At the mountain summit.
Zeng Yuchai stood among the many cultivators of the Zeng Family, a trace of joy on her face as she spoke in a gentle voice, “We welcome the Old Ancestor’s return home…”
“Haha, you youngsters may all disperse.”
Zeng Qingye’s voice rang out like a great bell as he waved his hand. He brought the two Dao Foundation cultivators of the Zeng Family back to his cave dwelling. Only after activating the formation did his expression finally relax.
In the next instant, his aura weakened sharply. His dao robe fell open, revealing that everything below his chest had turned into stark white bone.
It was unclear how he could still move as if nothing were wrong while bearing half a skeletal body.
“Old Ancestor?!”
The other two Dao Foundation cultivators of the Zeng Family were struck with grief at the sight.
“That ‘Withered-Bone Emerald Flame’ is truly vicious. Before Wu Qishen died, he deliberately threw it out, clearly intending to drag someone down with him.”
“As for me… my luck was neither good nor bad. I tried my best to avoid it, but in the end I was still tainted by that emerald flame. Half my dharma body is gone, my lifespan greatly diminished. I fear my time of death is not far off.”
“Old Ancestor…”
The two Dao Foundation cultivators burst into tears. One of them hesitated before asking, “Then… what about that heaven-and-earth spirit flame?”
They both cultivated [Zui Fire]. In theory, they had the chance to refine a spirit flame and become cultivators of an exotic fire.
“Impudent!”
Zeng Qingye flew into a rage. “What status do you have? What background? And you still dare dream of refining an exotic flame?”
“Our family records clearly state how many heroes and outstanding figures throughout history fell to greed, only to become resources, keys, or pills in the hands of greater sects.”
“After I die, the Zeng Family will fall into your hands. I fear calamity will not be far behind!”
“Old Ancestor, we would not dare.”
Only after scolding them like grandchildren did Zeng Qingye slowly continue, “That Venerable Sangji of the Temple of Wusheng is destined to become a Dharma King, If we obtain a treasure and fail to present it to the temple, what good end could we possibly expect?”
“To tell you the truth, when that ‘Withered-Bone Emerald Flame’ appeared, it attracted no fewer than a dozen Dao Foundation cultivators. Everyone looked at each other, none daring to act. We could only guard the flame and wait for Miaofeng Bright Son to arrive, then respectfully present it to him and watch him take it away.”
He let out a cold laugh. “In the lands of Xituo, if something valuable remains unknown, one might hide it for a time. But once it becomes known and you still refuse to offer it to the masters, that is simply courting death.”
Inwardly, he added, ‘Even if you obtain a treasure in secret, you must consider it a hundred times over. Whether it is bait, whether it is a hook. We have truly been fished too many times.’
…
Temple of Wusheng
Fang Qing gazed at the earthen bowl before him.
The bowl was entirely yellow-brown. At its center burned a wisp of emerald flame, surrounded by countless green motes of light drifting like fireflies.
‘They actually brought it back?’
He felt a trace of surprise. He had already considered countless possibilities, suspecting some Purple Mansion scheme or baited trap.
Yet in the end, Miaofeng simply made a trip, and those Dao Foundation cultivators did not dare show the slightest defiance. They respectfully handed over the flame.
“Haha… Do you not know who this Buddha is? When I achieve the Dharma King realm in the future, even a bit that slips through my fingers will be enough for them to enjoy for ten lifetimes!”
Miaofeng Bright Son laughed loudly, immensely pleased with himself.
Seeing his foolish appearance, Fang Qing could only sigh inwardly. ‘Having a backing truly is advantageous.’
“This flame belongs to [Shi Fire]. It cannot be contained by wood-aspect materials, It is quite compatible with my White Bone Dao. If refined with esoteric methods and supplemented by fire offerings, one could achieve the ‘White Bone Heart’ and the ‘Beauty Reduced to Withered Bone Form’.”
Miaoshan, however, was far more composed. With palms pressed together, she said, “As for how this flame will be used, we must wait until our master emerges from seclusion before deciding.”
For Dao Foundation cultivators, refining a heaven-and-earth spirit flame carried risks. But at the Purple Mansion realm, such difficulties were far fewer.
Even if they were not fire-aspect cultivators, using this flame in battle would still be a formidable method.
Fang Qing studied it for a few moments, his gaze flickering. “This flame appears violent. It may be better to contain it within a Fire Luoba Bowl”
“On what grounds?”
Miaofeng sneered. “I obtained this through my own effort. For you, Fang Shui Bright Son, to claim it with a single word is rather excessive.”
“On the grounds that I am the foremost among the Five Bright Ones. Is that not enough?”
Fang Qing smiled faintly and replied.
He had no real intention of competing for the ‘Withered-Bone Emerald Flame’. Rather, he was laying the groundwork for a reasonable excuse to leave in the future.
Being ostracized by the other Bright Son and Wisdom Consort, then departing in anger, that would be a logical course of events.
After all, if Sangji were to attain the Dharma King realm and die, then none of this would matter any longer.
But if he were to successfully attain the Dharma King stage, then everything would become even easier. He could simply fabricate his own justification. For example, assigning himself a secret mission from the sect and leaving under the pretense of confidentiality.
Because of this, Fang Qing had deliberately allowed Miaofeng to grow hostile toward him. Even before Sangji entered closed-door seclusion, Fang Qing had not let him leave behind any explicit decree.
“Haha… Master appointed you as the head of the Five Bright Sons? Then why didn’t he bring you to witness the Silver Crow attaining Golden Rank?”
Miao Feng laughed loudly, turning to look at Qingjing Wisdom Consort.
This woman had the closest relationship with him and had acted together with him before. She immediately spoke up, “This flame is extremely precious. It is a spiritual item close to the Purple Mansion rank. We must wait for Master to emerge from seclusion before deciding. Until then, it should be jointly safeguarded by all of us.”
Among the five Bright Sons and Wisdom Consort, Miaoshan usually handled mundane affairs but was the most obedient to Sangji. At this moment, she hesitated slightly. “Master’s order, has indeed not been revoked.”
Miaofeng grew anxious and immediately looked toward Miaoshui Wisdom Consort, transmitting his voice secretly. “Miaoshui… this Fang Shui deliberately crafted the ‘Miraculous Spring Pure Vase.’ Clearly he is a bold and lustful sinner. He is harboring improper thoughts toward you.”
Miaoshui sighed softly. “This matter, should still wait until Master exits seclusion.”
“Haha… good, very good. All of you are quite something.”
Fang Qing’s face filled with grief and indignation. He controlled the Fire Luoba Bowl and flew straight out of Wusheng Temple. “Since you refuse to acknowledge me, then we shall wait until Master exits seclusion to settle this matter. I will make sure you regret this!”
“Hmph!”
Miaofeng, however, was overjoyed. ‘Haha… I finally forced him out. Once Master comes out, let’s see how I report this!’
Miaoshan’s expression shifted slightly. “The Dharma Protectors report that Fang Shui Bright Son previously entered the treasury and took many stored treasures.”
“Record it all, record everything. These are all evidence of his embezzlement!”
Miaofeng shouted loudly, utterly unconcerned.
What did they, as Bright Ones, need to cultivate for?
Besides, their true spirits were all held in the hands of their master. No matter where they ran, escape was impossible.
Thinking of how he would one day preside over Wusheng Temple and enjoy exclusive favor from their master, his heart filled with delight.
Fool…
A gentle breeze stirred as Fang Qing rode the Fire Luoba Bowl through the air, feeling greatly pleased.
Like a cicada sensing autumn before the wind even stirs, if he had waited until everyone realized Sangji’s chances were slim before leaving, it would have drawn far too much attention. He might not have been able to leave at all.
‘Even if going out now still results in an ominous hexagram, at least I can linger around Xituo Commandery for a while and avoid returning to Wusheng Temple.’
‘Perfect time to check on the Fang Family… and take advantage of the situation along the way.’
...
The Zeng Family
When Zeng Yuchai saw the Fire Luoba Bowl descend, her cheeks suddenly burned with pain.
She did not dare delay and immediately knelt. “Zeng Yuchai of the Zeng Family greets the arrival of the Bright Son.”
“Why has Zeng Qingye not come?”
Fang Qing swept his divine sense outward and noticed two Dao Foundation streaks of light approaching. His expression immediately turned displeased.
“Please forgive us, Bright Son… Our ancestor was injured while destroying the Wu Family and is currently in seclusion recovering.”
One of the Zeng Family’s Dao Foundation cultivators forced a smile as he explained.
“Forget it. This Buddha has flown a long way and needs a place to rest. Bring out good wine, good food, spiritual items, and spirit water. Immediately.”
Fang Qing acted arrogantly as he strode into the Zeng Family hall.
That Dao Foundation cultivator, Zeng Yushan, repeatedly agreed and hurried off to prepare a banquet.
Soon, singing girls and dancers were arranged as well for Fang Qing’s entertainment.
While Fang Qing indulged himself, another Dao Foundation cultivator of the Zeng Family held a message slip, his expression flickering uncertainly.
“Elder Brother, what is it? Is something wrong with this person?” Zeng Yuchai asked with concern.
“It is not that something is wrong… but this Bright Son was originally the head of the Five Bright Sons. It seems he was driven out due to internal conflict within Wusheng Temple. Sigh… why does our family always get entangled in such matters? Perhaps because we offered that Heaven and Earth Spiritual Flame to Miaofeng Bright Son, this one bears resentment and has come deliberately to trouble us.”
Zeng Yuchuan’s face was filled with difficulty. “Although our family has always followed Miaofeng Bright Son, this one is also not someone we can afford to offend. Sigh… struggles among great figures above us, yet we are dragged into it. Go issue orders. Everyone in the family must keep their heads down. Do not give him any excuse to act. Otherwise, the clan laws will be enforced without mercy.”
His expression was cold and severe. Zeng Yuchai knew her elder brother’s temperament. When he grew angry, he truly killed without hesitation. She hurried off to deliver the orders.
“Haha… come, drink another cup.”
At the banquet, Zeng Yushan accompanied him while Fang Qing behaved wildly, indulging in wine and pleasure.
‘Miaofeng probably hopes I never return.’
‘In his view, internal conflict among the Five Bright Sons means no one dares kill another. If I return and act under authority, he would feel like a thorn in his throat.’
‘The current situation suits me perfectly.’
‘I will wander Xituo Commandery for now. Once the hexagram turns clearly favorable, I will leave completely.’
Fang Qing rarely allowed himself such relaxation. He feasted for several days in succession, demanded offerings from the Zeng Family, and even entered their treasury, taking whatever caught his eye.
The Zeng Family could only endure in silence.
On this day, Fang Qing grew restless and proposed going down to the town at the foot of the mountain for a stroll.
“Master… Master… the town below is filled with mortals and low-level Qi Ingestion cultivators. We fear they may offend you.”
Zeng Yushan hurried after him, forcing a smile.
“Haha, no need to worry. No need to follow either. This Buddha is merely going to take a look and see which benefactor possesses spiritual insight and karmic affinity.”
Fang Qing waved his hand and rode the Fire Luoba Bowl toward the town below.
Zeng Yushan could not stop him. He could only sigh as he watched him leave, though a hint of secret relief appeared in his heart.
‘Those below are just tenant farmers and outsiders, surely he will not bring disaster upon our main Zeng Family lineage.’
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