Chapter 517

Chapter 517: The Zhongli Family

Fang Lie understood Master Bai’s predicament. As part of the Buddhist tradition, the monk naturally wished to prevent Great Thunder Sound Temple from being humiliated by a Tao Sect disciple like himself, which would shame the entire Buddhist community.

Naturally, Fang Lie cared little for such concerns. Since Great Thunder Sound Temple had provoked him, they must face his wrath.

Clasping his fists toward the elders, Fang Lie declared, "My gratitude for your fair judgment. I shall take my leave now to attend to other matters."

Immortal Zi Ji rose alongside him. "This old man bids farewell too. Let us reunite when time permits."

After exchanging courtesies, Fang Lie departed with Immortal Zi Ji.

Once they vanished, Feiyun Monk turned to Bai Lian Chan Master. "Junior Brother, though I’ve no right to question your decisions, I sense impending trouble. Fang Lie won’t let this rest. You must remain vigilant."

"Your concern is noted," Bai Lian scoffed, "but that whelp can’t possibly trouble us. Should he dare attack our disciples, I’ll slaughter him repeatedly – even with his undying nature – until permanent death claims him!"

"Fang Lie’s no simple foe," Feiyun countered, brow furrowed. "Unlike his gullible father, he combines blunt honesty with cunning subtlety. Open violence would alienate righteous sects – not his style. Expect legitimate strikes through other channels. Remember how he manipulated East Kunlun? Even the Sword God, heaven’s mightiest warrior, became his pawn!"

Bai Lian smirked. "Great Thunder Sound Temple isn’t East Kunlun. We don’t tolerate bullies."

Seeing his warnings ignored, Feiyun sighed and departed.

Aboard the Amethyst Sky Flying Boat returning to Mo Sect headquarters, Fang Lie and Immortal Zi Ji reviewed the arbitration’s outcome over tea.

Sipping his brew, Zi Ji remarked, "Though victorious, you’ve truly lost. By discarding all face, they’ve nullified your Thunder Sound Golden Bell’s power against them."

"True enough," Fang Lie chuckled. "Their shamelessness exceeded expectations. My miscalculation."

Zi Ji grinned. "You reap what you sowed at East Kunlun. Forcing their surrender of the natural Star Gold element core via Kunlun Sword Token taught sects to fear leaving leverage in your hands."

Fang Lie snorted. "Even without that bell, I’ll make them surrender the complete Bronze Chime Bells set."

"Ah, targeting those treasures!" Zi Ji’s eyes sparkled. "But how? Mass slaughter would only breed resentment among righteous sects."

"My plan remains simple," Fang Lie explained. "Though my bell’s voided, others remain valid. Acquiring one through purchase should suffice – unless they dare renounce all credibility."

"No sect risks such reputation loss," Zi Ji conceded. "But who’d brave Great Thunder Sound Temple’s wrath by selling to you? Even the Eight Righteous Sects wouldn’t aid your scheme."

"Of nine external Thunder Sound Golden Bells," Fang Lie revealed, "five reside with righteous sects, three with Penglai, Abbot, and Yingzhou sects – all too cautious to assist. The ninth lies with southwest’s Zhongli Family."

"I know them," Zi Ji nodded. "During my youth, I befriended one of their Thunder Tribulation Immortals. But they’re Ten-Thousand Gu Sect’s sworn enemies, surviving under Lotus Dharma Sect’s protection. Why risk angering Great Thunder Sound Temple?"

"Lotus Dharma and Great Thunder Sound Temple’s Hinayana-Mahayana rivalry spans millennia," Fang Lie countered. "Buddhist ties prevent open destruction, but reprimands wouldn’t sever Zhongli from their protectors."

"Possible, but improbable," Zi Ji cautioned. "The cost might rival purchasing a Central World."

"Regardless, I’ll try," Fang Lie declared. "I need introduction to their Family Head."

Zi Ji produced a letter. "This guarantees audience. But I can’t accompany you – Mo Sect and Purple Family can’t risk involvement."

After memorizing Zi Ji’s advice regarding the family’s preferences, Fang Lie embarked.

One grueling month later, Fang Lie reached Flaming Mountain’s volcanic wasteland – the Zhongli Family’s domain. Their Volcanic Flame Technique thrived in this hellish landscape of erupting peaks and lava rivers.

Approaching the Reception Pavilion, Fang Lie concealed his wings beneath black robes. Guards intercepted the hooded stranger.

"I bear a letter for Elder Lan," Fang Lie rasped, displaying an envelope crackling with Thunder Tribulation Immortal’s aura.

The guards paled, ushering him inward. "Please await Elder Lan in the guest hall."