighing lightly.

Fang Che wiped away his tears and said with embarrassment, "Ancestor, I've lost my composure. Suddenly... I don't know why, but I've spoken so many disheartening words... It's just that these past years have been too difficult! Truly too difficult..."

If Fang Che hadn't spoken about his own lack of ambition, Sun Wutian would have certainly scolded him with, "You good-for-nothing!" to show his dissatisfaction and affection for the younger generation.

But since Fang Che spoke up, Sun Wutian had to console him instead.

After all, he was the first relative he had seen in thousands of years.

And perhaps, the only one!

"True emotions are revealed, there's no such thing as being good-for-nothing."

Sun Wutian's heart softened, and a feeling of pity arose. Instantly, his expression became gentle, and he sighed, "These years have been hard on you."

At this point, the best thing Fang Che could do was to follow Sun Wutian's words, kneel down, and hug Sun Wutian's leg, sobbing uncontrollably.

But after brewing his emotions for a long time, Fang Che still couldn't get them under control. He could only force a smile, wipe his eyes, and say with a sniffle, "Today, I was able to see the Ancestor... I won't suffer anymore!"

"Well said!"

Sun Wutian snorted angrily and looked proudly into the distance, saying, "Not bad! Now that you've seen me today, you won't suffer anymore!"

With a wave of his hand, something landed in Fang Che's hand. "This is for you."

Fang Che's heart was filled with joy, thinking it was some valuable item or a heritage jade... but when he looked down, it was his communication jade.

"Thank you, Ancestor."

"Your saber technique is well-polished. Your skills are already quite good."

Sun Wutian said indifferently, "It's just that your cultivation is not enough to unleash the true power of the Heaven-Hating Saber Technique. You need to accumulate killing intent in your daily life!"

"Yes."

"When you want to kill someone, regardless of who the opponent is, you should have a feeling of..."

Sun Wutian thought for a moment and said, "... being filled with hatred, a killing intent that wants to wipe out their entire family! Only when the murderous aura surges from within can it be accomplished!"

"Thank you for your guidance, Ancestor."

"Apart from this, what else have you cultivated?"

"I've also cultivated the Flying Sky Saber Technique, passed down by Master Sun Yuan; the Blood Spirit Seven Swords, passed down by Master Yinshen Palace, and the advanced version of the Blood Spirit Seven Swords, the Blood Smoke Hand... I also learned about the Tiantou Saber today, but it's not complete. Apart from that, I've learned quite a few martial arts from the Guardian's side, and I've learned a lot at the Martial Arts Academy..."

Fang Che listed more than twenty kinds.

The old demon frowned deeply.

"What are these thin and weak things?"

Sun Wutian was very dissatisfied. "Your sword still has some substance, but it turns out to be the sword seed of the Condensing Snow Sword. And the others... what are they?"

Fang Che lowered his head, trying to look weak, pitiful, and helpless. He said with shame, "I am guilty..."

Sun Wutian waved his hand. "You have no guilt!"

He pondered for a moment and said, "That Blood Smoke Hand... if it's not cultivated to the highest level, it's useless. And that Blood Spirit Seven Swords... why didn't you use it today?"

Fang Che said with some embarrassment, "I know that the Blood Spirit Seven Swords are swords of slaughter, capable of dealing with opponents of the same or higher level, and even when facing a Saint Rank, it can be somewhat effective. But against higher levels and greater gaps, it's ineffective, and instead, I'll suffer a huge loss because of its light and agile nature... The Ancestor's move is like a deep and majestic abyss, a powerful force hidden beneath the surface. So I..."

Fang Che looked a little embarrassed. "... didn't dare to use it.

"Hmph, you're quite clever!"

Sun Wutian snorted and asked, "What do you lack now?"

Fang Che's eyes lit up, feeling that the opportunity he had been waiting for had finally arrived.

"Disciple... I lack everything. I need high-level cultivation techniques, high-level cultivation materials, high-level healing pills, divine essence metals, life-saving treasures..."

Sun Wutian forcibly suppressed the urge to stare in shock.

Damn it...

I just casually asked that question.

And now... I've caused trouble?

This kid... what doesn't he lack? But when he thought of Night Demon's situation, he couldn't help but sigh.

Ever since he woke up and came out, he had heard countless people in the headquarters discussing Night Demon's affairs.

Indeed, his situation was worrying.

"Don't worry, Founder, I won't laugh at you."

Fang Che pitifully said, "Disciple's most precious resources are the rewards from the Incubation Deity Plan and the friendship battle between the younger generation. The remaining resources are mostly with the Guardian, given by the Guardian."

Sun Wutian's face turned black.

This is too miserable! He clearly knew that this kid was acting pitiful, but he had no words to refute, because, on the surface, this kid's greatest resources did indeed come from that source.

"Founder, I'll give it to you!"

Sun Wutian snorted and then patted his body, only to feel embarrassed.

Currently, he had quite a few items on him, but they were all for his own use, and very few were suitable for Night Demon's current rank.

At this moment, Sun Wutian felt extremely regretful.

He now understood the meaning behind Yan Nan's strange expression when he asked him to go and talk about Night Demon: You didn't even prepare a gift for your first meeting with your successor?

Old man! You didn't remind me!

Sun Wutian searched for a while, coughed twice, and calmly removed his finger from the ring, saying indifferently, "Where are you going now?"

"Disciple is heading to Biyue City, back home... There's something at home, and I don't want the Founder to laugh at me for this..."

Fang Che respectfully explained.

Sun Wutian immediately said, "This is a major matter and an important task. Since that's the case, I won't delay your important task! Go home first, and I'll think about what you need. I'll prepare a batch for you, and then I'll naturally come to find you."

"Yes, Founder. Disciple is not in a hurry!"

Fang Che, being very understanding, said with embarrassment, "Actually, disciple also has enough resources... But since it's the first time meeting the Founder, disciple... disciple was a bit greedy. Founder, please don't take it to heart, it's disciple's fault."

Sun Wutian felt increasingly uncomfortable.

He said, "Go and do your own tasks first. When you return to Donghu Zhou, I'll teach you the true Hating Heaven Saber."

"The true Hating Heaven Saber?"

Fang Che was taken aback and said, "Disciple has learned..."

"What you have learned is my Hating Heaven Saber. The true Hating Heaven Saber belongs to the sect. But since you have already cultivated my Hating Heaven Saber to such an extent, you can also cultivate the sect's Hating Heaven Saber."

Then he said, "Go now, and I'll come to find you in a few days."

"Yes, Founder, please take care of yourself... Disciple sincerely prays for the Founder's longevity and good health."

Fang Che looked at Sun Wutian with admiration, "Founder, please take good care of yourself. The current martial world is not the same as it was in the past. Disciple... disciple wants to explain something to the Founder..."

"Do you think I need you for that?"

Sun Wutian scolded with a smile.

Fang Che smiled embarrassedly and said, "Founder, since you've appeared in the southeast, there must be something that requires your labor. But since the Founder hasn't appeared for many years, disciple is currently the life and death patrol of the southeast, and everything has been going smoothly with the Guardian's help... it's also a little useful... hehe, it's convenient for my duties, and it's better to use it than not."

He wanted to find out the reason for Sun Wutian's visit.

Moreover, he emphasized, 'I hold a high position with great authority, and everything is going smoothly, with a prosperous official career'; implying: It would be best if you don't cause any trouble for me...

Fang Che was genuinely afraid that this old demon would start a killing spree in the southeast without any regard! This old guy's killing power is too strong!

Sun Wutian didn't care at all and said, "I've come to oversee the southeast and, by the way, to investigate what the Divine Ferret Sect is all about."

His gray eyes glanced at Fang Che and said, "You don't need to worry, my purpose for coming here is not the Guardian."

"Yes."

Fang Che felt relieved, but his heart still trembled.

This old demon was indeed sharp, and he couldn't test him like this again in the future.

He added, "Disciple has some power here, so Founder, please rest assured."

"With your power?"

Sun Wutian snorted and then said, "Just pretend to be unconscious."

"Disciple understands."

Fang Che was originally thinking about how to handle this matter, but now that Sun Wutian had already made arrangements, he naturally put his mind at ease.

Hmm, I'll pretend to be unconscious too, so I won't know anything.

This idea is not bad.

Just as he was about to leave, Sun Wutian spoke up, "Hey, you kid, didn't even add the Founder to your communication jade."

Fang Che patted his head and quickly took out the Only Righteous Sect's communication jade, "Disciple was rude, please forgive me, Founder."

When Fang Che came out, he felt as if the sky had cleared.

He quickly took a few steps, put on his large cloak, and then lay down on the ground, closing his eyes.

Sun Wutian waved his sleeve, and Fang Che was truly knocked unconscious. Then, with another wave of his sleeve, the entire group, both people and horses, fell to the ground in perfect formation.

He was even considerate enough to maintain their previous formation.

But he still couldn't rest easy.

The deaths of these Guardians were not a concern, but his Hating Heaven Saber couldn't die, and he was watching from the shadows...

After a long while, a muffled groan sounded.

Among the group, the one with the highest cultivation, An Ruoxing, was the first to regain consciousness. She held her head, feeling dazed and confused, "What...what happened?"

Then she saw everyone lying in disarray, and her heart shattered in that instant, thinking they were all dead.

She hurriedly went to check on them, confirming that they were all unharmed.

Frowning, she thought, "What happened?"

Not long after, the old man and the others gradually woke up, all of them still dazed.

Fang Che and Ye Meng were the last to regain consciousness, looking bewildered.

"What happened?" they asked.

Everyone started talking at once.

An Ruoxing and the others, who had woken up first, couldn't explain what had happened. They just felt a buzzing in their heads, and then they knew nothing.

"It's strange...it must be a powerful expert!"

Fang Che's face turned heavy as he pondered, "Could there be a battle between experts?"

The others soon realized what had happened.

Looking at the signs of a battle not far away, they were all shocked. "What kind of experts were fighting that could make so many of us pass out instantly?"

An Ruoxing and the others began to examine the scene.

But of course, they couldn't find anything.

Everyone was confused, but they came to a conclusion, "It must be that a Guardian expert protected us and fought with the demon!"

There was no other way to explain it.

Then, everyone checked themselves and found no major injuries, so they continued on their way.

An Ruoxing had already reported this incident, "When we passed through...something strange happened..."

Facing the doubts of Fang Che and the others, An Ruoxing put on a confident look and said, "The higher-ups told us not to worry and to continue with our original itinerary."

"Oh..."

Everyone understood.

Only An Ruoxing herself felt increasingly anxious, because even the higher-ups didn't know. But she couldn't say anything, so she urged everyone to hurry on their journey.

So they continued on their way to Biyue City.

This time, they traveled faster. Soon, they passed through the mountain forest.

High in the sky, Sun Wutian watched as Fang Che pretended to be confused and let it go, and he finally felt at ease.

So he immediately headed towards the Southeast Headquarters of the Only Righteous Sect without a trace.

The Supreme Dharma Protector's arrival brought joy to the Southeast Headquarters.

Feng Yun personally welcomed the Supreme Dharma Protector, "The Supreme Dharma Protector graces the Southeast with his presence, and I, the junior, have failed to greet you from afar. I hope the Dharma Protector will forgive me."

In everyone's minds, Young Master Yun personally welcoming the Supreme Dharma Protector should at least warrant a smile, right?

But what they didn't expect was...Sun Wutian's scowl, a cold hum, and he walked past without paying any attention.

Feng Yun was puzzled and quickly turned to follow, offering an apologetic smile.

Before he could say anything, Sun Wutian spoke, "There are a few matters."

"Please instruct me, Supreme Dharma Protector."

"First, the Li, Wang, Han, and Cheng families of the headquarters..."

Sun Wutian listed seven families, "I want the information on these families."

Feng Yun was confused, "These surnames, each has several branches. Which family are you referring to?"

"The families that lost people in the last Incubation Deity Plan!" Sun Wutian flipped through the pages, his eyes cold.

"Understood."

Feng Yun frowned in thought, then instructed Feng Yi, "Go and do it immediately! Within a day!"

Feng Yi left.

Feng Yun thought for a moment, "Is this related to the Night Demon?"

Sun Wutian gave a strange laugh, "Indeed, the blood of Feng Du runs strong, and his mind is quick!"

Feng Yun's heart skipped a beat, and he smiled, "This junior was just making a guess."

Sun Wutian rolled his eyes and looked at Feng Yun, "A quick mind, but does he know how to keep his mouth shut?"

Feng Yun laughed, "The Supreme Dharma Protector doesn't need to be polite. You are my elder, and before you, I am like your many generations of grandchildren. Whether to hit or scold, it's all up to you."

Feng Yun's attempt at flattery was spot on.

He felt he had expressed himself very appropriately.

But this sentence touched Sun Wutian's sore spot.

Many generations of grandchildren?

He thought of his many generations of grandchildren who had their heads chopped off, their bones scattered; his many generations of disciples' disciples who were pursued to the ends of the earth, like rats scurrying through the streets.

Sun Wutian's heart burned with anger.

"How old are you?"

Sun Wutian asked, his eyes narrowed.

"Thirty-five," Feng Yun replied respectfully.

"Thirty-five...heh...what's your cultivation level?" Sun Wutian asked again.

"Saint King Fourth Rank."

Feng Yun didn't understand what he meant. He could only answer truthfully.

"A good family background is impressive! Only thirty-five and already a Saint King!"

Sun Wutian said with a strange tone, "He's truly a heaven-blessed genius!"

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end