Chapter 265: Elder Chen in a Daze
Yunlan Sect. After hearing Yang Min's report, Song Zhaoyuan instinctively furrowed his brow.
Yang Min replied respectfully, "I wouldn't dare hide a thing. Unfortunately, I woke up too late and didn't hear the contents of their agreement."
"Tell me everything that happened inside the ruins. Don't leave out a single detail."
Song Zhaoyuan's tone was cold, and a trace of killing intent had already flashed in his eyes.
He had warned Fang Mu before—never to harbor any intentions toward Fang Linglong. Yet that brat had still made a vow with her.
Though he didn't yet know what they had agreed upon, he absolutely wouldn't allow his future Dao companion to have any deep involvement with a mere household servant.
"Yes."
Yang Min gave a firm reply and then recounted the entire process of their trial experience in full detail.
After everyone had regained consciousness, they had asked Senior Sister Qinghe how they managed to escape. She had only said that she happened to have a spiritual treasure capable of countering the Extraterrestrial Demon. At the critical moment, the treasure had automatically activated to protect its master, allowing them to survive.
However, Yang Min was deeply skeptical. If Senior Sister Qinghe truly possessed such a treasure, why hadn't she used it earlier?
She had left everyone in peril—yet because of her humble status, Yang Min dared not question her too much.
Once they returned to the sect, she immediately reported the matter to her master, Song Zhaoyuan.
That's right—Yang Min was a chess piece Song Zhaoyuan had planted beside Fang Linglong.
"Junior Sister, are you certain you didn't leave anything out?"
After hearing Yang Min's account, Song Zhaoyuan still felt like something was missing.
Yang Min respectfully said, "I've told Senior Brother everything I saw after waking. I wouldn't dare omit anything."
"Senior Brother Zhaoyuan, I believe Senior Sister Qinghe is definitely hiding something from Junior Sister Yang and the others—and it's for the sake of that servant Fang Mu."
A refined-looking young man spoke respectfully.
Hearing this, the doubts in Song Zhaoyuan's mind instantly cleared, and the corners of his mouth lifted slightly. "Junior Brother Kong, what you said makes sense. It seems that servant from the Fang family carries a major secret. If we can uncover it, it might help all of us make a breakthrough."
Junior Brother Kong said, "Then should we summon that servant Fang Mu right away?"
"Mm."
Song Zhaoyuan nodded. "No time to waste. Bring that brat here."
The Song family held extraordinary status in Yunlan Sect. Seizing the fortune of an inner sect disciple with no backing didn't even count as a matter worth discussing.
Junior Brother Kong's face lit up with excitement. "Leave it to me."
"Good."
Just as Song Zhaoyuan finished speaking, a loud voice called from outside.
"Report!"
"Come in."
In high spirits, Song Zhaoyuan didn't bother clearing the room. He simply called out toward the door.
A menial disciple entered the room and bowed to Song Zhaoyuan. "Young Master Yuan, the elder has summoned you to the sect gates to receive Miss Zhaoyi."
"Got it."
Song Zhaoyuan waved his hand, motioning for the disciple to leave.
Once the disciple had exited, Junior Brother Kong stepped forward and asked, "Senior Brother, should I still bring that brat over?"
Song Zhaoyuan waved him off. "No need. Just have someone keep an eye on Fang Mu. Don't let him leave Yunlan Sect. After I meet with my brother-in-law, I'll extract that secret from him myself."
"Yes."
——
On Danhuo Peak, Fang Mu was packing his belongings. After returning to Yunlan Sect, he had thought things over for a day before deciding to say farewell to Elder Chen and leave the sect for Wendao Academy.
A moment later, he finished gathering his things. He didn't own much within Yunlan Sect, so packing was quick and easy.
Hoo...
Fang Mu let out a deep breath, then stepped out of his residence and headed toward Elder Chen's courtyard.
But after walking just a few dozen steps, Fang Mu sensed that someone was watching him.
Ever since he comprehended the Minor Fate Technique, Fang Mu's divine sense had grown much sharper—no movement around him, however subtle, could escape his perception.
Still, he didn't stop walking. Before long, he arrived outside Elder Chen's residence.
The disciple guarding the gate quickly cupped his hands toward him and greeted, "Senior Brother Fang."
Lately, word had spread throughout Danhuo Peak that Elder Chen intended to take Senior Brother Fang as his personal disciple.
If that happened, Fang Mu's status on Danhuo Peak would rise dramatically.
"Please inform Elder Chen that I've come to pay my respects," Fang Mu said calmly, not putting on any airs despite his rising status.
The disciple replied, "Senior Brother Fang, Elder Chen instructed us that if you come, you may enter directly without any announcement."
Fang Mu nodded slightly and walked straight into the courtyard.
"Disciple Fang Mu requests an audience with Elder Chen."
"Xiao Mu, you've come."
Elder Chen's familiar voice came from one of the rooms. "Come in."
Fang Mu stepped inside and saw Elder Chen seated on a sandalwood chair, gently turning a fine jade in his hands.
"Disciple Fang Mu greets Teacher."
"No need for formalities."
Elder Chen set down the jade and smiled warmly. "Xiao Mu, what brings you to see me today?"
Fang Mu glanced around the room. Elder Chen waved his hand and said, "Alright, now no one can overhear our conversation."
Thud!
Fang Mu dropped to his knees and knocked his head on the floor three times. The sudden gesture left Elder Chen completely bewildered.
With a puzzled look, he asked, "Xiao Mu, what's this all about?"
Fang Mu said, "This unfilial disciple can no longer continue cultivating under your guidance."
???
Elder Chen was even more confused. He instinctively asked, "You didn't break any sect rules, did you?"
Fang Mu shook his head. "No, Teacher. I simply wish to leave Yunlan Sect and go to Wendao Academy in pursuit of the Dao."
"Ah?"
Elder Chen froze. "Xiao Mu, can you explain things clearly? I'm getting all muddled."
"Teacher, it all began like this…"
Fang Mu didn't hide anything. Elder Chen had treated him with great kindness over the years. Although he was only a registered disciple in name, he had received no less than a personal disciple's care.
"This is great news!"
Elder Chen exclaimed with delight. "I never expected that I'd have the fortune to be connected with a disciple of Half-Saint Chu. My judgment really is the best in all of Yunlan Sect!"
Fang Mu hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Teacher, you're not upset with me?"
Elder Chen laughed. "Why would I be upset? Just remember that you once cultivated here in Yunlan Sect. If one day the sect faces trouble, lend a hand if you can."
Hearing this, Fang Mu once again bowed deeply. "Your disciple will never forget your teachings."
Elder Chen accepted the bow, then helped him to his feet and said, "Xiao Mu, come with me to tonight's banquet. You should also meet an important guest."
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