novelraw Chapter 347 - 109: Split at a Touch (Part 3)
Chapter 347 - 109: Split at a Touch (Part 3)
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Feiqiong Tower.
With Linghu An’s introduction, Fang Zheng gained some understanding of the high-level experts in Zhaonan Prefecture.
Of course.
Linghu An himself was merely a Great Zhou Celestial Martial Artist, and had yet to contact the Flawless Martial Artists or the actual rulers of the Prefecture City.
"The Chen Family often acts unjustly, and many in the city harbor resentment towards them, but previously, the Chen Family’s power was too great, forcing others to submit."
"Now..."
"Heaven dooms the Chen Family, we should follow the trend of the times..."
Qian Zhengwen held up a wine cup, earnestly encouraging while speaking tirelessly, yet the expressions of others in the room varied.
"Ladies and gentlemen."
After Qian Zhengwen set down his wine cup, Fang Zheng stood up in a timely manner, cupping his hands apologetically:
"I have something urgent that requires my immediate return. My apologies."
"Brother Wen, you’re leaving?" Qian Zhengwen raised an eyebrow, a tinge of regret in his voice:
"What a pity."
"An urgent matter," Fang Zheng laughed dryly:
"I have no choice but to leave."
"Alright then." Qian Zhengwen shook his head, not insisting further, and raised his cup:
"Farewell, Brother Wen."
"I’ll see Brother Wen off." Linghu An stood up, descending the stairs with Fang Zheng.
"Brother Linghu."
Upon reaching a secluded spot, Fang Zheng cupped his hands:
"Please, you may head back."
"I initially thought it was merely a gathering of like-minded individuals, I did not expect it to be the Qian Family recruiting. Had I known, I wouldn’t have come today."
"Brother Wen," Linghu An advised in a low voice:
"The situation is clear now; the demise of the Chen Family is imminent. Brother Wen’s intervention could benefit you, why not take advantage of it?"
"Although that’s true, as the saying goes, a skinny camel is larger than a horse. I have no intention of associating with the Qian Family, as the risks might outweigh the rewards." Fang Zheng shook his head:
"Brother Linghu, as we’ve become acquainted, I advise you to be cautious."
"With Brother Linghu’s skills, achieving Flawlessness is a matter of time. Once you become a Flawless Martial Artist, the Ling Family will have a place in Zhaonan Prefecture, there’s no need to rush."
"Haha..." Linghu An laughed heartily at Fang Zheng’s words:
"For Brother Wen to say that shows you see me as a friend."
"But, unlike you, I must learn amidst the mundane world’s torrents. Hesitation would only block my path forward."
"Enough!"
"Enough!"
He shook his head gently:
"Each has his own ambitions, it’s not something to be forced. Brother Wen hasn’t yet involved himself, it’s not too late to retreat. As for me, it’s no longer possible."
"In that case..." Fang Zheng cupped his hands:
"Farewell!"
"Farewell!" Linghu An returned the courtesy, casually asking:
"Brother Wen, you’re acquainted with Young Master Fang, could you share something of his background?"
Hmm?
Fang Zheng raised an eyebrow.
Wentai Lai, known as Thunderbolt Hand, is Fang Zheng; can I really share that with you?
After pondering, he put on a serious expression and whispered:
"To be frank with Brother Linghu, I’m merely a servant of the Fang Family, serving Young Master Fang. There’s no significant bond to speak of."
"Hmm?"
Linghu An froze.
"Farewell!" Fang Zheng gave a mysterious smile, cupping his hands as he left.
People say I have a mysterious background; in that case, let’s add fuel to the fire, and you can imagine the rest yourself!
......
In a flash.
Several days passed.
The cold wind roared, snow was about to fall.
Summer seemed to pass immediately into winter. Autumn vanished before one could get used to it.
The long clothes Fang Zheng wore appeared thin, yet martial artists are indifferent to the weather, so it didn’t affect him.
"Creak..."
The courtyard gate creaked open.
Xiang Xiu, wearing a raincoat and looking weathered, walked in.
He dusted off his clothes, approached, and cupped his hands:
"Young master, the Qian Family has started to take action against the Chen Family."
"Oh!"
Fang Zheng’s eyes flickered:
"Earlier than expected."
"Yes." Xiang Xiu nodded:
"Perhaps fearing the Chen Family would transfer disciples or treasures, they acted early. Now, two of the Chen Family’s subordinate forces have been uprooted."
"Hmm."
Fang Zheng nodded slowly:
"Once they act, it’s with overwhelming force. Though the Qian Family originates from merchants, they possess the demeanor of soldiers, not to be underestimated."
Despite staying cooped up in the small courtyard, he didn’t ignore the outside world.
Quite the opposite.
Xiang Xiu would go out daily, disguised, to gather the latest developments in the city, especially focusing on signs from the Chen and Qian families.
The legacy of the Elemental Thunder Skill...
He still didn’t want to give up.
"Where’s Chen Jiuniang?"
"Unknown."
Xiang Xiu shook his head:
"It’s been some time since we’ve heard anything about her, but it’s certain she’s still in Zhaonan Prefecture, unable to leave."
"However, the Qian Family’s Qilin Child, Qian Fusong, is gaining more renown, even challenging a Flawless Martial Artist to a draw yesterday. He’s hailed as the most promising young talent in Zhaonan Prefecture to achieve the rank of Martial Arts Grandmaster."
His gaze was complex, sighing:
"The Immortal Wind Cloud Body Technique is truly extraordinary!"
To challenge a Flawless Martial Artist with a Great Zhou Celestial Martial Artist’s cultivation base and manage a draw?
Remarkable!
Fang Zheng raised an eyebrow.
The gap between Great Zhou Celestial and Flawless is vast; many Minor Cycle can defeat Great Zhou, but matching a Flawless Martial Artist in battle is a mark of a prodigious talent.
Of course.
Only the topmost geniuses can reverse defeat Flawless Martial Artists while in the Great Cycle Realm, but Zhaonan Prefecture hasn’t seen such an instance in a hundred years.
"Keep an eye on things for now."
Resetting his thoughts, Fang Zheng calmly instructed.
"Yes."
Xiang Xiu acknowledged.
A few days later.
The battle between the two families intensified, chaos visible within the city.
Besides the Qian Family’s Qilin Child Qian Fusong, Linghu An’s reputation gradually spread through Zhaonan Prefecture, known by the nickname Black Water Swordsman.
"Black Water Swordsman?"
Fang Zheng chuckled lightly:
"Who would have thought Gu’an County could produce a celebrity."
"Hmm..."
He pursed his lips, receiving a note from Xiang Xiu:
"Given by the Chen Family?"
"Yes." Xiang Xiu furrowed his brows, puzzled:
"It should be from Chen Jiuniang, as you mentioned. How could he know where we’re hiding? I assure you, I showed no flaw."
"It’s not your fault." Fang Zheng shook his head.
He could guess why; it’s likely due to something his opponent left on the item given to him, allowing knowledge of his location.
Yet...
Why secretly send a message now?
Unfolding the note, it bore an address on the front, with a few instructions on the back.
’Rescue quickly!
In gratitude, we offer Five Thunders Hand, half a volume of Shenxiao Thunder Skill, and the legacy of Elemental Thunder Skill.
From Jiuniang.’
’Shenxiao Thunder Skill?’
Fang Zheng raised an eyebrow.
The Shenxiao Thunder Skill is derived from the legendary Shenxiao True Scripture, one of the Ten Great Divine Skills. Even a half-volume or fragment is invaluable.
"Is it real or not?"
Smoothing his chin, Fang Zheng looked skeptical.
It’s uncertain if the cultivation techniques are genuine, but it’s clear the Chen Family’s situation is dire, even worse than Xiang Xiu’s findings suggested.
In fact.
Chen Jiuniang seems desperate, reaching out to him as a last resort.
"Let’s go!"
Fang Zheng spoke:
"Let’s take a walk."
"Young master!" Xiang Xiu looked up, astonishment on his face:
"Are you really going?"
"That place is a dragon’s lair and tiger’s den, even protecting ourselves is a challenge. To rescue someone, especially Chen Jiuniang..."
"It’s as hard as ascending to the heavens!"
"Who said we were going to the location on this note?" Fang Zheng waved the paper, and using the Fire Manipulation Technique, he burned it to ashes.
"We’ll go to another place."
As he spoke, he produced a few strands of long hair.
The strands were,
from Chen Jiuniang!
During their encounter, Chen Jiuniang mistakenly thought Fang Zheng had only reached the Realm of Four Thunders, unaware that he had already achieved Five Thunders Perfection.
The difference in their power,
allowed him to silently take a few strands of her hair during their engagement.