Fang Zheng's Nightmare
Nobody expected Fang Yuan to show up here. Under the convention’s rules, each venue from the eighth round on produces only one winner, so skilled Gu Masters rarely challenge another’s territory. Seeing him enter anyway, many wonder if he holds some enmity with Firesmith Dragon Chief. His entry follows the rules exactly, so no one can obstruct him. ch. 840
Immortal Crane Sect’s disciples guess whether this is truly their mysterious Lord Fang Yuan, owner of Hu Immortal blessed land. Many glance at Fang Zheng as they talk. His lips press tight and his hands clench in his sleeves, since he can tell at once, by blood, that this is his big brother. The nightmare he has fought to evade since his coma attacks his mind once more. ch. 840
Myriad Dragon Dock’s cheering quiets, since Fang Yuan matches Firesmith Dragon Chief’s record of first place in all seven rounds. Myriad Dragon Dock scoffs he will surely be defeated, ranked beyond thirtieth against Firesmith Dragon Chief’s seventh. Other spectators disagree. ch. 840
Fang Yuan entered with an extremely aggressive bearing, clearly no fool and surely holding trump cards. Firesmith Dragon Chief, startled, furious and doubtful, probes whether Fang Yuan has come to lose in advance. The crowd realizes Fang Yuan truly is a disciple of one of the ten great ancient sects, confirmed by Firesmith Dragon Chief himself. Fang Yuan becomes the focal point of every gaze. ch. 840
Fang Zheng addresses him as big brother through gritted teeth, cold sweat breaking over him. Fortunately every eye is on Fang Yuan, so no one notices his state. ch. 840
Fang Yuan has never officially appeared at Immortal Crane Sect’s headquarters. But his legend runs wide, thick with completely unreliable rumor, including one that a Gu Immortal took him in as a legacy disciple. Disciples find better proof in Fang Zheng himself, of A grade aptitude and already a rank five elder, reasoning his brother’s aptitude must be greater still. ch. 840
Fang Yuan’s eyes stay hidden behind his mask as he glances at Fang Zheng, then settles on Firesmith Dragon Chief. He proclaims he is Immortal Crane Sect’s Fang Yuan. The declaration draws the loudest response from his own sect, disciples calling both brothers heroes. ch. 840
Hatred flashes in Fang Zheng’s eyes as he snaps not to compare his brother with him. Everyone else takes the words as Fang Zheng admitting his own inferiority, murmuring that Fang Yuan must be a Gu Immortal seed the higher-ups are nurturing with all their strength. Fang Zheng’s face turns ashen, and an intense dizziness takes him. ch. 840
Fang Yuan keeps his gaze on Firesmith Dragon Chief. He raises his voice, declaring he came only to defeat him, since lesser opponents bore him. He goads him to use his true strength without holding back, naming his opponent’s hidden strongest method, mad deity’s blazing flames, daring him to fight. ch. 840
On stage and off, the verdict is the same: too arrogant. Firesmith Dragon Chief is startled Fang Yuan knows his hidden trump card, never before exposed, and his shock turns to anger. He counters that the boasting junior will learn what true pain is, and vows inwardly that a rank six one step from rank seven will make this challenge the greatest regret of Fang Yuan’s life. ch. 840
