Chapter 110: Chapter 109: A Hidden Confrontation

’While Fang Han’s current growth rate might not compare to those legendary few from history, he is definitely a rare, top-level genius...’

Chen Xuan’s heart couldn’t help but beat a little faster.

He closed the dossier, his expression turning solemn. His previous indifference and hands-off attitude were now cast to the winds.

He looked at the Steward who had first come to report the conflict between Fang Han and Chu Feng, his tone firm and decisive, carrying an unquestionable authority.

"Relay my words. As long as a disciple of my Sub-Branch abides by the Sect’s rules, the Sub-Branch will always be their shield."

"I will absolutely not allow anyone to use improper means to suppress or ostracize our disciples. This applies even if they are a True Disciple! If anyone dares to defy this, I will be the first to stand against them!"

"Yes, Elder!"

Hearing this, the two Stewards felt a chill run down their spines and hurriedly bowed in acknowledgement.

They understood that from this moment on, Fang Han’s status in Elder Chen Xuan’s eyes had completely changed.

If True Inheritor Chu Feng wanted to suppress Fang Han, he would have to think twice about whether he was willing to incur the Dean’s wrath.

Chen Xuan gazed outside the courtyard. His eyes seemed to pierce through layers of buildings to see the White Jade Plaza and the young disciple named Fang Han.

He muttered to himself, his eyes filled with anticipation.

"Kid, I’ve offended a True Inheritor for you. I hope you don’t let me down."

...

「True Inheritance Courtyard, Chu Feng’s residence.」

Song Xiang stood with his hands respectfully at his sides, recounting with great embellishment how Fang Han had not only refused to come but had even used the Sect’s rules to defy the summons.

He particularly emphasized Fang Han’s "arrogance" and "disrespect" during their exchange.

"He... he also said that if a True Inheritor Senior Brother summons someone forcefully without a valid reason, it’s no different from holding a private trial... He also said that if you have a problem with it, Senior Brother, you can take it up with the Law Enforcement Hall..."

Song Xiang stole a glance at Chu Feng’s expression, his voice growing quieter as he spoke.

Chu Feng sat upright in the sandalwood chair at the head of the room, his knuckles unconsciously tapping a dull rhythm on the armrest.

His face appeared calm, but his sharp eyes were frosted over with cold fury. The oppressive aura emanating from him seemed to make the temperature in the room drop by several degrees.

"Good. Very good."

Chu Feng’s voice wasn’t loud, but it carried a bone-chilling coldness.

"A mere new disciple dares to be so impudent. It seems I, Chu Feng, have been too lenient, letting people forget their place in the hierarchy!"

Since becoming a True Inheritor, when had he, Chu Feng, ever been subjected to such defiance?

Even many Stewards had to be polite and respectful when they saw him.

In his eyes, Fang Han’s actions were not just a refusal, but a blatant provocation against his authority.

"Senior Brother."

Song Xiang said quickly.

"That Fang Han doesn’t know what’s good for him. If he isn’t punished, I’m afraid other disciples will follow his example in the future..."

Chu Feng snorted coldly, a vicious glint in his eyes.

"Since he values the Sect’s rules so much, then we’ll find some trouble for him within the bounds of those rules."

"Go to the Task Hall and find Steward Liang. Tell him to give Fang Han some special ’attention’."

He deliberately emphasized the word "attention," and Song Xiang immediately understood the hidden meaning.

This so-called "attention," of course, meant finding ways to make things difficult for him within the rules, making it hard for Fang Han to get good tasks. This would drastically slow his rate of earning Contribution Points and, in turn, hinder his Cultivation progress.

"Yes, Senior Brother! I’ll get right on it!"

Song Xiang bowed in response and turned to leave quickly.

...

「Task Hall, antechamber.」

Song Xiang found Steward Liang, who was processing documents. After dismissing the attendants, he explained his purpose in a low voice.

Steward Liang was a shrewd-looking, lean-faced man of about forty.

Upon hearing Song Xiang relay Chu Feng’s intentions, his brow furrowed slightly. He stroked the short beard on his chin and mused aloud.

"I understand True Inheritor Chu’s meaning, but... deliberately targeting a disciple like this could be troublesome if it’s discovered. That Fang Han doesn’t have any backing, does he?"

"Steward Liang, you worry too much. What kind of backing could a disciple from a minor family possibly have?"

"Senior Brother Chu is a True Inheritor and a future candidate for Elder. Who would dig deep into such a trivial matter for an insignificant disciple?"

Song Xiang said with a smile.

A calculating look flickered in Steward Liang’s eyes.

Chu Feng was a True Inheritor with a limitless future; staying on his good side would naturally bring many benefits.

As for Fang Han, just as Song Xiang had said, he had no background. Suppressing him seemed to carry little risk.

He was just about to nod and agree.

Just then, a man in a Steward’s Robe walked in. It was Wu Hao, one of Elder Chen Xuan’s trusted Stewards.

"Steward Liang."

Wu Hao smiled and clasped his hands in greeting, his gaze sweeping nonchalantly over Song Xiang, who stood to the side.

Steward Liang’s heart skipped a beat as he rose to welcome him.

"Steward Wu, what wind blows you here? Does Elder Chen have some instructions?"

Wu Hao’s expression turned serious, his tone calm but firm.

"I have indeed come to relay a message on Elder Chen’s orders. The Elder says that as long as the disciples of our Sub-Branch abide by the Sect’s rules, the Sub-Branch will always be their shield." 𝙧𝙚𝙚𝔀𝒆𝓫𝓷𝙤𝓿𝒆𝙡.𝒄𝙤𝓶

"The Sect has its own laws for rewards and punishments. No one is permitted to use improper means to suppress or ostracize the talented individuals of our branch. This applies even if the other party is a True Disciple; they must not cross the line. If anyone dares to defy this, the Elder will be the first to stand against them."

The words didn’t name anyone specifically, but being spoken at this very moment, their target could not have been more obvious.

The smile on Steward Liang’s face froze instantly, and a layer of cold sweat broke out on his back.

How could he not understand? This was a clear warning from Elder Chen Xuan, a declaration that he was protecting Fang Han!

Chu Feng was a True Inheritor who might become an Elder in the future, but Chen Xuan was a current Elder who held real power!

The gap in their status and power was immense.

If he offended Chen Xuan, forget about his future prospects; he would be lucky to keep his current position as a Steward.

Listening from the side, Song Xiang’s face also turned pale. ’This is bad,’ he thought.

He never imagined that Elder Chen Xuan would intervene so directly for a mere Fang Han, even going so far as to oppose Senior Brother Chu Feng.

After delivering the message, Wu Hao made some small talk for a moment before taking his leave, as if he had only come to deliver a perfectly ordinary notice.

After Wu Hao left, Steward Liang let out a long sigh of relief. He wiped the nervous sweat from his brow and looked at Song Xiang with an expression full of helplessness and apology.

"Nephew Song, you see... Elder Chen has spoken personally. On this matter, I’m truly... powerless to help. Please inform True Inheritor Chu that it’s not that I am unwilling to make an effort, it’s just that... sigh!"

"Steward Liang, you’re being too serious. The situation has changed, I’m sure Senior Brother will understand. I will go back and report to him now."

Knowing the matter was a lost cause, Song Xiang could only force a smile.

...

「True Inheritance Courtyard」

After hearing Song Xiang’s report, Chu Feng’s expression was so dark it looked like it could drip water.

The teacup in his hand creaked under his grip until, with a final CRACK, several fissures were forcefully squeezed into its surface.

"Chen Xuan...!"

Chu Feng squeezed the two words through his gritted teeth, rage churning in his chest.

He hadn’t expected Chen Xuan to be so disrespectful, to directly oppose him over a common disciple. This was no different from a public slap in the face.

Amid his anger, a trace of doubt also surfaced in his mind.

For an Elder like Chen Xuan to protect Fang Han so staunchly, even at the risk of creating a rift with a True Inheritor like himself, there had to be something extraordinary about this Fang Han.

Otherwise, why would Chen Xuan go to such lengths?

"Go. Investigate this Fang Han’s background thoroughly, especially what he has accomplished in the few months since he entered the Sect. Find out what could make Chen Xuan value him so highly!"

Chu Feng suppressed his anger and ordered Song Xiang. He needed more accurate information to assess the situation.

Song Xiang accepted the order and, not daring to delay, immediately withdrew to make inquiries.

About an hour later, Song Xiang returned, a look of residual shock still on his face.

"Senior Brother, I found out! That Fang Han... this morning at the Sub-Branch Martial Arts Stele test, his rank shot up from seventy-eighth place all the way to eighteenth!"

"Moreover, he triggered Wind Momentum during his attack and has already cultivated a Low Grade Sword Technique to Perfection!"

"His rank jumped sixty places at once?"

A look of astonishment appeared in Chu Feng’s eyes.

As a True Inheritor, he knew all too well what that meant.

Such Talent would make him one of the best in any generation of disciples, more than enough to attract the special attention of the branch’s Elders.

"No wonder... no wonder Chen Xuan would act this way..."

Chu Feng’s fingers tapped lightly on the table, the surprise in his eyes gradually replaced by gravity.

Without a doubt, Chen Xuan had seen Fang Han’s potential and was optimistic about his future achievements.

"Senior Brother, what should we do then...?" Song Xiang asked cautiously.

Chu Feng was silent for a moment, a cold light flickering in his eyes.

"Since Chen Xuan has already made his stance clear, moving against him now would mean confronting Chen Xuan directly. However..."

His tone shifted, carrying a hint of coldness.

"This matter absolutely cannot end here. There will be plenty of opportunities later to let him know the consequences of offending me, Chu Feng!"

Fang Han’s displayed Talent had indeed surprised him, but as someone who had won the position of True Inheritor by competing against thousands of disciples, he was a true genius in his own right. He didn’t believe his own Talent was any weaker than Fang Han’s.

Besides, if he just let this matter go, what would become of his dignity as a True Inheritor?

"Yes, Senior Brother."

Song Xiang lowered his head in acknowledgement, but his heart shuddered. He knew that his Senior Brother had now truly come to resent Fang Han.

...

「Sub-Branch, a secluded clearing.」

Fang Han had just finished a round of practicing the Wind-Splitting Swordsmanship. Sweat beaded on his temples, and his breathing was slightly labored.

With the boost from his Sixteenfold Swordsmanship Talent, his progress with the Wind-Splitting Swordsmanship was much faster than before. His comprehension of "Gathering Wind into Blade" deepened daily, and the power of his Sword Techniques increased steadily.

He had a feeling that it wouldn’t be long before he cultivated this Swordsmanship to the Minor Achievement stage.

After regulating his breathing for a moment, Fang Han switched to practicing the Startled Swan Step.

SWOOSH, SWOOSH...

His figure flashed and weaved through the clearing in the woods, his steps nimble, leaving behind a trail of afterimages.

His Startled Swan Step, now at the Great Success Level, was quite refined. Both his linear speed and his agility in changing directions far surpassed what they were before.

However, just like with the Xunfeng Swordsmanship after it reached Great Success, the difficulty of cultivating the Startled Swan Step increased dramatically upon entering the Great Success Realm.

Even the slightest bit of progress required immense mental effort to comprehend and attempt.

Even with the amplification from his Eightfold Stepping Talent, his progress had become slow and arduous.

’At this rate, it will take at least several months of hard work to reach Perfection.’

’Unless I can also raise my Stepping Talent to a sixteenfold amplification, but I’m far from having enough silver coins for that right now.’

Unlocking the Level 4 Amplification for his Stepping Talent to increase the multiplier to sixteenfold required ten thousand silver taels. The combined value of the silver taels and Contribution Points he possessed was still several thousand taels short of this amount.