Immortal of the Nine Realms

Even after the phenomenon disappeared, countless people continued staring at the sky.

That final scene, the last sentence, felt like a declaration of challenge. As for who it was directed at, everyone already knew.

***

Mingwang Star.

The words ”If you want to fight, I’ll accompany you” still seemed to echo in Fang Chen’s ears. He couldn’t see the other party’s true face, nor detect anything unusual about the voice. It was unfamiliar. He could be certain they had never met.

”The awakened demon race has already grasped a partially restored Heavenly Dao. He thinks failing to kill Zhang Shaoming was my provocation. So... he’s grown anxious?”

A faint smile appeared on Fang Chen’s face. The exposure of his identity seemed rather childish, especially that final line. It resembled the impulsive act of a hot-blooded youth seeking revenge. But was that really the case? Was the other party truly that immature, exposing Fang Chen’s identity as Monarch Yan out of anger over failing to kill Zhang Shaoming?

Fang Chen didn’t believe so. Instead, he felt this move had been carefully calculated. It was deliberately designed to appear naive, inviting others to underestimate it.

What benefit does exposing me now bring to their next moves? The pressure they’re facing now likely comes from Senior Sister’s side. Both sides are competing to gather reincarnations of the Heavenly Dao. Whoever gathers more will gain the advantage in the Taicang Realm. By exposing me, can they reduce some of that pressure?

”Wait...”

Fang Chen’s thoughts stirred. He suddenly recalled that in both Fangcun Realm and Shenwang Realm, every top-tier faction controlled a pseudo-Underworld.

So these factions are actually very familiar with the difference between the Ghost Immortal Path and the underworld’s righteous deities. Since they can’t become true Ghost Gods, they take the second-best option, the Ghost Immortal Path. That way, those whose lifespans are nearing exhaustion can continue contributing in the underworld, becoming pillars of strength. When their sect is threatened, they can transform into a key part of its combat power.

If word spreads that I am Monarch Yan, factions like the Taiyi Immortal Sect and Ten Thousand Star Palace will inevitably take an interest in me. In that case, the temporary alliance between Fangcun Realm and Shenwang Realm may develop cracks, leading to internal strife, affecting their ability to gather Heavenly Dao reincarnations.

Fang Chen began to understand the other party’s intentions. He had protected Zhang Shaoming, so the other side responded by attempting to dismantle the alliance entirely.

If their goal were merely to obtain Ghost Gods, they wouldn’t resort to internal conflict at a time like this. Motian Dizang seeks to unify the Underworld, using it to glimpse the position of Heavenly Dao. Among these factions’ ninth transformation experts... perhaps some have already reached the half-step Heavenly Dao level, and also wish to use the Underworld as a stepping stone, to become the sole ruler of the Three Realms?

Fang Chen’s gaze gradually grew serious. ”If that’s the case... then everything makes sense...”

He understood all too well the power of selfish desire. Even if those ninth-transformation experts recognized this as a scheme by the awakened demon race, they would still willingly fall into the trap.

The reason was simple. Whoever obtained Monarch Yan’s inheritance for themselves would, with their abilities, be able to contend with the Motian Division and unify the Underworld. The demon race and other clans would become secondary concerns.

”If it were me, I might choose the same path. If one could become the Heavenly Dao, the threats of the demon race and Demonic Beast Race could be easily resolved; after all, the demon race no longer possesses a complete Heavenly Dao.”

At this point, Fang Chen could already foresee the troubles ahead. Not to mention anything else, when he delivers Zhang Shaoming to the Feiyu Constellation, if there were eighth- or ninth- transformation immortals from Fangcun Realm or Shenwang Realm stationed there... they might seize the opportunity to make a move against him.

”Even the Enlightenment God Palace itself becomes less trustworthy at a time like this. This is meant to turn me into a target for everyone, a single move achieving multiple objectives.”

***

At that moment, someone noticed Fang Chen. They rubbed their eyes in disbelief, then began retreating in terror.

Fang Chen suppressed his thoughts and stepped into the Starry Teleportation Formation.

As light flickered, he departed Mingwang Star.

After he left, many people finally let out a breath, wiping the cold sweat from their foreheads.

”Did you all see that just now?”

”Yeah... I did. I thought I was seeing things, who would’ve thought... that Monarch Yan was right in front of us.”

”Luckily our lifespans haven’t run out yet... otherwise we might’ve already had our souls taken...”

They chattered among themselves, growing increasingly excited.

The phenomenon had just ended, and they had already seen its central figure; such a story might only happen once in a lifetime.

***

Over the next few years, Fang Chen’s journey went smoothly.

He traveled through other Starry Teleportation Formations, occasionally piloting his Immortal Boat for stretches. The distance between him and the Feiyu Constellation steadily shrank.

During this time, he encountered searches. However, with the Shadow Buddha Technique, he easily avoided them.

One day, while piloting his vessel through the Qingming, Fang Chen studied the star map and finalized his route. In about five more years, he would reach a key transit point. That location was crucial for reaching the Feiyu Constellation. Once past it, he would truly enter the core territory controlled by the demon race.

”Another twenty years or so, and I should reach the Feiyu Constellation. By that measure, Lone Light Star isn’t that far from it.”

***

Five years later, Fang Chen arrived at the transit point. Even before reaching the border, he saw countless Immortal Boats engaged in fierce battle.

Without hesitation, he stored his vessel and slipped into the shadows, completely ignoring the battle as he entered the transit zone. At this point, he no longer cared whether either side were allies.

Along the way, he had nearly exhausted the fragmented Formation Hearts. He had two left. So upon entering, he immediately began searching for the seals that had been set in place.

Half a month later, he found a phantom mountain. Using the two remaining Formation Hearts, he broke through its seal.

At that moment, A stone door opened behind Fang Chen, and a plump man in purple robes stepped out. His face lit up with joy at the sight of Fang Chen. ”Eh? Wang Zhenlong, looks like we meet again.”

”Who are you?” Fang Chen said blankly. ”I don’t know you.”

The fat man smiled. ”It’s me, Wang Chongsong, your kinsman. You may have changed your appearance, but I recognized you at a glance. You’re definitely Wang Zhenlong.”

”I think I remember a bit.” Fang Chen nodded thoughtfully. He calmly urged, ”Speak. What do you want with me? If you intended to act against me, you wouldn’t have waited until now. What do you want from me?”

The fat man looked wronged. ”Listen to yourself, you make it sound like I’ve always had ill intentions toward you.”

”If you don’t say it, I’ll enter the Underworld. Once I’m there, even if you’re a ninth-transformation True Demon, you may not be able to catch me,” Fang Chen said. ”Tracking my location isn’t easy. If we miss this chance, it may take years before we meet again.”

Hearing this, the fat man’s expression turned serious. After a moment, he nodded slowly. ”Alright. I do have something to discuss with you. Let’s have a proper talk this time.”