Immortal of the Nine Realms

In the Southern Immortal Prefecture, there was an academy where individuals who were deeply passionate about literature could study. Prince Xiang served as the honorary dean of the academy and often took Xia Song along with him so he could listen to the lectures. Along the way, Xia Song gradually became acquainted with a scholar named Zhao Yan.

Zhao Yan came from a humble background. He was a handsome man with an exceptionally keen mind, and he was quick to grasp the various subjects of the academy. Not only could he recite articles by heart, but he could also derive unique insights of his own from them. But due to Prince Xiang's high regard for him, jealousy arose among other scholars in the academy, leading to harassment directed at Zhao Yan.

Undeterred by the animosity, Zhao Yan focused solely on his studies, reading extensively and occasionally accepting Xia Song's invitations for boating and poetry recitals along the main branch of the Great Xia River.

It was then that, at one point, women began to disappear in the Southern Immortal Prefecture, ranging from young maidens to seven or eight-year-old little girls. The case quickly garnered attention, and Jue Panshi personally led the search for the culprit behind the crime.

Several days later, they discovered multiple partially decomposed female corpses buried in the courtyard of Zhao Yan's dilapidated residence. The appearance of the dead females matched the descriptions of the missing people.

Zhao Yan was naturally apprehended as the suspect.

Despite intense interrogations, Zhao Yan persistently denied any wrongdoing, continuously proclaiming his innocence. When Xia Song last saw him, he found that Zhao Yan had been blinded in one eye, and his body bore gruesome wounds. Zhao Yan was left with only a single breath of life at the time.

He kept fervently proclaiming his innocence, hoping that Xia Song could intervene to vindicate him and uncover the true perpetrator.

"Duke Fang, Zhao Yan was caught red-handed, with solid evidence against him. How can I even think of covering it up for him with the authority I was given? How can I face the innocent women who lost their lives? How can I face their families?" Xia Song gritted his teeth. "Never did I expect that Zhao Yan, who should have been executed by the Meridian Gate, would be able to break free from captivity. He suddenly revealed exceptional martial abilities, defeating dozens of elite guards before disappearing in the Southern Immortal Prefecture.

"Because of his actions, we became even more certain that he was the real culprit. He’s a heartless beast hiding behind a human face. He possessed formidable martial skills but concealed them from the world, all for engaging in such atrocious and heinous activities in secret. His actions both go against the Heavens and the compass of morality,” Xiao Song said. “We’ve been searching for Zhao Yan ever since we’ve found out about his marital capabilities, but we haven’t been able to uncover any news regarding him for several years now.”

Finally, Xia Song stared at Fang Chen and hurriedly asked, "Did Zhao Yan abduct my younger sister and Young Lady Zhixue?"

Fang Chen suddenly chuckled. “Why would such a skilled martial artist allow himself to be captured and tortured by mere guards?”

Xia Song was momentarily stunned, and his expression became somewhat complicated. This was a point that everyone had considered. However, the public opinion against Zhao Yan back then was like an unstoppable wave; it had forced them to take action against him.

Another possibility was that Zhao Yan hoped to escape the calamity without revealing his abilities in order to continue his studies back at the academy. He might have wanted to enter the imperial court as an official. If he fled, everything would be lost.

After listening for a while, Fang Canghai and his wife turned to Fang Chen and said, "Chen'er, you should set out to bring back Zhixue. Don't let her get hurt."

Fang Chen nodded slightly and turned to leave.

*

Deep into the mountains, about a hundred miles away from Fang's residence, a steep cliff had been artificially excavated to reveal a massive cave. This area was sparsely populated, and ordinary people could not venture so far away. As such, the cave had remained undiscovered for a long time.

Within the cave was a hidden residence with several rooms carved out. It resembled a normal manor, but due to the lack of natural light, oil lamps adorned the walls.

Fang Zhixue and the sixth daughter of the prince huddled together on the cold stone in one of the corners of the dimly-lit cave. The sixth princess was tightly hugging Fang Zhixue's arm, still somewhat startled at their plight.

Not far away, a young man dressed like a scholar sat quietly. He held a book in his hands. He looked engrossed.

"Do you really not know who I am? You abducted the two of us! No matter where you hide, my big brother will find you and kill you," Fang Zhixue said in a deep voice. "Why don't you let us go now? I'll pretend this never happened. My, Fang Zhixue’s, words are as good as gold."

The scholar remained unmoved.

Fang Zhixue grew somewhat anxious. She was unsure of the scholar's background, but his methods were terrifying. As a Qi Detonation Stage martial artist who had also cultivated the Purple Qi Manual and consumed spiritual spring water for some time, her perception was sharper than the average person. Yet, the scholar easily subdued her with just one move, a feat that might be beyond the capabilities of even a Qi Detonation expert!

Fang Zhixue continued, "My elder brother is Fang Chen. Even if you are a Qi Core Stage martial artist, much less him, even his disciples could easily defeat you! You better know what’s good for you!”

The scholar finally broke his silence.

"I've heard of Duke Fang for some time now," he said in a calm voice. "I once hoped to enter the capital and serve as an official, with the chance to share a drink and a conversation with Duke Fang. Unfortunately, it seems like that won't ever happen."

"What qualifications do you have to share a drink with my elder brother? You're just a bandit! What is it that you want to achieve by capturing us?” exclaimed Fang Zhixue in anger. “Is it money that you want?"

The scholar only chuckled with self-deprecation. "A bandit?"

It was only then that Fang Zhixue noticed that the scholar seemed to be blind in one eye. She was momentarily surprised. Then, she lowered her voice and asked, "Do you have a grudge against my Fang family?"

"I just wanted to capture the sixth daughter of Prince Xiang. Grabbing you was accidental. I, Zhao Yan, have no grudges or grievances with your Fang Family. Rest assured, I won't harm you," replied Zhao Yan softly.

Prince Xiang's sixth daughter became even more frightened when she realized that he was indeed targeting her father’s residence!

Trembling, she whimpered, "I-I don't know you."

"You were just a little girl a few years ago. Of course you don’t know me,” said Zhao Yan with a wry smile.

Fang Zhixue began to understand what was going on. Zhao Yan had to have a grudge against Prince Xiang's residence.

Pondering over that for a moment, she asked in a thin voice, "What do you intend to do?"

"Don't ask too much.” Zhao Yan shook his head. “Just quietly stay here for a few days.”

"A few days, you say?” Fang Zhixue sneered. “In less than half a day, my big brother will find me!"

She wasn't certain whether Fang Chen had returned or not, but she hoped that his reputation would be enough to intimidate their kidnapper. In Grand Xia, who wouldn't tremble at the mention of Fang Chen?

Fang Zhixue didn't expect that Zhao Yan would reveal a calm smile.

"Even if your elder brother was here, he wouldn't be my match. I may be unknown in this world, but that’s just because I chose not to reveal my name,” said Zhao Yan.

Fang Zhixue laughed with disdain. "You say my elder brother isn't your opponent? That’s really amusing. My elder brother's methods are beyond your imagination."

Zhao Yan chuckled and said, "Back when I was seven years old, I had already achieved the full tempering of the Human Profound Stage. By the age of sixteen, I had comprehended Longevity Qi."

Fang Zhixue took in a sharp breath. She stared at Zhao Yan with disbelief. Was he joking? Longevity Qi? The Earth Profound Stage was made up of four levels: Vajra Qi, Innate Qi, Returning Essence Qi, and Longevity Qi.

Is this guy saying that’s he a Longevity Qi expert? A martial artist at the peak of the Earth Profound Stage!?

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