Chapter 755: Visitor, Fleecing, Discovery, Night Talk

“Brain Implantation… A fine name. Worthy of you, Uncle-Master!” Fanx Dexian said, savoring the words.

Zhang Deming’s expression twitched. Ignoring such blatant flattery, he looked at Fanx Dexian and said, “I have some interest in this Skill! Once you’ve finished it, let me know when you’re submitting it to the Scripture Pavilion.”

Fanx Dexian replied, “There’s no need for such trouble. Once I’ve compiled the Technique, this disciple will personally deliver it to your Cave Mansion, Uncle-Master, for your review and correction.”

‘This kid really is… a true genius…!’

Just as Zhang Deming was about to speak, he paused. A commotion had erupted outside. He tilted his head and looked up at the sky.

A figure was rapidly approaching, arriving before them in the blink of an eye.

“Senior Brother Fanx, what brings you here?” Zhang Deming asked, bowing to Fanx Qingyong.

Indeed, the newcomer was one of the Fanx Family patriarchs he had first met in Celestial Spirit Hall, the current head of the Miscellaneous Affairs Department, Fanx Qingyong.

“Junior Brother Zhang, you grace my White Rock Peak with your presence without any advance notice. I’m not saying we needed to prepare a reception, but at the very least, I’d want to prevent any ignorant disciples from offending you,” Fanx Qingyong said.

Zhang Deming smiled and replied, “With a face as well-known as mine, what disciple would dare offend me? Just look at the eyes of every disciple around this Outer Sect pond. They’re sparkling! You’d think I was one of your Miscellaneous Affairs Department’s Seven-Star Realm-Breaking Pills!”

“Haha…” Fanx Qingyong paused for a second, then burst out laughing. “You’ve got a point. To many disciples, you’re a walking opportunity. You might even be more sought-after than a Realm-Breaking Pill.”

“Greetings, Second Grand-Uncle!” Fanx Dexian said, bowing to Fanx Qingyong once the two had finished their pleasantries.

Fanx Qingyong’s expression stiffened. “I hear you recklessly tried to condense a Rune?”

Fanx Dexian froze. Without trying to argue, he nodded apprehensively and said, “This disciple was indeed a bit impulsive.”

“You’re just lucky. If you hadn’t run into Junior Brother Zhang today, you would have been in for a world of hurt. Forcing a breakthrough to condense a Rune—do you think just anyone has the ability to pull that off? If Junior Brother Zhang hadn’t come, or if you hadn’t happened to cross paths, I doubt even I would’ve had an effective solution if I’d rushed over. Did the clan fail to teach you how dangerous this is, or were you just not paying attention? What are you off doing during your lessons? Practicing Divine Travel?” Fanx Qingyong scolded Fanx Dexian, his face stern.

As the most outstanding disciple of your generation in the Fanx Family, it doesn’t matter which branch you’re from—we all see you as a direct descendant. We’ve all watched you grow up, paying close attention.

Therefore, after finding out Fanx Dexian had done something so dangerous, Fanx Qingyong felt a scolding was letting him off easy.

Fanx Dexian didn’t talk back. Being sensible was one of his defining traits. He simply lowered his head and humbly accepted the reprimand.

At this, Zhang Deming spoke up. “Alright, Senior Brother, that’s enough. You can’t blame him entirely for what happened today. Had it been an ordinary Rune condensation, he would have been fine. This wasn’t a matter of him being impulsive or reckless. The only reason this happened was that his fortuitous gains were too great. He took too big a step and… well, he tripped. Ahem… It was bound to happen. If you’re going to assign blame, then I’m culpable, too! It was my discussion on the Dao that gave him such a profound epiphany!”

Fanx Qingyong paused. To receive such high praise from Zhang Deming meant the boy’s gains must have been immense. His expression softened slightly as he looked at Fanx Dexian. “Don’t think you’re off the hook just because Junior Brother Zhang spoke up for you. Are you not aware of the clan’s current situation? As the standard-bearer for your generation, don’t you know how many resources the clan has invested in you? Don’t you understand the high hopes the elders have placed on you? The clan is in a vulnerable transitional period, and you think other families aren’t watching our Fanx Family’s every move? No matter how understandable the reasons, this was a result of your own recklessness and lack of judgment. Go and receive your punishment.”

Fanx Dexian immediately bowed. “This disciple understands! I will go at once!”

With that, he turned and gave Zhang Deming a solemn bow before taking his leave.

“Each generation is worse than the last,” Fanx Qingyong lamented. “We finally get one with promise, and he’s this reckless. He truly gives us no peace of mind, making the clan’s situation even more difficult.”

‘Clans…’

Zhang Deming’s expression twitched. ‘What is this? Is he trying to play the victim in front of me? The core four departments are having a ‘hard time’? I don’t think so.’ Zhang Deming fixed his gaze downward, feigning contemplation, and said nothing.

Fanx Qingyong sighed for a moment. When Zhang Deming didn’t take the bait, he seemed to come to his senses and said, “You’ve spent so much today, Junior Brother. I don’t know how I can possibly repay you.”

“It’s nothing. It was only a single Tier Two High-Quality Spirit Nurturing Pearl… that’s all…”

The moment he mentioned the Spirit Nurturing Bead, Zhang Deming paused. He knew he had carelessly walked right into a trap.

Sure enough, the moment he finished speaking, Fanx Qingyong jumped in. “How could I possibly allow that? How about this, Junior Brother? Why don’t you take out a few more to make a complete set, and I’ll pay you market price?”

‘This old fox… He never misses an opportunity!’

Speechless, Zhang Deming shook his head. He didn’t seem to mind, though. With a flip of his hand, he tossed over the two remaining pearls he’d had for Fanx Dexian. Before the other man could speak, he said, “These are all of a special, high-quality grade. The synergistic effect of three of these is much greater than that of a normal set. If you use them properly, you can help two more disciples.”

Fanx Qingyong’s face lit up with delight. “In that case, many thanks, Junior Brother Zhang.”