Chapter 25: Establishing Authority

Wang Lin lowered his head. In truth, he had once been an ordinary man; every change in his life had begun the moment he stepped onto the path of immortality.

From the instant he obtained the Heaven-Defying Bead, his destiny was set apart from all others.

Ultimately, Wang Lin decided to tell Fang Zhiyi the truth. "When I first became a cultivator, I stumbled upon a bead by chance. It was with that bead that I successfully reached the Foundation Establishment stage."

Fang Zhiyi’s delicate brows arched slightly. Truly, he was a child of destiny; even when faced with a catastrophic start, the Heavenly Dao would always find a way to provide him with the best.

...

Outside the War God Palace.

Everyone had long since heard the news of Fang Zhiyi’s return and had been waiting for some time.

Looking around, one could see that there were far more disciples in the War God Palace than when Fang Zhiyi had last returned, and their cultivation levels were not low either, with many now in the Foundation Establishment and Core Formation stages.

Seeing this, Fang Zhiyi felt a sense of relief. This was good; once the War God Palace grew powerful enough, she would be free to pursue her own Great Dao.

Feng Luan stepped forward to greet her. Most of the cultivators who had recently joined the War God Palace had done so for the sake of Fang Zhiyi, who had reached the Soul Formation stage. Since that was the case, she naturally had to satisfy their curiosity.

"Elder Fang, you have returned," Feng Luan said with a faint smile.

Fang Zhiyi nodded. "Has all been peaceful in the War God Palace of late?"

The implication behind these words was clear: Fang Zhiyi was prepared to back the War God Palace.

A chill ran down the spines of the many disciples standing behind them.

Whether by Fang Zhiyi’s design or not, the news of the Teng Family City had spread far and wide. It had passed from one person to ten, then to a hundred; now, every disciple in the War God Palace knew that after Elder Fang visited the Teng Family City, the entire clan had been eradicated.

This included the Nascent Soul stage cultivator, Teng Huayuan.

One had to ask: how many people could manage to slaughter an entire city and slay a Nascent Soul expert in such a short time? Only Fang Zhiyi could.

The more they realized this, the more terrified they became. If Fang Zhiyi were the type to hold a grudge, even their surrender of soul blood might not guarantee a favorable outcome.

Feng Luan nodded, smiling. "Recently, many cultivators have joined the War God Palace, making us stronger. I believe that one day, our War God Palace will be able to dominate the entire Xuanwu Kingdom."

Fang Zhiyi nodded.

"The hour is late, Elder Fang. You should return and rest."

"I have a premonition that my cultivation is about to reach the mid-stage of Soul Formation. Before that happens, I need to go into seclusion for a period of time. My three disciples will stand guard for me; if there is any urgent matter, please seek out my eldest disciple."

As she spoke, Fang Zhiyi looked at Wang Lin behind her, and Wang Lin bowed to Feng Luan.

...

Feng Luan did not seem at all surprised. With a calm expression, she said, "Then I shall offer my congratulations to Elder Fang."

However, not everyone was as composed as Feng Luan. The mid-stage of Soul Formation—what a concept! It was a height that many could never reach in several lifetimes.

Yet, this Elder Fang before them was still so young, and she had already attained such a high level of cultivation. It seemed joining the War God Palace might not be a bad thing after all.

The crowd watched from afar as Fang Zhiyi left.

"So that is the legendary Elder Fang we’ve heard so much about."

"She is already nearing the mid-stage of Soul Formation. If you ask me, it is fortunate we joined the War God Palace early. Elder Fang is so young; she will certainly not stop at the Soul Formation stage."

"What do you mean?"

The Core Formation cultivator nodded and said, "We can consider this abandoning the darkness for the light."

...

Feng Luan did not stop the discussions of the disciples behind her. She listened to every word, and her lips curled slightly whenever she heard others praising Fang Zhiyi.

...

Back inside the palace, after Wang Lin finished brewing tea for Fang Zhiyi, he said, "Master, you are going into seclusion. Rest assured, I will guard this place well for you."

Fang Zhiyi chuckled softly. "That is just what the others say. For now, I think the early stage of Soul Formation suits me just fine."

Wang Lin frowned, looking at her in confusion. He did not understand what she meant; it felt somewhat strange.

The early stage of Soul Formation suited her? The way she said it made Wang Lin feel, for some inexplicable reason, that breaking through the early stage of Soul Formation was an easy feat, and that she had no intention of making any changes.

Had cultivation become this pretentious now? Wang Lin did not understand.

Fang Zhiyi said, "Feng Luan knows your true identity, and she knows that I would never entrust myself to you if I didn't trust you. She understands my intentions and will not let anyone disturb us."

But Wang Lin’s next sentence left Fang Zhiyi stunned.

"Master, if it were the real Ma Liang, would you trust him to stand guard for you?"

After a long silence, Fang Zhiyi finally spoke. "No. Ma Liang does not have your talent."

Although Wang Lin heard the answer he wanted, for some reason, he still felt a bitter taste in his heart.

Fang Zhiyi opened her mouth and said, "A secret realm will manifest soon. You will accompany me."

"Yes, Master." Wang Lin agreed without the slightest hesitation, just as he always did.

Fang Zhiyi continued, "However, Wang Lin, I will not force you. You must think clearly. While there is an opportunity here to grasp supreme doctrines, the probability of losing your life here is also very high. Although I am at the Soul Formation stage, I still do not have absolute certainty that I can protect you."

Wang Lin.

This was the first time Fang Zhiyi had not called him by the name Ma Liang, but instead called him Wang Lin. To him, this was different.

It felt like a subtle acknowledgment of his true self. Moreover, the supreme doctrines were an opportunity many would beg for; Wang Lin felt that taking the risk was worth it.

"Master, I am willing to go with you."

Fang Zhiyi nodded. "Go and ask Li Muwan for more healing pills; you will need them. Go back and pack your things. I do not have absolute certainty as to when the Void Island will open."

"But once the Void Island opens, I want you to find me as quickly as possible. I will take you inside."

"Yes, Master—"

"You may go back now."

Wang Lin turned and walked away slowly, though his steps were exceptionally light today.

After Wang Lin left, a red-clad figure appeared by Fang Zhiyi’s side.

The man’s phoenix eyes flashed with a charming and dangerous light. "Zhiyi, as you requested, I have already spread the news that the Teng family has been wiped out."

Changing the subject, the man looked at Fang Zhiyi with confusion. "But how did you know they were involved with the Tiger King?"

Fang Zhiyi’s voice was cold, a look of indifference flashing in her eyes. "Because from the very beginning, I never intended to let them leave alive."

The man in red was shocked. "Zhiyi, have you lost your mind?"

He paused, then looked at her in disbelief. "Wait, why are you completely unharmed?" He lowered his voice. "Why isn't the Heavenly Dao chasing you to bite you?"

No sooner had he finished speaking than a thunderous boom shook the heavens.

The man raised an eyebrow at Fang Zhiyi, the implication clear without words.

Fang Zhiyi looked up and murmured, "Perhaps this is what it means to be unfavored by the Heavenly Dao."