Immortal of the Nine Realms

”Come, come!”

Wang Zhenlong waved enthusiastically, his gaze full of warmth. With one look, he realized that Fang Chen had already advanced to the Soul Splitting Realm, and he appeared even more pleased.

Everyone exchanged looks of astonishment. ”He really did reach the Soul Splitting Realm.”

Wang Chongsong let out a soft sigh inwardly, Haaa...

Soul Splitting cultivators were the most troublesome kind. No one could ever know where their split souls were hidden. That was one of the main reasons why few people ever dared to seek revenge against cultivators at this stage.

Fang Chen walked over to Wang Zhenlong. He glanced at Wang Chongsong, confirming he still couldn’t see his face.

Nevertheless, it didn’t matter because he had already seen Wang Chongsong’s real face before. It was just an ordinary, forgettable face.

Wang Chongsong gave Fang Chen a thorough look. When he sensed Fang Chen’s restrained yet profound spiritual energy, he nodded with satisfaction.

”Not bad,” Wang Chongsong remarked. ”Your cultivation is very stable. You’ve only just advanced to the Soul Splitting Realm, so make sure to temper it well. Don’t rush for more achievements.”

However, the more he observed, the more he felt something was off. That aura was too well-contained....

”Mid-stage Soul Splitting Realm?” Wang Zhenlong suddenly asked in disbelief. ”You’re already at mid-stage?”

The various peak masters looked at one another in shock. ”How is that possible...”

Wang Chongsong’s gaze wavered as he came to the same realization.

Fang Chen gave a respectful bow and said, ”Master, the Sword Burial Heavenly Steps in Prison Wind Lands proved immensely beneficial for cultivators like us.”

The crowd started to understand how Fang Chen’s cultivation had advanced so quickly. Nevertheless, they had only heard of the legendary Sword Burial Heavenly Steps; none of them had ever witnessed it firsthand. There were rumors that disciples of the Kunlun Sword Sect occasionally had opportunities to ascend the Sword Burial Heavenly Steps.

”Looks like you gained some benefit on the Sword Burial Heavenly Steps. Not bad. The old Sword Immortal once gained something there as well.” Wang Zhenlong nodded in satisfaction. ”When my lifespan runs out in a few years, you should be able to take my place and hold down the fort here.”

Hearing Wang Zhenlong mark Sword Chief Fang as his successor, the expressions of the various peak masters turned strange.

Nonetheless, Wang Zhenlong’s words weren’t a surprise to them. After all, their current sect master had only average talent. He might one day ascend to the Profound Immortal Realm, but ascending to an Immortal King was almost certainly out of reach. The same could be said for most of them, so the future of the Void Immortal Sword Sect would depend on this generation of juniors.

Fang Chen smiled. ”Master, I heard you’re holding a banquet?”

Wang Zhenlong nodded and replied proudly, ”My ascension to an Immortal King must be celebrated. Mainly, I want them to open their eyes wide and see the truth for themselves. Then they can stop making wild guesses and think that we are bluffing.”

He paused and gazed at Fang Chen gleefully. ”This time, Immortal Kings from all sides will come, and they’ll bring their own juniors. When the time comes, you juniors will take the stage for a few bouts and serve as entertainment for us elders with some wine. Just don’t go overboard. Stop when it’s enough.”

Fang Chen nodded. ”Understood.”

All the Immortal Kings would be attending? That meant even figures like the Corrosive Dragon King, Nine Generation King, and Heavenly King Zhen might show up?

That was a good thing. This banquet might be the perfect chance for Fang Chen to observe where the Immortal Kings of the Central Continent truly stood.

Wang Chongsong asked, ”Sword Chief Fang, how many split souls did you condense this time? Advancing to the Soul Splitting Realm requires Condensing Spirit Liquid. Why didn’t you come to the sect to collect some?”

Still smiling, Fang Chen answered, ”I figured the sword sect’s supply was limited, so I went to the Desolate Academy to get it instead.”

Wang Zhenlong broke into a wide grin, and the peak masters chuckled, clearly pleased.

”Very good. Since you’re also a disciple of the Desolate Academy, just ask them for anything you’re short on in the future,” Wang Zhenlong said with a nod. Then he asked curiously, ”So how many split souls did you condense this time?”

”Six.”

Everyone exchanged glances, their expressions becoming quite solemn.

Condensing six split souls was no easy feat. They had all gone through the Soul Splitting Realm themselves. Most had only managed to form five, and some only four. That was considered the safest approach.

Wang Zhenlong nodded with deep satisfaction. ”Six split souls... that’s top-tier in the current era. Not bad at all.”

Now that Fang Chen had stepped into the Soul Splitting Realm and his foundation was so solid, his future prospects were boundless. As his master, Wang Zhenlong felt both comforted and proud.

In the days that followed, there was a flurry of activity in the Void Immortal Sword Sect as preparations for the grand banquet began. Everyone, from those ranked at the bottom to those at the top, was extremely busy.

As Sword Chief, Fang Chen couldn’t remain on the sidelines. He was assigned to supervise the disciples of the various peaks, ensuring no mistakes occurred during the banquet that might harm the sect’s reputation.

Even the wine and spirit fruits for the banquet had strict requirements. The spirit fruits had to come from the Greenwood Sect. In the Central Continent, the Greenwood Sect’s spirit fruits were a prestigious brand recognized by all.

”Our sword sect hasn’t seen such lively days in a long time,” Langya Wenqiu remarked as he stood beside Fang Chen, his tone filled with emotion.

Jing Yuehan, Jing Xu, and others were also present. They had already completed their assigned duties, so they had time to chat.

In the years following the death of the Old Sword Immortal, the Void Immortal Sword Sect had fallen into decline. It was Fang Chen’s sword questioning that had rekindled some vitality in the sect. However, the incident involving Qin Hucheng and Bai Qingming had cast yet another shadow over them. Many had begun to believe the Void Immortal Sword Sect’s luck was fading and that it was in irreversible decline. Nevertheless, Wang Zhenlong’s smooth breakthrough to becoming an Immortal King proved them wrong.

Jing Xu sighed softly. ”It’s a shame Junior Sister Yu isn’t here.”

Jing Yuehan glared at him. Jing Xu immediately realized his mistake and put on a sheepish smile.

Jing Yuehan asked, ”Sword Chief Fang, have you heard any news of Junior Sister Yu recently? I’ve contacted many old friends and asked them to help search, but it’s like she vanished completely. There’s no trace at all.”

Fang Chen said, ”She’s probably hiding. With her personality, it won’t be easy to find her if she wants to stay hidden.”

Jing Yuehan furrowed her brows, worry written all over her face. ”She has the Inverse Immortal Demonic Embryo. If we don’t find a way to deal with it, in a few years...”

She had personally recruited Fairy Yu into the Void Immortal Sword Sect, and she had been drowning in self-blame for years ever since Fairy Yu’s problem with the Inverse Immortal Demonic Embryo occurred.

A sect disciple hurriedly ran up to deliver a message. ”Sword Chief Fang, the elders have asked you to head over to the mountain gate with the welcoming delegation to greet the guests.”

***

With the most outstanding young disciples of the sect in tow, Fang Chen headed over to the Void Immortal Sword Sect’s mountain gate to welcome the guests.

The first guest arrived on a magnificent and imposing immortal boat. A group of people disembarked, and the leader of the group was a tall and imposing figure, moving with a blend of composure and dominance.

It was none other than Heavenly King Zhen. He was accompanied by important figures from his manor as well as close relatives of his bloodline.

Gai Yunnuo followed closely behind him. As soon as she saw Fang Chen, her expression turned grim, her eyes blazing with fury. If not for the current situation, she would have attacked him immediately.

Gai Hong and Gai Wu were both dead, and she was the last of Heavenly King Zhen’s direct bloodline. She knew full well that Fang Chen had been closely involved with their deaths!

Fang Chen led his group of disciples in a greeting, starting with a bow. ”I, Fang Chen of the Void Immortal Sword Sect, pay my respects to Heavenly King Zhen!”

Heavenly King Zhen studied Fang Chen for a few moments, then nodded before leading his group into the mountain gate.

As Gai Yunnuo passed by Fang Chen, she couldn’t resist sending a sound transmission. ”Fang Chen, you must give me an explanation for my brother’s death!”

Fang Chen glanced at her, albeit only briefly. He saw another immortal boat arriving, so he ignored her and quickly headed over with his group to welcome the new arrivals.

Gai Yunuo trembled with rage, shooting a fierce glare at him before hastily following Heavenly King Zhen into the sect.