Chapter 243
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Chapter 243: What Goes Around Comes Around.
After standing up, Jian Wujie presented a white jade box to Wang Xiangchi.
"This is a token of my gratitude, Master," Jian Wujie said. This Spiritual Sword was second only to the nine Spiritual Swords he had inherited.
From the moment he decided to take this Spiritual Sword from the sect’s treasury, he intended to give it to Wang Xiangchi.
"A Spiritual Sword; it seems you’ve inherited the legacy of Cang Jian Gate. Well done; your path to immortality looks promising."
"Keep this Spiritual Sword for yourself; I have no shortage of such weapons," Wang Xiangchi said with a smile. Seeing his student so grateful made all his efforts worthwhile.
Although the Spiritual Sword was valuable, Wang Xiangchi had one crafted specifically for him in the sect’s treasury, which he could access anytime.
"Master, this is my sincere gift and also a token of my apprenticeship."
"Master, I wish to become your disciple," Jian Wujie said, kneeling down.
As Jian Wujie expressed his desire to become Wang Xiangchi’s disciple, the river of fate seemed to fork before Wang Xiangchi, awaiting his decision.
At that moment, Wang Xiangchi recalled Xu Fan’s earlier words.
"The sect has rules; I cannot take in outside disciples," Wang Xiangchi said reluctantly.
"Master, you don’t need to officially recognize me; just acknowledging me in your heart is enough," Jian Wujie said, performing Three Kowtows and offering a cup of spirit tea he had prepared in advance.
"………"
Wang Xiangchi reluctantly accepted Jian Wujie’s request. He initially thought to use spiritual energy to help Jian Wujie up, but Jian Wujie’s determination was firm, and forcing him could harm his foundational skills.
After completing the Three Kowtows and nine bows, Jian Wujie stood up and respectfully called him "Master."
Wang Xiangchi felt the cup of tea in his hand was as heavy as a mountain, a sign of destiny, as Xu Fan would say.
"In the future, Wujie will only call you Master in private."
"So you don’t need to worry about breaking any sect rules," Jian Wujie said, with a hint of resentment towards the sect behind Wang Xiangchi.
"Please accept this token of my apprenticeship," Jian Wujie said, picking up the white jade box from the ground.
"Sigh, such is fate," Wang Xiangchi thought to himself.
"Take this back; keep it for your own use. I already have my own Spiritual Sword," Wang Xiangchi said.
Seeing Wang Xiangchi’s firm refusal, Jian Wujie did not insist further.
That evening, Jian Wujie’s mother prepared an extravagant banquet, using the finest ingredients available from the streets.
"Wujie, Celestial Sword Academy has suffered heavy losses and may not reopen soon."
"What are your plans for the future?" Wang Xiangchi asked, savoring a piece of braised beef.
Wang Xiangchi closed his eyes, enjoying the delightful flavors; it was surprising how even simple food could be so delicious.
"If Master won’t teach me, I will return to the Cang Jian Gate secret realm for cultivation," Jian Wujie said, looking at Wang Xiangchi with hopeful eyes, wishing to continue his training.
Wang Xiangchi looked at Jian Wujie and after a moment of thought, said, "Your swordsmanship is not yet complete; it’s not suitable for you to cultivate alone right now."
"How about this: travel with me in the cultivation world first, and once you reach the Foundation Establishment Stage, you can return to that secret realm for training," Wang Xiangchi suggested.
He remembered how Xu Fan guided him during his Qi Training Stage, directing his swordsmanship until he reached the Foundation Establishment Stage, after which he was allowed to learn more freely. If he had any questions about swordsmanship, he could ask directly.
"Can I really travel with Master in the cultivation world?" Jian Wujie asked joyfully.
"Yes, a swordsman doesn’t just cultivate the sword; they also cultivate their understanding of the world."
"When you blend your understanding of the world into your swordsmanship, that’s when your swordsmanship truly reaches its peak," Wang Xiangchi repeated Xu Fan’s exact words.
"I think I get it," Jian Wujie nodded, though he seemed a bit unsure, and then asked, "Has Master reached that level?"
"Haha, I’m still far from it."
"But my Master has," Wang Xiangchi said with a smile. He had seen the changes in the world through the last sword his Master had given him, realizing then that swordsmanship was about more than just the sword.
"Alright, spend some time with your mother. I need to go back to the sect to handle some things, and then I’ll come find you," Wang Xiangchi said.
He needed to return to the sect to fully grasp the remaining aspects of swordsmanship, and most importantly, to let his Master know about the two new disciples.
"It’ll take about three months."
"Okay, I’ll wait at home for you, Master," Jian Wujie said.
After having dinner with Jian Wujie’s family, Wang Xiangchi hurried back to the Hidden Spirit Sect.
At the sect, Xu Fan sat next to the Tianji Turtle again. This time, he stayed quiet, lost in thought.
At that moment, Xu Fan was designing artifact-level weapons for his oldest and youngest disciples, making sure they had the best gear possible.
"For Xu Gang, I’ll refine five artifact-level spirit pearls, optimize his divine abilities, boost their power, and add storage for spiritual energy. Anything else is unnecessary."
Xu Fan had already thought of a few perfect artifacts for his eldest disciple.
"For the second disciple, it’s obvious—I’ll make a big spear and a few stealth artifacts for storing spiritual energy."
"The third disciple already has a sword, so I’ll just add a few artifacts to improve his agility."
"As for the fourth disciple, forget it. With a wealthy lady by his side, he doesn’t need me to prepare artifacts for him," Xu Fan mused.
Just then, the Tianji Turtle beside Xu Fan slowly stood up and started walking toward the spiritual liquid lake.
"Hey, I didn’t say anything this time. Why are you leaving?" Xu Fan called out.
"Buzz~~"
A strange sound reached Xu Fan’s ears. Though he had never heard this language before, he instantly understood what it meant.
"Are you overthinking?"
"……….." Xu Fan.
At that moment, a flash of sword light appeared, and Wang Xiangchi stood in front of Xu Fan.
"Master, those two people with a destined fate you mentioned have both acknowledged me as their Master. Is that a big deal?" Wang Xiangchi asked.
"Not a big deal. At most, your life will get a bit more exciting," Xu Fan said, waving his hand casually.
As soon as Jian Wujie called Wang Xiangchi "Master," Xu Fan noticed that the thread of fate tied to his disciple had been obscured by the heavenly secrets, heading in an unknown direction.
"What does ‘more exciting’ mean?" Wang Xiangchi asked, confused.
"You’ll understand in time. For now, just remember this: if you ever face a situation where your two disciples are destined to die, and you must sacrifice yourself to save them, don’t do it."
"Just remember that one thing," Xu Fan said seriously.
"Why?"
"Because people with a destined fate won’t die, but if you die, it’ll be for real."
"Master doesn’t want to see the old mourning the young," Xu Fan said.
"I understand, Master," Wang Xiangchi replied.
"Just keep that in mind," Xu Fan added.
Afterward, Wang Xiangchi returned to his mountain to continue perfecting his sword technique.
Xu Fan was about to find a spot to work on his unfinished design when his communication artifact buzzed with a message.
"Master, I’ve lost my purity."
It was a message from Li Xingci.
"Purity? What nonsense," Xu Fan scoffed. "Your purity was a sham; during your Cycle of Rebirth, you had countless wives and beauties by your side."
But my purity as your Master is genuine; I’ve remained a virgin through two lifetimes.
Thinking of this, Xu Fan felt a pang of despair.
"Dear wife, when will you advance to the Transformation Stage?"
………….
Meanwhile, in a secret realm flower valley not far from the Source Spirit Fairy City, Li Xingci looked at Su Rantian with a mix of frustration and resignation.
"Master’s words were meant to guide you, not to come here and ruin my purity," Li Xingci said helplessly.
He had been carefully cultivating in the secret realm, preparing for his next round of rebirth training.
But just as his heart was steady, his energy smooth, and his spirit at peace, Su Rantian burst in, wielding a treacherous spirit pill that even a Core Formation stage cultivator couldn’t resist, forcing him to comply.
"I don’t care; Tian’er will always belong to Xingci," Su Rantian said happily, snuggling into Li Xingci’s arms.
What the Grand Elder said was indeed true. This was Su Rantian’s thought after claiming Li Xingci’s purity.
Whether the melon is sweet or not has nothing to do with me obtaining you; besides, the melon can sweeten over time.
"……….." Li Xingci couldn’t help but wonder what his Master was thinking. Was there really a Master who would set up their disciple like this?
"Husband, when I entered, I saw you cultivating. I hope I didn’t disturb you," Su Rantian said softly, her fragrant shoulders slightly exposed.
"It was fine; a year of nurturing my heart was wasted."
"In ten years, my realm won’t have improved," Li Xingci sighed.
He was preparing for his sixteenth round of rebirth training. Although Xu Fan had mitigated the side effects of the Cycle of Rebirth world, there were still significant drawbacks.
Humans aren’t plants; after staying in one world for too long, it’s inevitable to develop feelings, and these feelings, accumulated over several rounds of rebirth training, required a lot of time to stabilize the heart.
"What treasures or spirit objects does my husband need? I can buy them for you right now," Su Rantian said sweetly, nestling closer.
"Forget it; ten years will pass in the blink of an eye," Li Xingci replied.
"This is my fault; of course, I need to take responsibility," Su Rantian said firmly, casually redeeming many treasures beneficial for heart nurturing and recovery from the Elder Council’s internal list.
At this moment, Li Xingci looked at Su Rantian and said, "Since we’ve become husband and wife, you are now my woman."
"I will find an opportunity to present my dowry and marry you."
"Marry me!" Su Rantian exclaimed in delight.
"Yes, you are now my wife," Li Xingci said to the deeply affectionate Su Rantian, a complex and wonderful feeling stirring in his heart, a mix of love and responsibility.
"Well, since my parents were not around when I was a child, you can only pay the dowry to my Master," Su Rantian said shyly.
"Alright, I will ask my Master to come and propose," Li Xingci replied.
"Good, my Master is Master Xuling of the Elder Council. I will let him know first, and you can just come over," Su Rantian said happily.
"Okay," Li Xingci smiled.
At that moment, Su Rantian, gazing at the attractive Li Xingci, squinted her eyes and jumped back onto the bed with him.
………………
Far away in the Hidden Spirit Sect, Xu Fan stared blankly at Li Xingci’s second message.
"Dowry? Propose?" He hadn’t even prepared the Spiritual Swords for his disciples, and now he had to start preparing dowry as well.
"Master Xuling, I will go ask Brother Ning for more information," Xu Fan said.
Lin Sen Fairy City, Elder Council headquarters.
Xu Fan was warmly welcomed by Ning Dao into the reception room, where he personally poured tea for Xu Fan.
"Grand Elder, if you have something to say, just send a message. There’s no need to come all this way," Ning Dao said with a smile.
Ning Dao had been feeling quite pleased lately, as he received special recognition during the Elder Council’s meeting for the town guard’s conference.
Among all the fairy cities on the central continent, Lin Sen Fairy City suffered the least damage, thanks to Xu Fan and the Celestial Watchers’ efforts.
"I want to inquire about someone, Brother Ning," Xu Fan said.
"Please go ahead, Grand Elder. I will find out about this person, even if I have to use points," Ning Dao promised.
"Master Xuling," Xu Fan stated.
"Master Xuling is Su Rantian’s Master, unmatched in fighting strength, has a fiery temper, and the most precious thing in his life is my taoist friend Su Rantian. He hates it the most when someone has designs on his treasure."
"His abilities are…………"
"His treasures are……….."
"He has friends who……….”
Ning Dao quickly shared everything he knew about Master Xuling.
As Xu Fan listened, his expression grew increasingly serious, especially when he heard about the elder’s hatred for anyone who had their eyes on his treasure.
"Why does Master Xuling cherish Elder Su so much?" Xu Fan asked.
"Master Xuling is good friends with Su Rantian’s father and even saved his life."
At this moment, Ning Dao sensed something was off and hesitated to say, "You don’t plan to go ask him for your disciple’s hand in marriage, do you?"
"When you go, you should write a will just in case. Otherwise, I bet you’ll get killed the moment you open your mouth in front of Master Xuling," Ning Dao joked.
"Is he really that overbearing?" Xu Fan asked.
"He has already killed two," Ning Dao replied. "What do you think?"
"You can’t be serious about going," Ning Dao said in shock.
At this moment, Xu Fan pondered another question: Would his disciple be able to wait a little while, like eight thousand years, before proposing?
"Mm," Xu Fan nodded.
"Uh, Grand Elder, before you go, could you please finish refining my Spiritual Sword?" Ning Dao said awkwardly. If Xu Fan were to go, Master Xuling would dare to kill him.
"………."
"I got the message. Let me go back and think about it," Xu Fan said, then left the Elder Council headquarters.
In the underground space.
"This is really giving me a difficult problem," Xu Fan said.
Though this matter was absurd, Xu Fan knew he had to be brave and propose; surely he couldn’t let his unfortunate father do it.
Xu Fan understood Li Xingci’s temperament. Since he said it, he truly wanted to marry Su Rantian. There was no need to question why; it was about a man’s responsibility and maintaining his Master’s dignity.
However, when Xu Fan took a moment to calm down and sort through the situation, he realized that he had dug himself into a hole.
