Immortal of the Nine Realms

Chapter 701: Advance on Salary

At the Void Immortal Sword Sect, Sect Master’s Hall.

“Esteemed elders, I have brought the person as requested. I hope I have lived up to your expectations,” Bai Qingming cupped his fist and smiled.

The elders nodded lightly, their gazes all landing on Fang Chen.

Langya Wenqiu’s face was filled with joy as she looked at Fang Chen, while Jing Yuehan couldn’t help but show a hint of regret in her eyes.

Years ago, Fang Chen had been just a small cultivator from a low-ranked ninth-tier empire. Yet now, he stood there, having become the Sword Leader of the Void Immortal Sword Sect. His cultivation and methods had far surpassed her own.

The Sect Master, still only revealing his profile, spoke. “Fang Chen, have you become an Immortal Seedling?”

Everyone stared intently at Fang Chen. After all, he had been inside the Ancient Immortal Road for several years, whereas historical records showed that no one had lasted more than a year inside. Those who did exceed that time never returned.

They were all curious as to how Fang Chen managed to emerge after several years and what might have happened during that time.

Fang Chen pondered for a moment before delivering the explanation he had prepared long in advance. “I left the Ancient Immortal Road after only a few days and spent the following years traveling to various places.”

The crowd was momentarily stunned. He left after only a few days?

They recalled that Fang Chen’s core was a White Core, and the Ancient Immortal Road was known for testing talent. Some with poor aptitude weren’t even qualified to be tested.

Could it be that he left the Ancient Demon Wasteland in silence, embarrassed by his lack of progress, and didn’t inform his fellow disciples?

Zhang Ling and several others exchanged glances, their expressions turning somewhat peculiar.

After all, it wasn’t surprising... sword cultivators were known for their pride.

“Not becoming an Immortal Seedling is no matter. We sword cultivators have always been looked down upon by various sects. Not recognizing you as an Immortal Seedling simply shows their lack of vision,” said the Sect Master.

He coughed lightly, steering the conversation away. “You should know that before your return, we already established you as the Sword Leader. The official decree from the capital has been issued, and all parties are aware of it.”

Fang Chen nodded, “What benefits come with being the Sword Leader?”

“...”

The Sect Master contemplated for a moment, then said, “Here’s what we can do. As the Sword Leader, you will indeed bear responsibilities that far exceed ours. I can advance you... 10 years' worth of mid-grade spirit stones, but that’s all I can offer.”

Fang Chen’s face broke into a smile as he cupped his fist in gratitude. “Thank you, Sect Master.”

He was thinking that ten years was just about right. With 1000 mid-grade spirit stones, he could enter the Three Thousand Dao Realm twice. He could begin to refine his Nascent Soul.

The Sect Master waved his hand. “Dismissed. I’ll have someone send the mid-grade spirit stones to you shortly.”

Fang Chen nodded and turned to exit the hall. “Then I’ll take my leave first.”

The disciples from various peaks also began to leave, with Langya Wenqiu and the others quickly following after Fang Chen. They were curious if he really hadn’t spent these years in the Ancient Immortal Road.

Once everyone had departed, only the peak masters and the elders were left in the hall. Most of them were in the Middle Three Realms or Upper Realms.

The Sect Master of the Void Immortal Sword Sect spread his hands and said, “Everyone, let’s pool our resources. I can only come up with 80 mid-grade spirit stones.”

The bearded sword cultivator’s eyes flashed with anger. “Sect Master, have you consumed all the mid-grade spirit stones over the years? You can only produce 80? Isn’t that a bit hard to believe?”

“Truth is truth, and falsehood is falsehood. Do you think the old Sword Immortal doesn’t need healing medicine after being injured? A few years ago, a batch of mid-grade spirit stones was used to purchase high-grade spirit medicine,” the Sect Master of the Void Immortal Sword Sect said with a cold smile.

The others realized this, and then they exchanged glances. Each contributed several dozen mid-grade spirit stones, and it was quite difficult to gather a total of 1000 mid-grade spirit stones.

One peak master whispered, “Why don’t we try persuading Fang Chen again? I really can’t think of what he would need 1000 mid-grade spirit stones for.”

Someone nodded in agreement. “Weaker cultivators can get by with just low-grade spirit stones. Even if they’re breaking through, they wouldn’t need this many mid-grade spirit stones.”

They were worried not about their own resources but about the possibility of Fang Chen wasting these spirit stones. It was like a senior family member suddenly giving a large sum of money to a younger relative, fearing it might be squandered.

“Forget it, this kid Fang Chen has his own ideas. Perhaps he really has a use for 1000 mid-grade spirit stones; otherwise, he wouldn’t have asked us for them. As elders, we should support him; after all, these spirit stones are rightfully his,” said the Sect Master, sighing.

He then glanced at Bai Qingming, who was squatting in the corner. “You, take these spirit stones to Fang Chen. You’ve been hiding at the side since we started to talk about splitting the spirit stones... Are you really that poor?!”

Bai Qingming grinned, accepted the spirit stones, and swiftly exited the hall.