“Rest assured. Though the Chen Clan isn't currently strong enough, I'll make anyone thinking of opposing us reconsider,” Chen Zhengqing said, smiling.
In his youth, he stood as the Chen Clan's prodigy, swiftly advancing to the Yuanfu realm. However, a sequence of unfortunate events damaged his primeval vessel, forcing him to escort Chen Fan back to Xuanyang City.
Over a decade passed, and he resigned himself to a life of stagnant cultivation. He had accepted that he would completely lose his cultivation and live as a cripple.
Unexpectedly, Chen Fan returned with a Buddhist Bone Relic, rejuvenating his primeval vessel and reigniting his blood's fervor.
Gazing into the distance, Chen Zhengqing narrowed his eyes, a fierce glint flickering within.
“Alright, then, Father. I’ll leave for the sect in three days,” Chen Fan said.
Chen Zhengqing nodded and said, “Alright.”
In a flash, three days elapsed, which Chen Fan used to focus on cultivation, solidifying his progress.
"With clan matters settled, I'll now return to the sect. Stay vigilant against other influential clans," cautioned Chen Fan to Chen Zhengqing.
“No need to worry. I’ve absorbed less than thirty percent of the Sun Stone's energy. I could enter the fifth level, at the very least, by exhausting it. No one in the entire Watermoon City will be my match then,” Chen Zhengqing said proudly.
There were only two fifth-level Yuanfu realm powerhouses in Watermoon City. And once he advanced to the fifth level, even they wouldn’t pose a threat to him.
Furthermore, he was cultivating with the aid of the Sun Stone, so he made great progress every day. He could completely refine the Sun Stone in half a year at most, so advancing to the fifth level was no problem.
Chen Fan nodded and said, “Since that is the case, I’ll take my leave.”
“Do you want to bring some things with you? Why not carry more primeval stones and pills?” Chen Zhengqing said.
The Chen Clan now possessed the Lin Clan's centuries of accumulation, so they now had plenty of valuable resources.
“No need. I have enough primeval stones on me. Moreover, the clan is in a period of rapid development. Recruiting people will cost a lot, so I shan’t take anything else.” Chen Fan shook his head.
If he needed cultivation resources, he could hunt demon beasts, take their demon cores, and refine them to raise his cultivation.
Although there were a lot of treasures in the Lin Clan’s vault, the rapid development would make the clan expenses very high, as they would have to spend in many areas. It would impede the clan’s development if he brought too much away.
“I’ll be leaving then, Father.”
“Be careful on your way. Make sure the map is with you, and don’t get lost now. Also, keep in mind that your sect’s inner sect is filled with experts. Remember to avoid doing anything that will make you stick out. Endure when you have to. Understand?” Chen Zhengqing exhorted.
“Rest assured, Father.”
Chen Fan chuckled and flew out with a step, taking to the sky like a bird, disappearing from sight.
“Our Chen Clan has produced a true dragon. Young Patriarch’s future will definitely not be limited to the Yuanfu realm!”
The elders next to Chen Zhengqing couldn’t help but be emotional, watching Chen Fan disappear without a trace.
Chen Fan had played a huge part in why the Chen Clan could develop so rapidly.
If it weren’t for Chen Fan helping Chen Zhengqing restore his cultivation and Chen Tianxiong advancing to the Yuanfu realm, their Chen Clan would have been wiped out completely, facing the Lin Clan’s oppression.
With the Lin Clan’s extermination, they had obtained many resources. Everyone’s cultivation had improved by leaps and bounds, extending their lifespans. Their future was bright.
All of this could be attributed to Chen Fan, the catalyst for their transformation.
A figure slowly descended from the sky to the ground—a teenager of around sixteen or seventeen. He was none other than Chen Fan returning to the Spring Autumn Sect.
Having left the boundaries of Watermoon City, he descended after covering a thousand miles in one go.
Raising his head, he looked around him and saw wide paths leading in all directions, weaving through villages, towns, waterways, and cities. In the distance, continuous mountain ranges rose over the horizon, blocking the view.
Chen Fan whipped out a map from his bosom. He ascertained the direction, nodded, and continued forward.
Surrounded by vast lands, Chen Fan leaped into the air and flew across the plains like a roc soaring through the nine heavens, free and at ease. A feeling of grandeur rose within him, teeming with lofty aspirations.
Three days later, a fatigued Chen Fan landed in front of the mountain with the Spring Autumn Sect.
Opting not to ride a Golden Horned Horse back to the sect, Chen Fan had chosen to fly. After all, he could fly faster than the horse, which could cover ten thousand miles a day.
Passing through the entrance, he entered the outer sect, which had regained its lively atmosphere because the disciples had returned from their vacations. A bustling crowd moved about, and whispers spread as Chen Fan walked through.
“Look, it’s Chen Fan!”
“He’s returned to the sect from home.”
“This guy dared to set a three-year promise with Senior Brother Duan Jingtian. How reckless and arrogant.”
As Chen Fan walked around in the sect, the outer sect disciples pointed and gossiped about him; it all fell into his ears.
Chen Fan ignored them, as he wouldn’t lose any sleep over their gossip.
“Chen Fan, come quickly.”
Suddenly, a voice rang in Chen Fan’s ear, which only he heard.
Wei Buyu knew Chen Fan had returned to the sect and had transmitted his voice with primeval force.
Chen Fan raised his eyebrows. Judging from Wei Buyu’s voice, it seemed there was something urgent.
Turning around, Chen Fan headed toward the outer sect’s Martial Arts Pavilion.
A quarter of an hour later:
Chen Fan and Wei Buyu stood on the roof of the Martial Arts Pavilion.
Wei Buyu sized up Chen Fan and smiled. “Not bad. You’re in the Yuanfu realm already.”
Chen Fan nodded and asked, “Master, did something happen?”
“Of course.” Wei Buyu nodded. A letter appeared in his palm. He handed it to Chen Fan and said, “Qin Changkong left this letter for you. Take a look for yourself.”
Chen Fan furrowed his brows, somewhat doubtful.
Why would Uncle leave me a letter?
Is he away for some reason and wants me to look after Qin Yao upon entering the inner sect?
Even if Qin Changkong didn’t leave a letter to inform him, he would have done that all the same.
Chen Fan received the letter and opened it. Soon, his brows were creased tightly.
After reading its contents, he looked at Wei Buyu and said, "Master, this..."