Chapter Four : Gifts of Power, Seeds of War
After calming his excitement, Fang Ting picked up the low-grade Earth-tier cultivation technique.
This manual, titled "Evergreen Lihuo Art," was far superior to the low-grade Mystic-tier technique he had previously cultivated. There was no reason to hesitate—he would switch techniques immediately.
However, Fang Ting wasn't in a rush to cultivate it himself. Instead, he summoned the Fang clan's elders, intending for them to train with it as well.
Currently, the Fang clan has seven elders. The First and Second Elders were at the early stage of the Profound Core realm, while the others were at the late stage of the Spirit Absorption realm.
They were the true foundation of the Fang clan's standing in Yunshan City.
When all seven elders arrived, they looked at Fang Ting with some confusion.
"Clan Leader, what's the reason for calling all of us here today?"
Usually, clan matters were addressed with individual elders. It was rare to summon all seven at once, so they were curious and asked directly.
Fang Ting placed the "Evergreen Lihuo Art" on the table before them.
"My second brother's son, Fang Luo, was recently accepted as a disciple by a powerful master. That senior sent us some gifts—this technique is one of them. It's a low-grade Earth-tier manual."
As soon as the elders heard its tier, they were all stunned and wide-eyed with disbelief.
"What?! Earth-tier?!"
"This… is this for real?"
"That Fang Luo kid—he's always been bright! I never thought he'd encounter such fortune. Heaven truly favors our Fang clan!"
These elders, all seasoned and generally composed, were practically leaping with joy.
After all, this was an Earth-tier technique, the kind usually reserved for core elders of major sects or members of the royal family.
At first, they were shocked by the technique itself. But when they considered that Fang Luo's master had casually gifted such a manual, their awe shifted to the mysterious master's terrifying strength.
Fang Ting raised a hand to signal them to settle down.
"This matter is now a top-level secret of our Fang clan. Do not ask, do not discuss. Just focus on cultivating."
"In addition to this Earth-tier technique, there are also two Earth-tier martial arts—one saber, one sword. In a moment, each of you can study the one that suits you best. These must never be leaked."
Even martial arts? And Earth-tier ones at that?!
The seven elders felt their hearts pounding wildly, all thinking the same thing:
"The Fang clan is about to rise!"
Fang Ting's tone turned serious again. "I've discovered that the Zou and Wei families have been conspiring against us recently. You must all stay alert."
The Second Elder responded, "Rest assured, Clan Leader. I'll immediately assign more people to watch them closely."
Fang Ting quickly waved him off. "Don't make it obvious—we don't want to tip them off. My goal isn't just to defend against their schemes… it's to turn the tables and strike back."
"Understood!"
In the past, such a statement might've seemed arrogant. After all, the three families were evenly matched in overall strength, and the Fang clan had the weakest foundation. On what grounds could they launch a counterattack?
But now, with three Earth-tier manuals in their possession, it was only a matter of time before the clan's strength surged. Retaliation was no longer a fantasy.
Finally, Fang Ting took out the revised Qi-Gathering Pill formula and handed it to the Seventh Elder, who oversaw alchemy.
"And this—an enhanced version of the Qi-Gathering Pill. Begin refining it immediately. But do not sell it externally yet. Let's keep it for internal use until the time is right."
The Fang clan had partnerships with many businesses.
When Fang Ting spoke of "the right time," he meant: once the Fang clan had become the strongest in Yunshan City, they could then openly sell it.
Selling it too soon might arouse suspicion from the other two families.
The First Elder said, "Fang Luo's master has given us such generous gifts. Shouldn't we send something in return?"
"Yes, we should."
"But a senior who can casually offer Earth-tier techniques probably wouldn't care for anything we could give…"
The elders were stumped.
Fang Ting smiled. "There's no need to overthink it. The best way we can show our gratitude is to nurture Fang Luo well. I've already provided him with a wealth of cultivation resources. Whatever he needs in the future, if we have it, we'll give it to him."
The elders nodded, suddenly realizing the wisdom in his words.
"The Clan Leader truly thinks ahead."
One by one, the seven elders memorized the technique, then restrained their excitement and returned to their quarters to cultivate.
Fang Ting did the same.
He preferred sabers, so in addition to the "Evergreen Lihuo Art," he also began training in the "Blazing Flame Saber"—a low-grade Earth-tier blade art.
Five days passed in a flash.
The higher the tier of a technique or martial art, the more powerful it was—but also harder to master. It all depended on the cultivator's comprehension.
In five days, most had barely scratched the surface—not even reaching the entry level.
Still, Fang Ting's actual combat strength had risen significantly. His spiritual energy had also grown more robust and dense.
On the cultivation side, Fang Luo had been training nonstop. The system continued to pass some of his growth back to Fang Ting.
Fang Luo's realm was still quite low for now. Once he reached the same level as Fang Ting, the feedback from the system would be much greater.
Today was originally the day Fang Luo was supposed to head to Lingyue Sect, but the reborn him had long since decided not to go.
He didn't leave the house and instead immersed himself in cultivation. After all, Fang Ting had provided him with ample resources—he could just focus on breaking through.
Fang Luo was now cultivating the most powerful technique he'd obtained in his past life. Having already trained in it once before, the process was smooth and efficient.
With the support of abundant pills and spirit stones, he advanced from mid-stage Body Tempering to late-stage in just five days.
And that was after deliberately taking time to stabilize his foundation, not even pushing for speed.
"Late-stage Body Tempering… still not nearly enough."
Fang Luo murmured to himself.
At the same time, he grew increasingly uneasy about the impending calamity. Too much time had passed, and he could no longer remember the exact date when the Zou and Wei families would act.
"I wonder if Sixth Uncle has made preparations… or how far along he is. I should go speak with him."
With that, Fang Luo rose from meditation and left his quarters, heading toward Fang Ting's residence