ALL NOVEL Chapter 117: Defeat and Departure
News of Fang Xi’s defeat by Ruan Dan swiftly spread across Peach Blossom Island.
The cultivators’ reaction… was remarkably indifferent!
After all, Fang Xi had been inactive for fifteen years, losing much of his reputation. Even if he retained any renown, it was associated with titles like “Old Turtle of Jade Cliff” or “Low-Tier First Rank Alchemist.”
On the other hand, Ruan Dan was a darling of the heavens with high-grade spiritual roots, meticulously tutored by the Island Lord, Fairy Peachbell herself. Given their equal cultivation bases at the sixth level of Qi Refinement, her victory was expected; a loss would have been truly shocking!
Poorly understood by Ruan Dan, had she intentionally thrust her sword at the last moment, it likely would have shattered her own flying sword.
Soon, another event overshadowed this incident!
The Mu Clan had collapsed!
Years ago, the Mu Clan mortgaged their spiritual land to borrow vast quantities of spirit stones from the Feng and Mo Clans. They took a desperate gamble, purchasing shops within the Spirit Hollow Market. Initially, they anticipated that with the market’s booming business, they could manage to repay the agreed-upon amount of spirit stones, including interest, each year by sheer determination.
Alas, fate did not align with their hopes!
The ‘silver-armored figure’ incidents escalated, causing significant disruption to Spirit Hollow Market’s trade routes, even if not completely halted.Mu Wen’s shop, far from thriving, suffered losses year after year! With diminishing revenue and mounting expenses, they could no longer repay their annual spirit stone debts.
Rumors had it that Mu Wen sold his own high-grade magical artifacts, mobilized contributions from the entire clan, and sought loans everywhere, barely managing repayment for two years. However, by the third year, there was simply no way to fill the widening gap.
Now, both the Feng and Mo Clans were considering seizing the property outright. With the contract in hand, even Ruan Xingling would find it difficult to intervene.
Naturally, the Mu Clan felt as though mourning their lineage, frantically trying to borrow spirit stones from all corners. Yet, with their precarious standing, who dared lend them anything?
As the deadline approached, this became the hottest topic on Peach Blossom Island. Even outsiders knew of Mu Wen’s infamous reputation as a prodigal son.
It was indeed rare for rogue cultivators, after generations of arduous effort spanning multiple lifetimes, to finally secure a piece of spiritual land only to lose it within two generations. Many cultivator clans saw this as a cautionary tale, intending to use it to educate their younger descendants.
Thud!
Thud!
Hai Dagui vigorously tilled the soil with his mid-grade magical hoe.
“Uncle… Uncle, save me!”
“Just two hundred spirit stones… no, make it one hundred!”
“Our three families stand united; you can’t abandon me now… If the Mu Clan falls, yours will be next!”
Occasionally, faint voices penetrated the barrier’s shield from outside.
“So noisy! What’s he mumbling about?” Hai Dagui paused after plowing a full acre, resting by the field and taking a sip of tea.
“Aren’t we talking about that wastrel again? Used to strut around arrogantly, but now he’s been kneeling out there for days, begging…” Wang Xiaohu approached, his face filled with disdain. “My mother says he’s like a bottomless pit, impossible to fill… And our master won’t intervene either. Remember how audacious he was when he barged here before? Does he think we’ve forgotten so easily? I wonder how he even has the nerve to show up again…”
“This constant noise isn’t sustainable…” Hai Dagui expressed his annoyance. “Last night during my Qi Refinement practice, his shouting startled me, nearly causing my true qi to deviate…”
“The Master is already adjusting the formation, adding a soundproofing restriction… Just bear with it for now; think of it as enduring barking dogs!”
Wang Xiaohu yawned.
Suddenly, a beam of white light shot upwards from within the courtyard, merging into the surrounding mist.
Talisman runes swam past like fish, and Mu Wen’s wailing gradually diminished until it faded completely into silence…
“Finally, thank goodness! A few more days of that, and I wouldn’t have gotten any sleep.”
Hai Dagui let out a long sigh, then curiously asked, “How much would a piece of spiritual land be worth in spirit stones?”
“I’m not sure exactly, but probably this size and amount…” Wang Xiaohu drew a circle in the air, paused to consider, and then widened his arms, seemingly dissatisfied with the initial circle’s smallness.
“Oh my, damn wastrel! If I had that many spirit stones, I’d hide them under my bed and keep one eye open just watching over them.” Hai Dagui was astounded.
“But isn’t the key here about spirit stones? No, it’s about the spiritual land itself… Even if you have spirit stones, there’s no guarantee someone would sell such land!” Wang Xiaohu snorted dismissively.
Three days later.
Mu Wen departed, disheveled and dejected, like a walking corpse.
Within the courtyard,
Fang Xi leaned against a peach tree, taking a bite of a ripe fruit.
Although these spirit peaches were not as exceptional as those from the second-order trees in his medicinal herb field, their taste was still quite enjoyable.
With a crisp and sweet flavor, they certainly satisfied his appetite well enough.
Suddenly, sensing something, Fang Xi waved his hand to temporarily dispel the formation, creating a pathway.
Amidst swirling petals, a female cultivator gracefully descended.
She wore a pink blouse and skirt ensemble, her features ordinary yet untouched by time, exuding a subtle maturity.
Seeing this woman, Fang Xi felt momentarily transported back to when he first arrived at Wan Island Lake, recalling their initial meeting on the Treasure Ship Market.
“Greetings, Island Lord.”
He hastily tossed aside the peach and stepped forward to pay respects.
“Daoist friend truly excels in preserving youth…”
Ruan Xingling spoke with a warm smile, observing how Fang Xi seemed to appear younger with each encounter.
“Ah… it’s just my Wood Attribute Cultivation Technique, which naturally aids in maintaining one’s appearance, coupled with a positive mindset,” Fang Xi replied, shaking his head.
Many Wood element cultivation techniques have age-defying effects, and consuming specific anti-aging medicinal pills can further preserve youthful looks.
For cultivators, maintaining youthful appearance was not uncommon. Even without practicing a Wood Attribute Cultivation Technique, breaking through early enough could preserve one’s ageless visage indefinitely.
Moreover, certain specialized techniques even offered a ‘rejuvenation’ effect.
Ruan Xingling herself had taken anti-aging pills, so she wasn’t fazed by Fang Xi’s youthful look. Smiling, she said, “My disciple can be quite mischievous; please don’t hold it against her, Daoist friend!”
“Congratulations on acquiring such a promising disciple, Daoist friend,” Fang Xi replied with a slight smile, indicating his understanding and lack of concern.
As he spoke, his divine sense swept briefly, confirming that Ruan Xingling had indeed reached the tenth level of Qi Refinement. It seemed now was the time for him to venture out in search of Foundation Establishment opportunities?
While Wan Island Lake was vast, chances for Foundation Establishment were relatively scarce. Generally, cultivators at Peak Qi Refining would strive to obtain a Foundation Establishment Pill or, at the very least, another suitable Foundation Establishment spirit item.
Attempting Foundation Establishment unprepared significantly increased both the failure and mortality rates.
Fang Xi was determined to consume a Foundation Establishment Pill. Although he already felt somewhat confident about reaching Foundation Establishment, the primary reason was the Pill’s guarantee of survival upon failure! For him, any breakthrough method carrying a risk of death was unacceptable.
Whether it’s Ancient Method, Sensory Path, or Heavenly Dao Foundation Establishment… any technique with a risk of death can all take a backseat!
Fang Xi was determined to rely on the Foundation Establishment Pill for his breakthrough!
With such monumental opportunities at hand, he must remain steadfast like an old, cunning dog!
Ruan Xingling, using her apprentice as just a starting point, then brought up the issue of the Mu Clan, her face filled with a smile. “To express my apologies, if Daoist friend pleads their case, this Island Lord might intervene in matters concerning the Mu Clan…”
In the past, when members of the Feng and Mo clans reached Late Stage Qi Refinement faced imminent peril, she had stepped in to stabilize the situation. She personally escorted them to the market, utilizing her family’s resources to purchase Step-Breaking Pills… ensuring survival until they achieved Late Stage Qi Refinement, thus securing a smooth transition. This act bestowed immense gratitude upon both clans.
Moreover, as the Island Lord of Peach Blossom Island, she inherently possessed the authority to interfere!
“Ah… despite Daoist Xiu Mu’s tireless efforts, I never imagined the Mu Clan would end up in such dire straits.” Fang Xi sighed deeply. “Although I shared a close friendship with him, how could I burden the Island Lord with personal requests? Please handle the matter impartially, but ensure that Mu Zhong’s lineage remains unaffected…”
Ruan Xingling nodded gently and sighed, “Mu Zhong’s branch has already been separated from the clan, and their spirit fields were not part of the collateral agreement. Naturally, no one will touch them… Ah, when I presided over the division of the Mu Clan years ago, even then, I felt Mu Wen was taking too great a risk. It was merely to provide some reassurance for Daoist Xiu Mu, though sadly it seems my fears have come true!”
“Fate is unpredictable; who could foresee such changes within just fifteen years…” Fang Xi lamented before suddenly asking, “Is the Island Lord planning to venture out in search of a Foundation Establishment opportunity?”
“It appears your apprentice mentioned my breakthrough aspirations,” Ruan Xingling initially seemed surprised but quickly acknowledged, “Indeed, that’s correct. My life has had its ups and downs - contentment in youth, aimlessness as I grew, later avenging my grudges…and finally, receiving an exceptional disciple. With this fulfilling journey, I must seize the chance at Foundation Establishment.”
“Then allow me to offer early congratulations on your successful Foundation Establishment, Daoist friend.” Fang Xi solemnly bowed with clasped hands.
“Thank you for your auspicious words. As I pass by today, I specifically came to enjoy a cup of bamboo wine, let it serve as farewell.” Ruan Xingling smiled warmly, her otherwise ordinary features momentarily exuding a hint of charm.
Fang Xi promptly retrieved several years-aged bamboo wine from his cellar, generously treating Ruan Xingling before seeing the Island Lord depart…
High above the island,
Ruan Xingling stood on her floral basket magical artifact, gazing at Peach Blossom Island and then towards Jade Cliff, murmuring to herself, “So… it truly wasn’t you…”
In truth, she had always found Fang Xi somewhat mysterious.
Moreover, after the second appearance of the silver-armored figure, which severely injured Feng Baimeng and others, Ruan Xingling’s suspicions intensified.
Although there was no concrete evidence, certain coincidences couldn’t be ignored.
However, considering Fang Xi’s cultivation base, Ruan Xingling eventually realized she was being overly suspicious.
Following those events, she frequently visited Fang Xi for drinks, partly as a means to test him further.
But over these many years, she finally confirmed that he was indeed just an ordinary spirit farmer, perhaps with some minor secrets, but nothing significant. After all, his focus remained solely on farming, showing no signs of ulterior motives or ambition; rather, he was quite contentedly reclusive…
One can hide temporarily, but not indefinitely.
After observing him for fifteen years, Ruan Xingling felt confident in her judgment.
Furthermore, during the silver-armored figure’s reappearance five years ago, Fang Xi never left the island!
She even made a special visit to confirm his presence on the island at that time!
These two incidents were fundamentally unrelated!
Reflecting on her occasional doubts from the past, Ruan Xingling now chuckled softly, feeling how absurdly imaginative she had been.
“Where might my opportunity for Foundation Establishment lie?”
With one last glance at Peach Blossom Island, Ruan Xingling gently tapped her basket magical artifact. Amidst a flurry of petals dancing in the sky, she transformed into a streak of pink light and swiftly vanished into the distance…