"Before your rebirth, how did I fare on the night our clan was exterminated?" Fang Wang asked.
Zhou Xue's response was blunt. "I don't remember you at all. You must have died that night. Only a few from the Fang Residence survived, and you weren't among them."
Fang Wang felt a pang of insult but was quickly overshadowed by the dread of impending loss. The thought of losing everyone he cared about weighed heavily on him.
"Let's discuss this night of extermination and figure out our options," Fang Wang said seriously.
The annihilation of the Fang Residence suggested either a large-scale siege or infiltration by martial arts sects, requiring a coordinated effort from top experts. The Fang Residence had many seasoned masters.
Zhou Xue took a deep breath and explained, "In seven nights, the Fang Residence will face its doom. The attackers include six top martial artists from the Imperial City, masters from the Great Qi Dynasty, and one Cultivator. Most of our people fell to this Cultivator, who wields a strange treasure that absorbs souls."
Cultivator!
Fang Wang's heart sank. His experience with the Aerial Sword Art had made him aware of the vast difference between martial artists and Cultivators. Despite his legendary status in the martial world, facing a Cultivator was daunting.
"How significant is the gap between this Cultivator and ordinary martial artists?" Fang Wang asked.
Zhou Xue sighed. "Even a low-ranking Cultivator could be invincible among martial artists. A hundred top martial artists wouldn't stand a chance against him."
"Could mastering the Aerial Sword Art help in defeating such a Cultivator?" Fang Wang pressed.
Zhou Xue's expression softened with pity. "It depends on mastery. While all Cultivators use the Aerial Sword Art, a low-ranking Cultivator can barely manage it. Mastering the technique in seven days is impossible, and even if you did, it wouldn't be enough to defeat a Cultivator."
Fang Wang understood the severity of the threat and did not underestimate it, despite having never faced a Cultivator himself.
"In these seven days, I can't regain my Cultivation abilities; at most, I can concoct some poisons. You're the son of my Fifth Uncle and closer to the head of the household. It would be wise for you to try persuading him. Even if you can't convince the Fang Residence to leave Southern Hills City, starting preparations early is essential," Zhou Xue advised seriously.
She realized her earlier recklessness. In her desperation to save the Fang Residence, she had overlooked its status and her own limitations. As the Duke's Mansion, the Fang Residence couldn't simply flee Southern Hills City. Such a move would be even more dangerous; without the protection of commoners, their situation would worsen.
Fang Wang nodded and added, "The idea of rebirth is too absurd. Don't speak of it again, not even in private. If Cultivators learn of it, it could be even more dangerous."
Zhou Xue agreed, her gaze shifting as she considered Fang Wang's words.
Fang Wang felt uneasy under her scrutiny. He hoped she wasn't contemplating silencing him to keep her secret.
They continued discussing their plans, establishing a rough outline of their statements and actions. Then Zhou Xue urged, "Hurry and prepare. I need to start getting ready as well."
Fang Wang had initially planned to acquire Cultivation techniques, but seeing Zhou Xue's increasingly odd demeanor, he simply nodded, stood up, and left through the window.
Zhou Xue remained seated on the stool, staring at the shoeprints on the windowsill for a long time after he left.
...
At nightfall, the Fang Residence was brightly lit.
"What? Someone wants to slaughter my entire Fang Residence?" Fang Yin, dressed as a refined scholar, put down his utensils in shock, his anger barely contained. Lady Jiang, Fang Wang's mother, turned pale with fright. The room was empty of servants, having been dismissed by Fang Wang before their conversation.
Fang Wang frowned. "Last month, I heard some wandering adventures mention this but thought it was just a baseless rumor. Today, after speaking with Zhou Xue, I confirmed it. A mysterious expert informed her of this threat, and in her desperation, she started making inquiries everywhere."
Fang Yin snorted. "Why did that expert seek her out instead of coming to me or your uncles?"
Fang Wang shook his head. "I don't know. But father, considering that I heard about it and Zhou Xue confirmed it, it's better to believe it and prepare than to risk disbelief. The Fang Residence cannot afford to be unprepared."
Hearing this, Fang Yin's expression darkened. After a few moments of contemplation, he slammed the table and stood up, saying, "I'm going to see your grandfather!"
Lady Jiang sighed and, while serving Fang Wang some dishes, cautioned, "Wang'er, try to avoid contact with those adventurers in the future. It's too dangerous."
"I understand, mother. I won't do it again," Fang Wang replied with a reassuring smile.
Once the crisis was averted, he planned to pursue the Path of Immortality. The martial world seemed less appealing compared to the Cultivation World.
After dinner, Fang Wang waited in the hall. An hour later, Fang Yin returned, looking extremely grave.
"Your grandfather believes it and is preparing for the worst. You don't need to worry; with our preparations, nothing will happen to the Fang Residence," Fang Yin assured him.
Fang Wang felt relieved and took his leave.
That night, he had a rare dream where he soared through the heavens and earth on his sword, becoming a carefree true immortal and feeling thoroughly exhilarated!
The next morning, Fang Wang rose early, washed, and instructed his closest servant, Li Jiu, "Within six days, I need the sharpest sword. No matter the cost!"
Li Jiu, slightly older than Fang Wang, agreed eagerly. "I'll make sure to get it for you, young master!"
With the courtyard empty, Fang Wang practiced the Aerial Sword Art using a tree branch as his sword. Despite mastering the technique to Great Perfection, he had never fought with it. Controlling a sword with true qi was challenging, but he was determined to perfect it.
After half an hour of intense practice, he realized he could only manage one powerful strike. He needed to make it count against the Cultivator.
In the afternoon, Fang Wang visited Zhou Xue, hoping to learn cultivation techniques that required minimal spiritual power. With only six days, mastering a technique was unlikely, so he sought more practical methods to defeat his enemy.
However, Zhou Xue had been released from confinement, and Fang Wang missed his chance to consult her further.
Meanwhile, Fang Residence's staff increased. Fang Yin's eldest brother recruited wanderers from the martial world within the city, and disciples from various martial arts sects returned to help, including Fang Zhe's third son, Fang Hanyu.
Fang Wang, who had fond memories of his cousin, now focused on the immediate threat rather than reminiscing.
On the sixth afternoon, Zhou Xue visited Fang Wang, who led her inside and closed the door.
Dressed in a striking red outfit with her hair tied back, Zhou Xue looked both valiant and spirited.
She presented a sachet and explained, "This is Scented Soft Bone Dust. Sprinkle it on your enemy, and they will collapse within three breaths. It's effective against martial artists but won't work on the Cultivator. If you encounter him, you must flee."
Fang Wang accepted the sachet and asked, "Is the Cultivation World divided into righteous and demonic paths?"
Zhou Xue nodded. "Indeed. I'm from the Demonic Path. Countless humans, demons, and monsters have died by my hands. Are you afraid?"
Fang Wang reassured her, "I've heard that stepping onto the Path of Immortality is fraught with danger. If you care about the Fang Residence, that's enough for me. You are part of the family."
Zhou Xue, despite her Demonic Path affiliation, was touched by his words. She warned, "Your martial skills are commendable, but they're no match for a Cultivator. Leave him to me and don't be reckless."
Fang Wang acknowledged her advice, understanding that as a reborn individual, Zhou Xue likely had more to offer.
They discussed plans for a while, with Zhou Xue outlining strategies and Fang Wang listening attentively. Zhou Xue rejected his requests for cultivation techniques, stressing that their immediate concern was survival.
After Zhou Xue left, Fang Wang updated his father on her recommendations. Fang Yin appreciated the advice and went to confer with Fang Meng.
That night, many in the Fang Residence were restless, troubled by the threat of annihilation. Fang Wang was no exception, using the time to practice his internal skills and build his True Qi, preparing for the impending crisis.