Chapter 864 - 81: Martial Heart Sect’s Last Stand

Chapter 864: Chapter 81: Martial Heart Sect’s Last Stand

"Not sure, maybe they’ve gone shopping." Li Xin said; he had no idea where the two had gone off to.

"Those two lazy bums, they must have snuck down the mountain to play. There’s nothing much going on in the Zhou Sect?" Fang Chi asked.

"Everything’s fine." Li Xin replied.

A week? He guessed a long time had passed; surprisingly, the Grand Circulation took him a whole week.

Fang Chi shrugged indifferently; apart from the buildings, there was nothing valuable in the Martial Heart Sect, so there was no concern about thieves.

"Ahem, you’re the Steward Disciple of the Outer Sect, don’t let Fatty Nine and Idiot Zhu slack off, make sure they do their work well, while you focus on your own things." Fang Chi winked and said.

"Young Sect Master, the sect has been empty these days, so I didn’t dare to roam around, just stayed put. To get spirit stones, I need to network with fellow villagers, which can’t be done without some socializing and time. I’m worried that if the Sect Master notices I’m not in the sect, it’ll be problematic; plus, Senior Brother Gan Jiu and Senior Brother Shi Dazhu might blame me." Li Xin said.

"They wouldn’t dare! Are they rebelling now? You’re my most trusted Outer Sect Junior Brother. Cultivation contributes to the sect, but securing resources for the sect is equally important, if not more. Go ahead confidently, I’ll explain things to my sister. Should anything happen, I’ll back you up. Leave other matters to Fatty Nine and Idiot Zhu; a sect must utilize talents where they’re most effective." Fang Chi asserted righteously.

"Alright, Young Sect Master, I’ve got it; I’ll head down the mountain soon to take care of it!"

Upon hearing this, Fang Chi’s face lit up with amusement, resembling a comical dumpling.

In this challenge against the Hidden Mountain Sect, although everyone suffered greatly, Fang Chi’s performance stood out relatively better. The added spirit stones made all the difference; he fought increasingly bravely, replenished secretly at night, and was in top form the next day. Wang Zhigao’s temper was indeed bad, but his skills were undeniable. He was required to use a new Spiritual Ability method, so despite being beaten badly, he had grasped the essence. He was very confident that once he mastered Wang Zhigao’s techniques, he could definitely ascend another level, potentially reach the Red List at the minimum.

That’s his goal, Jiuxiao Building, his first stop in conquering the Divine Land.

Upon returning to the sect, most disciples were complaining about resting, but Fang Qingning was very enthusiastic. The failure was painful, although they’ve faced the Hidden Mountain Sect before and weren’t as far off, this time the gap was obvious, yet during the combat, she felt the advantage in technique usage and her own deficiencies; this fight was very necessary.

After tidying up, Fang Qingning arrived at Wang Zhigao’s courtyard.

Wang Zhigao seemed to expect her coming, "Sect Master, please."

When not in training, Wang Zhigao was still very respectful toward Fang Qingning.

"Elder Wang, sorry for the trouble." Fang Qingning apologized.

Wang Zhigao wanted to sigh but held back; this path was his choice, boastful words were his own boast; it would be even more embarrassing to be discouraged now.

"Sect Master, this battle exposed many issues. During practice, I’ll need to make some adjustments. Cultivation against heaven and defying nature isn’t easy, I need your cooperation. Moreover, in the coming nights, I may often be absent from the sect; supervision in training will rely on you." Wang Zhigao stated.

"Elder, you?" Fang Qingning asked with concern, worried Wang Zhigao might be disheartened and leave.

"It’s not about the sect; I’m committed to what I’ve chosen. As long as you don’t give up, I won’t let go. It’s just I have some personal matters to handle. For you and the sect, stop worrying about everything else; focus solely on this year’s big competition. The Martial Heart Sect must achieve the Yellow Level, otherwise, there’s no future. With this major goal in mind, everything else can wait." Wang Zhigao recognized Fang Qingning’s concerns and explained directly.

Fang Qingning breathed a sigh of relief; as Sect Master, she knew well that if they failed again this time, the Martial Heart Sect wouldn’t survive another four years. The spirit, resources, and morale—she had even doubted herself at times.

"I’ll follow Elder’s arrangements in everything." Fang Qingning said.

Wang Zhigao nodded, "Go rest; from tomorrow on, the training intensity will double. Those who can keep up will; those who can’t and wish to leave should not be stopped."

Although Wang Zhigao was skilled, not all disciples were satisfied. After such a humiliating defeat, many openly expressed dissatisfaction; those wanting to leave were not just one or two. Previously, Fang Qingning had tried to suppress it as much as possible, but forcibly keeping them now was pointless; if the goal and confidence diverge, the lack of unity would only breed internal discontent.

The Martial Heart Sect had already reached the cliff edge; there was nothing more to worry.

Leaving Wang Zhigao’s courtyard, under the crimson moonlight, Fang Qingning took a breath, as if releasing endless pressure, and her gaze gradually became resolute. This is their last fight; the sect’s morale must not falter.

While walking, she encountered the sneaky Fang Chi; usually, she’d scold him by pulling his ear, but this time, Fang Qingning just glanced at him and didn’t say anything.

Fang Chi was initially startled, but seeing Fang Qingning letting him go, he breathed a sigh of relief. If his elder sister found out he randomly showed others the Martial Heart Technique, she’d probably kill him.

In his room, Wang Zhigao folded a paper crane out of yellow paper, with his fingertips glowing with golden light, he drew a few talismans on it, then the paper crane came to life, flapping its wings a few times before Wang Zhigao picked it up and tossed it outside. The paper crane soared quickly, disappearing into the darkness.

Li Xin also returned to his courtyard. Fatty Nine and Idiot Zhu were nowhere to be found; had they retreated in difficulty?

Back in his room, he sat cross-legged, entering the state of introspection according to the Martial Heart Technique. After completing the first Grand Circulation, his internal meridians were completely cleared, making future operations of the Martial Heart Technique much easier. Typically, even with clear meridians, guidance with Jade and Silk was needed, but Li Xin was an exception; he completely memorized, or rather understood, the operation of the Martial Heart Technique.

However, the difficulty of a Grand Circulation was high; few spirit stones were left, surely not enough. He needed to find Bao Yu’Er for help; since it’s mutually beneficial, depending on her is also reasonable.

In the upcoming weeks, Jiuxiao Building set new rules for Ren Yanli’s triple challenge. Jiuxiao Building wasn’t doing well; people from Vajra Institute and Three Pristine Sect came looking, being arrogant, even sects from White Tiger City and Vermilion Bird City heard about it. Cyan Dragon City was penetrated by a foreign Beijing person, losing face for the Divine Land. They didn’t care whether it was Vajra Institute or Three Pristine Sect; all were treated equally—Cyan Dragon City, with so many sects, couldn’t handle an outsider bumpkin.

Rumors circulated that even Ku Chan and Liu Zhongyang from the top ten were interested in dealing with the bumpkin, stirring curiosity among many sects, especially since this person was a Loose Cultivator.

This meant a lot.