Immortal of the Nine Realms

Chapter 751: Yu Qingzhi

Fang Chen returned to the Desolate Academy, entering the same way he had the first time. This time, however, he didn't need anyone to guide him as he navigated to the Alchemy Department with ease. 

Even though the Desolate Academy was vast, it surprisingly had very few disciples. Senior Brother Li had never mentioned an exact count, only noting that the Alchemy Department had fewer than a hundred members. As for the number of disciples in the other five departments, it remained a mystery. Altogether, the entire Desolate Academy might not even have a thousand members.

Inside the Desolate Scripture Hall, Fang Chen spotted Elder Xun lounging leisurely in a rocking chair as soon as he entered. A few disciples of the Desolate Academy were quietly reading books inside the hall, seemingly unaware of Elder Xun's presence.

Elder Xun smiled faintly and revealed, "Don't bother looking. Right now, they can neither see me nor you."

Fang Chen cupped his hands and bowed in respect. "Greetings, Headmaster."

"So, how's the matter with the Three Thousand Dao Sect coming along?" asked Elder Xun.

"It's almost settled. All that's left is a ceremony to announce it to the world."

Elder Xun said, "The spiritual energy Little Ji infused into your Desolate Talisman only allows for three trips. You used one to leave last time, and now another to return. Surely you didn't come back just to inform me of this?" 

Fang Chen chuckled awkwardly. "This ceremony is bound to encounter numerous challenges, so I was hoping to invite you to attend, Headmaster. Would that be… acceptable?"

"You want me to show up?" Elder Xun's brows furrowed slightly. "Do you realize that with my status, if I were to appear at the ceremony, countless individuals in Central Continent, Celestial Heaven, and Northern Dipper would likely lose sleep, plagued with unease?"

"That was presumptuous of me," sighed Fang Chen.

He had already anticipated this outcome and was merely testing his luck. He was actually after inviting the Era Immortal King instead.

Regardless, I'm technically his registered disciple. He surely wouldn't deny me this favor?

A mischievous glint flashed in Elder Xun's eyes. "However… If my appearance could make them lose sleep, lose appetite, and spiral into constant paranoia, then that would be most amusing."

With a chuckle, Elder Xun waved his hand dismissively. "Go on, then. I'll handle everything for you when the time comes. You just charge forward without hesitation. I promise you, the Three Thousand Dao Sect will stand firm in this world, no matter who tries to oppose it."

Fang Chen was pleasantly surprised, and he exclaimed, "Thank you, Headmaster!"

He hadn't expected the headmaster to actually agree.

With a First Rate Sect Leader of such stature stepping in, what was there to worry about?

Elder Xun faintly smiled and joked, "When this matter is settled, you'll have to officially assume your role. Don't even think about holding back your skills."

Fang Chen revealed a confident smile. "Rest assured. Whether out of duty or principle, I won't withhold anything."

Elder Xun nodded in satisfaction. "Good." 

After leaving the Desolate Scripture Hall, Fang Chen didn't immediately leave the Desolate Academy. With the grand ceremony still a few days away, he decided to use the time to visit the Talisman Department.

He wasn't interested in the Combat Department, and the Achievement Department didn't pique his curiosity either. There was also no need to visit the Technique Department either for now. His current arsenal of techniques was already far beyond the norm and sufficient for his level.

The Alchemy Department was unnecessary as well. As for the Artifact Department… forging tools wasn't something he cared about at the moment.

But the Talisman Department? That was another matter. Last time, he hadn't had the chance to explore it. This time, he was determined to take a look.

As Fang Chen was lost in his own thoughts, someone called for him from behind. "Is that Junior Brother Fang up ahead?"

Fang Chen paused mid-step and turned around. Not far away, three figures stood—a woman and two men.

Among the three, Fang Chen vaguely recognized one of them from the Alchemy Department. As for the other man and woman, he had no impression of them, suggesting they had never crossed paths before.

Fang Chen asked as he approached, clasping his hands respectfully. "I am. And you are?" 

The three examined the faint golden veins in Fang Chen's eyes with a thoughtful gaze. After a few moments, one of them finally reacted, cupping his fists with a smile.

"Junior Brother Fang, I am Yu Qingzhi, one of your fellow disciples of the Alchemy Department. We met briefly there before."

Fang Chen smiled in recognition. "Ah, so it's Senior Brother Yu. My apologies—I was too focused on the road earlier and didn't notice you."

Yu Qingzhi, who bore no resemblance to Yu Qingmei, appeared to be in his early thirties. He was polite and courteous, his cultivation matching his aura—at the peak of the Fusion Realm.

If Fang Chen's guess was correct, this individual was none other than the Spirit Blood Sect's Radiant Sun Spirit Lord in disguise.

"Junior Brother Fang, allow me to introduce these two," Yu Qingzhi continued with a gracious smile. "This is Senior Brother Zhao Jiaolong from the Combat Department. His true form is a Fire Flood Dragon that has cultivated for three thousand years and is exceptionally skilled in battle."

"And this is Junior Sister Hua Miaoqing from the Talisman Department, an expert in talisman techniques."

Yu Qingzhi then turned to the two of them and said, "He's the one I mentioned to you two—Junior Brother Fang. His background is extraordinary. Not only is he a disciple of Wang Zhenlong from the Void Immortal Sword Sect, but he's also highly regarded by Heavenly Cloud Emperor. Now, he holds the prestigious title of Sword Leader and has exceptional talent in Alchemy, becoming a registered disciple of Master Ji [1]."

Zhao Jiaolong and Hua Miaoqing bowed slightly out of politeness. "Greetings, Junior Brother Fang." 

Fang Chen returned the courtesy. "Greetings."

A Fire Flood Dragon that has lived for three thousand years? mused Fang Chen.

The demon race's lifespan surpassed that of humans by a long shot. A Profound Immortal's lifespan was only about three thousand years

Zhao Jiaolong, brimming with vitality, seemed to be in the prime of his life, far from reaching old age.

"Junior Brother Fang, did you leave the Desolate Academy recently? As far as I know, the Desolate Talisman you hold can only be used once a year..." asked Yu Qingzhi curiously.

Fang Chen smiled faintly. This fellow had just revealed his own slip.

The Desolate Academy was vast, and Fang Chen had only been away for a short while. How could Yu Qingzhi know of his departure unless he had consistent contact with the outside world? Even if Fang Chen hadn't overheard Yu Qingzhi's voice from Yu Qingmei, he would have already harbored some suspicions about this man.

Fang Chen lightly laughed and invented, "Last time, my curiosity got the better of me, and I ended up using the Desolate Talisman. Fortunately, Master Ji was understanding and brought me back."

Hua Miaoqing nodded in agreement. "I remember being very curious as well when I first got my Desolate Talisman." 

Yu Qingzhi smiled. "Master Ji is indeed the most approachable of the six elders. Moreover, with your exceptional talent, it's only natural for you to receive special privileges. By the way, you're not headed toward the Alchemy Department. May I know where you're planning to go?"

Fang Chen answered, "I've taken an interest in talismans recently, so I thought I'd take a look at the Talisman Department." 

"Oh?" Hua Miaoqing's eyes lit up slightly. "You're interested in talisman as well?"

Fang Chen replied humbly, "Just a beginner who is merely dabbling." 

"The Dao Sect places great importance on talismans. Since you're highly regarded by the Heavenly Cloud Emperor, I assume you've received some instruction on this. Junior Sister Hua, perhaps you could guide him?" suggested Yu Qingzhi, his tone casual yet deliberate.

He then turned to Hua Miaoqing. "Junior Sister Hua, this time let Senior Brother Zhao assist me in Alchemy. You can accompany Junior Brother Fang to the Talisman Department. It'll save him the trouble of wandering around aimlessly."

Hua Miaoqing agreed with a nod. "That works." 

"Would it trouble you, Senior Sister Hua?" asked Fang Chen politely.

 Hua Miaoqing smiled warmly. "It's no trouble at all. Follow me."

As the two departed, Zhao Jiaolong suddenly murmured, "If only he were in the Fusion Realm, I'd love to see how powerful the sword techniques of the Void Immortal Sword Sect really are."

Yu Qingzhi chuckled. "Senior Brother Zhao, your true form as a Fire Flood Dragon is incredibly rare and gifted. You're one of the top talents in the Combat Department. You might not necessarily be weaker than a sword cultivator. If you're interested in sparring with someone from the Void Immortal Sword Sect, I could arrange that for you."

"No need for that," Zhao Jiaolong declined, shaking his head slightly. "If I were to spar, it would only be with the most outstanding cultivator of the Void Immortal Sword Sect. I have no interest in the others."

Yu Qingzhi said with a nod, "Fair enough. Come on, let's go test out this new Alchemy method of mine." 

"Alright," agreed Zhao Jiaolong.

The two walked off together.

Meanwhile, as Fang Chen followed Hua Miaoqing, they chatted casually. After a while, Fang Chen curiously asked, "Senior Sister Hua, you're a disciple of the Talisman Department, and Senior Brother Zhao is from the Combat Department. Why would Senior Brother Yu need the two of you to assist him with alchemy?"