Immortal of the Nine Realms

Third Sister completely ignored Little Immortal Honglian and looked at Fang Chen with a teasing smile. “Ninth Brother, I heard you don’t have a Dao Companion. What do you think of me?”

A ripple of envy immediately spread among the core disciples. Several of them looked at Fang Chen as if they wanted to eat him alive. However, they naturally didn’t dare speak and could only wipe their tears in secret.

Fang Chen blinked in confusion. He gave Xie Aman a perplexed look before turning to the third sister. “Third Sister, are you... pulling my leg?”

Xie Aman was watching with a faint, amused smile. She said nothing, clearly curious to see how Fang Chen would handle the situation.

Third Sister’s expression darkened. Rolling her bright eyes, she said, “When have I, Chen Enxue, ever joked about such a thing? I’ve cultivated for years without taking a Dao Companion, mainly because none of the men in the Enlightenment God Palace are worthy of me. But today is different. I think you’re worthy. What do you say? You and I could become Dao Companions, husband and wife united in heart and mind. Maybe I’ll even seize the position of chief disciple next time.”

Nanming Ruyue gave a wry smile. “Third Sister truly is bold and passionate...”

The others finally realized that Chen Enxue wasn’t joking. She was dead serious. Yet her words left many feeling uneasy and resentful, though they could do nothing about it.

“If Core Disciple Fang so much as nods, they’ll be Dao Companions before the day’s end...”

The jealousy in their hearts was nearly overflowing. Though Chen Enxue wasn’t as strong as Xie Aman, she was still one of the Enlightenment God Palace’s elites. Countless core disciples and unattached cultivators secretly admired her. Now, that radiant flower was about to be plucked by a newcomer.

Fang Chen grinned. “So you’re really not joking, Third Sister. But we should probably ask Fellow Daoist Hong first. After all, she’s the first wife. If she’s willing to let you be the concubine, I have no objection, Third Sister.”

“...”

“What, Junior Sister Hong and Junior Brother Fang are actually together?”

“So those rumors weren’t false after all...”

The crowd was surprised.

Rumors had been circulating that Fang Chen and Little Immortal Honglian were together, but there hadn’t been anything concrete, as the two had never made their relationship public.

Little Immortal Honglian froze. Then, a blush crept up her neck and spread across her cheeks like ripened apples on a tree. But she quickly regained her composure and said to Chen Enxue, “If you’re willing to be the concubine, Third Sister, I can permit Fang Daoist to form a Dao bond with you.”

Chen Enxue’s eyes narrowed suspiciously, glancing between them. “You two are already partners?”

Little Immortal Honglian calmed her heart and nodded seriously. “It’s true.”

“Then forget it.” Chen Enxue sighed with faint disappointment, turning to leave. “Junior Brother Fang may be outstanding, but I, Chen Enxue, won’t share a man with anyone.”

Xie Aman chuckled. “Alright, you’re done causing a scene? If so, let’s talk about what actually matters.”

She looked to Fang Chen and asked, “Junior Brother Fang, you can now perform two Matrix Immortal Arts?”

Everyone turned toward Fang Chen, eyes full of curiosity.

“At the brink of life and death, I suddenly comprehended it,” Fang Chen explained. “It felt as if the Black Dragon Formation became me, and I became it. With a single thought, I could perform a Formation Immortal Art. But yes, for now I can only use two.”

Fang Chen nodded. This was a half-truth. He didn’t really know what the others experienced when achieving unity with their Formation Hearts. But he felt he was stuck in an extraordinary state and could perform any art he wished, effortlessly. He suspected it had something to do with his divine soul.

“If not for that sudden enlightenment, the Enlightenment God Palace would have suffered greatly this time,” Xie Aman said with a smile. “You’ve earned great merit, Junior Brother Fang. When we return, you’ll receive full credit.”

One of the core disciples asked in surprise, “Senior Sister, you mean Junior Brother Fang wasn’t your hidden trump card?”

“How many trump cards do you think I have?” Xie Aman laughed. “I really only had him tag along to broaden his horizons. I didn’t expect anything from him on this expedition. But he gave me the best surprise imaginable. A fine turn of events indeed.”

The others exchanged complex looks. Suddenly comprehending two Formation Immortal Arts was inconceivable. Such talent was beyond description.

Many thought it was a pity. If Fang Chen had appeared before the senior sister, he might’ve been the one to become the next Palace Master. Now, he’ll have to wait until the generation after next, if he lived that long.

The Rulai Monastery had already withdrawn, but Ye Qingqiu and the others approached to offer congratulations.

“Xie Aman, your methods truly are impressive,” said Ye Qingqiu, smiling as she gave Fang Chen a meaningful glance.

“Sister Aman, I knew you’d win,” Xian Yueguan said flatteringly.

Leng Buqi and the others also praised her skill and strategy.

After a brief exchange, the various sects realized the contest was over and left one by one.

“They all think you planned this,” Chen Enxue said, half-smiling at Xie Aman.

“Let them think so,” Xie Aman replied with a quiet laugh, her gaze turning toward the towering Great Thunder Sound Temple. “Come on. Let’s see if the 97th Ancient Forbidden Zone still has any treasures left.”

Hundreds of Black Dragon Formations surged forward in a mighty formation together. The expedition teams were brimming with excitement. Finally, it was time to reap the rewards.

Little Immortal Honglian followed Fang Chen back to his Black Dragon Ship.

Ji Gang and the others didn’t know what had just transpired between the core disciples, but they knew Little Immortal Honglian and Fang Chen were close, so her presence didn’t surprise them.

“Fellow Daoist Hong, how should I address you from now on?” Fang Chen teased.

“You know perfectly well I didn’t expose you because I wanted to help you avoid trouble,” Little Immortal Honglian said, averting her gaze as she tried to appear calm. “Third Sister’s temperament is too unrestrained. She’s not suitable for you. If you’re with her, you’d have all your sharpness dulled.”

Fang Chen smiled. “Oh, so you were just lending me a hand? But from now on, everyone will believe you’re my Dao Companion.”

“They can believe what they want.” She brushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “I’m going back.”

With that, she drifted away gracefully.

Fang Chen watched her figure for a moment, deep in thought.

Soon, Meng Qingling approached, handing him a sugar glider. “Captain, Senior Mi Yu has been sleeping on me this whole time. It feels weird, so I’m giving her back to you.”

She dropped the creature into his arms and ran off.

Fellow Daoist Mi Yu was sound asleep, showing no sign of waking.

Fang Chen remembered her pouring immense immortal essence into the Black Dragon Formation earlier, rivaling even Ji Gang. This made him realize why she had spent all that time eating bugs and sleeping. This had to be a secret method of hers that allowed her to store an enormous reserve of immortal essence.

***

Several days later, they broke through the brilliant Buddhist light and finally reached Great Thunder Sound Temple.

The light wasn’t from the surface but a vast luminous barrier.

“Everyone, explore for 30 years. After 30 years, regroup here,” Xie Aman’s voice echoed.

Then, each core disciple led their teams to scatter.

Fang Chen issued his orders, and the Black Dragon Formation dispersed.

Those on board bowed deeply toward him before departing, some alone, others in small groups, flying off in all directions.

These thirty years of exploration were both a time to recover their costs and also a time to earn a fortune.