Chapter 519

Chapter 519: The Nine Dragons Flame Order

In the secret room of the Zhongli Family, three Thunder Tribulation Immortals gathered.

At the head sat a handsome middle-aged man – Zhongli Yanting, the Family Head. To his right was a jovial fat man named Zhongli Tantian, another Thunder Tribulation Immortal. On the left sat Elder Lan, who detailed Fang Lie’s visit while presenting the Dragon Yang Spirit Liquid and Immortal Zi Ji’s letter.

After examining the items, both leaders showed excitement.

"With this precious Spirit Liquid, our Zhongli Family shall prosper!" Zhongli Yanting declared. "We must treat Fang Lie royally. I’ll personally select suitable young women from our family. Whoever marries him will earn Major Merits and receive a Seventh-rank Treasure!"

Zhongli Tantian chuckled, "Brilliant plan! Even if he won’t join our family, making him our son-in-law ensures steady Spirit Liquid supply."

Elder Lan sighed. "It’s not that simple. Rumor says he’s already wedded to the Mo family’s spiritual roots. Our daughters shouldn’t become concubines."

"Troublesome!" Zhongli Yanting frowned. "The Mo family moved fast – offering their prized spiritual roots to a rising star barely three years into his cultivation career."

"They showed foresight," Zhongli Tantian remarked. "An inheritor of Mo Ancestor’s Pill Scripture with undying nature? His potential’s limitless."

"Enough hindsight," Elder Lan interjected. "Our immediate problem: refusing the Thunder Sound Golden Bell angers Fang Lie, but granting it risks Great Thunder Sound Temple’s wrath."

"Clever scoundrel," Zhongli Tantian grumbled. "His Spirit Liquid gift serves as both carrot and stick, leaving us trapped."

Zhongli Yanting sighed deeply. "We must choose: Fang Lie or Great Thunder Sound Temple."

"Why fear those temple monks?" Zhongli Tantian scoffed. "After we gave them the Thunder Sound Golden Bell centuries ago, they abandoned us. The Lotus Dharma Sect, not them, protected us from Ten-Thousand Gu Sect!"

Elder Lan nodded. "Offending the temple might bring petty schemes, but offending Fang Lie deprives our family of breakthrough resources for generations."

"But Great Thunder Sound Temple’s vindictiveness…" Zhongli Yanting worried. "If they target us specifically, even Lotus Dharma Sect couldn’t prevent our demise."

The room fell silent until Elder Lan proposed: "What if we reclaim the Nine Dragons Flame Order?"

Both leaders inhaled sharply, then grinned.

The Family Head’s token – an Eighth-rank Treasure – also activated their mightiest weapon: the Eighth-Rank High-Grade Nine Dragons Flame Warship, rivaling Ninth-Rank Treasures. Lost centuries ago during a Ten-Thousand Gu Sect ambush, its recovery would grant Semi-Immortal-level defense.

"Perfect!" Zhongli Tantian exclaimed. "If Fang Lie retrieves it, giving him the bell becomes justified. With the warship guarding our mountain gate, even Great Thunder Sound Temple wouldn’t dare attack!"

Zhongli Yanting frowned. "But the Ten-Thousand Gu Sect holds it. Does Fang Lie possess such capability?"

"Hehe, Family Head, you underestimate Fang Lie too much. The fact that he stole treasured items from the Ghost Realm Sect shows he’s capable of retrieving the Nine Dragons Flame Order for us!" Elder Lan sneered. "Even if he fails, we won’t hand over the Thunder Sound Golden Bell. He can’t blame us if he lacks the skill!"

"True enough," Zhongli Yanting nodded gravely. "Prepare a banquet tomorrow. I’ll speak to Fang Lie myself."

"Understood," Elder Lan replied promptly.

The next day, the Zhongli Family bustled with activity. Maids and stewards scurried about, decorating palaces, sweeping courtyards, and harvesting Spirit fruits—everything arranged to welcome an esteemed guest.

Thousands labored, even Cultivators, just to host Fang Lie. Such grandeur rarely appeared in Zhongli Family history, matching the reception for a Semi-Immortal.

Curious family members tried uncovering the visitor’s identity but learned nothing except that the three Thunder Tribulation Immortals had issued strict orders. Higher-ups scrambled to guard the premises or gather rare ingredients.

When Fang Lie stepped out at dawn, he gaped. His already luxurious quarters now had carpets covering every path, petals scattered across courtyards, and festive decorations everywhere.

Before he could process this, the door’s creak alerted waiting servants. Over a hundred dazzling maids swarmed in—each breathtakingly beautiful, all skilled Cultivators at Qi Sea level or higher.

They bore golden and jade tools: washbasins, footbaths, mouth rinses, even ear cleaners and nail trimmers. Assuming this local custom, Fang Lie reluctantly let them tend him.

After half an hour of pampering, breakfast arrived. Fang Lie expected simplicity but saw hundreds of dishes—over a dozen porridges alone, all spiritual items brimming with Spiritual Energy.

Knowing these foods boosted cultivation, he ate heartily for an hour until stuffed.

Post-meal, maids freshened him up again. Elder Lan appeared precisely as they finished, grinning. "Well, young friend? Satisfied with their service?"

"This is excessive," Fang Lie sighed. "Even my father-in-law Mo Wanfang—future Mo Sect Leader—never indulged like this."

"Nonsense! Proper treatment for our honored guest!" Elder Lan waved dismissively. Nearby maids’ eyes gleamed. A mere Qi Sea cultivator receiving such respect? His status must be extraordinary! Imagining riches, they gazed at Fang Lie fervently.

Sweating under their stares, Fang Lie muttered, "Elder, just say what you need to."

"Haha! My part’s done. The Family Head invites you to midday banquet!"

"I’d be honored," Fang Lie replied.

"Excellent! Let me show you around until then. Our Zhongli Family has sights worth seeing, though we’re no grand sect!"