Chapter 529

Chapter 529: Return to the Sect

Fang Lie did not disappoint the three Thunder Tribulation Immortals. He produced the Nine Dragons Flame Order and placed it on the table.

The three Thunder Tribulation Immortals immediately widened their eyes, faces flushed with excitement. Since losing this treasure, the Zhongli Family had been deprived of their strongest foundation. Their situation deteriorated yearly, forcing them to cling to Putuo Temple for survival.

Every member of the Zhongli Family had desperately hoped to recover this treasure. Yet facing the formidable Ten-Thousand Gu Sect, they stood no chance. Fang Lie’s retrieval of the artifact left the trio feeling like they were in a dream.

After carefully inspecting the Nine Dragons Flame Order, the Zhongli Family Head declared, "This is indeed our lost heirloom! Young Master Fang, you’ve become our clan’s greatest benefactor. Accept our gratitude!" He rose and bowed deeply, followed by the two Elders.

Though Fang Lie considered this a simple transaction, the trio viewed it as salvation for their entire clan.

Fang Lie hastily helped them up. "Just a fair trade, no need for such courtesy."

"Fairness doesn’t erase debts," the Family Head insisted. "Without this token, our family would’ve perished within centuries. Now we’re secure."

Lacking their ninth-rank treasure warship’s protection, the Zhongli Family had become prey to surrounding powers. Even Putuo Temple’s temporary protection couldn’t prevent eventual destruction – a fate that had befallen many weakened factions. Recent hostile pressures confirmed their doom was imminent without the relic.

Fang Lie could have extorted them ruthlessly. Yet he demanded only reasonable terms, even offering Dragon Yang Spirit Herb Spirit Liquid. The Zhongli leaders acknowledged their enormous debt, vowing future repayment.

Fang Lie simply smiled. Avoiding exploitation was his principle, not a bargaining tactic. The impressed leaders hosted an elaborate banquet, though Fang Lie departed next morning with the Thunder Tribulation Golden Bell.

Days later, the travel-stained Fang Lie emerged from Mo Sect’s teleportation array. Before he could head home, a Purple Palace Master intercepted him: "Elder Fang! The Sect Leader demands your immediate presence."

The envious disciple marveled at Fang Lie’s privilege – meeting the Semi-Immortal leader more frequently than Thunder Tribulation experts. Yet Fang Lie frowned, postponing family reunion to obey the urgent summons.

Within hours, Fang Lie reached the Mo family’s Reception Pavilion. None dared show disrespect now – the last offender, a Mo family Wind Tribulation Immortal, had been permanently banished for mere discourtesy. The Sect Leader’s favor clearly surpassed even blood relations.

The local attendants didn’t dare slack off. The Wind Tribulation Immortal overseeing the area personally welcomed Fang Lie, leading him respectfully to the back mountain to meet Sect Leader Mo Qianxun.

Fang Lie found Mo Qianxun plucking a qin in a waterside pavilion. The melody flowed clear and soothing, cleansing both mind and spirit—a testament to Mo Qianxun’s mastery of the instrument.

Yet Fang Lie couldn’t appreciate it. He barged in, plopped down across from Mo Qianxun, yawned, and drawled, "Sect Leader, dragged me all this way. What’s the job?"

"You rascal!" The qin’s rhythm stuttered under Fang Lie’s interruption. Mo Qianxun stopped playing, sighing, "Couldn’t wait till I finished? Is my music so grating to your ears?"

Fang Lei scoffed. "Thanks to certain folks, I grew up rough despite my family name. Never learned fancy arts—just a bumpkin! Was this show meant to teach me what ‘playing music for cattle’ looks like?"

"You—" Mo Qianxun choked back his temper, guilt pricking him. He forced a chuckle. "Fine, you’ve beaten me this time."

He stowed the qin with a wave, sipped tea, then abruptly asked, "Back from the Zhongli Family?"

"Mhm." Fang Lie smirked.

Mo Qianxun’s eyes lit up. Slapping his knee, he laughed, "So you’ve snatched their Thunder Sound Golden Bell!"

"Right," Fang Lie grinned. "News travels fast."

"The whole realm’s buzzing!" Mo Qianxun guffawed. "First the Ghost Realm Sect, now the Ten-Thousand Gu Sect? Even I, a Semi-Immortal, can’t match your thieving skills! They’re calling you the world’s greatest thief!"

Fang Lie snorted. "That’s overkill."

"Is it?" Mo Qianxun retorted. "How many times in millennia have major sects’ vaults been robbed?"

"Dunno. How many?"

"Almost none!" Mo Qianxun spread his hands. "The rare successes targeted seventh-rank items or lower. Their vaults cost fortunes to build, guarded by protective arrays! Yet you’ve done it twice!"

"Beginner’s luck," Fang Lie scratched his head.

"Luck?" Mo Qianxun snorted. "Every sect’s scrambling to reinforce their vaults now—even I sent two Thunder Tribulation Immortals to check ours. So tell me truthfully—any weaknesses in the Mo Sect’s vault?"

"None." Fang Lie shrugged. "Bird Bro’s the real talent. Won’t help me rob home turf. Your vault’s safe."

"Ah!" Mo Qianxun relaxed. "Good. Now—how much loot this time?"

"Mountains!" Fang Lie’s eyes gleamed. "Thirteen eighth-rank Ten-Thousand Gu Flags alone!"

"Heavens!" Mo Qianxun crowed. "Ten-Thousand Gu Sect’s doomed!"

"Serves them right." Fang Lie produced a puppet and mechanical wings. "Two Mo Sect relics too."

Mo Qianxun inspected them. "A predecessor’s legacy. Only three Thunderbolt Wing pairs exist. These were missing."

"Take them," Fang Lie pushed the items over. "Just credit my contribution points."

"Naturally." Mo Qianxun stored them eagerly. "What else? Show me!"