Chapter 180: Jiang Chen, How Did You Get Here?
Chapter 180: Jiang Chen, How Did You Get Here?
Considering the reputation of Jiang Chen and Ji Ruxue, their passage was naturally unobstructed.
Additionally, the individuals they encountered en route demonstrated a mix of respect and astonishment.
Before long, Jiang Chen had escorted the two women, Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing, to the main hall where they came across Fang Yuan.
"How do you fare, Junior Brother Fang Yuan?"
Jiang Chen directed his gaze at Fang Yuan, who was seated in a cross-legged position on the bed. His tone carried a note of worry.
On first appraisal of Fang Yuan, Jiang Chen recognized that Fang Yuan's demeanor had vastly improved from his defeated state. There was no sign of despair or discouragement.
However, this didn't surprise Jiang Chen.
After all, Fang Yuan was the main character, a protagonist under the guidance of two formidable figures from the Void Tribulation realm!
"Jiang Chen, how did you get here?"
The sight of Jiang Chen made Fang Yuan feel a sudden unease.
Upon spotting Ji Ruxue at Jiang Chen's side, fury surged in Fang Yuan.
Ji Ruxue was a woman he once desired.
But now, she was with Jiang Chen!
However, after receiving enlightenment from Shangguan Ning and Nangong Wan, Fang Yuan had relinquished many things, and his wrath had somewhat subsided.
"Hmm, is that any way to speak?"
Xie Xiaojing's eyebrows knit together, "Holy Son Jiang Chen has come to see you, and yet you're still dissatisfied?"
"No matter."
"Junior Brother Fang Yuan is merely like this, he's actually rather agreeable."
Jiang Chen gave a reassuring smile and dismissively waved his hand, settling himself beside Fang Yuan.
Nonetheless, a tinge of regret brewed within him.
Observing Ji Ruxue, he noticed Fang Yuan's mood was unbroken.
Jiang Chen surmised that Fang Yuan must have accepted early on that he would lose the opportunity to win Ji Ruxue's heart, hence his reluctant resignation, given that he had already endured one setback.
Conversely, Fang Yuan felt a fresh wave of unease as Jiang Chen seated himself nearby.
"It seems your injuries have healed."
Jiang Chen assessed Fang Yuan with a glance, his face breaking into a delighted smile.
"Indeed."
Fang Yuan responded somewhat dismissively, "Senior Wenren Kang attended to my wounds."
"That's good to hear, truly."
Jiang Chen nodded in approval, then transitioned into a discussion on other matters.
As Fang Yuan interacted with Jiang Chen, his internal discomfort escalated!
The adversary stood before him, yet he was unable to retaliate, instead suppressing his resentment to engage in conversation. Fang Yuan's discomfort was palpable!
"Holy Son Jiang Chen."
"Did you merely visit me to engage in idle talk?"
Unable to bear it any longer, Fang Yuan's tone carried a hint of indifference.
Upon hearing this, Xie Xiaojing and Ji Ruxue simultaneously furrowed their brows, feeling that Fang Yuan was indeed overly standoffish. He seemed to be taking their goodwill for granted.
"Ruxue, Xiaojing."
"I need to discuss something privately with Junior Brother Fang Yuan."
Noting that Ji Ruxue's presence hadn't affected Fang Yuan's mood, Jiang Chen proceeded to the next stage of his plan.
"Understood."
Though Ji Ruxue and Xie Xiaojing were intrigued by what Jiang Chen might discuss with Fang Yuan, they sensibly exited the room, gently closing the door behind them.
Immediately, a beam of brilliance flashed across the door - it was a prohibition, set to block divine sense.
"What can't be openly discussed?" Fang Yuan's voice carried an air of indifference.
"It's regarding the foundation of your cultivation."
Jiang Chen flashed a serene smile, "If I'm not mistaken, Senior Nangong Wan and Senior Shangguan Ning should have a method to restore your foundation, correct?"
Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, both mighty powerhouses who had reached the Void Tribulation realm, would undoubtedly have a method to restore the foundation of a Heavenly Origin realm cultivator!
"..."
Fang Yuan furrowed his brows, not particularly inclined to respond when his thoughts had been accurately predicted.
"Do you require assistance?"
Jiang Chen's demeanor remained steady, his smile undiminished.
Fang Yuan was immediately inclined to decline.
But just then...
"Fang Yuan, your cultivation foundation could be restored more swiftly if Jiang Chen helps!"
Nangong Wan's voice chimed in, "To restore your cultivation foundation, Fang Yuan, requires a significant quantity of materials. Were we to gather them ourselves, we risk exposing certain details and attracting undue attention."
"Indeed."
"Jiang Chen has already succeeded in deceiving Ji Mingxiu once."
"If he assists you in restoring your foundation this time, it won't raise any suspicions. It's the quickest and safest method!"
Shangguan Ning also chimed in, "If you hold no objections, Fang Yuan, let's proceed with this."
"I... have no objections."
Fang Yuan exhibited slight hesitation before giving his assent.
Internally, he was resisting.
That was because Jiang Chen was his adversary, the rival who had inflicted profound humiliation upon him. He wished he could give Jiang Chen a taste of torment.
How could he accept Jiang Chen's 'benevolence'?
However, Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning had already consented.
Should he, Fang Yuan, refute their decision, he would undoubtedly be branded as obstinate and wilful.
"Hmm."
"Specify any materials required, and I will directly communicate your needs."
"I will petition the Holy Lord directly, attributing the method's acquisition to the two Void Tribulation ream seniors."
"By doing so, their scrutiny will predominantly be on me, making the likelihood of them noticing the Soul Embodying Ring significantly lower."
Jiang Chen responded affirmatively, his tone resonating with excitement.
"Excellent."
"In order to restore Fang Yuan's cultivation foundation, several materials are necessary, in addition to mastering the nineteen methods within the 'Precious Pill Seeking Record'."
"The exact materials are..."
Nangong Wan meticulously detailed the required elements.
Together with Shangguan Ning, they used their divine sense to materialize the 'Precious Pill Seeking Record'!
The 'Precious Pill Seeking Record', a Dao Palace realm pill manual!
It thoroughly documented an array of pills, including descriptive profiles of the pills, pill refinement formulas, as well as numerous diagnostic and treatment methodologies.
Shortly thereafter.
"I've committed it to memory!"
"I shall take action immediately."
"Meanwhile, there have been numerous unusual occurrences involving demonic beasts near the Holy Land's headquarters. Fang Yuan, it would be best for you to rest and focus on your cultivation. Try to avoid wandering about."
Having memorized the contents of the material list and the 'Precious Pill Seeking Record', Jiang Chen immediately stood up.
"I shan't escort you out."
In the end, despite his lingering resentment towards Jiang Chen, Fang Yuan managed to suppress his feelings and offered a respectful salute.
'Sigh!'
'Why does Fang Yuan always harbor such profound prejudice against Jiang Chen!'
'It truly baffles me!'
Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning wore troubled expressions, both inwardly frowning.
As for Fang Yuan's attitude towards Jiang Chen, they were equally perplexed and helpless. Moreover, there was an undertone of apology directed towards Jiang Chen.
"Until next time."
With a subtle smile, Jiang Chen cupped his hands together, gave a courteous bow, spun on his heel, opened the door, and made his way out.
The door gently shut behind him. Fang Yuan, left behind, closed his eyes and gradually began his cultivation.
Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, however, used this opportunity to rest and restore their spirits with a newfound peace of mind.
Given Jiang Chen's assistance, they no longer needed to depart from the Purple Heaven Holy Land's territory and hide in the outskirts, laboring to seek materials to mend Fang Yuan's foundation.
Beyond the door, Xie Xiaojing and Ji Ruxue, who had been waiting for Jiang Chen, embarked on their journey back.
In that moment.
[Ding! You have successfully altered the plot. The Protagonist Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value has decreased by 500 points!]
[Ding! You have acquired 1000 Villain Value points!]
The system alerts echoed within Jiang Chen's consciousness.
'I've depleted another five hundred points of his Heavenly Fate Value!'
'Now, Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value has dwindled to only two thousand one hundred eighty-six points, while my kill threshold stands at one thousand five hundred eighty-five points!'
'With just one or two more deductions from his Heavenly Fate Value, it will drop below the kill threshold!'
'...'
An enigmatic, cold smile formed at the corner of Jiang Chen's mouth.
Once Fang Yuan's Heavenly Fate Value declined beneath the kill threshold, he would be akin to a helpless fish on Jiang Chen's chopping block, ripe for Jiang Chen's lethal strike!
If Jiang Chen so desired, he could end Fang Yuan's life at any given moment.
The only quandary was devising the best strategy to exterminate him for the utmost advantage!
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