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Chapter 97: High-Level Meeting
Chapter 97: Chapter 97: High-Level Meeting
Under Lu An's lead, the group arrived at the dungeon. The Fang family disciples had been imprisoned for so long and had never endured such suffering. Now, they were emaciated and looked like beggars. Their magical power had also been sealed by Old Beggar, making them no different from ordinary people.
"Sister Fang, they are all here. You can handle them as you see fit."
Fang Ling stepped forward and looked at everyone present, her hesitation evident. It wasn't until Ying Chang tugged at her that she snapped out of her daze and resumed her cold demeanor.
"Fang Ling? Have mercy and spare us."
"Fang Ling, you traitor! Does the destruction of the Fang family have anything to do with you?"
The prisoners in the dungeon reacted differently to Fang Ling's appearance: some knelt and begged for mercy, while others cursed and yelled. Lu An leaned indifferently against the dungeon door, silently observing, as if watching the struggles of common people, deep in thought.
Fang Ling, however, ignored them, scanning the room until her eyes suddenly lit up. She walked towards an elderly man with white hair.
She grabbed him by the neck, lifted him up, and asked coldly:
"Housekeeper Fang, do you know who poisoned me, preventing me from having children?"
The old man was terrified and pleaded:
"The one who poisoned you has already died in battle. Fang Ling, I raised you and have feelings for you, so please spare me."
Fang Ling said nothing, only increasing the pressure of her grip.
"Ugh—Yes, yes, it was the second master, it was his order."
Hearing this title, Fang Ling's heart tightened.
The only person in the Fang family who could be called "Second Master" was the Second Elder, who was at the Core Formation stage. However, this person had gone to attack the Three Talismans Sect and, after failing, had disappeared.
Fang Ling pondered for a moment and continued:
"Did you know about this order to poison me?"
The housekeeper's expression slightly faltered, and Fang Ling immediately understood, letting out a wretched laugh.
"So, it turns out I was the only one kept in the dark. Despicable, hateful!"
She threw the housekeeper to the ground, drew a dagger, and aimed it between his legs.
"Ah—"
A scream erupted, and blood quickly stained his clothes.
The others watched in horror, their bodies tightening involuntarily.
Lu An turned and walked out of the dungeon, feeling it unnecessary to witness what happened next. Fang Ling's notion of using their own methods against them was a cruel way to ensure the Fang family faced an end, perhaps even more painful than simply killing them.
He sighed slightly, shook his head, and walked away. Whether this action was right or wrong, he was uncertain, but if Sister Fang wanted to do it, then it would be done.
The next day, Fang Ling emerged from the dungeon. Her expression revealed nothing, as if nothing had happened, and she remained disturbingly calm.
Those who had been castrated were released after treatment, their whereabouts unknown. Lu An did not intervene, but he grew more concerned about Fang Ling's state. He noticed that the pleasure of revenge had not freed Fang Ling from hatred but had instead deepened it.
"Perhaps capturing the Second Elder, the real culprit, is the only way to truly help Sister Fang let go?"
After a long period of contemplation, Lu An shook his head, feeling that the world's entanglements of grudges and emotions were too deep for him to fully understand. But there was one thing he was clear about.
That was, Fang Ling was his family. As long as he was here, Fang Ling would be safe.
In the following days, Lu An spent his time undergoing special training with Old Beggar, steadily improving his strength.
In Guxian County, someone was sent to take over the affairs of the Three Talismans Sect branch, with even Gu Chuanfei personally making a trip. Lu An thus freed himself from mundane matters, having more time for cultivation.
According to Gu Chuanfei, the Spirit Talisman Residence had reopened, with Bai Sheng taking on the role of talisman-making. The business was also doing quite well.
Regarding safety, the Three Talismans Sect and the county guards had arranged for a group of cultivators to protect the branch. They even built a small teleportation array in the back courtyard, which could directly transport them to the Three Talismans Sect.
Lu An wanted to return and check, but with the selection process for the Shui Tian Law Conference approaching, he found himself unable to leave and could only wait until everything was settled before returning to the Spirit Talisman Residence.
It is worth mentioning that after completing the fire attribute special training arranged by Old Beggar, Lu An's cultivation speed had indeed improved slightly. His normally obscure fire attribute techniques became much smoother, and even drawing fire-related talismans became more proficient.
In addition, Lu An, of course, would not forget Old Beggar's identity as a Talisman Sage. While practicing, he frequently sought advice on talisman-related questions, and his proficiency continued to improve. However, regarding the True Intent of the Extreme Realm, Old Beggar had no further teachings to offer and could only rely on Lu An's own exploration.
One day, Ying Chang arrived at Lu An's secluded training place. Since they had arrived in Yongning County, the couple had not left, staying by Lu An's side and handling matters, which saved him much trouble.
"Brother Lu, Senior Gu and Lord Mo have come to visit."
Lu An, upon hearing this, slowly opened his eyes.
"It seems the Extreme Realm is about to open."
Old Beggar had given the slots for Qi Refining and Foundation Establishment to the County Governor, Meng Li, while reserving two slots for Core Formation. With Lu An's current cultivation level only at Foundation Establishment, he could not enter the Core Formation secret realm. Thus, the two slots fell to Gu Chuanfei and Mo Xuan.
Lu An went to Old Beggar's retreat and brought him along to meet the two visitors. He had recruited a Nascent Soul Elder for the Three Talismans Sect. Although he had already informed them and they were quite pleased, Mo Xuan had not yet met Old Beggar, so it was better to make the introduction.
In the reception hall, Gu Chuanfei and Mo Xuan were excitedly chatting about the Extreme Realm, which they had long yearned for. They were very grateful to Lu An, as otherwise, they would have no opportunity to enter. Especially Gu Chuanfei, who had fallen out with Juyuan Pavilion over the secret realm slots and had started anew in a fit of anger. Now, unexpectedly, he had again obtained the qualification to enter.
As they were discussing enthusiastically, several figures entered the hall. They immediately stood and greeted, with Mo Xuan speaking first:
"Lu An, you've indeed broken through to Foundation Establishment. Your progress is truly enviable."
Before Lu An could reply, Mo Xuan looked at Old Beggar and asked respectfully:
"Could this be the esteemed Elder Yue of our sect?"
Old Beggar nodded and began to exchange pleasantries with everyone. They talked about everything, from the southern reaches to the northern seas, from the Great Qi territory to the scenic landscapes beyond.
Old Beggar's extensive experience and foresight, gained from years of traveling, impressed and deeply respected the group. As high-ranking members of the Three Talismans Sect, their conversation naturally shifted to sect affairs.
"Elder, with your rich experience and unique perspective, how do you think our sect should develop next?"
Old Beggar pondered for a moment before speaking:
"Although I joined the Three Talismans Sect for Lu An's sake, now that I have become a Nascent Soul Elder, I must take on this responsibility."
"Our sect has set up a branch in Yongning City, while the headquarters is in Guxian County, which is far away with poor communication. This is the first issue to resolve."
"Elder, do you mean..."
"Yes, the first step is to establish a teleportation array between the two locations!"