Chapter 556: The Responsibility of the Past, the Glory of Today [Two in One]

Chapter 556: The Responsibility of the Past, the Glory of Today [Two in One]



Feng Yun was completely baffled by Sun Wutian's behavior.

He had known long ago that Sun Wutian was coming, but he never expected that the old ancestor would speak in such a cryptic and ambiguous manner, with a tone that was both sharp and sarcastic.

Moreover, each word was laced with deep malice.

Even with his high intelligence, Feng Yun couldn't fathom what had gone wrong.

"Old Sun, what's the matter...?"

"You don't need to worry about me," Sun Wutian replied.

"Go and prepare some things for me," Sun Wutian ordered.

"What things?"

"I need the best cultivation resources and pills for the Lord, Noble, and Saint ranks. Get a large quantity of every type of Danyun pill!"

Sun Wutian continued, "For cultivation, healing, divine soul, physical body, spiritual energy, and auxiliary purposes... Get a bit of everything, the more the better!"

Feng Yun's heart stirred, and he said, "Has Night Demon already reached the Lord rank? Truly worthy of being the champion of the Incubation Deity Plan, his talent is one in a million. To grow so quickly in a subordinate sect, I really want to get to know him and make friends."

Sun Wutian furrowed his brows and stared deeply at Feng Yun, then said, "Not bad!"

Feng Yun immediately confirmed his suspicions, and while a huge wave rose in his heart, he also knew when to stop.

"Then I'll go and prepare them right away!"

"Good. Go ahead."

Watching Feng Yun leave, Sun Wutian's expression became unpredictable.

In just a few words, Feng Yun had revealed his cultivation level, but more impressively, his ability to perceive the subtle and deduce the overall situation was not something that could be attributed to family background!

Sun Wutian was well aware that Feng Yun was showcasing his capabilities.

You think I rely on my family background?

So, do the words I speak rely on my family background?

Am I right or wrong?

Is this something an ordinary person could say?

Feng Yun remained respectfully silent.

However, he used this opportunity to showcase his abilities to the fullest extent.

"Feng Yun, very impressive!"

Although Sun Wutian had developed a strong bias against 'noble families' due to the incident with Fang Che, he couldn't help but acknowledge that Feng Yun was indeed an extraordinary talent.

Fang Che hadn't arrived yet, but the news of his return had already spread to the gates of Biluocheng, where a large crowd had gathered.

The news had reached the Town Guardian Hall, and a message was sent to the Fang family: Fang Che was returning!

With just over a hundred and twenty li to go.

Eighty li.

Fifty li...

Fang Zhenghang was furious.

You've barely visited in forty years, and now my nephew is returning, and you've said it seven times in just over a hundred li!

This is clearly a setup to make a fool of our Fang family.

But remembering that this was a serious matter, he couldn't afford any mistakes. Besides, his brother-in-law, Fang Xiao, had been keeping him company and drinking with him, and he had discovered that his brother-in-law was indeed a talented man.

From heaven to earth, from water to the three teachings and nine schools, there was nothing he didn't understand.

Moreover, he had helped Fang Zhenghang cure a long-standing ailment, and now Fang Zhenghang was extremely satisfied with this brother-in-law.

Although he looked a bit shabby, haggard, and sickly, he was still very handsome.

And despite appearing sickly, he was a high-level Noble rank expert, soon to reach the Saint rank.

This was a great blessing.

Fang Zhenghang was afraid that Fang Che would return and cause trouble, disrupting this good match and causing his sister lifelong regret.

So, Fang Zhenghang decided to personally welcome his nephew at the city gates.

Fang Xiao and Fang Qianyi also wanted to come along, but Fang Zhenghang stopped them, saying, "You two wait at home! I need to give the child some space."

Standing on the battlements of the city wall, he looked into the distance.

In the far-off forest, a team of knights was galloping towards them.

Their uniforms were crisp and neat.

Their cloaks billowed in the wind.

Like a sharp arrow, they shot forward.

Their formidable aura was awe-inspiring!

Fang Zhenghang's heart skipped a beat. Has Fang Che brought so many people back? Does he intend to start a fight?

Anxiety gripped him.

He hurriedly rushed down the city wall, taking three steps at a time.

But he saw that the two main and deputy hall masters of the Town Guardian Hall were also there to greet them.

"Hall Masters, this... is it really necessary?"

"This is a family matter," Fang Zhenghang said.

Although Fang Che's position as a life and death patrol captain warranted a welcome from the hall masters, it was still a matter of giving face. For the hall masters to personally come out to greet them was going overboard.

Clearly, these two were here to witness the Fang family's embarrassment.

The two hall masters rolled their eyes. "Fang Family Head, do you think we're here to welcome your nephew? Deputy Governor Yan is also accompanying us on this trip."

Fang Zhenghang's mind was elsewhere, and he simply stretched his neck to look into the distance, not hearing what the hall masters said.

As the unicorn horse drew closer, Fang Zhenghang spotted a white-clad figure following the team—it was Night Dream! His heart immediately settled, and a smile appeared on his face. If Fang Che had come to cause trouble, he wouldn't have brought Night Dream with him.

Coming home with his wife could only mean one thing: acceptance.

He was here to acknowledge his family.

Fang Zhenghang burst into laughter and strode forward to greet them. "Ache! You're looking more and more spirited!"

Fang Che dismounted and said, "Uncle!"

"No need for formalities," Fang Zhenghang said, grabbing Fang Che and whispering in his ear, "Don't cause any trouble!"

"I understand, I understand!" Fang Che nodded repeatedly.

"You're really pushing your luck!" Fang Zhenghang, taking advantage of the situation, whispered again.

"I understand, I understand!"

Fang Che nodded repeatedly like a chick pecking at rice.

"Do you remember?"

Fang Zhenghang glared at him.

"I remember, I remember, Uncle. How could you think I'm so clueless?" Fang Che forced a bitter smile.

"Haha... You're so sensible. You've been dragging this out for over ten days, almost breaking your mother's heart!"

Fang Zhenghang slapped Fang Che on the head and whispered angrily, "You're so clueless! Your mother raised you with her own hands, and you..."

Fang Che's head was filled with black lines. "I really have something important... I've been delaying it."

"Hmph! Dare to be reckless! I'll make you pay!"

Fang Zhenghang glared at him.

Over there, the two Palace Masters had already greeted An Ruoxing.

After exchanging pleasantries, they walked over.

Fang Che introduced them, "Deputy Governor, this is my uncle, Fang Zhenghang, the head of the Biyue City Fang family; Uncle, this is Deputy Governor An, who has always been very kind to me."

Fang Che coughed and said, "Since I was young, my father hasn't been by my side. It's all thanks to my uncle's upbringing and guidance that I've stayed on the right path and learned about the ways of the world... Uncle's kindness is as vast as the heavens and earth. It's all thanks to my uncle's guidance that I've been able to get to where I am today."

An Ruoxing instantly understood.

Fang Che was trying to earn face for his uncle.

He immediately stepped forward, took Fang Zhenghang's hand, and with a smile, said loudly, "I've long heard of the Fang family head's deep understanding of justice, his upright and honest character, his open and straightforward nature, his unwavering integrity, his kind and compassionate heart, and his concern for the common people. It's said that during countless natural disasters and calamities, the Fang family of Biyue City has always provided relief and support to the victims, earning the title of Fang the Benevolent. Now that I've met him, I can see that his reputation is well-deserved."

He sighed and said, "The Fang family head's son and nephew are both outstanding individuals. The noble son, Fang Qingyun, is honest and kind, and his virtue is admired. At the White Cloud Martial Academy, he is also a model student. The fact that the children have become talented is all thanks to the guidance of the Fang family."

"Thank you, Fang family head, for providing such talented individuals to our Red Dust Continent and to us, the Guardians. Later, An Ruoxing will definitely drink a few cups with the Fang family head!"

A string of praises followed.

Fang Zhenghang felt as if his body was floating in the clouds.

He even forgot to bow and just stood there, grinning and bowing, "The Governor's words are too kind, the Governor's words are too kind... It's all the duty of the common people, it's all the duty of the common people!"

This was undoubtedly the most glorious day of Fang Zhenghang's life! Being praised and having his hand held by the Deputy Governor of the Southeast Headquarters.

The joy and honor in his heart were almost bursting.

As a small family head of a Ninth Rank Clan, he was under the command of An Ruoxing in the Southeast, leading tens of thousands of families.

Over ninety percent of them would never have the chance to meet An Ruoxing in their lifetime.

Not to mention holding hands and conversing, and receiving such high-level praise?

For a moment, his throat felt choked up, and even with great effort to hold back, his voice still trembled as he said, "It's all thanks to the children's success, the children's success..."

His eyes were rimmed with tears.

Suddenly, he felt a sense of fulfillment, as if there were no more regrets in life. His family was safe and prosperous, and everyone was living in harmony. Both children had become successful, and they had brought such honor to the family...

What more could he ask for?

After saying a few times that the children had succeeded, his excitement was still not settled. He held An Ruoxing's hand and requested, "Deputy Governor An, please do visit my humble home later and have a few drinks."

An Ruoxing laughed, "That's for sure."

He patted Fang Zhenghang's hand lightly, and Fang Zhenghang immediately realized he had lost his composure. Up until now, he had been holding An Ruoxing's hand tightly and was still shaking it.

An Ruoxing's hand was almost dislocated from the shaking...

He quickly let go and laughed, "I've lost my composure..."

An Ruoxing, on the contrary, held his hand and patted it lightly again, "I understand, Fang family head. A man's three greatest joys in life are to bring joy to his parents, to care for them in their old age, and to see them off; to find a good wife and educate the next generation well! When the children succeed, it's the most comforting time for us. Fang family head, you've achieved these three joys."

He said, "It's truly enviable."

Fang Zhenghang's eyes welled up, and his voice trembled. His body also trembled slightly, "Yes! It's mostly because the children are so capable."

He turned to look at Fang Che, and his eyes were filled with contentment.

An Ruoxing laughed, and then he began to chat with the two Palace Masters.

Fang Che supported Fang Zhenghang, seeing that his uncle was quite emotional, and introduced them one by one, "Uncle, this is Divine Master. In the past two years, my cousin and I have been away, and Divine Master has done so much for us, offending many people. His kindness to us is as vast as the heavens and earth, and he is a great benefactor of the Fang family."

Fang Zhenghang extended his hand and shook Divine Master's hand firmly.

Fang Che whispered in his ear, "Divine Master is the one who drew his sword for the Governor and me..."

Fang Zhenghang immediately became more enthusiastic, gripping Divine Master's hand tightly, "Big brother, today... Let's have a good drink, brother. I really don't know how to express my gratitude..."

Divine Master's heart was also filled with warmth, and he pretended to be angry, glaring at him, "You kid... Don't go around talking about this. If the Governor finds out, he might make things difficult for me..."

Then he laughed heartily and held Fang Zhenghang's hand, smiling warmly, "It's all for the children, for the children."

"Yes, for the children!"

Fang Zhenghang's heart was filled with excitement.

Lin Yameng finally joined them and stood by his side, calling out sweetly, "Uncle!"

Fang Zhenghang was deeply gratified and stroked his beard, smiling, "Little Meng, you've become even more beautiful. Your mother is waiting for you at home.

I've been waiting for you for so long."

The crowd surrounded him, chatting and laughing as they headed towards the city.

Among the onlookers were other family heads of Biyue City, but in such a situation, they couldn't even get close to show their faces.

They all looked at Fang Zhenghang with complex admiration.

Everyone was perceptive.

At a glance, they understood why An Ruoxing had come, and even more so, they saw that Fang Che was boosting his uncle's reputation.

However, they had nothing to say, not even feeling jealous.

The child of that family was truly outstanding. What could they be jealous of?

Do you have such a talented nephew?

If you have the ability, raise a child as accomplished as this, then you can be as glorious! But... is it easy to have such a child?

They watched as Fang Zhenghang accompanied An Ruoxing, chatting and laughing as they entered the city gate.

Everyone sighed, feeling dispirited as they returned to the city.

"Hmph... Fang Zhenghang, that old bastard, is truly honored today... Look at his smile, wider than the city gate... What a show-off..."

"Haha, if it were me, my smile could be wider than Biyue City, but it's not me."

"Exactly. Fang Zhenghang has lived a fulfilling life. Back then, he took in his sister despite all the gossip, and now, he has reaped what he sowed."

"Let's not talk about other things... Just think about what happened back then. If we were in his shoes, could we have done better than Fang Zhenghang?"

One person coldly hummed.

The crowd fell silent for a moment, deep in thought. After a while, they shook their heads slightly.

They... probably couldn't do as well as Fang Zhenghang.

"So all of this, is what Fang Zhenghang deserves!"

"Today's glory is the result of his past actions!"

"He deserves it, and he should!"

The crowd sighed softly, filled with infinite lament.

On the city wall, behind the battlements.

At the sight of An Ruoxing, Yinshen Palace instinctively hid, concealing his face behind the battlement, feeling a bit anxious: "Did he see me?"

"He didn't see you. Even if he did, it doesn't matter. With the way you look now, An Ruoxing wouldn't recognize you."

Mu Linyuan comforted him from the side.

"That's not necessarily true." Yinshen Palace felt slightly relieved, and a smile appeared on his face that was uglier than crying: "As long as An Ruoxing sees me, even if I turn to ashes, he will still recognize me."

Qian Sanjiang and Mu Linyuan both sneered.

Who is so evil?

It's just the Sect Master's own insecurity. If you weren't insecure, and your gaze didn't waver, could An Ruoxing recognize you? Nonsense!

"Damn it, how did he get here!"

Yinshen Palace was now full of regret.

He deeply regretted coming to see the commotion.

If he had known An Ruoxing would be here, even if they beat Yinshen Palace to death, he wouldn't have left the headquarters.

"I actually fear him, that little brother-in-law of mine!"

Yinshen Palace watched the departing crowd and said resentfully: "With his meager strength, I could crush him with one hand. Why should I fear him?"

As he was speaking fiercely, he saw An Ruoxing in the distance, who seemed to sense something and suddenly turned back to look.

With a whoosh, Yinshen Palace hid behind the battlement again, his face changing.

Mu Linyuan and Qian Sanjiang both sighed deeply.

Our Sect Master's inner demon is truly... incurable.

An Ruoxing had already walked far away.

Yinshen Palace stood on the city wall, gazing at An Ruoxing's back from a distance.

It was as if he saw another person.

He sighed softly.

This was still his... only relative, and the one he loved the most.

And in this world, the person who wanted to kill him the most!

Yet, he was also the only person in this world whom he dared not face!

...

Along the way, Fang Che greeted all the familiar neighbors and faces.

Sitting on his horse, he bowed and smiled warmly all the way.

He was the very image of a 'top scholar returning home in glory', just like a big red flower.

Fang Zhenghang, An Ruoxing, and the old man all felt relieved.

This showed that Fang Che had prepared himself mentally.

Moreover, from the moment they left the city, he had been constantly earning face for his family. Now, he was earning face for his parents!

Although his parents hadn't appeared yet, Fang Che's current attitude, as seen by others, was already a credit to his parents!

This was equivalent to announcing to the world: I don't object!

I'm very happy!

Everyone who was waiting for the commotion felt a bit disappointed.

The Fang family had been thriving in recent years, becoming more and more prosperous. Who wouldn't want to see them fall?

That would be so exciting! Yes, you build tall buildings, you entertain guests, and then your buildings collapse...

There were quite a few people with this mindset.

But Fang Che's homecoming attitude alone shattered their greatest wish, slapping the faces of those who had vowed to 'watch the commotion'.

The group stopped in front of the Fang family's gate.

The two hall masters of the Guardian Hall respectfully greeted An Ruoxing: "Deputy Governor, are we going to the Guardian Hall or...?"

"We'll stay at the Fang family."

An Ruoxing's words settled the matter. He smiled faintly: "Today, I'm not here to watch the commotion. Official business is just a side matter. I'm mainly here to drink the wedding wine!"

The weight of these words was even greater.

Official confirmation!

Affirmation from the Guardian of the Southeast Headquarters!

Fang Che's aunt had already come to greet them.

Fang Qianyi followed behind her aunt, shrinking back and hesitant to face her son.

As if she had done something shameful.

Fang Che rolled his eyes and pulled her over, "Why are you hiding?"

"Who...who's hiding?" Fang Qianyi forced a tough tone, her eyes darting around, "That...that..."

"Hey, you and my dad have found each other, that's a good thing. Why are you hiding?"

Fang Che first gave his mother a reassurance, "Rest assured, I'll just vent for you, I won't make it too hard on him."

Fang Qianyi, lacking in spirit, said, "My anger has already been spent..."

"..."

Fang Che sighed.

With such a mother, I'm exhausted too.

"He hasn't returned for twenty years, and you've been cursing him every day?" Fang Che gently coaxed, "Watch my methods today!"

"I didn't curse..."

Fang Qianyi weakly said, "I just complained a little."

Looking around, she grabbed her son's sleeve and pleaded, "Che'er, that's your dad. You...you mustn't scare him. He's timid..."

"..."

Fang Che was speechless.

What the heck...

Fang Zhenghang turned to Fang Che and said, "You...go with your mother to the small courtyard first?"

"Okay."

Fang Che nodded, "We'll drink together later."

"This..."

Fang Zhenghang frowned, his eyes serious as he looked at Fang Che, "Understand?"

"I understand!"

"Do you really understand?"

"I really do!"

"Do you really, really understand?!"

"Hey, relax, Uncle. You're so annoying..."

Fang Che twisted his face.

What's going on? Do they all think I'm still a child?

The old man, Shen Laotou, said from the side, "Relax, I'm monitoring him with my Divine Mind. If he dares to cause trouble, I didn't bring my sword today, but I brought a big stick made of black steel wood. I'll beat his butt!"

As he spoke, he brandished the stick in his hand.

Fang Che's mouth twitched.

I really thought you hid your sword in the stick, but it turned out to be just a stick.

And it's prepared to beat me!

An Ruoxing also said, "Rest assured, Fang Family Head, if Fang Che dares to cause trouble today, I'll dismiss him!"

Fang Zhenghang immediately felt relieved and awkwardly laughed, "It's fine. Che'er has always been sensible... Besides, this is a family matter. How can it become... How can it become, haha, how can he be dismissed... Deputy Governor An, please come this way."

He pulled An Ruoxing away.

Fearing that his nephew might cause trouble and get dismissed.

Finally reaching this position, if he were to be dismissed because of a family matter, Fang Zhenghang felt that even if he committed suicide immediately, it would be too late...

Quickly, he dared not say more.

The child's future, I must not ruin it in my hands.

The Fang family also noticed the situation and quickly welcomed them warmly, leading Shen Laotou and the others respectfully to the main hall.

Fang Che and Ye Meng followed Fang Qianyi to their small courtyard.

The maids and servants were all driven away by the aunt, leaving the family alone.

They wanted to have a private conversation first.

Familiarize themselves.

If there's anything unpleasant to hear... they'll say it while there are fewer people and no outsiders around.

Fang Qianyi led her son forward, and the closer they got to the small courtyard, the more her legs felt weak. Eventually, Ye Meng had to support her...

"Che'er, you...you mustn't cause trouble..."

Fang Qianyi pleaded.

Sensing his mother's extreme anxiety, Fang Che also sighed inwardly and decided to soften the attitude he had prepared.

If it's bearable... I'll hold my nose and endure it.

They arrived at the entrance of the small courtyard.

Fang Qianyi turned back anxiously to look at Fang Che's face.

Fang Che's face turned green, "Mom, where's the spirit you had when you were swinging the stick at me in the courtyard? It's not right for a mother to fear her son. Relax! It's fine!"

Fang Qianyi pushed open the door.

Turning back, she said, "Che'er, your dad is timid..."

Fang Yunzheng had already come out of the room and was standing at the entrance. Fang Qianyi was still turning back to remind him.

But she never expected that the father and son's gazes would meet in a flash.

The father and son, their eyes met!

In that instant, Fang Qianyi turned her head and imagined countless scenes of 'thunderclap and earthfire, comet collides with planet'.

After closing her eyes, she felt like she could see four beams of light colliding and creating a shocking flash of lightning!

She muttered to herself, "It's over, it's over, it's over..."

Ye Meng stood to the side, also anxiously watching.

In her heart, she had already made up her mind.

If Fang Che causes trouble, I'll do this and that...

In the tense wait of the two women, one with eyes open and the other with eyes closed.

The father and son's eyes met.

Fang Yunzheng spoke first, with a gentle smile, "You're back?"

Fang Che's face also showed a smile like basking in spring breeze, "I'm back?"

Fang Yunzheng smiled, "I'm back!"

Fang Che, "Yeah, I'm back!"

Fang Yunzheng smiled, "Let's talk inside."

"Okay," Fang Che agreed.

Fang Qianyi and Ye Meng were both stunned.

They never expected the first meeting and conversation between this father and son to be so peaceful and homely.

Could it be that beneath the calm surface, dark currents swirl, and storms gather? Is this the calm before the storm?

Fang Qianyi felt like the entire world was pressing down on her, and suddenly, she couldn't breathe.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter end