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Following Fang Xi’s defeat of Falcon, Linghu Shan swiftly arranged a banquet.

Fang Xi acted as if nothing had happened, raising his wine cup towards Falcon, whose chest was still bandaged. “Come, come, Old Yan, another toast!”

Despite the bitterness in his mouth, Falcon dared not offend this young and exceptionally talented powerhouse. He reluctantly picked up his cup and took a sip.

“Now that’s more like it; we’re all comrades here.” Fang Xi laughed heartily before turning to Zhou Tong. “As a member of the Zongshi Association, naturally, I’m interested in realms beyond zongshi. Could you enlighten me on how far your research has progressed?”

“We’ve made some progress…” Zhou Tong’s expression turned serious.

The Zongshi Association was formed by zongshi seeking breakthroughs. Knowing about Fang Leng’s exceptional talent and formidable strength, they would undoubtedly share their knowledge generously with him.

All efforts were aimed at finding the path forward!

“I’d be eager to hear more details,” Fang Xi said, setting down his wine cup and listening attentively.

“Actually… becoming a Martial Saint marks the pinnacle of martial arts mastery.” Zhou Tong gathered his thoughts before continuing, “The Zongshi Association has collected various top-tier martial techniques, combining their strengths to ultimately create several exceptional skills known as ‘Seven Absolute Arts’. By training exceptionally gifted disciples from a young age, we’ve only managed to achieve full-body coverage with true astral energy, reaching what is called the ‘Astral Body’ state…”

“Filling one’s entire body with true astral energy is already quite impressive.”

Fang Xi pondered thoughtfully.

For zongshi, true astral energy was limited; like himself and Linghu Shan, they typically released it sparingly during critical moments, akin to donning partial armor.

If true astral energy could continuously envelop the whole body, providing unbroken protection, it would be equivalent to wearing full-body armor, significantly enhancing defensive capabilities beyond comparison.

“Is achieving full-body true astral energy the peak of a Martial Saint?” Fang Xi murmured to himself.

“It may or may not be… The association leader once speculated that after attaining the ‘Astral Body’, the next step would be ‘True Astral Manifestation’!”

Falcon continued, “Unfortunately… among all members of the Zongshi Association, not a single zongshi has achieved this so-called True Astral Manifestation. After all, human blood qi is inherently limited. Regardless of one’s exceptional talent and extraordinary blood qi, even with consumption of rare treasures, it remains difficult to concentrate true astral energy sufficiently for manifestation…”

“That truly is unfortunate…” Fang Xi pursed his lips, contemplating whether he could find tier-2 medicinal pills in the cultivation world that significantly boost blood qi.

Once his qi circulated throughout his body, perhaps such pills could help him achieve ‘True Astral Manifestation’?

“Actually, True Astral Manifestation is just one path,” Zhou Tong interjected. “Currently, within the association, there are two main factions. One advocates deep exploration of true astral potential, ultimately aiming for a breakthrough… The other faction focuses on studying various secret techniques, emphasizing learning from Demons!”

Recalling Yuanhe Mountain’s Seed Demon Technique, Fang Xi nodded, “If one could harness demonic abilities, it indeed could be considered a significant breakthrough beyond zongshi level.”

“It’s not as simple as that. Numerous experiments within our association have ended in failure… Demon magical energy is profoundly terrifying; even zongshis can only resist it slightly longer than ordinary people.”

Zhou Tong chuckled bitterly, “In our society, learning demonic magical energies primarily relies on simulating them through one’s own blood qi, creating various secret techniques… Only a handful of true lunatics dare to directly implant demons within themselves!”

“Intriguing,” Fang Xi said with newfound interest. “Have there been any successful results?”

Falcon and Zhou Tong exchanged glances before Zhou Tong stepped forward again.

“Please bear with my humble display!” he exclaimed.

Instantly, dark patterns emerged across his body.

“Demonic seals?” Fang Xi’s pupils contracted, then he shook his head, “Not quite; it still fundamentally relies on blood qi simulation!”

“Our society has developed several secret techniques using zongshi-level microscopic control over blood qi. The one I’m demonstrating is called ‘Secret Art of Restoration’!” Zhou Tong’s voice boomed as he suddenly picked up a dagger and sliced his arm.

After deliberately removing his true astral defense, a bloody wound appeared instantly.

However, just as quickly, the cut began to rapidly heal itself.

The black markings on Zhou Tong’s body dissipated, and he sat back down. “This Secret Art of Restoration stimulates blood qi, accelerating physical healing… As long as vital organs or the head aren’t damaged, even severed limbs can be reattached.”

“Remarkable Secret Art!” Fang Xi’s eyes lit up. “May I observe it further?”

Falcon laughed heartily. “As a brother within the Zongshi Association, Grandmaster Fang, of course you can! However, we must follow the association’s rules… Our association has always been informal, but we regularly issue tasks. By completing these tasks, Grandmaster Fang can earn contributions and redeem them for various exceptional legacies and secret arts!”

“I see,” Fang Xi responded, slightly disappointed.

He then recalled that even in ancient times, teachers often withheld knowledge from their disciples. Considering this, the Zongshi Association’s approach to exchanging techniques based on contributions was quite progressive.

Unfortunately, there still seemed to be no path beyond zongshi…

‘On the bright side, I have a direction now. I don’t necessarily need those speculative breakthrough methods… Seeking fourth-level Body Tempering legacies from the cultivation world would likely be more reliable.’

Previously, he couldn’t pursue cultivation world Body Tempering techniques due to lack of spirit stones and insufficient strength. But circumstances had changed.

‘However… those demon-related secret arts and research could be worth exploring by redeeming relevant information…’

Fang Xi’s interest flared, and his conversation with these two zongshi became even more engaging.

In Three Origins City.

At the black market’s Thousand Gold Hall, Fatty Han was devouring a succulent, golden-brown roasted suckling pig, his mouth smacking with grease.

“You seem quite content, you fatso.”

Suddenly, a voice nearby startled Fatty Han, causing him to drop the roast pig from his hands.

He hastily looked towards the source and saw Fang Xi standing there.

“Ah, it’s Brother Fang…” Fatty Han quickly mustered a grin.

Fang Xi possessed mysterious means; previously, when instructed to acquire mythical beast materials, Fatty Han had profited significantly, making Fang Xi akin to a god of wealth for him.

Of course, Fatty Han couldn’t forget how soon after mentioning changes within the Martial Union, the entire Ximen Clan met their demise…

Although rumors suggested that the Ximen Clan’s misfortune stemmed from provoking Ghostweary, the methods used by Ghostweary and Fang Xi… seemed strikingly similar. Even if not master and apprentice, they were undoubtedly allies!

However, aware of the potential consequences, Fatty Han chose to pretend he had forgotten about this incident.

“Fatty Han, would you like a promotion?” Fang Xi casually took a seat and teased.

“Well… my abilities are limited, unsure what kind of promotion you mean?” Fatty Han cautiously responded, unable to dismiss the question outright.

“How about becoming the Great Shopkeeper of the Monster Hunter Building?”

Fang Xi replied with an enigmatic smile.

With a sudden crash!

The mountain of flesh toppled over as Fatty Han struggled to rise, his face flushed with embarrassment. “Don’t tease old Han, Fang brother. The Beast Hunt Society has strong ties with the imperial court; it’s deep waters… Old Han doesn’t want to risk losing this hefty thousand pounds of meat there.”

“Don’t worry, you won’t…” Fang Xi shook his head reassuringly.

Even Linghu Shan, a mere aging zongshi, dared to maintain a force of five hundred wind and thunder soldiers. Naturally, Fang Xi felt even more fearless, extending his demonic claws towards the Beast Hunt Society…

Fortunately, the Zongshi Association wasn’t entirely useless; at least Falcon seemed to have connections within the imperial court.

After hearing Fang Xi’s plan, Falcon confidently patted his chest, assuring him that he would handle everything promptly.

After all, it was just about placing someone within the Beast Hunt Society, albeit as the Great Shopkeeper!

For Fang Xi, it simply meant securing another source for mythical beast materials.

In reality, these cultivators and martial artists could only manage mid-grade first-rank beasts at best, while high-grade Monster Kings were beyond their capabilities.

To defeat Ding Province’s Eight—no, Seven Great Monster Kings, Fang Xi would still need to act personally.

“Given Fang brother’s trust, old Han is willing to stake this ample body weight and take on the role of Great Shopkeeper!” After some thought, Fatty Han finally gritted his teeth and agreed.

“Excellent!” Fang Xi laughed heartily and strode out confidently.

At Baiyun Dojo, on this particular day, sorrowful weeping echoed unexpectedly.

White lanterns hung at the entrance alongside mourning banners.

All dojo disciples had changed into funeral attire, their expressions filled with grief.

In the center of the dojo, a memorial altar was set up, prominently displaying Mu Canglong’s nameplate.

Mu Canglong had been afflicted by a curse in Blackstone City years ago. Although he managed to prolong his life with medicinal pills, there was a limit, and now he finally passed away.

Mu Piaomiao seemed like a soulless puppet, staring blankly at everything around her. Instead, it was Zhang Mingding and Tang Xuan who took charge of overseeing the arrangements.

A pervasive atmosphere of sadness enveloped the entire dojo.

Fang Xi stood outside, silently paid his respects, and then turned to leave.

“I, ever heartless, seek only freedom amidst chaos…”

At Intervale Dojo:

“Do you think…when will Master return?” Qing Sang fiddled with a white jade ruyi, its smooth texture adorned with three embedded night pearls, making it an invaluable treasure.

Yet at that moment, he casually held it just to scratch an itch, finding it somewhat inconvenient and promptly tossed the ruyi back into a chest.

Nearby, several large chests overflowed with gold and silver ornaments, their opulence nearly spilling out.

All these riches were ‘apologies’ from influential families within the city!

“I don’t know…” Qing Mu’s expression remained blank.

“Sigh… Talking to you is pointless… Let me tell you, on that night, our master broke through the siege, killing four great martial artists with his bare fists. Finally, using his flying sword, he struck fearlessly across vast distances, decapitating generals amidst thousands of troops. It left the entire city’s nobility utterly stunned; otherwise, how could we be so comfortably resting here now?”

Qing Sang’s face flushed with excitement. “I wonder where Master is right now. Maybe he’ll come back to teach us divine techniques…”

Oh, how he too dreamed of becoming a flying sword immortal!

Qing Sang believed his loyalty had been tested, now eagerly anticipating the chance to serve his master diligently and someday inherit the flying sword technique!

“Cough… Forget about divine powers; even I practice the Primordial True Art!” Fang Xi cleared his throat as he suddenly appeared within the dojo.

“Master!”

Both Qing Sang and A-Dai exclaimed simultaneously.

“Hmm!”

Fang Xi looked at Qing Sang, then turned to A-Dai and declared, “Starting today, the Intervale Dojo shall be passed on to you, Qing Sang…”

To be honest, the dojo was merely a house with some reputation, never holding much significance for Fang Xi.

“Master… I don’t wish to inherit the dojo. Instead, I want to stay by your side, offering unwavering service!” Qing Sang knelt fervently, his voice loud and clear.

He too dreamed of becoming a Martial Dao Zongshi, wielding influence over an entire city!

Such is the aspiration of a true man!

“This is non-negotiable!” Fang Xi waved dismissively.

After handling these matters, his primary focus would shift to the southern wilderness’ Longevity Techniques in the cultivation realm.

Achieving immortality through enlightenment remained his utmost priority!