novelraw Chapter 322 - 104: Great Advancement in Strength (10,000-Word - ) (Part 2)
Chapter 322 - 104: Great Advancement in Strength (10,000-Word - ) (Part 2)
"Impressive!"
The Ling Family is a dominant force in Gu’an County, their foundation still strong. What happened last night could not have escaped their surveillance.
"I dare not accept such praise."
Fang Zheng shook his head, habitually denying:
"This matter has nothing to do with me."
"Heh..." Linghu An chuckled lightly:
"Who’s responsible isn’t important; what matters is who others believe is responsible. Young Master Fang, your actions have indeed deterred many people."
"Even I have to hold my breath in front of the Fang Mansion."
"Senior is joking." Fang Zheng smiled slightly:
"It’s all just a misunderstanding."
"But those were two Great Zhou Celestial Martial Artists." Linghu An looked up, completely ignoring Fang Zheng’s explanation, spiritual light flickering in his eyes:
"It reminds me of..."
"The situation before Song Kewang of the Anxi Army died. It was because he came to the Fang Mansion that he found himself in dire straits."
Song Kewang,
he was a Flawless Martial Artist!
And at that time, he was on the brink of advancing to Martial Arts Grandmaster, only to be forced into straying demonic paths by an explosion.
There were speculations even then, suspecting that a Magical Sage might be hidden behind the Fang Mansion. Last night’s events brought the matter back to mind.
Whether true or not, it instills fear.
"Young Master Fang."
Linghu An, dismissing his thoughts, turned to look:
"You know my situation. I urgently need Spiritual Objects like the Golden Carp, and almost all those found near Gu’an County have ended up in the Fang Mansion."
"Could you spare a few?"
"Price is negotiable!"
"I lack not for money." Fang Zheng shook his head:
"Once, my ambition was merely to become a prosperous gentleman. Now... I too wish to glimpse the pinnacle of the Martial Dao."
"The pinnacle of the Martial Dao?" Linghu An’s mouth twitched slightly:
"Young Master Fang, forgive my bluntness. Although you have great talent, you began martial arts at a late age, and the Golden Carp cannot be preserved for long."
"By the time you achieve Great Perfection, the fish... would be dead."
Fang Zheng pursed his lips.
Those words were true. With the cultivation he had recently exhibited, he was merely at the initial stage of the True Energy Realm, unsure when he’d reach Small Circulation Perfection.
And the time for Great Perfection was even further away.
Yet,
’I’m actually already in the Realm of Five Thunders, perhaps I’ve been hiding my prowess too well, or my cultivation is progressing too quickly?’
"Young Master Fang."
Linghu An said:
"I’m willing to exchange the Ling Family’s two properties in Gu’an County for five Golden Carps. Apart from Lord Yan, you would be the next authority in Gu’an County."
"The Ling Family has no intention of meddling in county affairs."
This means...
The Ling Family intends to fully withdraw from Gu’an County and focus on establishing themselves firmly in the Prefecture City?
Fang Zheng’s eyes flickered with thought.
Perhaps driven by the thinking of being content with moderate wealth, he personally was not optimistic about Linghu An’s decision to relocate his family to Zhaonan Prefecture.
"One fish!"
Sighing, Fang Zheng said:
"Since senior has asked, I cannot refuse, but I can only part with one. The Golden Carp is also extremely important to me."
"If you urgently need it, you might look elsewhere. Although Golden Carps are not as abundant as before, with enough searching you might still obtain a few."
"One fish?" Linghu An frowned:
"How about this, add three more, consider it as the betrothal gift for Qiuchan?"
?
"No."
Fang Zheng’s expression changed:
"Senior, please do not mention this matter."
"Why?" Linghu An’s face showed dissatisfaction:
"Is my daughter Qiuchan not worthy of Young Master Fang?"
"That’s not it." Fang Zheng forced a smile, thinking for a moment before saying:
"Actually..., my family has arranged a marriage for me, and my acquaintance with Miss Qiuchan is brief, discussing marriage is too hasty."
"Your family arranged a marriage?" Linghu An’s expression registered a slight change, as if he thought of something, then nodded, and did not pursue further.
"I see..."
He touched his chin, speaking slowly:
"Do you recall Zhang Wangqiu?"
"Zhang Wangqiu?" Fang Zheng looked blank:
"Who?"
"The wild doctor at the Wang Family back then." Linghu An clarified:
"The one who extended Mr. Wang Sr.’s life with Ginseng Essence Treasure Protection Soup."
"It’s him!" Fang Zheng understood:
"What’s the matter?"
"Before I came, I consulted him. Although consuming the Golden Carp raw can cleanse hidden injuries in the body, it’s not the best method. If integrated with other medicines and refined into Elixir Pills, the efficacy could be maximized, increasing by at least thirty percent." Linghu An gazed seriously:
"I have the other necessary herbs."
"..." Fang Zheng’s expression turned grave:
"Is this true?"
"Naturally, it’s true." Linghu An smiled faintly:
"Give me five Golden Carps, and I’ll deliver Zhang Wangqiu and the other necessary herbs to the Fang Mansion. Do you want to make this deal?"
Fang Zheng lowered his head, falling into contemplation.
He still possessed seventeen Golden Carps, theoretically sufficient, when used properly, alongside Ginseng Essence Treasure Protection Soup, to raise his cultivation base to the Realm of Six Thunders.
But,
progress beyond that was exceedingly difficult.
If refined into Elixirs...
The crux was that Golden Carps couldn’t be stored, whereas Elixirs could be stored for a long time.
The deal could be made, but five was too many!
"Master!"
Wu Hai said in a low voice outside the door:
"Xiang Xiu has brought his disciple again."
"Oh!"
Fang Zheng looked up:
"Invite them in."
......
Xiang Xiu had his disciple wait outside and entered the main hall alone. As he stepped in, the sight of two people caught his eye, one being Fang Zheng.
The other was a dignified, noble-looking man, clad in luxurious silk garments exuding grandeur, his appearance resembling that of a certain well-known individual.
Linghu An!
The Patriarch of the Ling Family!
A Great Zhou Celestial Perfection Martial Artist!
The two sat side by side, the atmosphere harmonious, clearly indicating a close relationship.
’The rumors were wrong!’
’It was said that the Fang Mansion was a rising power challenging the Ling Family’s status in Gu’an County. But now it seems the relationship between the two is quite unusual.’
’With the Ling Family’s support, even the Exclusion Sect must be cautious, not to mention there is a hidden master backing the Fang Mansion.’
’A miscalculation!’
"Young Master Fang."
Turning his thoughts, Xiang Xiu clasped his fists in salute, speaking in a muffled voice: