Immortal of the Nine Realms

Chapter 1643: The Shit-Stirrer

As Fang Chen's divine soul returned to his body, he was already plotting how to ruin their plans. No matter what the purpose of these Upper Three Realm cultivators was in capturing a Fallen Immortal alive, even if it wasn't to covet their techniques, it was a catastrophic mistake. The legacy of the Fallen Immortals must never be allowed to spread easily within the Nine Mortal Realms. Otherwise, not only would the humans face a nightmare, but even the likes of Shao Guangyin would be plagued by headaches."Among the super-first-class forces in the Fangcun Realm, I haven't heard of any sect specializing in Immortal Origin research. They likely hail from the Taicang or Shenwang Realm. Eldest Senior Sister mentioned before that these Fallen Immortals are extremely protective of their secrets. Aside from their direct lineages, no one else can obtain their inheritance. They fear that a proliferation of their inheritance would lead to a surge of ninth transformation Fallen Immortals appearing in the world."

It seems this time... I'll have to act as a shit-stirrer.

Fang Chen rose, left his room, and went to find Young Master Yuan once more. Young Master Yuan was slightly surprised by Fang Chen's return. He said with a smile, "Daoist Fang, surely you don't feel that the reward of a single Immortal Origin Stone is insufficient for your help?"

"You think far too greedily of me." Fang Chen let out a light sigh. "While I have a particular fondness for immortal crystals, a gentleman seeks wealth through the proper channels. One day's pay for one day's work."

Young Master Yuan asked noncommittally, "Oh? Then I have misunderstood you. What brings you back this time?"

"I have a piece of information I'd like to sell you. This news concerns the upcoming bet and the Great Sorrow Army. I wonder if you'd like to spend a small amount of immortal crystals to exchange for a secret that could be of immense help to you?"

"Related to the bet? And the Great Sorrow Army?" Young Master Yuan's brow furrowed slightly. He replied coldly, "You are an Immortal Origin Master. Just focus on the task I've assigned you. As for other irrelevant matters, what do they have to do with you?"

"You have a point. In that case, I'll simply sell this information directly to the Great Sorrow Army stationed in the district. That Ancient Immortal will surely pay a handsome price for it."

Fang Chen nodded coldly, turned, and began to leave.

The Great Sorrow Army Ancient Immortal?

Young Master Yuan's mind flickered. He stood up and called out, "Friend, wait."

Fang Chen glanced back with a smile. "Do you have further instructions?"

"Who exactly are you? And why do you claim there is a seventh-transformation Ancient Immortal of the Great Sorrow Army present here?" asked Young Master Yuan.

Beneath his closed eyelids, his eyeballs spun wildly.

"I have my own sources. If you wish to listen, offer a suitable price. I guarantee this matter will allow you to shine brilliantly and even gain the favor of the Great Sorrow Army," said Fang Chen indifferently.

The Great Sorrow Army held a unique status. For any cultivator in the Zhisheng Immortal Dynasty—save perhaps for some rogue cultivators—anyone with a bit of property or family business would jump at the chance to foster a good relationship with them. After all, in many instances, a single move from the Great Sorrow Army could influence every aspect of life. Take the Immortal Origin District, for example. If the Great Sorrow Army ordered its closure, no one's influence would matter. Even Young Master Yuan would have to pack his bags and leave in disgrace.

"Gain the favor of the Great Sorrow Army... You mean they are conducting a secret mission here? And you happen to know the inside details?"

Young Master Yuan suppressed his inner agitation, trying his best to keep his tone nonchalant. He chuckled. "Please, sit. Let's talk about this news. How many immortal crystals do you intend to sell it for?"

Fang Chen stated, "Five thousand."

"Five thousand?" Young Master Yuan's brow furrowed. "Do you realize what five thousand immortal crystals represent to a cultivator?"

Fang Chen wore a faint smile. "An average sixth-transformation immortal likely couldn't produce such a sum. Even a seventh-transformation Ancient Immortal might feel the sting for a while. But you run an Immortal Origin business, and I am an Immortal Origin Master myself. Naturally, we do not lack crystals. If the price is lower than five thousand, I would be better off going to the Great Sorrow Army to earn a favor instead."

Recalling that Fang Chen had indeed managed to earn quite a lot in the district in a short time, Young Master Yuan found his words credible.

"I cannot produce five thousand crystals at a moment's notice. You know most of my assets are tied up in stock. How about this, I will give you one thousand as a deposit. If this news truly benefits me and helps me connect with the higher-ups of the Great Sorrow Army, then forget five thousand, what would it matter if I gifted you ten thousand?"

Young Master Yuan smiled. "What do you think?"

Fang Chen considered it for a few breaths and nodded. "I trust your character. I will take the thousand as a deposit, and we shall see your sincerity once the matter is concluded."

Young Master Yuan immediately and generously handed over a thousand immortal crystals without the slightest hesitation.

After stowing the crystals, Fang Chen smiled. "The people you are betting against, are they two men and two women?"

Young Master Yuan's expression shifted. "I believe I have heard that they are indeed two men and two women."

Fang Chen said, "Then it's them. These four are Evil Immortals on the wanted list. Their goal is the Great Sorrow Army. They want to use themselves as bait to lure the Great Sorrow Army out and then suppress and kill them!"

Young Master Yuan's face suddenly darkened. He snickered. "Are you joking? Evil Immortals can't run fast enough when they see the Great Sorrow Army, yet you say they plan to lure them out and kill them? What benefit would that bring them?"

"If you don't believe it, go to the Four Seas Immortal Origin Shop and ask that seventh-transformation Ancient Immortal of the Great Sorrow Army," replied Fang Chen. "They think they have received accurate intelligence and want to ambush these four Evil Immortals here, but little do they know, they are actually the ones taking the bait."

The Four Seas Immortal Origin Shop was precisely where those five Fallen Immortals were staying. Before coming here, Fang Chen had already confirmed that the five Fallen Immortals were still there.

Young Master Yuan's eyes widened. "Four Seas Immortal Origin Shop? A few days from now... the bet is indeed scheduled to take place there."

If these four individuals were really Evil Immortals, he could openly reject the challenge, and his reputation wouldn't be affected. Furthermore, by relaying this to the Great Sorrow Army, he could use the opportunity to build a connection. However, all of this depended on whether Fang Chen was being truthful.

"How about this? Rest here for a moment while I make a trip to the Four Seas Immortal Source Shop."

Young Master Yuan smiled and called in the fourth-transformation Immortal Sovereign from outside to accompany Fang Chen. He then left the premises and headed toward the Four Seas Immortal Source Shop.

The fourth-transformation Immortal Sovereign did not know what Fang Chen and Young Master Yuan had discussed. He was curious but understood he shouldn't ask too many questions. His current task was to keep an eye on the man before him and prevent him from leaving before Young Master Yuan returned.

***

Four Seas Immortal Origin Shop.

The shopkeeper was surprised to see Young Master Yuan arriving alone. He stepped forward with a smile. "Young Master Yuan, what brings you here today? How can I help you?"

"I have come to request an audience with the superior officer of the Great Sorrow Army," said Young Master Yuan, getting straight to the point.

The shopkeeper maintained a calm smile. "A superior officer of the Great Sorrow Army? Where would my shop find such a person? Are you joking?"

Young Master Yuan wasn't certain if what Fang Chen said was true or false, but he figured the other party wouldn't pointlessly seek death just to scam him out of a thousand immortal crystals. With that in mind, Young Master Yuan said in a heavy voice, "I have an important matter to report. Please pass the word along."

Before the shopkeeper could speak, a voice rang out in both of their ears, "Bring him in."

The voice was full of majesty. Young Master Yuan's expression changed slightly.

There really was a high-ranking member of the Great Sorrow Army lurking here?