Extreme Almightiest Young Master

Chapter 1910 - 1892: Straight Talk from a Straight Shooter

"So that’s how it is. If I had known you were already prepared, I wouldn’t have come to deliver the message. Isn’t that just unnecessary?" Thinking of this, Song He said to Fang Yan, but just after he spoke, he suddenly remembered something and quickly added, "However, Fang Yan, Fang Pu is a Taoist. No matter how deep your animosity, you cannot kill him, or the Sect won’t be able to account for it. Also, I must inform you that our Sect’s Sky Sword Ancestor is about to come out of seclusion. During this time, do not violate the Sect rules."

This matter must be explained to Fang Yan. Sky Sword Ancestor is about to emerge from seclusion; if Fang Yan kills Fang Pu under such circumstances, the Sect will certainly not spare him. At that time, no one can protect Fang Yan, and he doesn’t want to see Sky Sword Ancestor personally execute Fang Yan.

"Hmm, don’t worry, I know what to do." Fang Yan listened to Song He’s words, paused for a moment, and replied softly. He hadn’t expected Sky Sword Ancestor to come out of seclusion, but he wasn’t too concerned about these things. Although the Sect has rules, people make those rules. Fang Pu must be killed, but since Sky Sword Ancestor is coming out, the approach to killing Fang Pu must be strategic to avoid causing trouble for himself.

After saying this, Fang Yan suddenly remembered something and asked, "Did Fang Pu target my two brothers when he returned?"

"No, rest assured, Qin Kun and Wu Shan have been in seclusion inside their cave dwelling. After Fang Pu returned, he’s been occupied and hasn’t targeted Qin Kun and Wu Shan." Song He understood Fang Yan’s concerns and quickly explained, not wanting Fang Yan to worry about Qin Kun and Wu Shan.

"That’s good." Hearing Song He’s reassurance, Fang Yan breathed a sigh of relief. Qin Kun and Wu Shan must not encounter any trouble; he still needs to lead them in accomplishing other things in the future.

Seeing that everything was already discussed, Song He casually chatted with Fang Yan for a bit before leaving to return to his cave dwelling. Fang Yan, after some thought, headed toward Shi Kuohai’s small house...

Walking into Shi Kuohai’s small house and meeting Shi Kuohai’s surprised gaze, Fang Yan sat down beside him.

"Elder Shi, I heard Fang Pu and the others have returned?" Fang Yan casually asked while looking at Shi Kuohai.

"I was just about to talk to you about this. Fang Pu has returned, and he will definitely come to challenge you. After all, Fang Zheng died by your hand. As Fang Zheng’s brother, he can’t possibly not show up. Even if you’re from the same family, Fang Pu won’t give up on making a move against you. So, I hope you won’t engage with Fang Pu. Fang Pu’s strength has increased rapidly, and I’m afraid you..."

He didn’t finish the sentence, but Shi Kuohai had already conveyed the situation. He truly didn’t want Fang Yan to get into trouble. Fang Pu’s strength has grown so quickly, and although Fang Yan’s methods are formidable, Fang Pu is a deeply scheming person, presenting a significant danger. If only Fang Yan was at the Human Immortal Realm, he wouldn’t even bother with this issue.

"Between him and me, there’s no chance of this ending well. This battle is unavoidable, and I never intended to avoid it." After listening to Shi Kuohai’s words, Fang Yan shook his head and said, this matter is already a dead knot with no other outcome, so what Elder Shi said is of no use.

After saying this, Fang Yan looked at Shi Kuohai and suddenly asked, "Elder Shi, if Fang Pu challenges me and I kill him, how will the Sect handle me?"

This question is precisely why Fang Yan sought out Shi Kuohai today. He wants to know how much the Sect values a Taoist and what his fate would be if he kills Fang Pu, so he can plan everything carefully. It’s pointless to kill Fang Pu if he gets implicated himself.

"No matter what, you must not kill Fang Pu. Even if you have any reason, the Sect will not turn a blind eye. Fang Pu is a Taoist, literally the future Elder of the Sect. The Sect will certainly hold you accountable. So, I suggest you don’t have any intentions of killing Fang Pu." Shi Kuohai said lightly at this point, but then his tone suddenly shifted: "But there’s only one special situation, which is if you have a reason that everyone believes Fang Pu must be killed, a reason convincing enough to silence others."

"I seem to know what to do now." After listening to Shi Kuohai’s words, Fang Yan’s eyes lit up, and he quickly thought of what to do next, then smiled lightly. Since things have reached this point, as long as he arranges it properly, he can indeed extricate himself.

He then shifted the topic and asked, "Elder Shi, what is the cultivation level of Sky Sword Ancestor, and why is he coming out of seclusion now?"

"Sky Sword Ancestor is the Sect-Protecting Ancestor of the Divine Sword Sect. When he went into seclusion a few years ago, he had already reached the Middle Stage of the Earth Immortal Realm. His current level is unknown, but he is certainly more formidable than the Middle Stage of the Earth Immortal Realm."

"Middle Stage of the Earth Immortal Realm..."

"Fang Yan, there are actually many things within the Sect that you need to be mindful of, including those Elders..."

"Elders?"

"Remember what I told you before? If it weren’t for those Elders, how could I be like this now."

"Are you saying there’s someone among those Elders who wants to deal with me?"

"Your presence will certainly disrupt some people’s plans, affecting their interests, so you should be cautious."

"..."

Subsequently, Fang Yan and Shi Kuohai continued to talk. During the conversation, Fang Yan learned about the situation of the Divine Sword Sect’s Ancestors and some Elders. He gathered that the Sect’s Elders are not all united; some are not considering the Sect’s interests but are instead building their own forces, and those who want to deal with him belong to such Elders.

As they conversed, Fang Yan was also seriously contemplating how to strategize the subsequent matters. To kill Fang Pu, a Taoist, he must thoroughly think through his escape plan, for it’s indeed challenging to get away unscathed...

An hour later, Fang Yan left Shi Kuohai’s place. But just as he was about to head back to his cave dwelling, a figure appeared in front of him. It was none other than the long-unseen Elder Wang. Seeing Elder Wang, Fang Yan was momentarily taken aback, not understanding his intentions.

"Elder Wang, what might you be here for?" Fang Yan first bowed to Elder Wang, then asked in confusion.

"Let’s talk inside." Elder Wang gestured towards Fang Yan’s cave dwelling and said blandly.

"Alright, please follow me." Fang Yan immediately led Elder Wang into his abode.

The furnishings inside the cave dwelling were extremely simple. Once the two sat down at the only stone table, Elder Wang looked at Fang Yan and sighed before saying, "Fang Yan, I’ve come to discuss something with you. After discussions within the Sect, your candidacy for Taoist wasn’t approved. However, considering your talent, the Sect has decided to let you enjoy the privileges of a Taoist, but you’ll need to wait a while concerning the rights associated with being a Taoist."

Elder Wang felt truly remorseful while saying this. Who among the disciples within the Divine Sword Sect could compare to Fang Yan? Though there are currently ten Taoists, one is still out of contact externally, and this situation has persisted for years. Why not let Fang Yan fill the Taoist position temporarily?

But not everyone in the Sect acts for the Sect’s interests. He’s just an Elder and has done his utmost. Not to mention him, even the Sect Master faces the same situation, being heavily oppressed by the Great Elder. This visit to Fang Yan was ordained to conduct ideological work so that Fang Yan wouldn’t develop any resistance.

"I understand." Fang Yan responded calmly, although initially surprised by Elder Wang’s words. Thanks to what Shi Kuohai told him earlier, he quickly comprehended the situation.

However, seeing Fang Yan’s demeanor, Elder Wang became concerned and continued, "Fang Yan, don’t lose heart about the Taoist affair. Deciding any matter within the Sect isn’t easy; too many individuals are involved. I trust you understand my meaning. What I want to convey is that I, Elder Wang, along with several other Elders, are supporting you. We’ve endeavored to secure Taoist privileges for you to the best of our ability."

With a sigh, Elder Wang further elaborated, "This visit is ordained by the Sect Master due to your critical importance to the Divine Sword Sect. We all aspire for your growth, to rise as high as the Sect’s Sky Sword Ancestor. But some matters aren’t within our control, and it’s the same for the Sect Master. Rest assured, once an opportunity arises, we’ll strive to confer upon you the official title of Taoist. I assure you of this."

There was no insincerity in Elder Wang’s words. Before Fang Yan’s discussion with Shi Kuohai, he might’ve perceived such assurances as superficial. Now, Fang Yan comprehends Elder Wang’s sincerity, acknowledging that internal Elders prioritizing personal gain are the ones causing trouble.

Reflecting on this, Fang Yan smiled at Elder Wang and said, "Elder Wang, actually, I’ve seen through everything very clearly. I don’t care much about the Taoist position. If not now, it will naturally happen later. You need not worry about me; I won’t develop any resentment towards the Sect."

Just as he said this, Fang Yan’s tone shifted abruptly, "However... Elder Wang, may I be frank? Could you tell me which Elders oppose my candidacy for Taoist? Can you provide me with this insight? I wish to understand who’s operating against me quietly. I’ve encountered several Hidden Kill attempts, even implicating Elder Shi. All signs suggest that insiders target me, probably because my presence undermines their interests."

"If you truly care for my well-being, please reveal everything to me. It’s not about vying for fame or gain but preparing to defend myself. I certainly don’t want to experience the same fate as Elder Shi. I have a deep sense of belonging to the Divine Sword Sect, but regarding certain Elders, I must stay vigilant. I hope you will understand and share what you know."