Facing Fang Chen, Meng Yao reverted to her seductive and charming self, every movement tugging at the heartstrings.
"No, thank you."
Fang Chen gave a firm shake of his head and said, "Thank you for your help today. I will definitely help you completely cure your Excessive Desire Physique to repay this kindness! Farewell."
With that, he cupped his hands slightly, turned around, and walked away.
Watching Fang Chen's tall, resolute figure depart, Meng Yao began to doubt herself.
Could it be that my looks are no longer enticing enough? Or is this guy just a piece of wood? Or perhaps he swings the other way?
"Meng Yao, how could you still help him throw his weight around?"
Lin Xueyan walked over, complaining as she spoke.
Instead of answering her question, Meng Yao asked, "Xueyan, am I losing my charm?"
Lin Xueyan was momentarily stunned. She looked at the fairy-like Meng Yao and shook her head, saying, "Of course not."
"Yet that guy didn't even spare me a second glance," Meng Yao murmured, frowning gracefully.
Lin Xueyan was slightly taken aback once more, then seemed to realize something as she said, "He was deeply in love with his junior sister before, only to be betrayed by her later. Perhaps he hasn't walked out of that shadow yet."
A flash of light crossed Meng Yao's eyes. "That must be it!"
She broke into a seductive smile again, thinking to herself, *He can help me cure my Excessive Desire Physique, he didn't try to cozy up to me even after knowing my extraordinary identity, and he managed to resist my temptation.*
*This is getting interesting.*
Watching Fang Chen's departing figure, she muttered, "Suddenly, I don't want to call off the engagement so soon. This guy is way too interesting."
Upon returning to his residence, Fang Chen went to check on his mistress. Seeing that she had fully recovered, he finally set his mind at ease.
He then returned to his room and sat cross-legged on the couch.
There was still quite a bit of energy from the Sword Fiend's blood left unabsorbed within his body, and such energy certainly could not be wasted.
As Fang Chen continuously absorbed the energy, both his physical body and his cultivation realm steadily advanced.
The Sword Dao Pattern progressed similarly, though its rate of improvement had slowed down so much that it was almost negligible.
Fang Chen was not surprised by this. After all, his Sword Dao Pattern was already at Level 2, and raising it further would be no simple task.
His comprehension needed to keep pace, and so did his cultivation realm.
To elevate the Dao Pattern further, he would need to reach at least the Houtian Realm.
This period of seclusion lasted two days. When the morning sunlight spilled into the room, Fang Chen's aura shifted and surged continuously, breaking through from Spirit Gathering Realm Level 5 straight to Level 6!
Fang Chen slowly opened his eyes and let out a fierce shout! A terrifying sword might erupted from him, carrying a faint trace of demonic qi!
Simultaneously, his pupils turned crimson, projecting an oppressive majesty that commanded awe.
At that moment, everything in the world underwent a subtle change in his vision.
Fang Chen found his surroundings exceptionally clear. Looking out the window, he could even see a cicada singing on a tree twenty paces away.
Even the cicada's minute movements appeared slow-motion before his eyes.
Fang Chen was overjoyed. He hadn't expected that this absorption would bring him the great fortune of awakening the ancient Sword Fiend's Soul Heavenly Demonic Eyes.
These eyes possessed the ability to see through all things in heaven and earth, along with terrifying soul attacks!
A single glance could turn everything into a field of bones and blood!
They could pierce the heavens and earth and alter the laws of nature!
Of course, the Soul Heavenly Demonic Eyes that Fang Chen had awakened were not yet that formidable—they didn't even possess one hundred-millionth of that strength.
However, in combat, they allowed him to anticipate his opponent's moves in advance, while making enemy attacks appear much slower.
As for further strengthening them in the future, the only way was to continue absorbing the Sword Fiend's blood.
Fang Chen was thoroughly satisfied with these eyes; they would prove immensely useful to him in battle.
Just as he wanted to stand up, he felt his aura waver and turn slightly unstable, though he managed to suppress it and stabilize it in the end.
Fang Chen slowly opened his eyes and let out a soft sigh. "The Sword Fiend's blood is formidable indeed, but my breakthrough has been a bit too rapid, resulting in an unstable foundation. It seems I need to make a trip to the Library Pavilion to find a cultivation technique that suits me."
Without a cultivation technique as a foundation, one's realm was prone to instability.
Without lingering any longer in his room, he prepared to head to the Library Pavilion.
However, as soon as he stepped out, he spotted a figure in the courtyard, and his expression instantly turned icy cold.
The visitor was none other than Su Wan'er.
At that moment, Su Wan'er was pouring tea for his mistress, Qiu Mei, putting on an obedient and sensible act.
Fang Chen's expression did not soften at Su Wan'er's dutiful appearance; instead, his brows locked tightly.
Stepping into the hall, he stopped his mistress from drinking the tea and demanded of Su Wan'er, "What are you doing here?"
Seeing Fang Chen arrive, a flash of light crossed Su Wan'er's eyes, and she put on a wronged expression.
"Brother Fang, Wan'er knows she was wrong. Before, I was completely forced by Luoyun. He said if I didn't help him, he would kill me. That's why—Brother Fang, we grew up together since we were kids, and I've always adored you. In the future, I will definitely live a good life with you."
With that, she adopted a pitiful and endearing look.
If his Dao Bone hadn't been gouged out, Fang Chen might have believed these words.
But now, every action of Su Wan'er's seemed utterly hypocritical in his eyes, filling him with disgust and revulsion.
He said coldly, "Forced? The moment I crippled my own dantian, you threw yourself into another man's arms. To secure a better backing, you even directly exposed my secrets. I fail to see how any of that was forced."
Su Wan'er's pitiful expression froze instantly.
The reason she had come this time was because He Xiu had been crippled.
Upon learning that Fang Chen had single-handedly taken down several cultivators at Spirit Gathering Level 7, both Luoyun and she had been utterly shocked.
They vividly remembered that Fang Chen had been a severely injured man on the verge of death just prior.
To recover in such a short span of time, he definitely had the aid of some miraculous treasure!
As for Meng Yao's intervention, though surprised, they hadn't cared too much, assuming she was just a passerby righting a wrong.
However, Luoyun was extremely curious about how Fang Chen had managed to recover, guessing that the former Master of the Seventh Peak might have left behind some supreme treasure, so he sent Su Wan'er back to retrieve it.
Thus, the current scene unfolded.
Qiu Mei had wanted to persuade Fang Chen, but upon hearing those words, she chose to remain silent.
If Su Wan'er had merely harmed her, she could endure it for Fang'er's sake. But having harmed Fang'er, she could never forgive it under any circumstances.
Su Wan'er's mouth twitched slightly, but she quickly regained her composure, broke into another smile, and said, "Brother Fang, I truly regret what I did."
Fang Chen cut straight to the point. "Cut the crap. What on earth did you come here for?"
Su Wan'er smiled and said, "I just wanted to come back and check on the mistress, and at the same time, I'm quite curious about how Brother Fang managed to recover. Could it be that the Master really did leave behind some treasure? Mistress, I am also the Master's disciple, you can't play favorites; I should have a share of it too."
Hearing this, Fang Chen laughed.
So that was it.
Chapter 8: Soul Heavenly Demonic Eyes
So she had seen that he had recovered and guessed that the Master might have left behind some treasure.
"So, as long as I hand over the treasure, you'll return to my side, is that it?" Fang Chen said indifferently.
"Yes!"
Su Wan'er nodded repeatedly. "Fang Chen! As long as you hand over the Master's treasure, I promise to return to your side! I promise! I will never abandon you again!"
Fang Chen laughed again, but his gaze immediately turned ice-cold. "And if I refuse?"
Su Wan'er hastily said, "The Master's treasure includes a share for me too! I am the Master's disciple as well! Mistress, am I right?"
Yet Qiu Mei's face was filled with disappointment; she turned her head away and did not answer Su Wan'er's question.
Fang Chen sneered. "Su Wan'er, are you stupid, or do you take me for a fool? Back then, although the Master took you in, he never accepted you as an official disciple. You are no disciple of the Master."
"I used to harbor a bit of resentment toward the Master for not accepting you. Now it seems the Master's discernment was truly piercing, having seen through your true face long ago."
Su Wan'er's pitiful facade instantly vanished.
She knew that the routine she had used a hundred times before no longer had any effect on Fang Chen whatsoever.
Abandoning any pretense of acting, she pointed at Fang Chen and cursed, "Fang Chen! Do you think recovering your strength changes anything? In my eyes, you're still nothing more than trash! Worthless piece of crap! I'm telling you today, you must hand over the Master's treasure! Otherwise, this won't end here!"
Fang Chen looked at her coldly. "What? Are you planning to resort to violence and kill me?"
Naturally, Su Wan'er wouldn't dare. In the desolate wilderness of the Tianyangzi Tomb, killing Fang Chen would have had no consequences.
Once investigated within Yu City, however, it would bring her endless trouble.
Instead, she cast a sneering glance at Qiu Mei and said, "Fang Chen, I may not be able to do anything to you. But this old hag is just an ordinary mortal—killing her will be a breeze. I might even sell her to some rogue cultivators; women like her are quite popular."
*Slap!*
Before the echoes of her voice had even faded, Fang Chen struck her across the face with a hard slap!
Although Su Wan'er had been somewhat on guard, she still failed to react in time and was sent flying straight through the air by the blow!
"How dare you insult my mistress, Su Wan'er. You deserve to die," Fang Chen said grimly. At that moment, genuine killing intent surged within him.
"Ah! It hurts so much!"
Su Wan'er shrieked endlessly. Fang Chen had put a tremendous amount of force into that strike, and in an instant, her cheek swelled high, turning black and blue.
"You piece of trash, you hit me again! Fang Chen, this time you're dead for sure!"She glared viciously at Fang Chen and roared, "Get in here! Beat him to a pulp!"
The courtyard doors were instantly kicked open! Ten experts at Spirit Gathering Realm Level 8 rushed in, brandishing their magical treasures!
It seemed Su Wan'er had not only made one preparation, but had also left a fallback plan in case they completely burned their bridges.
Looking at this scene, Fang Chen sneered inwardly.
"Just in time. Let's test the Soul Heaven Demon Eyes on you lot."
As he spoke, Fang Chen's eyes turned crimson!
In a flash, the movements of the ten people charging into the courtyard slowed down, and he could even foresee where their next attacks would land.
Fang Chen took a stride forward and charged straight at them! Facing the encirclement of ten people, he showed not a shred of fear.
He transformed his fingers into sword fingers! Combining this with his formidable physical body and speed, he thrust out a finger, giving the opponent zero time to react! His finger pierced straight through the man's shoulder!
Others attacked Fang Chen from his blind spots! But Fang Chen dodged them effortlessly as if he had eyes on the back of his head!
At the same time, taking advantage of the moment when their old strength was spent and their new strength had yet to rise, he pierced another man's shoulder with a finger!
In a mere ten breaths! All ten men were lying in the courtyard, wailing incessantly. Their shoulders had all been crippled by Fang Chen, and they would not recover without half a year of recuperation.
"How is this possible?!"
Su Wan'er stared at this scene with a pale face. She never expected that Fang Chen, who was still a good-for-nothing just a few days ago, could actually deal with ten Spirit Gathering Realm Level 8 experts simultaneously!
Fang Chen looked at Su Wan'er coldly.
Pinned by Fang Chen's crimson gaze, she felt as though she were being watched by a murderous Mad Fiend! She trembled incessantly with terror.
Yet Fang Chen did not make another move, and the crimson in his eyes slowly faded.
"Get out of here. If you come back, leaving won't be this simple," he said coldly.
It was not that he did not want to kill her, but that he could not do so yet.
Likewise, he had no desire to bring trouble upon himself by killing Su Wan'er.
How could Su Wan'er dare to linger? She fled in a pathetic mess!
The men lying on the ground did the same, dragging their injuries as they fled the estate.
Yet returning like this left Su Wan'er feeling deeply resentful.
As she stepped across the threshold, she glared at Fang Chen with intense malice and said, "Fang Chen! I know you will definitely participate in the Seven Peaks Assessment to return to the Inner Sect. I guarantee you here and now! No matter how hard you try, it is impossible for you to pass the assessment! You will never return to the Inner Sect in this lifetime!"
She left with a triumphant smile.
Fang Chen's expression remained calm. "Then let's see whether you lot can cover the sky with one hand in the Tianyu Divine Sect, or if I, Fang Chen, will trample on your faces all the way back to the Seventh Peak."
Just as Su Wan'er departed, another figure appeared before the doorway.
The newcomer was none other than Meng Yao.
Meng Yao gazed in the direction Su Wan'er had gone and asked with a puzzled expression, "Who was that person with a birthmark on her face? She looks a bit familiar. Seems like your former Dao companion, doesn't she?"
Fang Chen was startled. "You've seen her before?"
Meng Yao shook her head, a seductive smile blooming on her face. "I looked into it. She came here—don't tell me she was begging you to take her back?"
She then stared intently at Fang Chen and asked, "Did you agree?"
Fang Chen shook his head. "No. She came back to try and trick me. But I am not like I used to be, and I certainly won't trust her ever again."
Meng Yao praised admiringly, "That's more like it. You still have some backbone after all."
"Why did Miss Meng suddenly come here?" Fang Chen asked, puzzled.
Meng Yao's cheeks flushed slightly, and she said with seductive allure, "I've been feeling a bit uncomfortable and unwell lately, so I came to find you..."
As she finished speaking, she did not forget to gaze at Fang Chen with lingering affection, looking utterly enchanting and mesmerizing.
Fang Chen suddenly understood. It seemed her Lustful Physique was acting up again, which was why she had come to him for treatment.
"Let's go. My place, treat me alone." Her words remained laced with temptation throughout.
Yet Fang Chen hesitated. "But... what about my martial aunt?"
He was afraid Su Wan'er might bring people back to cause trouble for her.
Sensing Fang Chen's worry, Meng Yao smiled and said, "That's easy."
She clapped her hands, and instantly two women appeared!
"Your Highness," the two said respectfully.
Shock rippled through Fang Chen; the pair moved with such speed that he had failed to react at all.
Meng Yao instructed, "Protect the senior inside well. There must not be the slightest mishap."
"Understood!" The two bowed respectfully, and then their figures flashed and vanished.
"Let's go. Both of them are Houtian Realm experts. With them here, nothing will go wrong," Meng Yao said with a seductive smile.
Fang Chen's mind finally settled, and he nodded. "Alright. I'll go have a word with my martial aunt. Wait for me a moment."
With that, Fang Chen informed Qiu Mei that he was going to treat Meng Yao.
Qiu Mei looked curiously at Meng Yao, who responded with a polite, smiling junior's greeting.
Seeing this, Qiu Mei said nothing more. After instructing him to be careful, she let Fang Chen and Meng Yao leave.
Yet just as the two of them departed the estate together, Su Wan'er reappeared in a small alley, staring venomously at Fang Chen and Meng Yao as they left.
"That good-for-nothing... How could he possibly know such a breathtakingly gorgeous woman?"Su Wan'er's eyes were filled with jealousy. As she left the estate, she had caught sight of Meng Yao, whose peerless beauty aroused her deepest envy.
Seeing Meng Yao enter Qiu Mei's estate, she had lingered behind simply to find out what that woman was doing there.
Now, watching her leave with Fang Chen, chatting and laughing, jealousy burned even more fiercely in Su Wan'er's chest.
She did not recognize Meng Yao. Because she was still only an outer sect disciple, she could only occasionally visit the Second Peak and naturally had no qualification to meet Meng Yao.
"Hmph! That woman is definitely just using that trash Fang Chen too! Absolutely!"
She refused to believe that after leaving her, Fang Chen could find a beauty a thousand times more stunning than herself.
Meng Yao had brought Fang Chen aboard her spirit boat and flown to her own estate on the Second Peak.
Stepping off the spirit boat and gazing at the estate, where the spiritual Qi was several times richer than that of Wordless Peak, Fang Chen was stunned.
Anyone able to live in such an estate on the Second Peak must hold an extremely lofty status.
If Fang Chen guessed correctly, Meng Yao was most likely the personal disciple of the Second Peak Master.
Following Meng Yao into the estate, Fang Chen was stunned once again when he caught sight of another peerless beauty inside.
That person was none other than Lin Xueyan.
The outbreak of the Lascivious Constitution!
Fang Chen was taken aback; he had not expected to run into Lin Xueyan here.
"Let me introduce you. This is my best friend, Lin Xueyan!" Meng Yao said, linking her arm through Lin Xueyan's as she made the introduction.
Lin Xueyan glared at Meng Yao and said helplessly, "You actually went and brought him here."
Meng Yao stuck out her dainty tongue. "But he really did save me last time."
Lin Xueyan said bluntly, "Last time, he was just trying to take advantage of you—it's just that your inner fire receded right as he was doing it. Don't you know your own Lascivious Constitution? How could it be cured so easily?"
Then she turned her gaze toward Fang Chen and said coldly, "I know why you're here, but this time I will absolutely not let you take advantage of Meng Yao again!"
Feeling rather awkward, Fang Chen could only offer an explanation: "I really am capable of curing her."
"Then tell me, how do you plan to cure her?" Lin Xueyan demanded.
At once, Fang Chen had no idea how to explain.
Naturally, he could not reveal the Blood of the Sword Fiend; the implications of that were simply too massive.
Thus, he had no choice but to keep his mouth shut.
Seeing Fang Chen fall silent, Lin Xueyan felt a faint surge of triumph, believing she had exposed him.
She then pulled Meng Yao into the main hall of the estate and said, "Meng Yao, this time I've managed to find a Grade 5 master alchemist. He will definitely be able to cure your Lascivious Constitution."
"A Grade 5 alchemist?"
Meng Yao was slightly startled. In the Shendong Domain, Grade 4 alchemists were already considered top-tier figures, while Grade 5 alchemists were exceedingly rare, found only within the major sects of the Shendong Domain.
Yet those alchemists were all immensely arrogant and preferred to hole up in their alchemy chambers refining pills; asking for their help was even harder than petitioning the gods.
For Lin Xueyan to actually secure the services of a Grade 5 alchemist, she must have expended an immense amount of effort and paid a heavy price.
Inside the main hall, an old man sat in the seat of honor, his eyes narrowed as he leisurely sipped from a teacup.
He showed no reaction whatsoever to the entry of Meng Yao and the other two.
Lin Xueyan led Meng Yao forward to bow respectfully, and then she spoke: "Elder Tian."
Only then did the alchemist known as Elder Tian slowly open his eyes, looking first at Lin Xueyan before finally letting his gaze fall upon Meng Yao.
A moment later, he withdrew his gaze and said, " Lass Lin, with me taking action this time, that repays the very last favor I owed the Lin Family. Have you thought this through?"
Without a trace of hesitation, Lin Xueyan nodded. "Elder Tian, I have already thought it through. Please, make your move."
Hearing this, Elder Tian said no more.
He looked at Meng Yao and said, "I am already aware of your condition. It is nearly impossible for anyone with the Lascivious Constitution to live past twenty. However, since you have crossed paths with me, I will naturally help you resolve this problem."
With that, he flicked his wrist, and a jade bottle appeared in his hand.
"Inside is a Grade 5 pill called the Heavenly Fire Spirit Pill," he stated. "I recently developed this pill to counter Yin with Yang, specifically targeting your Lascivious Constitution. With this pill, your condition will undoubtedly be resolved."
"Grade 5!"
A flash of bright light crossed Meng Yao's eyes. Grade 5 pills were exceptionally precious and worth a king's ransom.
She looked at Lin Xueyan with gratitude, knowing that obtaining this pill must have cost Lin Xueyan dearly.
At the same time, she felt somewhat conflicted; after all, she had invited Fang Chen here to treat her, and leaving him standing aside while someone else provided treatment felt rather improper.