Chapter 194

Chapter 194: Returning to the Sect

But such trivial costs meant nothing to Fang Lie. Possessing the Mo Ancestor’s Pill Scripture and Nirvana fire, he essentially functioned as an unstoppable wealth generator.

For others, crafting a single batch of pills required astronomical material costs. Eliminating impurities demanded exhaustive effort, dragging the alchemy process out for days or even months.

Fang Lie, however, produced batches in mere hours without any risk of failure.

Thus, what should’ve been priceless spirit pills became wholesale goods. Each batch fetched millions of spirit stones, and multiple daily batches raked in tens of millions.

His occasional meals—consumed every other day—cost little more than a single batch’s value.

The main limitation lay in materials: Fang Lie currently worked with mundane ingredients, unable to craft truly peerless pills.

But once his fame spread, clients would seek specialized pills—his chance to demand outrageous prices.

If refining for Nascent Soul experts or Wind Tribulation Immortals, charging less than hundreds of millions per batch would feel downright embarrassing!

One day, Mao San and Gou Si returned bearing lavish dishes and news of Liu Dingyi’s arrival.

Pleased with this reliable scoundrel, Fang Lie summoned both servants to feast together.

Elsewhere, servants never dined with masters—let alone shared such precious spiritual items.

Fang Lei discarded such formalities, moving them deeply with his casual invitation.

Their weak constitutions and low cultivation limited how much they could safely consume, yet this single meal surpassed months of cultivation.

Post-feast, Fang Lie declared, "I’ll return to the sect shortly—to deliver materials and visit my siblings. Manage affairs here in my absence."

"But Master!" Mao San cried, "The journey takes time! What if trouble arises? We’re unprepared!"

"Exactly!" Gou Si added, "Our recent activities surely drew the Xiaoyao Alliance’s attention. They might strike any moment!"

"Fear nothing," Fang Lie scoffed. "You’ll receive deputy flags controlling the villa’s protective array. Not even Wind Tribulation Immortals can breach it. Purple Beard guards Mo Fang Shop—if threatened, retreat here. Goods matter less than lives. As for losses—"

His grin turned icy. "Whoever dares steal from me will repay tenfold! A hundredfold!"

Reassured by Fang Lie’s undying nature and ability to slay Purple Palace realm cultivators, the servants acquiesced.

Tossing them the formation flags, Fang Lie ordered, "Cultivate here during my absence. Reach Golden Pool advancement swiftly."

"Yes!" they chorused, trembling with gratitude.

This was Purple Beard Master’s private sanctum—his own son rarely entered—yet Fang Lie granted lowly servants access. Such magnanimity!

Fang Lie departed without ceremony, heading to the White Jade Fish cave with his newly forged Jade Basin.

The crude first-rank "treasure" served solely to hold boiling water in its three-zhang reservoir—a transport device for live fish.

His true mission wasn’t delivering materials, but smuggling twenty-odd White Jade Fish to grant his siblings spiritual roots.

The lake’s connection to subterranean currents ensured endless replenishment—harvesting some wouldn’t deplete the population.

Channeling magic, Fang Lie secured his squirming cargo. The basin’s water bubbled fiercely as he prepared for the journey home.

Then Fang Lie used the Sending-Home Art to send the Jade Basin and White Jade Fish back to the Cycle of Fire.

Afterwards, Fang Lie helplessly shook his head and chuckled bitterly, "Returning means I’ll have to kill myself again. How annoying!"

With those words, he raised his palm and shattered his celestial spirit gate, collapsing lifelessly on the spot.

Two hours later, Fang Lie emerged reborn through fiery reincarnation in the Cycle of Fire.

Old Bird grumbled irritably, "So I’ve become your personal teleportation service now? You’d even commit suicide just to save travel time? This is outrageous!"

"Heh, Bird Bro, aren’t we like family?" Fang Lie hurriedly fawned, "This was urgent business! Do me this favor?" As he spoke, he stored the teleported Jade Basin.

With a resigned sigh, Old Bird teleported Fang Lie away.

Fang Lie materialized before the Ancient Heroic Souls guarding the core altar of Little Xumi Paradise of the Heavens – a crucial location where he’d deliberately left spatial markers for easy return.

Greeting the ancient guardians warmly, Fang Lie bowed deeply and offered several drops of his Original Essence Blood.

The Ancient Heroic Souls responded with contented smiles.

After another respectful bow, Fang Lie activated the Formation to teleport into his spiritual mansion.

He reappeared in the main courtyard plaza, immediately swarmed by excited children who’d missed him dearly during his two-month absence.

Fang Lie laughingly scooped up two youngsters, showering them with affection. Before he could greet them all, Mao Mao and Fang Huo arrived breathlessly.

"Brother! You’re back!" Mao Mao cried, rushing forward.

"Missed you all, so here I am!" Fang Lie grinned.

Mao Mao’s cheeks flushed crimson as she ducked her head shyly.

Fang Huo guffawed, "Big Brother, stop flirting with little sis already!"

"Enough jokes," Fang Lie retorted. "Where are Ice Second Brother and Longxing Tianxia?"

Fang Huo scratched his neck awkwardly. "They… went hunting."

"What?" Fang Lie’s rage erupted. "I expressly forbade leaving the compound!"

Hunting involved slaying demon beasts in sect-controlled small secret realms – common practice for outer disciples seeking wealth and combat enlightenment. Yet despite modest casualty rates, thousands died yearly, often betrayed by fellow disciples rather than beasts.

Having angered all Mo Sect family clans, Fang Lie feared his siblings becoming targets. He’d sternly ordered them to remain home, with ample spirit stones for safe cultivation.

Yet within two months, Ice Second Brother and Longxing Tianxia had disobeyed.

Fang Huo hastily explained, "Sister Juan begged Second Brother! You know he’s sweet on her – she used to ignore him, but now that he’s improved his cultivation…"

"A hero can’t resist a beauty’s plea," Fang Lie sneered. "That oaf? More like a bear tripping over its own paws!"

"They went to Silver Moon Wasteland – safest small secret realm! Strongest beasts there are second-tier. With their third-tier magical items, they’ll dominate!"

"Nonsense!" Fang Lie snapped. "Most deaths come from ambushes, not beasts! Family disciples could slaughter them like chickens!"

"They disguised themselves! Nobody knows their whereabouts!"

Fang Lie stroked his chin. "What if Sister Juan betrays them?"

"Sister Juan’s no fool," Fang Huo countered. "With your current position, crushing her would be effortless. She’d rather curry favor!"

Mao Mao added softly, "She genuinely likes Second Brother. I can tell."

Fang Lie relaxed slightly. Mao Mao’s uncanny ability to sense malicious intent had protected them for a decade.

Fang Huo pressed, "See? We’d never act without Mao Mao’s approval!"

"Fine," Fang Lie relented. "But never again!"

"Wouldn’t dream of it! So… why’d you return?"

Fang Lie’s grin returned. "Found spiritual items that enhance spiritual roots! They’ll boost you three to medium-grade, and let the younger ones start cultivating!"

Gasps of astonishment swept through the crowd.