Free Web NovelChapter 259: Chapter 258: Lei Gang, the 3rd Disciple of the Iron Fist Sect
Inside a carriage, pitch-black and adorned with dark, flame-like patterns, a pale-faced youth with a sinister gaze was slowly wiping a pair of ghostly blue claw blades.
An icy aura emanated from him. This was none other than Qin Xiaoran, the True Inheritor from the Netherworld Pavilion who was originally ranked one-hundredth on the Celestial Pride List before being pushed off by Fang Han!
"Fang Han..."
Qin Xiaoran muttered the name, his fingertips unconsciously stroking the cold claw blades as a flash of venomous killing intent flickered in his eyes.
Being forced off the Celestial Pride List was a great humiliation for him. Not only did it mean the loss of resources and prestige, but he could no longer hold his head high within his Sect.
The Netherworld Pavilion and the Qingxuan Sect had never been on good terms, and this incident only added to their long-standing animosity.
"If I hadn’t been in seclusion attempting to break through a bottleneck, leaving me with no recent combat records, how could you have gotten on the list by a fluke? This birthday banquet will be my chance to return to the Celestial Pride List! I will defeat you with my own hands and take back everything that belongs to me!"
A cold smirk graced the corners of his lips, as if he could already see Fang Han’s miserable defeat at his claws.
A few days later, covered in the dust of their journey, the spacious carriage pulled by Cyan-hoofed Deer finally passed through the majestic and imposing gates of Qingyang Commandery City.
Although this was his second time visiting the Commandery City, Fang Han couldn’t help but marvel at its prosperity.
The streets were wide enough for ten carriages to travel side-by-side, flanked by rows of towering pavilions and a forest of shop signs. The flow of people was like a woven tapestry, and the din of the crowd was deafening.
The air was filled with a complex mixture of scents—spices, food, and the musk of horses and carriages—all of which spoke to the vitality and deep heritage of this city, the heart of Qingyang County.
It was far beyond what Liangshui City could compare to; even Qingxuan City paled in comparison.
The carriage didn’t linger in the bustling market streets, instead heading directly for the western part of the city.
Finally, it slowly came to a stop before a sprawling, stately residence. On the plaque above the entrance, the name "Qingxuan Villa" was written in a flamboyant, draconic script.
This was the Qingxuan Sect’s property in the Commandery City, serving as a base for its disciples to stay and handle affairs.
Shen Moyan was the first to disembark, with Fang Han, Luo Bingyun, and Qin Hao following close behind.
In front of the villa, a Steward and several disciples, having already received word, were waiting respectfully.
"Welcome, Hall Master Shen and the three True Inheritors!"
The one in the lead was a middle-aged Steward with sharp features and a composed aura. Seeing the four, he hurried forward and bowed, his attitude deferential.
"Mm, have the rooms been arranged?"
Shen Moyan nodded slightly, his tone calm.
"Yes, Hall Master. They were prepared long ago. They are all top-class courtyards, fully equipped with Quiet Chambers and training rooms."
The middle-aged Steward replied hastily.
His gaze inadvertently swept over the three behind Shen Moyan, pausing for a moment on Fang Han as a flicker of hard-to-detect astonishment and curiosity passed through his eyes.
"Lead the way."
"Yes, please follow me."
The middle-aged Steward stepped aside to lead them, and the group entered the villa.
Inside, the villa was a world of its own, with pavilions, small bridges over flowing water, and a serene and elegant landscape that stood in stark contrast to the clamor outside.
Along the way, the villa’s disciples and servants who saw Shen Moyan and the three True Inheritors in their Silver-Striped Cyan Robes all stopped what they were doing to bow respectfully.
Most of their gazes landed curiously on Fang Han, the newly promoted prodigy, and hushed discussions drifted like a breeze through the corridors.
"That must be Senior Brother Fang Han, right? He’s so young!"
"To become a True Inheritor on the Celestial Pride List after just over a year in the Sect... It’s almost unimaginable!"
"I heard that many geniuses from other powers have come to the Commandery City this time, and they’re all here for Senior Brother Fang..."
"I heard that too. Among them are the third True Inheritor of the Iron Fist Sect, the second from the Thousand Skills Pavilion, and the twelfth from the Tingyu Building!"
"Qin Xiaoran from the Netherworld Pavilion is here too! Senior Brother Fang pushed him off the Celestial Pride List, so he must be holding a grudge."
Although these discussions were quiet, with Fang Han’s current Middle Stage Fifth Grade Cultivation and his newly opened "Insight" Divine Treasure, his perception was so sharp that every single word reached his ears clearly.
His expression remained calm and his steps unhurried as if he hadn’t heard a thing, but inwardly, his heart stirred.
’The third True Inheritor of the Iron Fist Sect, the second from the Thousand Skills Pavilion, the twelfth from the Tingyu Building... and Qin Xiaoran of the Netherworld Pavilion.’
’Even though I expected that my new spot on the list would attract a lot of doubt and challenges, I didn’t think the lineup would be this "luxurious."’
’It includes nearly all the young elites from the major powers in Qingyang County, whether their relationship with the Qingxuan Sect is neutral, complicated, or hostile.’
’Especially the twelfth True Inheritor from Tingyu Building and Qin Xiaoran from Netherworld Pavilion. The former is a disciple from Tingyu Building, one of the Seven Sects renowned for its mysteriousness, and cannot be underestimated. The latter has a direct conflict with me over a "spot on the list," making his hostility the most intense.’
’This lineup... they certainly think highly of me.’
An almost imperceptible, faint smile touched the corners of Fang Han’s lips. Far from feeling fear, a hidden trace of anticipation flickered in the depths of his eyes.
’Actual combat is always the best way to test and temper one’s strength.’
Led by the villa’s Steward, the four of them settled into their respective independent courtyards.
Fang Han’s courtyard was located in the deepest part of the villa, in the most tranquil surroundings. It had a small Martial Arts Arena paved with hard Cyan Gang Stone, as well as a dedicated Quiet Chamber and a study. The furnishings were elegant and everything was provided.
Compared to his last visit when he could only find a random secluded corner to practice, the treatment this time was worlds apart.
These were the hidden benefits that came with the status of a True Inheritor on the Celestial Pride List.
"True Inheritor Fang, if you need anything at all, just give your orders to the servants in the courtyard."
The middle-aged Steward said respectfully as he escorted Fang Han to the courtyard entrance.
"Thank you, Steward."
Fang Han nodded slightly.
The Steward bowed and retreated.
Fang Han entered the courtyard, carefully inspected the Quiet Chamber and its surroundings, and after confirming everything was in order, he dismissed everyone. He sat cross-legged in the Quiet Chamber and began circulating the Profound Wind Technique, regulating his breathing to recover from the fatigue of several days of travel.
He only stopped circulating his technique when night fell and the lanterns were lit, feeling his spirit full and his energy ample, his condition adjusted to its peak.
...
「In the Commandery City, inside an exquisite villa under the Tingyu Building’s name.」
A young man in a water-blue robe, with an elegant face, slender fingers, and a scholarly air, was playing a zither by the window.
The zither’s notes rippled like a gently flowing stream, evoking a lofty and distant realm.
He was the twelfth True Inheritor of Tingyu Building, Su Yu, also known as "Young Master Miaoyin."
The song ended, its lingering notes hanging in the air.
A Tingyu Building disciple standing by his side stepped forward and said in a low voice, "Senior Brother Su, we just received news. Hall Master Shen Moyan of the Qingxuan Sect has led his team to the Qingxuan Villa. That Fang Han... has also arrived."
Su Yu’s fingers, which had been stroking the zither, paused for a moment. A flash of interest appeared in his eyes as he spoke softly.
"Oh? He’s finally here... A little later than expected."
He mused for a moment, a meaningful smile playing on his lips.
"No need to rush. That brute from the Iron Fist Sect and that headstrong girl from the Thousand Skills Pavilion will surely be more restless than we are."
"If someone is willing to test the mettle of this new prodigy first, we’ll be happy to watch from the sidelines. I imagine Qin Xiaoran of the Netherworld Pavilion is even more impatient, isn’t he?"
Hearing this, the attendant disciple nodded in understanding. "Senior Brother is wise."
...
「Meanwhile, within the residence where the Netherworld Pavilion was stationed.」
In a room with a chilly atmosphere, Qin Xiaoran shot to his feet, his face filled with suppressed hostility.
"Fang Han has arrived? Good! I’m going to the Qingxuan Villa right now to defeat him in front of everyone and avenge my humiliation!"
Beside him, an old man in a black robe with a withered face and eyes as deep as an old well spoke slowly, his voice hoarse.
"Xiao Ran, be patient."
"Elder Kumu!"
Qin Xiaoran looked at the elder, his tone laced with dissatisfaction.
"That Fang Han only got on the list by a fluke. My cultivation has improved since then. Defeating him will be as easy as flipping my hand. Why should I wait?"
The elder known as Elder Kumu raised his eyelids slightly and said indifferently.
"It is precisely because your cultivation has improved that you must be more composed. Wait for the Zhang Family’s birthday banquet. When all the heroes are gathered, that will be your chance to make a name for yourself. If you rashly go to their door now, few will see you win, but if you lose, you will lose all face. Isn’t it better to let the people from the Iron Fist Sect and the Thousand Skills Pavilion scout the path first?"
Qin Xiaoran’s brows furrowed. Although he was unwilling, Elder Kumu held a respected position in the Pavilion, and he dared not openly defy him. He could only suppress his anger, sit down with a cold snort.
"Then I’ll let that brat run free for a few more days!"
...
「The next morning, at the first light of dawn.」
Fang Han had already completed his daily Inner Qi Cultivation in the Quiet Chamber, his aura growing ever more rounded and robust.
A Maid tiptoed in to deliver breakfast, a local specialty of the Commandery City. It was exquisite and delicious, made all the better for being a rare treat.
As he was unhurriedly eating his breakfast, a noisy clamor faintly drifted from the direction of the villa’s main gate, as if someone was shouting loudly.
Fang Han’s movement of picking up a crystal shrimp dumpling paused slightly, and a flash of understanding crossed his eyes.
’What was bound to come has finally arrived.’
Sure enough, not long after, a disciple from the villa hurried to the outside of his courtyard and respectfully reported from beyond the door.
"Senior Brother Fang, outside... outside, Lei Gang, the third True Inheritor of the Iron Fist Sect, has come to visit. He says... he says he wishes to ask for your guidance in Martial Arts."
Though the words were polite, the challenge they implied was self-evident.
Fang Han put the shrimp dumpling in his mouth, chewed and swallowed it carefully, then took a sip of the Spirit Rice Porridge beside him. Only then did he speak, unhurriedly and in a calm voice.
"I understand. Tell Lei Gang that I will be there shortly."
"Yes, Senior Brother."
The disciple took his leave.
Fang Han remained unhurried. He finished every item of his breakfast, rinsed his mouth with clear tea, straightened his robes, and only then did he pick up his Flowing Wind Sword and walk with composed steps toward the villa’s Martial Arts Arena.
The Martial Arts Arena of the Qingxuan Villa was already packed with people.
Besides the villa’s own disciples, a crowd of young disciples from other powers who had heard the news had also gathered, clearly here to watch the show.
In the center of the arena stood a brawny young man with knotted muscles. He wore a sleeveless short coat, revealing his bronze-colored arms, and stood with them crossed, an undisguised look of arrogance and impatience on his face.
He was Lei Gang, the third disciple of the Iron Fist Sect. He had already reached Early Stage Fifth Grade Cultivation half a year ago, and his pair of iron fists were quite famous among the younger generation.
"Why isn’t that Fang Han here yet? Is he scared or something?"
Lei Gang waited for a moment, but seeing no sign of Fang Han, he couldn’t help but shout, his voice so loud it made people’s eardrums buzz.
"Hmph, I see the Qingxuan Sect’s prodigy is just all talk, a coward as timid as a mouse!"
Immediately, disciples in the crowd who were on good terms with the Iron Fist Sect or who were simply there to see a joke chimed in with jeers and sneers.
"Nonsense! Senior Brother Fang is a man of great character. Why would he be afraid of you?"
"He must have been delayed by something! Stop your arrogant boasting!"
Hearing this, the disciples of the Qingxuan Villa all grew angry, retorting one after another and starting to argue with the others.
The arena instantly erupted into a noisy argument.
