Chapter 670

Chapter 670: Abbot Mountain Man

While Fang Lie was busily preparing defenses for his stronghold, visitors from Abbot Mountain arrived bearing a golden invitation.

Fang Lie had been addressing hundreds in the main hall when he received the summons. Startled, he rose abruptly and commanded, "All dismissed—return to your duties! Lanyun, Mao Mao, accompany me to receive our guests!"

With that, he flew out flanked by the two women, leaving the assembly gaping in confusion. Murmurs rippled through the crowd—what dignitary could compel their island lord of such stature to personally greet them? Could a Thunder Tribulation Immortal have descended?

As the trio exited the protective array, Mo Lanyun blurted, "Senior brother, who requires this ceremony?"

"Abbot Mountain Man himself," Fang Lie replied grimly. "They honor us excessively."

"The Sect Leader—a Semi-Immortal—coming personally?" Mo Lanyun paled. "This bodes ill!"

Before them stood a gaunt elder radiating extreme pressure despite his frail frame, like a mountain compressed into human form. Fang Lie recognized him from the Celestial Platform Competition—the Semi-Immortal ruler of Abbot Mountain.

The trio bowed respectfully. "Juniors Fang Lie, Mo Lanyun, and Mao Mao pay homage."

"Rise, rise," chuckled Abbot Mountain Man. "Mo Sect’s new generation eclipses all others! Two spiritual root prodigies and this anomaly Fang Lie—crushing the Ximen family clan single-handedly, forcing Semi-Immortal Ancestors to grovel! Even I tremble hearing such exploits."

"Merely self-defense," Fang Lie countered lightly. "I trouble none who don’t trouble me first. Those seeking friendship find welcome; others I avoid without quarrel."

"Wise words," the elder nodded approvingly. "Abbot Mountain desires such friendship."

"Your presence honors us," Fang Lie gestured toward the compound. "Let’s converse over tea."

"Spare the formalities," Abbot Mountain Man waved as they flew inward. "No ceremonies this time."

Custom demanded lavish receptions for Semi-Immortals—musical fanfares, retinues of thousands. But the elder sought discretion, here to address the disgrace of Li Fanghe—a Thunder Tribulation Immortal caught pillaging.

Fang Lie guided them to a secluded pavilion where Mao Mao and Mo Lanyun prepared tea.

"Sect shame compels my visit," the elder sighed heavily. "That fool acted for his grandson’s sake. Show mercy, young friend."

"Simple terms," Fang Lie offered. "Return the Abbot Stone, keep his treasures as reparation. No harm done."

"Only that?" The elder’s eyes widened.

"Only that."

"Ha! Let this lesson end hostilities." Relief flooded the elder’s face—he’d expected extortion, not leniency. After all, Li Fanghe’s victims came from minor sects unlikely to challenge Abbot Mountain. The White Jade Divine Fish scheme alone warranted harsher punishment…

But the next part was tricky. After all, he intended to undermine Mo Sect’s foundation, even resorting to bribing a spy – and a direct descendant of Mo family at that! This violated sect taboos.

Every sect despises outsiders bribing their disciples, especially core members like Mo family’s heirs. This was an open challenge to Mo Sect’s dignity. Even if Fang Lie had killed Li Fanghe over this, Abbot Mountain Man couldn’t have condemned him morally.

Yet this time, Fang Lie only kept Li Fanghe’s possessions while returning even the precious Abbot Stone. He’d clearly shown immense deference to Abbot Mountain.

Though Li Fanghe was a Thunder Tribulation Immortal master with vast wealth, what did that matter to Abbot Mountain? The treasures were Li Fanghe’s personal property. Not only did Abbot Mountain lose nothing, they even retained their dignity. Naturally, Abbot Mountain Man felt grateful.

Fang Lie smiled faintly. "You know how severe Elder Li’s actions were. My leniency has its reasons. With your wisdom, I needn’t spell out my intentions, yes?"

"You want news of your mother," Abbot Mountain Man stated flatly.

"Exactly!" Fang Lie pressed, "What’s your stance?"

"Separate matters," Abbot Mountain Man replied. "Li Fanghe’s case is closed with his treasures as compensation. Your mother’s information requires different terms. Return Li Qingshi’s lost treasure from last time, and I’ll tell you everything."

"Ah!" Fang Lie sighed. "Then list the missing items. I’ll return them when recovered. Acceptable?"

"Hmm?" Abbot Mountain Man frowned. "How could you not know? Weren’t those treasures with you?"

Fang Lie explained, "I couldn’t collect them before Celestial Platform’s restrictions trapped me. When I emerged a year later, they lay before me – but Zhu Xian and Shi Shen’s ambush struck before I could touch them! I never saw those treasures before dying!"

"Truth?"

"Why would I lie?" Fang Lie scoffed. "I’m no nation’s wealth, but few Eighth-rank Treasures mean little to me!"

"Ah! We wronged you!" Abbot Mountain Man chuckled awkwardly. "Our apologies."

"No matter. My reputation as treasure-hoarder precedes me." Fang Lie grew serious. "But I vow I never saw them. Since lost under my watch, I’ll retrieve them. Your terms then?"

"Return them, and I’ll disclose all about your mother."

"Not enough." Fang Lie pressed, "I know she’s from another Earth Immortal Realm. I need your teleportation array."

"That…" Abbot Mountain Man hesitated. "Her circumstances… your journey would be complicated."

"My concern. Will you help?"

"Very well. I’ll explain everything first. If you still insist afterward, I’ll arrange it."

"A gentleman’s pledge!" Fang Lie extended his palm.

"Swift as stallion’s whip!" They sealed the oath with a clap.

With matters settled, Abbot Mountain Man asked, "May I see Li Fanghe now?"

"Take him when you leave." Fang Lie shifted topics. "Now let’s discuss cooperation – the impending sea demon disaster."

"Ha!" Abbot Mountain Man chuckled. "Your defenses seem sturdy, but against the sea demon tide? Even Mo Sect Leader Mo Qianxun couldn’t hold Qingyu Island."

"So fearsome?"

"Oceans dwarf land. Demon beasts number thousands-fold more. With major Sea Demon Tribes inciting… each disaster brings endless hordes." His smile turned bitter. "That onslaught? Unstoppable, even by your sect leader himself."