Upon returning to the Sect, Fang Han headed straight for the Task Hall to submit his proof of mission completion.

The voucher bore Chu Yunshan’s personal signature and private seal. After confirming its authenticity, the Steward in charge of verification directly transferred one hundred Contribution Points to Fang Han’s Identity Jade Token.

This saved him the trouble of having to see Chu Feng, much to Fang Han’s relief.

After collecting his Contribution Points, Fang Han returned to the Sub-Branch.

Instead of returning to his quarters, he began searching the Sub-Branch for Li Shan, the man who had been spying on him.

He had already taken care of Zhao Qianjun. As Zhao Qianjun’s informant, Li Shan might guess that he was the killer, so he had to be found and eliminated immediately.

Fortunately, Li Shan was just a servant. With Fang Han’s status as an Official Disciple, killing him would, at most, result in a fine of a few Contribution Points.

’He’s not in the courtyard?’

Fang Han searched the entire Sub-Branch but couldn’t find any trace of Li Shan.

He mulled it over for a moment before beckoning to a servant who was polishing a nearby corridor pillar.

"How may I help you, Senior Brother?"

The servant quickly put down his rag, stepped forward, and asked with a respectful bow.

"I’d like to ask you about someone."

Fang Han chose his words carefully to make the question seem casual.

"There’s a servant named Li San. He always seems diligent, so I wanted to have him help clean my room, but I can’t seem to find him anywhere."

The young servant’s face flickered with nervousness and fear. He lowered his voice and said, "Senior Brother, Li Shan... he... a few days ago, he somehow angered Senior Brother Zhao Qianjun from the Yin Courtyard. Senior Brother Zhao... accidentally... killed him."

Fang Han’s eyes narrowed. He understood everything in an instant.

’So, before making his move on me, Zhao Qianjun had already eliminated Li Shan to prevent any leaks.’

’No wonder the assassination didn’t happen for so long after I left the Sect. I thought I’d been wrong about Zhao Qianjun, but it turns out he was just tying up loose ends before coming after me.’

’That Zhao Qianjun was certainly ruthless and methodical. A shame he still ended up falling by my hand.’

His expression remained unchanged. He simply said coolly, "I see. I understand. You can get back to your work."

"Yes, Senior Brother." Looking as if he’d been granted amnesty, the servant quickly bowed and scurried away.

He pushed open the door to Room C-7. Having been gone only a few days, the room wasn’t very dusty.

His earlier claim about wanting Li Shan to clean had been just an excuse, of course.

He slid the bolt shut, carefully checked that the windows were sealed tight, and then walked to the center of the room, letting out a long, deep breath.

The tension from days of travel and the underlying stress of the mission finally melted away.

He summoned his system panel. A translucent screen of light quietly materialized before his eyes:

[Host: Fang Han]

[Root Bone Talent Amplification: Sixteenfold (Level 5 Amplification requires 100,000 silver)]

[Swordsmanship Talent Amplification: Eightfold (Level 4 Amplification requires 10,000 silver)]

[Stepping Talent Amplification: Eightfold (Level 4 Amplification requires 10,000 silver)]

[Wealth: 832 silver]

"Deposit."

Without a moment’s hesitation, Fang Han deposited all one hundred and thirty gold from the wooden box.

The wealth value on the panel instantly jumped from 832 silver to 13,832 silver.

"Activate Level 4 Amplification for Swordsmanship Talent!"

His gaze fell on the "Level 4 Amplification" option under "Swordsmanship Talent Amplification," a fervent glint in his eyes.

He focused his will and issued the command without hesitation.

Instantly, the text on the panel rippled and refreshed.

[Swordsmanship Talent Amplification: Sixteenfold (Level 5 Amplification requires 100,000 silver)]

’A sixteenfold amplification for my Swordsmanship Talent!’

Overwhelming joy surged through Fang Han.

Just like his Root Bone Talent, his Swordsmanship Talent had now reached a staggering sixteenfold amplification.

Eager to test the effects of his newly augmented Swordsmanship Talent, he immediately grabbed his Cyan Blade Sword, pushed open the door, and went to a quiet, secluded clearing in the Sub-Branch he often used for practice.

Taking a deep breath and clearing his mind of distractions, Fang Han began practicing the Wind-Splitting Swordsmanship.

The opening move was still Returning Wind and Shadow, a technique that appeared simple but contained countless hidden Transformations.

He circulated his Inner Qi and swung the longsword in a rapid arc.

Something was different.

Before, because the Wind-Splitting Swordsmanship was so difficult to cultivate, his insights had always been sporadic and inconsistent.

Not only was his comprehension slow, but his practice always felt sluggish and awkward.

But now, as he practiced, insights flowed into him without pause. The core principles of the swordsmanship that once required long, arduous contemplation now surfaced in his mind like water from a gushing spring.

His understanding of the core principle—"Gathering Wind into Blade, Sky Splitting Gold-Breaking"—instantly deepened several times over.

He could clearly perceive how to condense his Inner Qi more efficiently, how to make the wind from his blade even sharper, and how to perfectly combine speed with penetrating power...

SWISH SWISH SWISH—

The Cyan Blade Sword in Fang Han’s hand moved faster and faster, its light flashing and creating a series of sharp whooshes as it cut through the air.

As he shifted between Sword Techniques, his movements gained a new fluidity and Spiritual Energy they had lacked before.

Although he was still a ways off from the Minor Achievement Realm, his cultivation efficiency was worlds better than when he had the Eightfold Swordsmanship Talent.

At this rate, it wouldn’t be long before he reached the Minor Achievement Realm in the Wind-Splitting Swordsmanship.

Fang Han was completely immersed in the wonderful sensation of his Sword Dao comprehension rapidly advancing, losing all track of time and his surroundings.

He only stopped when the sun began to set, its last rays stretching his shadow long across the ground. Slowly, he sheathed his sword and stood still. Fine beads of sweat dotted his forehead and his chest rose and fell gently, but his eyes were preternaturally bright.

’Sixteenfold Swordsmanship Talent... Not bad at all!’

Fang Han mused, the corners of his mouth curling up into an irrepressible grin. He could truly feel the improvement in his Swordsmanship Talent.

’I can’t believe a single mission outside the Sect netted me a free thirteen thousand silver.’

’I really should thank Zhao Qianjun. After all, he was my personal Wealth-Bringing Boy.’

The thought of Zhao Qianjun, however, reminded Fang Han of his own troubles.

’Thinking of True Inheritor Chu Feng, whom I’ve likely angered,’ he cursed his bad luck. ’I never should have taken that mission, no matter how good the reward was.’

’Then he thought of the Lin Family, and of Lin Yaotian, the one who had secretly ordered Zhao Qianjun to act. A cold glint flashed deep in his eyes.’

’The Lin Family... Once I’m strong enough, I will eliminate that threat for good!’

As twilight deepened, Fang Han sheathed his sword and turned back toward his quarters. 𝚏𝗿𝗲𝐞𝐰𝚎𝕓𝐧𝚘𝘃𝗲𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝕞

His back, silhouetted against the setting sun, seemed exceptionally straight and tall, filled with a sharp, ambitious energy.

...

The next morning, Fang Han was up and cultivating as the first light of dawn broke.

He sat cross-legged on his bed, consumed a Peiyuan Pill, and began circulating the Middle Grade Inner Qi Cultivation Technique, the Xunfeng Technique.

With his sixteenfold Root Bone Talent Amplification, his Inner Qi surged like a rushing stream, flowing merrily through his meridians. The pale cyan Inner Qi in his Guanyuan Acupoint slowly strengthened at a visible rate.

More than two hours later, he finished his cultivation.

Fang Han slowly withdrew his energy, feeling refreshed and clear-headed, though his stomach was growling with hunger.

He straightened his clothes and prepared to head to the dining hall for a meal.

Just then—

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!

A series of rapid, almost violent knocks shattered the morning quiet.

Fang Han frowned, walked to the door, and pulled it open.

Outside stood a young man in his twenties, dressed in a cyan Disciple’s Robe. His eyes held a hostile glint.

His aura was extremely powerful; he was very likely an Eighth Grade Martial Artist.

"You’re Fang Han?"

Song Xiang sized Fang Han up, his tone stiff and commanding.

"True Inheritor Chu Feng wants to see you. Come with me at once."

’So, they’ve come.’

Hearing the reason for the visit, Fang Han sneered inwardly. ’Just as I expected.’

’Chu Yunshan must have gone crying to Chu Feng. And judging by this disciple’s attitude, Chu Feng is clearly furious.’

His expression was placid as he met the other man’s gaze, his voice clear and cold.

"Senior Brother, for what reason does True Inheritor Chu Feng summon me? If it’s official Sect business, a Steward or an Elder would have delivered the summons. If it’s a personal matter, then I’m afraid I must decline. I am at a critical stage of my cultivation and cannot be disturbed."

"Fang Han, you’ve got some nerve! How dare you make excuses when a True Inheritor Senior Brother summons you? If you know what’s good for you, you’ll come with me now. Don’t make this ugly!"

Song Xiang clearly hadn’t expected such a direct refusal. He froze for a second, then his face flushed with anger.

"Senior Brother, according to Sect rules, while True Disciples hold a respected position, they have no authority to directly command or punish ordinary disciples. Forcibly summoning me without a legitimate reason... how is that any different from holding a private tribunal?"

"If you wish to resort to force, Senior Brother, feel free to try. We’ll see what the Law Enforcement Hall has to say about it afterward!"

Fang Han’s eyes turned cold and his voice dropped, but he spoke loudly on purpose.

He was confident that by making a scene, the disciple wouldn’t dare to attack him—not unless he really wanted to take a trip to the Law Enforcement Hall.

"You..."

Song Xiang had intended to intimidate Fang Han with Chu Feng’s name, but he hadn’t expected his target to be completely unfazed, instead using the Sect’s own rules against him.

’If we really fight and this gets to the Law Enforcement Hall, I’ll be the one in trouble.’

’Senior Brother Chu Feng wouldn’t be affected much, but as the pawn who threw the first punch, I’d definitely be punished.’

At this thought, his expression shifted. He finally suppressed his anger and pointed a finger at Fang Han, his tone full of bluster.

"Fine! Fine, Fang Han! You dare show such contempt for a True Inheritor Senior Brother! Just you wait! You’ll regret this!"

With that, he shot Fang Han a vicious glare and stormed away.

The commotion had been loud enough to attract the attention of nearby disciples who were either up early for cultivation or preparing to leave their rooms.

Many of them peeked out from behind doors and windows or stopped in the distance to watch, their expressions a mixture of curiosity and speculation.

"What’s with that Fang Han? Did he really just offend True Inheritor Chu Feng?"

"True Inheritor Chu Feng sent someone to summon him and he dared to refuse? That’s insane!"

"Tch, you can’t put it that way. Senior Brother Chu Feng isn’t an Elder yet. He doesn’t have the authority to summon disciples."

"He’s not an Elder, but he’s already acting like one."

"That may be true, but he just offended a True Inheritor. Life in the Sect is going to be tough for Fang Han from now on..."

Among the crowd, Wang Meng also witnessed the scene. Her cool eyes swept over Fang Han, her brow knitting slightly.

In her eyes, Fang Han’s actions were tantamount to a praying mantis trying to stop a chariot—utterly reckless and an overestimation of his own strength.

How could a new disciple possibly contend with the power and influence of a True Disciple?

"Fang Han!"

Xiao Chen hurried over from the side, a worried expression on his face.

"What was that all about? How did you end up in a conflict with True Inheritor Chu Feng?"

Seeing it was Xiao Chen, Fang Han’s expression softened. He quickly explained what had happened: his trip to deliver the letter to the Chu Family, Chu Yunshan’s unreasonable demands, and his refusal.

After listening, Xiao Chen shook his head, speechless.

"The Chu Family... They’re truly arrogant. And True Inheritor Chu Feng is being far too defensive of his own people. But you’ve really angered him this time. What are you going to do now?"

"I’ll face whatever comes my way."

Fang Han’s gaze shifted toward the Martial Arts Stele in the center of the Sub-Branch, his eyes sharp. He already had a plan.