"Even the one among them considered least scheming is far deeper than the average Jianghu person. Each of them has experienced too much; almost every event in this world, they’ve been through once, have set and tasted every intrigue and trap multiple times."

"They don’t even need to think much; they can avoid more than ninety-nine percent of schemes by relying on experience and intuition alone."

"Those old souls who have survived the tumultuous Jianghu for so many years without dying each have their own unique talents. In their realm, it is very difficult to kill them."

"Thus, those who believe themselves to be deeply cunning and can confidently play mind games with them are almost all dead at their hands."

"Their power is such that they can even avoid all the so-called certain-death ambushes in this world."

"Trying to play mind games in front of such old demons is no different from seeking one’s own death."

"As of now... capable of doing so, as far as I know, there is only myself in the whole world."

Dongfang Sansan spoke up here, finally raising his head, his eyes holding deep meaning as he looked into Fang Che’s eyes, calmly saying, "Using the tricks for Yin Shen Palace on them is no different from a joke."

"If you think you’re doing well now, turning Yin Shen Palace around as if you have them fooled, and thus believe Yan Nan and others are just as easy to deal with, I’m afraid... you’ll die before you know it."

Fang Che lowered his head in embarrassment, "Yes."

It must be said that before this, he indeed somewhat had such thoughts.

"The relationship between Yixin Sect and Yin Shen Palace, it must be admitted, is largely due to luck. One part of this luck is Sun Yuan; the greatest help Sun Yuan gave you was in timing his death."

"The second part of luck is Ren Zhongyuan’s ambition and rebellion."

"Without either of these events, you wouldn’t have reached where you are today, and more likely you would have been cleared by Yin Shen Palace. Situations like those in Yixin Sect will definitely not occur at the upper levels of Wei Wo Zheng Sect."

"Yes, Ninth Lord, I will remember."

Fang Che understood that Dongfang Sansan had seen through some of his thoughts, and though he knew these direct words hurt to hear, Dongfang Sansan chose to speak plainly, not even trying to cushion the blow.

No euphemisms whatsoever.

He insisted on using this method to eliminate all of Fang Che’s illusions!

Seeing Fang Che’s attitude, hearing Fang Che’s words, Dongfang Sansan listened very seriously, and carefully gauged whether Fang Che’s words were truly heartfelt.

Only then was he finally satisfied.

A smile appeared on his lean face.

He then opened the third packet of tea leaves.

And even gave a sideways grin, "Remembered it?"

"Remembered, remembered."

"Then... let’s start brewing the third pot of tea."

"Eager to hear Ninth Lord’s teachings."

Dongfang Sansan began the tea-washing procedure.

The entire process was shrouded in profound silence.

Fang Che only felt that his mind suddenly achieved perfect clarity.

"The grand situation and the upper echelon have been discussed. What would you like to know about this third pot of tea?"

Dongfang Sansan asked.

"Rivals and choices, as well as the future path in Wei Wo Zheng Sect."

Fang Che said, "This is also the problem that feels chaotic at the moment. There are some plans in mind, but... it feels very disordered, without direction."

Dongfang Sansan pondered for a moment, then said, "In that case, you go ahead. Speak about what you have done during this period and the purpose behind these actions. Then I’ll help you sort it all out."

Finally, getting the chance to speak, Fang Che felt an overwhelming wave of endless bitterness rise unexpectedly.

That feeling of helplessness, loneliness, misapprehension, witnessing brothers die before his eyes, suddenly surged like a tidal wave.

He opened his mouth, ready to complain.

But instead took a breath and swallowed it back down.

He whispered, "I really have accumulated quite a lot during this time that is inconvenient to discuss with others."

Dongfang Sansan sensitively sensed Fang Che’s emotional fluctuations, subtly raising his head, softly speaking, "Is it... very tough?"

Fang Che faintly smiled, "Not tough."

He took a breath and said quietly, "...it feels quite refreshing."

Dongfang Sansan furrowed his brows, saying, "No need to conceal anything. I’m here today partly to give you a chance to vent. Because, your hardships cannot be spoken to others beyond me. So, I hope you’ll speak more."

"This will be better for you."

He even gently laughed, "Before coming, I already prepared to be an emotional dumpster."

Fang Che shook his head, "Really not tough."

He had originally planned countless times that when he saw Ninth Lord, he would certainly complain heartily.

Yet somehow, when words came to his mouth, he no longer felt like sharing.

Simply because he knew the pressure borne by Ninth Lord before his eyes was far greater than his own.

His grievances, his hardships, compared to Ninth Lord’s burdens, were truly insignificant.

He couldn’t bring himself to add even the slightest pressure onto Ninth Lord.

Dongfang Sansan’s eyes softened, gently sighing. Beneath his eyes flashed a moment of infinite sorrow.

He whispered, "These are the prices we must pay... Fang Che, do you know how a person becomes weathered, becomes old?"

"Whether ordinary people or martial artists, their aging comes not from time and years. It comes from experience. All the joys and sorrows, all the separations and reunions, the love and hatred, are the greatest enemies of life."