Immortal of the Nine Realms

Chapter 768: Concealing One's Strength, Guarding Simplicity

In the Hall of Ancient Records, Elder Xun leisurely rocked back and forth in his chair, occasionally glancing at the Desolate Academy disciples who were absorbed in reading ancient texts. Unfortunately, these disciples had no idea that their Academy Master had been quietly present in the hall all along.

When Fang Chen arrived, Elder Xun merely smiled casually and said, "You're here? That Three Heads and Six Arms technique is indeed quite impressive."

Fang Chen went straight to the point. "Elder Xun, does the Desolate Academy have any high-grade spirit stones?"

The smile on Elder Xun's face instantly faded, replaced by a cautious expression as he looked at Fang Chen. "Why are you asking about that? With your cultivation, mid-grade spirit stones should be more than sufficient. You're already seeking high-grade spirit stones?"

Fang Chen nodded. "To be honest, I need high-grade spirit stones to advance to the Nascent Soul Realm. If the Desolate Academy has any, I would like to borrow one. I will repay it once I find high-grade spirit stones in the future."

Elder Xun furrowed his brows. "High-grade spirit stones are extremely rare. Ever since the Immortal Realm was closed off, high-grade spirit stones have become even scarcer. Only when one is ascending during their tribulation would they be in demand."

He paused. "You already asked for your allowance in advance, and now you also want to borrow high-grade spirit stones. What will happen if you can't return them?"

After a moment of thought, Elder Xun said, "Alright, I'll lend you a high-grade spirit stone, but since the Desolate Academy is taking a risk, there must be adequate compensation. You can borrow 1, but when you return it, you'll need to repay me with 3."

"3?"

Fang Chen didn't hesitate much and immediately agreed. "Thank you, Elder Xun."

Elder Xun raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by Fang Chen's quick agreement. "You're not going to haggle? You're agreeing so easily I can't help but think you're thinking of not paying them back at all."

Fang Chen smiled. "High-grade spirit stones are so rare. Since you are already willing to lend me one, Elder Xun, how could I haggle? Taking 1 and returning 3 is only right."

He hadn't expected Elder Xun to agree to it this quickly. High-grade spirit stones were notoriously rare. Even the immortal courts would likely struggle to provide them. Fang Chen had already made plans; if the Desolate Academy hadn't been able to provide him with one, he would have went out to find the Profound Mother Yin Beast and figure out a way to obtain the high-grade spirit stones later.

Elder Xun nodded lightly. "Fine, I'll trust you this time."

He then took out a transparent crystal about the size of a thumb and handed it to Fang Chen.

As soon as the crystal appeared, a ripple of spiritual energy spread through the surroundings. When looking closely, it would appear to the observer that the crystal had dense spiritual energy swirling around it. Additionally, within the transparent crystal, countless dots of light flickered, resembling stars in the sky.

Elder Xun warned, "Don't take it out casually. With your current cultivation, you can't yet seal its aura. If someone notices, even an Immortal King might be interested."

Fang Chen received it with great respect and immediately placed it into his storage ring.

Elder Xun waved his sleeve, and a stream of spiritual energy flowed into Fang Chen.

"This energy will allow your Ancient Talisman to freely enter and exit the Desolate Academy more than ten times. In times of danger, it can serve as a life-saving measure. But it's not invincible. If someone sets up a trap in advance and uses formations against you, you may not be able to return to the Academy."

***

At the Three Thousand Dao Sect.

Dozens of figures slowly arrived in front of the gates. Leading them was a tall woman, her entire presence exuding a mature, sensual aura.

"Senior Sister Fang, we've finally arrived," someone said, looking excitedly at the plaque of the Three Thousand Dao Sect.

"Senior Sister Fang, is that older brother of yours really a disciple of the Three Thousand Dao Sect? Along the way, we've heard that the Three Thousand Dao Sect now are nothing like before. Do you think we'll be turned away if we just show up?" someone quietly asked, looking nervous.

"What's there to be afraid of? We've traveled such a long way and faced countless dangers along the way. Now that we've arrived, are you all suddenly afraid?" The woman smiled lightly. "Before our master was gravely injured and passed away, he told me repeatedly to ensure you all live well no matter what. I, your senior sister, won't harm you."

With that, she slowly stepped forward. The others exchanged looks before quickly following her.

As they drew closer to the gates of the Three Thousand Dao Sect, Fang Zhixue's face, which had been calm moments before, now bore a faint trace of anxiety. Her heart raced with each step.

A regular disciple of the sect emerged, gazing at the group with a puzzled expression. "May I ask who you are?"

Fang Zhixue took a deep breath and spoke slowly. "My name is Fang Zhixue, and Fang Chen is my elder brother."

She wasn't certain if the Fang Chen here was her brother, who was supposed to have passed away many years ago. However, as long as there was even a small chance, she was willing to believe in his survival.

The disciple paused, clearly taken aback. "Fang Chen is...."

He suddenly trembled. Wait, her family name is Fang?!

Shocked, the disciple quickly said, "Please wait a moment. I'll go inform someone."

He hurried off without further explanation.

Fang Zhixue, watching him leave, remained calm. Her junior brothers and sisters, however, grew more anxious, subconsciously starting to observe their surroundings. Upon seeing figures like Zhou Bufan and others, their eyes widened with awe.

These must be the senior members of the Three Thousand Dao Sect, each exuding an exceptional aura.

Before long, a figure emerged from the gate. Upon seeing Fang Zhixue, the figure rubbed his eyes in disbelief, then exclaimed in joy, "Well, look who it is! What brings you here?!"

Seeing Li Daoye, Fang Zhixue's eyes reddened. Her voice trembled as she asked, "Big Brother Li, my brother... Is he..."