Chapter 384: Mortal World 3

‘Damn it!’

Fang Rui’s mouth twitched as he watched. ‘Lu Fei is just like Guan Zhi—both are born generals with golden destinies. Good grief, is this some kind of sworn-brotherhood-in-the-making?!’

“There’s no need. I can handle this myself.”

He waved a hand, walked around Lu Fei, and stepped forward. “This saber of yours… I’ll believe you when you say it can split a falling hair. But to boast that it’s indestructible? It falls far short of that.”

“Fine. Mere words will never be enough to truly convince you all.”

“Today, I shall bring out a true Treasure Saber and show you what real quality looks like.”

As Fang Rui spoke, a Spiritual Light flashed in his hand, and a Treasure Saber materialized out of thin air. He drew it from its sheath, its shimmering azure light bathing the area for yards around.

This was the very saber that had belonged to Yuan Da. After being tempered by Fang Rui’s Spiritual Essence and infused with a sliver of the Chaos Dragon Pearl Origin, it had now become a true Divine Weapon.

His ability to conjure an object from thin air, combined with the extraordinary phenomenon as he drew the blade, instantly silenced the crowd. They realized Fang Rui possessed genuine power, and their demeanor became much more reserved.

‘This saber… it’s connected to me by fate!’

Cao Meng gazed at the saber, a deep affection for it blooming in his heart. Little did he know this was because of the Chaos Dragon Pearl Origin.

“What a fine saber!”

Behind him, Lu Fei’s eyes were practically glowing, and he nearly started drooling.

“Guan Zhi, care to clash them? Let’s see which saber is truly indestructible,” Fang Rui said with a smile.

“Why wouldn’t I dare?!”

Although the saber in Fang Rui’s hand looked extraordinary, Guan Zhi still had faith in his own ancestral Treasure Saber.

CLANG!

The two sabers collided.

Blinding sparks erupted in mid-air.

“Is that all you’ve got? Again!” Fang Rui bellowed.

“Watch yourself, Daoist!”

A flash of anger ignited in Guan Zhi. Knowing Fang Rui was no ordinary man, he held back no longer, erupting with his Seventh Grade Bone Forging Divine Power as he slashed out.

DANG!

Fang Rui whipped his saber up to block.

THUMP! THUMP! THUMP!

The recoil sent Guan Zhi stumbling back several steps. With a series of CRACKS, fissures spread across his saber before it shattered into fragments.

“Hiss!”

The onlookers all gasped in unison.

They were astounded by the sharpness of Fang Rui’s Treasure Saber, but they were even more shocked by his strength. Recalling their earlier behavior, cold sweat broke out on many of their foreheads.

“Unbelievably terrifying! That Treasure Saber, the one that could slice a falling hair, actually broke? The one in the Daoist’s hand… could it be a Divine Weapon?!” someone exclaimed, their eyes wide.

“It’s not just the saber that’s terrifying, it’s the Daoist’s strength!” remarked someone who saw things clearly.

“I’m done for! A moment ago, I was disrespectful to the Daoist… Th-th-this… what should I do?” this person muttered, their face pale.

…

‘His strength… is it possible he’s even stronger than I am?’ Cao Meng’s eyes narrowed.

“Benefactor, you’re so strong!”

Lu Fei’s large, bell-like eyes went wide. He scratched his head and said in his booming voice.

“I… I am ashamed. I was arrogant. I apologize to you, Daoist. I no longer have the face to continue selling sabers.”

Ashamed, Guan Zhi covered his face. He set down the three hundred taels of silver from Cao Meng and turned to leave with long strides.

“Wait!”

Cao Meng started to go after him.

But another voice was quicker—

“Stay a moment, Hero. I am willing to treat your mother’s illness.” It was Fang Rui who had spoken.

“Oh?!”

Guan Zhi stopped and turned. “Daoist, you can treat illnesses?”

“My benefactor’s foresight is matchless! He’s a miraculous doctor, too! He once treated my…”

Lu Fei began to shout.

“Ahem!”

Fang Rui cut Lu Fei off with a cough, glancing at the big lunkhead before turning back with a warm smile. “I can see that you are a man of extraordinary talent, destined for great things. I would like to treat your mother’s illness and form a good bond between us. Would you be willing to take me to see her?”

“Thank you, Daoist!”

Guan Zhi’s lips moved, and he agreed, clasping his fist in a deep salute.

His pride was such that he never accepted a reward he hadn’t earned, and ordinarily, he would have refused. But this involved his mother.

There was also another reason…

Earlier, Fang Rui had made shocking claims, utterly belittling his saber. Yet after proving his own power and earning Guan Zhi’s respect, he had suddenly treated him with great importance. The sudden shift left Guan Zhi feeling overwhelmed by the unexpected favor.

“Haha, there’s no better way to get acquainted than a good fight!”

Just then, Cao Meng laughed and interjected, “I have a garden at my home with a spring—the Cyan Moss Spring—that never runs dry, even in a great drought. Nourished by its waters, the peaches this year are especially plump. Eating them is a great way to replenish one’s Primordial Qi. Daoist, Brother Guan, and you, Hero—why don’t we all go and sit for a while?”

‘Just sitting for a while would be fine,’ Fang Rui grumbled inwardly. ‘But I’m worried that once you’re flushed with wine, you’ll activate one of your Skills, pull the three of us into swearing an oath, and we’ll end up in some four-man version of the Oath of the Peach Garden!’

“Well…”

Guan Zhi hesitated. Given the goodwill Cao Meng had shown when trying to buy his saber, it felt wrong to refuse. Besides, he was tempted by the offer of peaches that could replenish Primordial Qi.

Of course, his interest was not for himself, but for his gravely ill mother at home.

Lu Fei found Cao Meng likable. The man seemed frank and generous, so he too was tempted.

‘The Flood Dragon Qi Fortune is bewitching their minds!’

Fang Rui’s eyes remained clear. Using his Divine Technique, Emperor’s Gaze, he could see a Flood Dragon of Qi Fortune roaring above Cao Meng’s head, exerting its influence over Guan Zhi and Lu Fei.

‘I can’t let you have Guan Zhi and Lu Fei today!’

An idea struck him, and he called out sharply, “Guan Zhi! Your mother is at home, wracked with illness and anxiously awaiting your return! Why are you still dawdling?”

“You are right to scold me, Daoist! I humbly accept your lesson!”

Guan Zhi looked as if he’d been struck by lightning. Snapping back to his senses, he clasped his fist toward Cao Meng. “Cao Yishi, my apologies. My mother is gravely ill, and I am eager to return home. I will visit another day to properly thank you!”

Fang Rui led Guan Zhi and Lu Fei away.

With the spectacle over, the crowd began to disperse, chattering excitedly. They clearly had a great story to tell for days to come.

The show was over, and the crowd had scattered.

“Why… do I feel this sudden ache in my heart?”

Cao Meng clutched his chest as he watched the three figures disappear into the distance. He was overcome with a sense of profound loss, as if… as if some great opportunity had just been stolen from him.