Chapter 146 - Fang Lang Has Offered Us Too Much
It became completely silent in the bamboo grove.
The jade-green bamboo rustled gently as the cool morning breeze blew past, it sounded like the waves in a fresh spring.
The pungent scent of blood shattered the peace of the early morning and destroyed the freshness of the morning air in the bamboo grove.
A perfectly fine head landed on the ground, making a dull thud. It was covered in dried leaves. This fourth-class realm disciple may not be a top level genius but he was likely to advance to the realms above fourth-class and become a backbone force of the Main Path Guild.
However, this disciple was killed by Fang Lang on the spot!
In the bamboo grove, An Fan and a couple of genius fourth-class realm disciples looked extremely horrified.
When Xuanyuan Taihua’s divine sense surged out, none of the Main Path Guild disciples lost their lives. Yet now… in the process of capturing Fang Lang, a fourth-class realm disciple was now dead!
“Fang Lang!”
An Fan’s eyes flashed with rage.
He had been beaten time after time by Fang Lang. This made his heart fill with a nameless raging fire.
Fang Lang gripped the Obsidian Sword and swept an eye over An Fan and the other disciples that had raced over. He could not help but smirk.
Stop?
How could he stop?
The order that the Main Path Guild gave these disciples was to get the Reincarnating Lotus Sword from Fang Lang and bring it back, it did not matter if he died in the process.
If Fang Lang showed mercy and spared them, who would be merciful to him?
Would An Fan spare him?
Fang Lang knew the dangers and how ruthless the path of cultivation was from the first moment he faced Lin Yun.
He would not show mercy or be soft-hearted, neither did he have any right to be merciful or soft-hearted.
This was especially true since he was being hunted by the Main Path Guild!
He took off the space ring on the finger of the dead fourth-class realm disciple. Fang Lang used a Spirit Awl to smash through the lock of the space ring then removed a spirit crystal from it.
The red space ring on Fang Lang’s left hand rippled and a fiery-red streak of fire instantly shot out.
At the moment, Fang Lang had completely exhausted his spirit crystals. Even the spirit crystals given by Old Fang had been used up when he suddenly achieved a breakthrough.
Hence, at the moment, Fang Lang could only seize the spirit crystals from the space ring of the other party.
This fourth-class realm disciple was not considered wealthy. There were only eighteen low-grade spirit crystals in his space ring.
He was merely an ordinary disciple. He was not a genius disciple like An Fan. His family was not as well-off.
However, this was not a huge problem as these spirit crystals were enough to sustain Fang Lang in his getaway.
“Stay where you are!”
An Fan and the other blue-robed Main Path Guild disciples continually drew closer to Fang Lang. They looked as though they wanted to tear him apart.
They could only glare at Fang Lang as he activated his flight sword, cast a rune and transformed into a fiery-red light that shot up into the sky. Fang Lang increased the distance between them and sped off into the distance.
Fang Lang hunched down on the Jade Pavillion’s Meteor Flight Sword as he overlooked the Main Path Guild disciples and An Fan in the sea of bamboo below him.
His face was calm. Despite having killed a fourth-class realm disciple, Fang Lang’s heart was not troubled in the least.
After all, this was not his first time killing.
The Main Path Guild did not send any cultivators of the high-class realms to capture him. This was because they feared the Reincarnating Lotus Sword in Fang Lang’s scabbard and the divine sense of his master, which was hidden within the sword. However, Fang Lang was happy about this.
When that divine sense was triggered, even a realm transcending warrior like Zhao Taifeng had a hole ripped into his chest!
At the moment, the Reincarnating Lotus Sword still contained over half of the Dao aggregates absorbed from the Main Path Guild. This also meant that it could still launch an attack strong enough to puncture a realm transcending warrior.
Hence, who would dare to risk triggering it?
The only thing that distinguished Fang Lang from the other cultivators was that he had many methods. Hence, Fang Lang managed to remain as relaxed as a fish leaping through the wide ocean even though there were close to a thousand Main Path Guild disciples hunting him.
He rode on the Meteor Flight Sword as a fiery-red sword brilliance streaked across the sky, speeding off into the distance in no time.
Disciple after disciple of the Main Path Guild landed on the ground.
It was a deathly silence. An Fan looked at the dead, headless disciple next to him and could not help but clench his fists.
The third-class disciples around him were silent. A look of terror appeared in their eyes. Fang Lang… was too vicious!
He killed a fourth-class disciple at will. If third-class disciples like them continued to give chase, they might meet their end as well.
“Chase him! Continue to chase him down!”
“Don’t face him alone. When you get to him, immediately surround and close in on him as a group!”
“He won’t be able to get too far away! It’s a cultivator’s issue so use cultivator methods to solve it!”
“Apart from that, put up a bounty in the nearest city. Offer a reward to the cultivators to hunt down Fang Lang.”
“He should be out of spirit crystals. Otherwise, he would not have chosen to snatch spirit crystals in order to activate his flight sword…”
An Fan wore a cold expression.
He took out a fancy flight sword and sped into the skies. At that moment, countless other fancy flight swords shot up into the skies, congregating together to form teams before they chased after Fang Lang.
…
Fang Lang sat down on the flight sword. The flight sword was enveloped within a silencing spell, causing it to appear exceptionally quiet.
The spirit crystal that came from the space ring that he snatched from the dead Main Path Guild disciple lay beside him. There were not many spirit crystals but it might just be enough to maintain the flight sword.
Fang Lang frowned. He could sense the Main Path Guild disciples chasing him behind him. An Fan was the head of the group on his extravagant flight sword, which was faster than his Meteor Flight Sword!
The distance between them was decreasing. This situation could not continue!
He switched into the Quintuple Binding Mode on the flight sword. Five phantoms appeared beside him. Fang Lang attempted to break through to the fourth-class, sword-intent realm on the flight sword.
Since Fang Lang had already achieved an understanding of time sword intent, advancing into the sword-intent realm was merely a question of accumulation. Besides that, Fang Lang still had a Grade-Rush Card. It was not impossible for him to achieve a breakthrough in a short amount of time!
It was a shame. Fang Lang opened his eyes soon after. His brow was tightly furrowed. There was a problem that he had overlooked.
Even with the help of the Grade-Rush Card, if he wished to advance to the fourth-class, sword-intent realm, he would still require spiritual energy. Without the help of spirit crystals, he would not have enough spiritual energy and be easily defeated.
At that moment, he was in an extremely dangerous situation. If he lost or encountered a group attack, things would not bode well for Fang Lang!
Fang Lang focused his mind and the System panel appeared before him.
…
Host: Fang Lang
Cultivation: Ninth-grade, sword-wave (Third-class sword master)
Level: Level 7
Experience: 400,000/500,000
Core: 36 (White)
Modified Core: 66 (Purple)
Cultivation Resource: 100,000 gold coin (use limited to cultivation events)
Inventory: Grade-Rush Card x1, Grade-Rush Card Fragment x3, Silver Reward Egg x1
Equipment: Instant Casting Staff
Binding Partner:
Spell: Ni Wen (70%)
Sword: Jiang Linglong (70%), Liu Bubai (70%), Wen Ting (70%)
Martial Arts: Wei Sheng (70%)
Empty: (70%)
…
Fang Lang swept a glance across the System panel and frowned. He used up all his spirit crystals in his cultivation resource at the Main Path Mausoleum.
However, he had not completely spent the gold coins. If he spent these gold coins, he would be able to meet the level-up criteria of the System and receive new spirit crystals!
With the new spirit crystals provided by the System, Fang Lang’s chances of advancing into the fourth-class, sword-intent realm would drastically increase!
Of course, the Reward Egg that he obtained earlier caught his attention.
“System, smash the Reward Egg!” said Fang Lang without hesitation.
With Fang Lang’s proficient flight sword driving skills, An Fan and the other disciples would not be able to catch up with him that quickly despite the difference in the quality of their flight swords.
Hence, he was safe for now on his flight sword.
The Silver Reward Egg appeared and was smashed by Fang Lang in one blow.
Instantly, a colorful, bright light shone in all directions.
After that, the System prompt appeared.
‘Ding! Congratulations, you have obtained 2 5x Amplification Cards, 2 Enlightenment Card, 2 Enchantment Card and 2 Power Stripping Card.’
He had obtained another Silver Reward Egg. This was the third Silver Reward Egg that Fang Lang received up to this point.
Fang Lang noticed another rule. Each time he smashed an Egg, he would obtain a new card.
This time, without exception, he obtained a new card. The Power Stripping Card.
Fang Lang was a little disappointed that he did not obtain a Power Loan Card. If he received a Power Loan Card and could loan Wen Ting’s Power, it would be so much easier to turn the situation around.
After all, Wen Ting was a powerful character who nurtured a single sword for ten years and managed to fatally injure a ninth-class warrior with a single stab!
Even though Fang Lang had mastered the Meta Sword Nurturing Spell by borrowing Wen Ting’s power, he would be able to unleash the true Sword Nurturing Spell.
‘Power Stripping Card can be used for a specified target. After use, the target’s offense, cultivation level, speed, spiritual energy and other aspects will be weakened by 50%.’
Fang Lang stared at the introduction of this card. Even though it was not as powerful as the Power Loan Card, it was still extremely ruthless.
If Fang Lang used it effectively, he might achieve a spectacular result.
“However, for the moment… it would be best if I am able to level up in the system.”
Fang Lang was deep in thought.
Behind him, An Fan and the other Main Path Guild disciple chased after him on their flight swords.
Fang Lang gathered his senses. He narrowed his eyes and retrieved a talisman. It was the Spell Talisman: Flight Sword Crossover Turbo Charge talisman that he had used previously.
Boom!
In an instant, it drew on the spiritual energy from countless low-grade spirit crystals. A stream of fire instantly shot out and transformed into a streak of fiery-red light, tearing through the sky.
Right before An Fan and the others, Fang Lang managed to increase the gap between them.
In the sky, Fang Lang could see city walls appear below him.
Fang Lang did not continue to escape. He controlled his flight sword and drove it down towards the city walls.
He had come up with a method to level up the System.
…
Linjiang City. It was a city with a long and enduring history.
As he approached the ancient city walls, he was now more than 800 kilometers from the Main Path Guild. Even though the Main Path Guild was extremely powerful, their influence did not extend all the way here.
Fang Lang landed in front of the city walls and put away his Meteor Flight Sword. He then walked directly towards the city walls.
The city guards saw Fang Lang in his blood-stained white robes and instantly was on guard.
“I am Fang Lang, the champion of this year’s Imperial Examination.”
Fang Lang took out the Champion’s Blade and presented it to the head of the gate guards.
This head guard was a fourth-class martial arts master. His eye for these things was exceptional. He could recognize the Champion’s Blade and the sword presented by the Tang Emperor. This was sufficient to prove Fang Lang’s identity.
“Champion, please proceed,” said the head of the gate guards respectfully as he returned the sword to Fang Lang and stepped aside.
Fang Lang clasped his hands and made a slight bow in response before he strode into the city.
Fang Lang had not been in the city for long before numerous other streaks of light landed in front of the city walls.
An Fan and the other Main Path Guild disciples had caught up with him.
“Fang Lang has chosen to enter the city. It seems like he’s out of spirit crystals! He must be planning to enter the city to purchase some spirit crystals.”
“However, isn’t entering the city like walking into a trap?”
One of the genius disciples began to laugh mockingly.
An Fan’s eyes lit up. If Fang Lang had continued flying, they would have struggled to keep up. However, now that he had chosen to enter the city, there was a sense that he was walking straight into the trap, allowing himself to be caught.
The expression of the commander of the city guards did not change when he saw the disciples of the Main Path Guild.
A light of interest flashed across his eyes when he recalled Fang Lang, who looked to be in a rush in his blood-stained white robes.
As an imperial court officer, he was not in awe of the Main Path Guild disciples. He merely checked them, then allowed them to enter the city.
However, this commander understood that the little city would not be peaceful for much longer when he saw the aggressive demeanor of An Fan and the others as they entered the city.
Fang Lang knew that An Fan and the others had entered the city.
He was also aware that entering the city might not be the best decision for him. He could be easily cornered and captured.
However, Fang Lang’s aim in entering the city was simple.
He was here to spend money.
Fang Lang walked rapidly towards the main street of Linjiang Street and quickly found the sub-branch of the Jade Pavilion.
When he saw the store, Fang Lang could not help but let out a sigh. If Linjiang City did not have a branch of the Jade Pavilion, he would be truly stuck.
Fortunately, the Jade Pavilion was a sect that was founded on business, so it had countless branches.
Fang Lang did not hesitate and stepped inside the door of the Jade Pavilion store that was covered in exquisite carpets.
The manager of the Linjiang City Jade Pavilion branch was a middle-aged man. A strange look appeared in his eyes when he saw Fang Lang in those blood-stained white robes.
Fang Lang did not waste any words. He waved his red-colored space ring and summoned his Meteor Flight Sword.
The manager recognized it right away as a flight sword of the Jade Pavilion. The smile on his face became much warmer. He even personally invited the owner of the branch to come and meet Fang Lang.
“Champion Fang! I didn’t expect it to be you, here at my little store!”
The owner of this branch of the Jade Pavilion was a woman. She could not be considered a beauty but like Manager Yu of the Luojiang City branch, she had an air of maturity and charm.
The surname of this branch owner was Wu. When Owner Wu saw Fang Lang, a strange light flashed across her eyes.
The Jade Pavilion was not closed off to news. Owner Wu had heard all about the things that happened at the Main Path guild. She was already aware of the news about Fang Lang entering the Main Path Guild in order to withdraw the Reincarnating Lotus Sword left by Xuanyaun Taihua.
Owner Wu never imagined that Fang Lang, who was being hunted by the Main Path Guild, would end up in the small store of the Jade Pavilion in Linjiang City.
“Owner Wu, I’m hoping to make a huge purchase… Are you going to do business with me or not?”
Fang Lang sounded extremely cool and collected. Even though his robes were covered in the pungent stench of blood, he continued to speak calmly with Owner Wu.
When Owner Wu heard his words, she smiled. “Please continue, Champion Fang. Sect Leader Su instructed us to give you a 20% discount on any purchase that you make!”
“A discount!? I don’t need a discount!”
As soon as Fang Lang heard her words, he frowned.
‘A discount!? Your family is the one that needs a discount!’
Owner Wu was shocked. This was the first time that she encountered a person who did not want a special discount. He was not playing by the rules!
“I wonder what you’re planning to purchase?”
Fang Lang narrowed his eyes and turned to look in the direction of the sound of footsteps outside the Jade Pavilion.
“The Meteor Flight Sword costs 5,000 gold coins each right? Prepare 20 for me,” said Fang Lang.
His clear voice reverberated in the room.
The entire Jade Pavilion store descended into complete silence. 20 flight swords!? That would cost… 100,000 gold coins!
Of course, 100,000 gold coins were not considered much for the Jade Pavillion. However… Why on earth would he need 20 Meteor Flight Swords?
Why would a single person buy so many flight swords?
Would it not be better to buy a single flight sword that was worth 100,000 gold coins?
However, Owner Wu did not care about these things. Her eyes sparkled. This was truly a big business transaction.
“Champion Fang, at the moment, the Linjiang City branch does not have so many Meteor Flight Swords. Would you be able to wait for some time?” asked Owner Wu, looking a little uncomfortable.
“How long would I need to wait?”
“Half a day should be enough.”
“Okay. But let’s make the transaction now. Allow me to pay now.”
“Huh?”
Owner Wu felt that Fang Lang seemed different compared to most customers.
“In that case, can you prepare a private room for me, Owner Wu? One where I won’t be disturbed… Furthermore, some unsavory characters might come to trouble me. I hope that you can maintain a peaceful environment for me, Owner Wu.
“Oh, I still have a type of Flight Sword Turbo Charge rune that can be traded. It only depends on your sincerity, Owner Wu,” said Fang Lang as he shook out his blood-stained white robes.
Owner Wu’s eyes sparkled. When she heard the commotion outside, she instantly understood Fang Lang’s intentions.
She did not plan to get involved in this issue. However, when she recalled Sect Leader Su’s instructions, she understood the meaning of the Flight Sword Turbo Charge rune that Fang Lang mentioned.
Owner Wu did not hesitate and chose to agree.
Fang Lang quickly conducted the business transaction with Owner Wu. 100,000 gold coins were transferred straight into Owner Wu’s space ring.
Owner Wu ordered the middle-aged manager to show Fang Lang to the private room.
On the other side, Owner Wu got up and walked to the entrance.
Outside the Jade Pavilion, An Fan and the other genius Main Path Guild disciples had rushed over.
An Fan stepped forward and faced Owner Wu with a refined and easygoing smile. However, Owner Wu merely stared at An Fan and the others with an indifferent look. She raised her hand and gestured for them to leave.
The smile on An Fan’s face instantly froze.
“Is the Jade Pavilion… getting involved in the business of the Main Path Guild?” said An Fan coldly as he frowned.
“I have no choice. Fang Lang has offered us too much…”
Owner Wu sighed.
After that, she swiftly shut the door.
A loud slam rang out.
An Fan and the other genius disciples of the Main Path Guild were left standing outside the door, looking exceptionally furious.