Immortal of the Nine Realms

Tiger Mountain Lord roared toward Victorious Buddha. "Senior Brother, we can’t talk yet; you tell him!"

Profound Green hissed non-stop. "Senior Brother, now we've really embarrassed ourselves! Quickly say a few words to make us look better; Master is nearby!"

Victorious Buddha stared at Zhao Yan, tongue-tied for a while. Indeed, they were defeated. They had thought that apart from Fang Chen, they had no match in Grand Xia. They had truly been frogs in a well, all they had been seeing was a small patch of the sky from the vast dome of heaven. To think there were people who could suppress them amongst the human martial artists....

A voice suddenly hit everyone’s ears. "You can't hurt them because they cultivate spiritual energy, while you only possess internal qi."

Fang Chen slowly walked over. Despite the longevity qi surrounding Zhao Yan, it couldn't stop Fang Chen from approaching. He easily reached the three of them and lightly tapped them.

The majestic longevity qi instantly dissipated!

The demons looked ashamed as they greeted him. "Master."

Fang Chen smiled faintly. "He's at the peak of the Earth Profound Stage, so it's normal for him to beat you. Once you condense a few more immortal veins, you'll surpass him easily."

Fang Zhixue was pleasantly surprised. "Big Brother!"

Now that her brother was here, everything would be solved!

"Duke Fang." Zhao Yan's gaze fell on Fang Chen. After a long time, he slowly clasped his fists and bowed. The method Fang Chen had used just now to break his longevity qi sent a storm raging in his heart.

"Zhao Yan, I've heard about what happened to you. I didn't expect that within Grand Xia, there would be a martial artist like you,” said Fang Chen softly.

"Me...." Zhao Yan smiled and said, "How much do you know about me, Duke Fang? Since you’ve personally come, I'll give you face. Feel free to bring your sister away. As for my matters with King Xiang's mansion, I hope you won't interfere with that."

"Is that so...?" Fang Chen chuckled. "Well, a martial artist at the peak of the Earth Profound Stage indeed has the qualifications to say such things. However, how about you spar with one of my subordinates? If you can defeat him, I’ll humor your request."

With a thought, the Qingmu Puppet instantly transformed into its middle-aged man form. It stood quietly beside Fang Chen.

When Zhao Yan saw an inanimate object turn into a living being, he was struck dumb.

Xia He was even more dumbfounded.

Breaking from his stupor, Zhao Yan’s brow furrowed. "You are being a bit too presumptuous; even if you want a duel, it should be you who steps up for it."

Fang Chen didn’t say anything. He only smiled and stepped back along with his disciples.

After a few moments of silence, Zhao Yan chuckled. "Alright, let's do it."

Taking a step forward, he immediately appeared in front of the Qingmu Puppet, unleashing a palm strike that sent an endless stream of longevity qi in all directions toward the puppet.

Without making a proper move, the Qingmu Puppet slammed its head into Zhao Yan’s palm.

Bang!

Zhao Yan staggered back several steps, and the Qingmu Puppet also retreated.

At first glance, it seemed like they were evenly matched.

However, Zhao Yan was shocked. He could tell that his opponent's strength was far inferior to his own. It was at most equivalent to a martial artist in the Vajra Qi Stage. However, the opponent’s strength had an unusual property; it was similar to that of the Vajra Qi Stage, but it was capable of restraining his longevity qi!

Zhao Yan was puzzled. "Could this be the so-called spiritual energy Fang Chen mentioned?"

Despite his high cultivation, he had not truly ventured into the martial world, and there were many things he didn't know. Today, he discovered a force capable of suppressing his internal energy. The shock in his heart was indescribable.

The Qingmu Puppet didn't give Zhao Yan time to ponder; it continued to press forward with sheer brute force. It was a soulless puppet with no concern for its well-being.

Zhao Yan could only passively defend since his longevity qi had no effect against the Qingmu Puppet. The Qingmu Puppet's attacks brought him considerable trouble.

Slipping up, he took a punch to the chest. The pain came and didn’t leave. It was as if the pain was engraved into his very soul and wouldn’t recede for a long time.

"That seems to be... a treasure." The demons exchanged glances, and their gaze toward Fang Chen became more respectful. A treasure from their master had such terrifying capabilities! It only served to indicate how powerful their master's true abilities were!

Fang Zhixue was originally fearful that Fang Chen might not be a match for Zhao Yan, but she was finally able to rest at ease after witnessing the battle before her. She smiled at Xia He and said, "Xia He, there's no need to worry. He's not my brother's opponent. He can’t even defeat my brother’s subordinate.”

"Sister Zhixue, can you tell Duke Fang not to harm Brother Zhao Yan? He really isn't a bad person," whispered Xia He.

"Rest assured, if he really isn't a bad person, my brother will definitely show him mercy. My big brother has a good eye for people; he can judge others very well.”

After several hundred moves, the Qingmu Puppet couldn't defeat Zhao Yan, and Zhao Yan also found it challenging to overcome the Qingmu Puppet. The situation remained in a stalemate.

"Alright." Fang Chen lightly waved his hand, and the Qingmu Puppet turned into a wisp of green smoke, disappearing into his sleeve.

Zhao Yan's expression changed repeatedly as he witnessed the scene. After a while, he couldn't help but sigh. "Indeed, you deserve the reverence you receive from the people, Duke Fang. If I hadn't seen it for myself, I wouldn't have imagined that your methods would be so mysterious. I wonder if such techniques are still within the realm of martial arts?"

"You’re right, it’s not martial arts," said Fang Chen with a thin smile.

Zhao Yan nodded slowly. "As I expected."

"Speak, why did you abduct them? Are you seeking revenge for Xia Song not standing up for you back then?"

"If it was revenge that I wanted, I would’ve taken it long ago." Zhao Yan chuckled. He then looked at Fang Chen seriously and bowed deeply. "Actually, I’ve only used such despicable methods to draw your attention so I can meet you.”

Fang Zhixue was stunned. So... Fang Chen was Zhao Yan’s actual target.

"Just to meet me? Why not come to my manor? Why go through the trouble of doing this?" asked Fang Chen calmly.

"I don't know what kind of person you truly are, Duke Fang. Not to mention, If you can’t even find me here, there would be no need for us to meet,” said Zhao Yan softly.

Fang Chen shook his head slightly. "I don't quite like this approach of yours." He then ordered Victorious Buddha to bring Fang Zhixue and Xia He back before turning to leave with them.

Zhao Yan was slightly startled as he watched them leave, his expression somewhat dazed. After a while, he suddenly smiled bitterly. He had clearly offended Fang Chen.

After a moment of contemplation, he sighed, turned toward the cave’s entrance, cupped his fist, and then hurriedly chased after Fang Chen.

"Why are you following us?" asked Fang Chen indifferently. "You are a wanted criminal. If you're exposed, you'll be beheaded."

"I know." Zhao Yan nodded. "But if my grievances cannot be resolved, what use does keeping my head have?"

“You can go anywhere in this vast world with your cultivation. Why bother?"

"Just seeking peace of mind," answered Zhao Yan.

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