Chapter 327: The Situation of the Fourth Branch

Chapter 327: The Situation of the Fourth Branch

Li Cang quickly filled Fang Chen in on everything he knew.

It turned out that there were various types of competitions set up every year for the disciples to spar in, and they were organized by every branch. These were referred to as “Minor Competitions.”

In addition to the Small Competitions, there were also Grand Competitions, and these were held once every five years, in which every member of the family needed to participate. The next Grand Competition was just half a year away.

The third branch’s Minor Competition would be held tomorrow. The competition was split into three sections: pill refinement, talisman crafting, and techniques. The pill refinement and talisman crafting competitions were bearable as they were more of a demonstration rather than a competition. And since there weren't many disciples in the third branch who pursued these two paths, the results of these two were usually quite ordinary. After all, if a cultivator didn’t have sufficient talent, then pursuing any of these two paths could prove to be a waste of precious cultivation time.

Now came the techniques section, which was the highlight of tomorrow's competition. The most outstanding disciples of the third branch would be present to demonstrate their techniques to the other disciples. During the competition, the Foundation Building Realm cultivators of the third branch would be the judges. The top ten in the Minor Competition would receive varying spirit stones as rewards. If a third rank disciple entered the top ten, they could be promoted to the second rank.

“Young Master Fang Chen, Fang Jue is the most well-received person in the third branch. He’s Elder Fang Ao's eldest disciple, so I don’t need to speak about how talented he is. He has been cultivating since young and has already reached the 11th stage of the Qi Refining Realm,” said Li Cang. “His comprehension of techniques surpasses ordinary people. Among the disciples of the same level in the third branch, no one can beat him. For the Minor Competitions that have been set up in the last ten years, Fang Jue has always come out on top.”

Fang Chen asked with a faint smile, “Besides Fang Jue, are there any other remarkable people in the third branch?”

Li Cang was slightly taken aback. He could sense that Fang Chen didn’t put Fang Jue in his eye at all!

“Young Master Fang Chen, the technique competition does not allow for the use of external powers, which means... spiritual treasures and talismans cannot be used,” Li Cang reminded Fang Chen tactfully. Ne/w novel chapters are published at novelhall.com

Fang Chen nodded lightly. “Tell me about the other remarkable individuals.”

Li Cang continued, “Other than Fang Jue, several disciples under the Foundation Building Realm elders of the third branch are also remarkable. They are all at the tenth stage of the Qi Refining Realm. Only those who have reached this stage will be considered first rank disciples.”

After some thought, Li Cang reminded Fang Chen again, “Since you understand the Dao of Talismans, you don’t have to participate in the techniques section of the competition.”

Fang Chen chuckled. “Are you afraid that I will lose to Fang Hao and the others tomorrow?” he asked. “Do you know what they say about blessings in disguise and unavoidable disasters? I am a newcomer; either I bite my lip and endure being trampled on, or I trample on them first and secure a peaceful future for myself.”

Li Cang's thoughts stirred slightly. He suddenly became curious about Fang Chen's Qi Refining cultivation level. He must be above the tenth stage of the Qi Refining Realm or he wouldn't be so confident. It seems like I've really chosen the right person. As long as he doesn't get defeated by Fang Hao and the others this time, his future days will naturally be better.

Fang Chen changed the subject sharply. “How strong is the third branch in comparison to the other branches of the family?”

“Well... I dare not comment on this matter..” Li Cang's expression changed slightly. He could inform Fang Chen of the formidable individuals in the third branch, but he dared not compare the difference in strengths between the branches. That involved the elders of the Foundation Building Realm and above, who were the true core of the Fang Family.

In the courtyard of Lord Tiger, an unknown figure stood in the shadows, seamlessly blending into the darkness. If he hadn’t spoken, ordinary cultivators wouldn't notice his presence.

Lord Tiger had been drinking a cup of tea when he heard that voice, and it started him into spilling his tea. He hurriedly stabilized the falling cup lid with his spiritual energy then looked toward the shadow and sighed. “Fourth brother, I've told you countless times that you need to give me a heads-up before you come here. I am getting old and I can't handle these surprises anymore.”

Ever since a certain someone had pointed a flying sword at his forehead, Lord Tiger had been feeling quiet on edge.

The figure paused for a moment, then continued with a hoarse voice, “Got it, Big Brother. Who's the target this time?”

“All the information is in this jade slip. After you’re done reading, burn it immediately.”

With a flick of his hand, Lord Tiger tossed out a jade slip.

After a moment, the figure crushed the jade slip with his hand and said in a deep voice, “Fang Lingxing from the Fang Family? With a Golden Core Realm expert in the Fang Family, I might not be able to leave the Great Qian imperial capital safely after making my move.”

“With your concealment technique, Fourth Brother, even a Golden Core Realm expert would find it difficult to find you even if they want to. Besides, we’ll be catching them off gua—” Lord Tiger’s eyes suddenly turned wary. “Wait, are you trying to bargain with me?” he asked. “The boss only offered six hundred low-grade spirit stones. It's fair for me to pocket a hundred. Don't push your luck.”

“Five hundred and fifty, and I'll take the job,” said the figure.

“Go to Hell! I'm working hard here taking all the risks and you want me to only get fifty low-grade spirit stones? These aren’t even enough to support my men.” Lord Tiger’s eyes narrowed glaringly. “Five hundred and twenty is my last offer. No more bargaining!”

The figure nodded in agreement. “Deal.”

A moment of silence ensued, and after a while, Lord Tiger probed, “Fourth Brother, are you still there?”

There was no response.

Fang Chen’s divine soul had been standing in the void this whole time, and he had seen the entire scene from start to finish, causing a strange light to flash in his eyes.

That figure’s technique was quite interesting. If he wasn’t watching this with his divine soul, he wouldn't have been able to detect that figure.

“A Golden Core Realm can’t split his soul from his body yet, which means that they’ll probably not sense anything, ” mused Fang Chen.