The elder glanced at the spirit stones and said indifferently, "You possess a Heaven-grade token, so you don't need to pay spirit stones. You only need to record how many months you intend to borrow the technique. Of course, you must return it within three years at the latest."
"There is such a privilege?" Fang Chen was surprised. He was immediately relieved; saving those two spirit stones was a great help, as they were all the wealth he had left.
"Then sorry to trouble you, Elder, I would like to borrow it for half a year," he said.
The elder nodded, then glanced at the technique, looking somewhat surprised. "A Demonic path technique? Do you intend to practice demonic arts?"
Fang Chen did not deny it and nodded. "Yes."
The elder looked at Fang Chen deeply and advised, "I suggest you choose another. While practicing demonic arts leads to rapid progress, your foundation is easily destabilized and there are many hidden dangers. Especially with this technique—it is very easy to fall into a demonic obsession while practicing. That is why in the last thousand years, there have been few demonic cultivators and many who follow the righteous path. Besides, although the Dao itself is neither righteous nor demonic, the name of 'demonic cultivator' has a poor reputation due to the various heinous deeds committed by those on the path."
Fang Chen understood that the elder was looking out for him, but having already absorbed the blood of the Sword Demon, his future path was destined to be demonic.
He expressed his gratitude, "Thank you for your words, Elder, but I have already made my decision."
Hearing this, the elder sighed deeply and ceased his persuasion. "Since you have already decided, I will not say anything more. You must take care of yourself."
The elder registered the technique for him, and Fang Chen bowed in farewell, taking the manual with him.
Fang Chen did not return to his residence immediately. Clutching his token, he thought to himself, "Since the Scripture Pavilion accepts this, the Spirit Tool Pavilion should as well. Even with a technique, if I don't have a suitable sword-type treasure, it will be difficult to cultivate. I cannot keep using my fingers as a sword forever."
With that, he headed toward the Spirit Tool Pavilion.
Treasures are divided into five grades—Heaven, Earth, Profound, Yellow, and Mortal—and each grade is subdivided into nine tiers. When Fang Chen stepped into the Spirit Tool Pavilion, he saw many disciples busy selecting treasures. This was to be expected, as the Seven Peaks Assessment was approaching, and everyone hoped to find a weapon suited to them for the trials.
Naturally, most disciples could only rent them. Renting was not expensive; a decent Mortal Grade Tier 3 treasure only cost two spirit stones per month. However, the higher the tier of the treasure, the higher the price. Naturally, if a rented item was damaged, it had to be compensated for at its value.
Unlike the nine-story Scripture Pavilion, this building had only one floor, though it occupied a much larger area. All the treasures kept here were between Mortal Grade Tier 3 and Tier 9. Fang Chen entered and headed straight for the sword-type treasures.
He hadn't gone far when he heard a shrill, mocking voice.
"Fang Chen? You mongrel, you didn't die?"
A thin, tall youth stood before Fang Chen, staring at him with contempt.
"You fool, you're actually still alive. You certainly have a stubborn life. How was it? Did it feel good to wear a green hat for several years? Hahaha!" The youth looked at Fang Chen playfully, his eyes full of scorn.
"Who are you?" Fang Chen frowned. He did not recognize this person.
"Yo, you don't recognize me?" The youth was surprised, then laughed. "That's true. Back then, you were high and mighty, while I was nothing more than a servant."
He laughed triumphantly, "But things are different now. You are nothing but a joke and a fool, while I am now the subordinate of the Outer Sect's number one genius, Luo Ao! In my eyes, you are worth less than nothing."
"Do you know who Luo Ao is? The cousin of the Inner Sect's Second Peak genius, Luoyun! And Brother Luo Ao is a genius in his own right! At only seventeen, he has already reached the Peak Spirit Gathering Realm!"
"Remember my name: Si Chengye!"
Si Chengye looked at Fang Chen with arrogance. Fang Chen’s expression turned cold. So, he was one of Luoyun's people—that explained it.
"Is that so?" Watching Si Chengye’s smug demeanor, Fang Chen said calmly, "This is the first time I've seen someone act so smug about being a dog."
"You brat! You're courting death!" Si Chengye was furious. He was indeed someone's dog, but not everyone could call him that to his face. However, he didn't dare to strike here, though he understood why Fang Chen had come.
He gave a cold, sinister smile and said, "What? You're here to pick out a treasure? I can tell you right now, don't even think about taking a single piece of equipment from this place. Not even the lowest grade one!"
Just then, a middle-aged man walked over, frowning. "What is going on here?"
Seeing who it was, Si Chengye’s eyes lit up. He immediately stepped forward and bowed. "Pavilion Master Ning Yang, I have been sent by Senior Brother Luo Ao to collect a treasure."
The man was Ning Yang, the Deputy Pavilion Master of the Spirit Tool Pavilion. Ning Yang naturally knew of Luo Ao; with Luoyun currently holding the title of genius on the Second Peak, his cousin Luo Ao also held the title of the top genius in the Outer Sect.
Hearing that it was for Luo Ao, Ning Yang immediately showed a kind smile. "So it was Senior Nephew Luo Ao who sent you. Come, come. I have already prepared three treasures for him. Tell him to take his pick and see which one suits him best. If he wants all three, he is welcome to take them all!"
A look of triumph flashed in Si Chengye's eyes. This was the benefit of being Luo Ao's lackey; even these Outer Sect elders had to treat him with respect. He smiled slightly, "Many thanks, Pavilion Master Ning. But before that, I hope you can do me one favor."
"Oh? What is it? As long as it is within my power, I will certainly do it," Ning Yang nodded with a smile.
Si Chengye gave a sinister chuckle and pointed his finger at Fang Chen's nose. "This person has offended Senior Brother Luo. Senior Brother said that from now on, he is not to be allowed to take a single treasure from the Spirit Tool Pavilion!"
"Oh?" Ning Yang looked Fang Chen up and down and asked, confused, "Who is he?"
"A piece of trash." Si Chengye revealed Fang Chen's identity. Upon hearing who he was, Ning Yang laughed.
"So it’s that fool who crippled his own cultivation? He became a laughingstock back then, yet he actually dares to return to the Tianyu Divine Sect?"
Fang Chen crippling his own cultivation to guard a tomb had once been a massive joke, and he had thoroughly earned the label of a fool. Most people had forgotten by now, but hearing Si Chengye describe it, Ning Yang recalled it all. Knowing Fang Chen's identity, Ning Yang no longer felt any concern. He looked at Fang Chen playfully and said dismissively, "This disciple, I suspect you of stealing treasures from the Spirit Tool Pavilion. I am now going to search you."
When Si Chengye heard this, a light flashed in his eyes. Ginger is indeed spicier when it’s old—Ning Yang was planning to have Fang Chen’s cultivation crippled!
Fang Chen frowned and said coldly, "What right do you have to search me?"
Si Chengye sneered, "Elder Ning is the Deputy Pavilion Master of the Outer Sect's Spirit Tool Pavilion—do you think he has the right? Fang Chen, stealing treasures from the pavilion is a serious crime. At best, you’ll be whipped; at worst, your cultivation will be crippled and you’ll be expelled from the sect."
"Being trash wasn't enough; you're also a thief. You really are a disgrace to the disciples of our Tianyu Divine Sect."
The commotion had already drawn the attention of others in the pavilion. When they learned of Fang Chen's identity, they joined in:
"That's right! A thief! Get out of the Tianyu Divine Sect!"
"Our sect doesn't take in thieves!"
"What a disgrace to our sect's reputation!"
They knew Fang Chen was being framed, but so what? This was a perfect opportunity to curry favor with Ning Yang. If they could gain his appreciation, they could have a bright future in the Outer Sect.
Si Chengye was even more satisfied. He sneered, "Fang Chen, hand it over. If you don't, we'll cripple your cultivation and throw you out of the sect!"
Fang Chen watched all of this with indifference. "I want to see exactly how you intend to frame me." He stood with his hands behind his back, a hint of mockery in the depths of his eyes.
"You fool, you're at death's door and you're still putting on an act," Si Chengye sneered. He then looked at Ning Yang, asking, "Pavilion Master Ning, I’ll handle the arrest for you, how about that?"
"Very well. If he dares to resist, cripple him," Ning Yang said haughtily.
"Understood!" Si Chengye wore a malicious grin as he walked toward Fang Chen.
Ning Yang also watched Fang Chen playfully, but his eyes accidentally caught a glimpse of a token at Fang Chen's waist. When he saw the character "Heaven" on the token, he froze in place!
A Heaven-grade token! This was a symbol of noble status! Whoever possessed this token held immense power and authority within the Tianyu Divine Sect! Even without mentioning anything else, it would be effortless for the owner to have him killed! Moreover, the token had a soul-binding function, and the faint spirit light radiating from the character "Heaven" proved that Fang Chen was indeed the owner!
Suddenly, cold sweat broke out on his forehead! He realized he had hit a wall of steel! If the other party held a grudge over this, it was doubtful whether he could keep his position—or even his life.
Seeing Si Chengye nearing Fang Chen, ready to strike, Ning Yang’s heart gave a jolt, and he kicked Luo Ao hard!
*Bang!*
Caught off guard, Si Chengye face-planted into the ground! Everyone stared in utter bewilderment, not understanding what had happened. Ning Yang didn't give Si Chengye a chance to speak, shouting, "Bold! How dare you attempt to start a fight inside the Spirit Tool Pavilion!"
Si Chengye was stunned. Wasn't it you who told me to do it?
Ning Yang could not care whether he offended Luo Ao; the fact that Fang Chen possessed a Heaven-grade token meant Luo Ao was not even in the same league. Even if Luo Ao had Luoyun come after him, he wouldn't be able to touch his position. But Fang Chen could! Therefore, he could not afford to offend Fang Chen, even if it meant offending Luoyun.
He said coldly, "I hereby announce, in my capacity as Deputy Pavilion Master, that because Si Chengye attempted to initiate violence within the pavilion, he is permanently banned from the Spirit Tool Pavilion! And he shall forfeit two years of his stipend!"
"And all of you!" Ning Yang locked his gaze on the disciples who had just been insulting Fang Chen. "Get out immediately! From this day forth, the Spirit Tool Pavilion will no longer be open to you!"
The expressions of those few turned instantly pale; they were filled with regret! Why had they been so loose-lipped and joined the commotion? If the Spirit Tool Pavilion was closed to them, it might as well be a death sentence!
"Get out of the Spirit Tool Pavilion immediately!" Ning Yang shouted again.
Si Chengye was dumbfounded, thinking of the task Luo Ao had given him. If he couldn't get the treasure back, he might be skinned alive! He stammered, "But Pavilion Master Ning, Senior Brother Luo's..."
He stopped halfway when he saw the icy look in Ning Yang's eyes. His heart trembled; if he didn't leave, Ning Yang really might attack him! Seeing this, he didn't dare mention the treasure anymore and scrambled toward the exit. But leaving like this made him feel he had lost all face. He glared viciously at Fang Chen and spat, "Fang Chen! I will tell Senior Brother Luo everything that happened today! Just wait until you're dead!"
After saying this, he turned and ran. Because Ning Yang had kicked him hard in the waist, he limped along in a rather comical fashion. The remaining disciples didn't dare linger either, slinking away from the Spirit Tool Pavilion.
Fang Chen was speechless. *I wasn't the one who kicked you, why are you holding a grudge against me? What a bully.*
"The Seven Peaks Assessment, is it?" He watched Si Chengye depart with cold eyes. "When the time comes, it remains to be seen who lives and who dies."
***
Ning Yang looked at Fang Chen with a face full of apology. "I am sorry, Senior Nephew Fang Chen. To have let you suffer such injustice is my fault."
Fang Chen noticed Ning Yang’s gaze occasionally falling on the token at his waist and knew it was the token that had done the work. He couldn't help but reflect that he had been saved by Meng Yao yet again. He didn't respond; he wouldn't give a kind face to someone like this who would twist right and wrong for power and wealth.
Seeing Fang Chen's cold expression, Ning Yang felt a tightness in his chest, knowing Fang Chen held a grudge. His eyes rolled, and he had an idea.
"To express my apologies, you may choose any one item in the Spirit Tool Pavilion below the Yellow Grade. You don't need to return it—put it on my tab!" he said with a beaming smile.
When these words were spoken, the crowd gasped! A Mortal Grade Tier 9 treasure was worth five hundred spirit stones! This was an astronomical price for an Outer Sect disciple, yet Ning Yang was giving it to Fang Chen just like that. For a time, looks of envy and jealousy fell upon Fang Chen.
Fang Chen was slightly stunned. After a moment of silence, he didn't refuse and nodded. He did need a better treasure, and he wouldn't be polite to a snob like Ning Yang. Ning Yang was overjoyed to hear this; Fang Chen accepting meant he had forgiven him this time! This allowed him to let out a breath of relief; he had survived this calamity.
Fang Chen no longer paid him any mind and went straight to the sword section to choose a treasure. Soon, his steps stopped before a sword.
*Dragon Cry Sword: 1.5 meters long, long blade with a dragon hilt, slightly light, Mortal Grade Tier 9.*
However, after touching it, Fang Chen shook his head. This sword was too light and didn't suit him. He then went to another sword.
*Sky Peak Sword: 1.4 meters long, slightly thin, lightweight, Mortal Grade Tier 9.*
After testing it, Fang Chen shook his head again. Lightweight swords were not for him. He looked at several more, but shook his head at all of them; none were suitable. Just as Fang Chen was about to reach the end, an ink-black sword caught his attention.
*Black Cry Sword: 1.5 meters long, weighs 500 catties. Thin blade, both sides shimmering with cold light, full of sharpness, Mortal Grade Tier 9.*
Most importantly, Fang Chen could feel a demonic aura coming from it!
When Fang Chen touched it, the demonic aura surged fiercely, trying to invade him! Fang Chen snorted coldly! A burst of momentum erupted, suppressing the aura instantly! The unyielding demonic aura was instantly intimidated by the aura of Fang Chen’s Sword Demon Body and dared not resist again.
"This is the one!" Fang Chen smiled slightly, having made his decision. This sword was a demonic sword; it was perfect for him.
Seeing the sword Fang Chen had chosen, Ning Yang was slightly surprised. He couldn't help but advise, "Senior Nephew Fang Chen, it would be better to pick another. This is a demonic sword, and there is demonic aura in the blade. At first, it might not affect you much, but as it stays by your side longer, the aura will gradually erode you until you fall into a demonic obsession. Before you, several people have died because of this sword."
Fang Chen shook his head firmly. "This one. I have decided."
Seeing Fang Chen's resolve, Ning Yang stopped advising him but added, "Since that is the case, I will say no more. But if you feel the demonic aura entering your body, it would be best to discard this sword quickly."
Fang Chen bowed, then prepared to leave. Ning Yang hurried to see him to the door and fawned, "If you need any help in the future, Senior Nephew, just ask! Whatever I can do, I will certainly do!"
Fang Chen didn't say much, nodded, and left. Upon returning to his estate, he met with his mistress before heading to the courtyard.
"Now that I have both the technique and the treasure, everything is ready! It is time to begin cultivation."
He took out the *Lingli Demon Sword Manual*.
*Lingli Demon Sword Manual, First Layer: Nourish the sword with demonic energy, concentrate it at the edge, attack only, do not defend!*
After reading the introduction, he recited the mantra for the first layer, pondering it carefully. What shocked him was that, with the help of the Heavenly Dao Demon Bone, he had a slight glimmer of insight after reading the complex text just once!
This brought Fang Chen great joy! If he practiced according to this level of insight, perhaps before the Seven Peaks Assessment, he could reach the second or even third layer of the manual!
He sat cross-legged on the ground, placed the sword across his lap, and began to circulate the mantra. The Heavenly Dao Demon Bone in his body glowed faintly, and strands of demonic energy began to gather in his dantian, then coursed through the meridians of his entire body.
Ordinary people cannot circulate demonic energy; they can only move spiritual energy. Practitioners of the demonic path convert their spiritual energy into demonic energy through their techniques, hence the term "demonic cultivation." However, for those who have not reached a deep level of demonic cultivation, the converted energy usually contains impurities, and it is difficult for most to convert pure demonic energy.
But Fang Chen was different. Having absorbed the blood of the Sword Demon, his physical body had become a Sword Demon Body. He did not need to convert spiritual energy into demonic energy; with the help of the Heavenly Dao Demon Bone, he could circulate extremely pure demonic energy! He was, in essence, a natural demonic cultivator.
Soon, with the help of the Heavenly Dao Demon Bone, after only half an incense stick of time, Fang Chen was surrounded by demonic energy, connected to the Black Cry Sword!
*Bang!*
The moment Fang Chen opened his eyes, a wave of demonic energy swept through the surroundings! He let out a shout and swung the Black Cry Sword in the open space! Each swing of the sword was extremely fierce, grand and open, aiming for vital points with every strike!
Yet, just as he delivered the final strike, a purple-black sword beam shot out, but it exploded violently two yards away and vanished into nothingness!
Fang Chen frowned deeply. "The final strike should have been the most powerful, yet I couldn't fuse the sword energy and the demonic energy into one. It seems I need more contemplation and practice; mastering the first layer of the *Lingli Demon Sword Manual* won't be that easy."
"Although demonic techniques allow for faster progress, they aren't something anyone can master instantly. Now, I must continue to work hard in order to truly master it."
Fang Chen sat back down and continued to contemplate the *Lingli Demon Sword Manual*.
Time flew, and the Seven Peaks Assessment was approaching. Fang Chen sat in the courtyard, which was now riddled with scars and ruins.
Suddenly, his aura surged, breaking through directly to the sixth level of the Spirit Gathering Realm! He opened his eyes, feeling the changes in his body, and a look of joy appeared in them.
"Not only did I break through to the sixth level of the Spirit Gathering Realm, but the *Lingli Demon Sword Manual* has also reached the second layer!"
"Luoyun, Su Wan'er, I want to see how you intend to stop me from passing the Seven Peaks Assessment!"
Just as Fang Chen was gritting his teeth, the Little Pagoda in his dantian vibrated slightly, though it quickly returned to normal. Fang Chen naturally felt the change in the pagoda and was overjoyed.
"The second floor of the Little Pagoda has opened!"
He returned to his room, summoned the pagoda, and with a thought, entered it once again. He arrived at the first floor; there was no change here, the only difference being that the stone staircase door leading to the second floor had opened.
Fang Chen did not hesitate and stepped directly into it. There were no changes on the second floor; it remained just a table and a box.