章節 1: Crisis On Fang Family 1
The setting sun dipped below the horizon, casting the last rays of dusk over Southern Hills City. The tall city walls, green with moss, framed the scene as citizens, merchants, and carriages queued at the gates. Inside, the streets bustled with life—inns, shops, and willow-lined alleys teemed with activity. Children played in the lanes, while hawkers loudly peddled their crafts. Jianghu drifters entertained with their gong and drum performances, captivating the onlookers. Cooking smoke rose from households, blurring the twilight.
Sixteen-year-old Fang Wang entered the Fang State Duke's Mansion. Clad in a white garment that highlighted his youthful, scholarly demeanor, he greeted the smiling servants at the gate with a respectful nod.
"Shadowless Step truly is extraordinary. No one can harm me within five steps now," Fang Wang thought, a smile spreading across his face as his Inner Strength reached legendary levels. With mastery in swordsmanship, palm techniques, and footwork, he felt invincible.
At only sixteen, he had achieved what many pursued their entire lives. Reincarnated sixteen years ago, he had now reached the pinnacle and could finally savor life.
Full of anticipation for the future, Fang Wang walked on. Servants greeted him respectfully, calling him the Thirteenth Young Master. His grandfather, Fang Meng, a founding hero of the Da Qi Dynasty, held the noble rank of a second-grade duke, and his father, Fang Yin, was Fang Meng's youngest son. Fang Wang's title came from being the thirteenth in age among the third generation.
In the Fang State Duke's Mansion, the atmosphere was harmonious, likely due to Fang Meng's powerful influence.
With the Duke's Mansion's connections, Fang Wang started collecting martial arts secrets at twelve. After four years of training, he could now emit Inner Strength from his body. Others saw him as just another young master dreaming of the jianghu, unaware of his true power.
Entering a garden, Fang Wang noticed a group of maids huddled together, gossiping about trivial Fang Residence affairs. With his exceptional hearing, he could discern their conversations even from ten yards away.
"Zhou Xue has gone mad. Today, she's been warning all the young masters that Fang Residence is about to be annihilated."
"I heard it too. She's been visiting all the masters in the mansion. Now, her father, the Fourth Master, has locked her in her room."
"Who dares to annihilate Fang Residence? Even the emperor wouldn't dare!"
"Shush, don't say such things."
"Fourth Master is fond of his adopted daughter Zhou Xue. She'll likely be released in a few days."
At the mention of 'annihilation,' Fang Wang's heart skipped a beat. Could Fang Residence be in danger?
After listening and pondering, Fang Wang decided to investigate. Zhou Xue's behavior hinted at a reason. He made his way to her courtyard.
Fang Wang's Fourth Uncle, Fang Zhen, had joined the army young and almost lost his life on the battlefield. Zhou Xue's father sacrificed himself to save him, leaving Fang Zhen with a lifelong disability. After leaving the army, Fang Zhen took his savior's ashes home. Zhou Xue's mother, bedridden and ill, died upon learning of her husband's death. Fang Zhen adopted the infant Zhou Xue and brought her to Fang Residence.
Zhou Xue was introverted and seldom left her courtyard. Fang Wang had only seen her a few times, remembering her as a shy girl, delicate and pretty.
Fang Zhen was protective, so it seemed unlikely for Zhou Xue to go mad without cause. Could there really be a threat of annihilation?
A sense of dread weighed on Fang Wang. What kind of force could threaten the Fang State Duke's Mansion?
Could it be the Emperor?
The Duke's Mansion occupied one-fifth of Southern Hills City, virtually a "city within a city." The Fang family had thousands of household guards; sometimes, Fang Wang would see his eldest uncle Fang Xing training them.
Could such a formidable residence be annihilated?
Fang Wang picked up his pace. Activating his Inner Strength, he reached Zhou Xue's window silently, eavesdropping.
The room was silent, but Fang Wang's acute hearing detected Zhou Xue's rapid breathing.
A moment passed.
"Alas, to think that I, an Immortal Venerable, have returned to my youth, yet am unable to alter my family's fate… Is Heaven playing tricks on me? If only I had one more month, it might not have come to this…"
Fang Wang heard Zhou Xue's faint sigh, too soft for ordinary ears.
Returned to her youth? Rebirth? And… Immortal Venerable?
Fang Wang's heart trembled. Having heard many legends of Immortal Gods since his own reincarnation, he had yet to hear of rebirth. Could it be true?
He couldn't take the chance; after all, he himself was a reincarnated soul. Encountering someone reborn was not so far-fetched.
The thought of Fang Residence being wiped out tightened his heart. He adored this life, his parents, his uncles, and cherished Fang Residence. He didn't want to see it fall.
Zhou Xue fell silent. The room returned to calm. Hesitating, Fang Wang opened the window and leaped inside.
Zhou Xue was not startled; she sat at the table, calmly looking at him. She wore a green dress, her makeup meticulous despite her slightly disheveled hair, exuding grace and beauty.
As their eyes met, the room lapsed into silence.
"Your agility is impressive. I sensed nothing. Who are you?" Zhou Xue asked.
每周推薦票狀態
-- 推薦票
榜單 
-- 推薦票