Chapter 456 - 453: Divine Speed Jade Talisman

Chapter 456: Chapter 453: Divine Speed Jade Talisman

Fang Han stepped into the hall.

The hall was brightly lit, and the scent of sandalwood drifted through the air.

Chen Tianyuan sat at the head of the hall. Hearing footsteps, he looked up, his gentle eyes landing on Fang Han.

"Disciple Fang Han pays his respects to the Sect Leader."

Fang Han took a few steps forward and bowed.

"No need for formalities. Sit."

Chen Tianyuan gestured for Fang Han to take a seat below him.

Fang Han did as he was told and sat down.

"I summoned you today to inform you of something."

Chen Tianyuan leaned back in his chair, his gaze fixed on Fang Han. After a moment of silence, he spoke.

Fang Han’s expression turned serious as he awaited the Sect Leader’s next words.

"The Netherworld Pavilion has taken the initiative to sue for peace."

Chen Tianyuan spoke slowly, his voice calm as ever but tinged with an undisguisable sense of satisfaction.

"The Netherworld Pavilion... sued for peace?"

Fang Han’s eyebrow twitched slightly, a flash of surprise in his eyes.

’The Netherworld Pavilion sued for peace on their own initiative?’

’The same Netherworld Pavilion that repeatedly provoked the Qingxuan Sect and acted so arrogantly just a few months ago is actually asking for a truce?’

"The Netherworld Pavilion’s Pavilion Master, Ling Wuyuan, has come out of seclusion. He personally sent me a message, stating his willingness to compensate our Qingxuan Sect for all losses incurred in this conflict."

Chen Tianyuan nodded, the faintest hint of a smile on his lips.

"He also promised to restrain his subordinates in the future and avoid any further conflict with our Qingxuan Sect."

He paused before continuing.

"I have already discussed this with the Elders and we have decided to accept the Netherworld Pavilion’s peace offer and end the conflict between our two sides."

"The reason for this choice is that the Qingxuan Sect and the Netherworld Pavilion are not the only powers in Qingyang County. There are five other sects watching us like tigers. After discussion, the Sect concluded that accepting is more advantageous."

Chen Tianyuan looked at Fang Han and said.

"Fang Han, the Sect is aware that you have a deep-seated grudge with the Netherworld Pavilion."

He spoke slowly, his tone grave.

"I’m telling you this specifically because I was worried you might not understand."

Given the Talent Fang Han had displayed, he didn’t want this matter to create a rift between the Sect and him.

"Sect Leader, you worry too much."

Fang Han looked up, meeting Chen Tianyuan’s gaze.

His voice was steady, possessing a composure that belied his age.

"Though I hold a grudge against the Netherworld Pavilion, I am not an unreasonable person."

He paused, then continued.

"Over the past few months, although our Qingxuan Sect has inflicted heavy losses on the Netherworld Pavilion, we have also paid a considerable price."

"The number of fallen Stewards and disciples is not small, and the value of lost properties and resources is substantial."

His gaze was as calm as still water.

"Moreover, as the Sect Leader said, among the Seven Sects, the other five are watching us like tigers. If the Qingxuan Sect and the Netherworld Pavilion continue to fight, it will only allow a third party to reap the rewards."

"I can understand why the Sect accepted their peace offer, and I have no objections."

"It is good that you understand."

A look of relief appeared in Chen Tianyuan’s eyes.

’Not only is this boy’s Talent astonishing, but his mind is also quite astute. He is truly a rare find.’

He nodded slightly, his voice filled with a hint of emotion.

"As for my personal grudge with the Netherworld Pavilion..."

A faint curve tugged at the corner of Fang Han’s mouth. His voice was soft, yet it carried an unquestionable certainty.

"I will settle the score when I am strong enough."

Chen Tianyuan glanced at Fang Han but said no more.

’It’s enough that the boy knows what he’s doing.’

Given the hostile relationship between the Qingxuan Sect and the Netherworld Pavilion, it was impossible for them to remain at peace forever. Conflict was bound to erupt again sooner or later.

When that time came, Fang Han would naturally have his chance to settle his grudges.

"There is one more thing."

Chen Tianyuan’s smile vanished, his expression turning grave.

"Although the Netherworld Pavilion has sued for peace and guaranteed they will not move against you, with the aptitude you’ve shown, we can’t be sure they won’t take a desperate risk. We must be on guard."

He paused, then continued.

"The Sect has prepared a life-saving item for you. Take it and keep it safe."

"A life-saving item? What kind of life-saving item?"

Fang Han was momentarily taken aback, a flicker of curiosity in his heart.

’What kind of life-saving item could the Sect possibly think would be enough to save my life from the Netherworld Pavilion?’

Even a precious Hidden Weapon like a Thunder Bomb could at most threaten an ordinary Third Grade Martial Artist.

It posed a limited threat to a Second Grade Martial Artist and was completely useless against a First Grade Martial Artist.

"Zhao Mu."

Chen Tianyuan called out toward the entrance of the hall.

"Your subordinate is here."

Zhao Mu walked in from outside the hall, holding a small Jade Box in his hands.

The Jade Box was pure white, carved from some kind of lustrous jade, its surface shimmering faintly with a gentle light.

Zhao Mu walked up to Fang Han and presented the Jade Box with both hands.

Fang Han took it. It felt slightly heavy and warm to the touch.

He opened the Jade Box.

Inside, resting on a bed of dark blue velvet, lay a Jade Token.

The Jade Token was about the size of his palm and pale green in color. Its material was similar to the Qingxuan Sect’s Identity Token, yet it was smoother and more translucent.

The surface was engraved with numerous mystical patterns. These patterns were intricate and exquisite, faintly forming some sort of profound design that shimmered with a soft light.

"This item is called the ’Divine Speed Jade Talisman’."

Chen Tianyuan’s voice echoed in the hall.

"It is a life-saving item that can only be refined by a Grandmaster Level powerhouse."

"Only refined by a Grandmaster Level powerhouse?"

Fang Han’s pupils contracted slightly. He looked up, his gaze falling on Chen Tianyuan’s face.

Grandmaster Powerhouses were the true foundation of the Seven Sects, legendary figures of immense power. To think this item was actually refined by a Grandmaster Powerhouse.

"The method to use this talisman is simple."

Chen Tianyuan continued.

"Simply inject your Inner Qi into it to activate the power contained within, granting the user extreme speed for a short period."

He paused, then added.

"The speed is so fast that not even a First Grade Martial Artist would be able to catch up."

"Not even a First Grade Martial Artist could catch up?"

Fang Han’s heart trembled.

’Doesn’t that mean that with this item, I could confidently escape even if I encountered a First Grade Martial Artist?’

"This item is not easy to refine and is extremely precious."

Chen Tianyuan looked at Fang Han, his voice grave.

"The entire Sect only has a few of these. Keep it safe, and do not use it unless you have absolutely no other choice."

"This disciple thanks the Sect Leader and thanks the Sect."

Fang Han took a deep breath, suppressing the turmoil in his heart, and clasped his hands in a formal salute.

"Go on, then. Cultivate well."

Chen Tianyuan nodded slightly and waved his hand dismissively.

"Yes, this disciple will take his leave."

Fang Han closed the Jade Box, tucked it into his robes, and rose to leave the great hall.

As he stepped out of the hall doors, the morning light washed over him, carrying the unique warmth and brightness of early summer.

’To think the methods of a Grandmaster Powerhouse have reached such a level!’

Fang Han stood before the hall, gazing at the distant, rolling mountains, but his heart could not find peace for a long time.

He looked down at the Jade Box tucked in his robes.

Inside the Jade Box, the pale green Jade Token lay quietly, its surface patterns shimmering with a faint light in the sun.

’A Grandmaster Level powerhouse can actually refine something like this?’

’Gain extreme speed for a short period after use, so fast that not even a First Grade Martial Artist can catch up—’

’Such a method doesn’t seem like a Martial Artist’s technique at all. It’s more like...’

’The methods of an immortal cultivator.’

’Could it be that immortal cultivators once existed in this world, and the Martial Dao evolved from an incomplete Cultivation Technique?’

Fang Han’s brow furrowed slightly before he shook his head, temporarily suppressing the thought.

Whether or not Martial Dao techniques and Cultivation Techniques were related was not something he needed to consider right now.

His primary task now was to increase his strength as quickly as possible.

Only by becoming powerful enough could he begin to understand the truth of this world.

He turned and walked along the bluestone path toward the True Inheritance Courtyard.

When he returned to Courtyard 35, Qiu Lan was on the veranda speaking with two other maids. Seeing him return, she hurried over to greet him.

"Senior Brother, breakfast is ready."

Fang Han nodded and sat down in the side hall. Exquisite dishes were placed on the table, and he picked up his chopsticks and ate slowly.

After breakfast, Fang Han returned to his Quiet Chamber and sat cross-legged on a meditation cushion.

He didn’t rush into Cultivation, but instead replayed the events of the past few days in his mind.

’It’s only temporary!’

The Netherworld Pavilion had sued for peace, the Sect had accepted, and his grudge with them had come to a temporary close.

But he knew this was only temporary.

Given the depth of animosity between the two sects, another conflict in the future was inevitable.

He absolutely could not let his guard down just because of a truce.

’I must use this period of peace to increase my strength as quickly as possible.’

A look of resolve flashed in Fang Han’s eyes.

By the time the next conflict erupted, he had to be stronger—strong enough, preferably, to overturn the Netherworld Pavilion entirely.

He stood up, walked out of the Quiet Chamber, and went to the open space in the courtyard where he usually practiced.

The Cloud Splitting Sword hung at his waist. He didn’t draw it immediately, but stood with his hands clasped behind his back.

In his mind, the scriptures of the Sky-Splitting Sword Technique flowed slowly.

The Sword technique, Transformations, and Force Manipulation Methods he already knew by heart now became clearer than ever before under the blessing of the 256x Swordsmanship Talent Amplification.

Then, he drew his sword.

The Cloud Splitting Sword left its sheath, its dark-green blade shimmering with a subdued light in the sun.

He slashed out, Sword Intent flowing. A thin tear silently split the air.

The tear was more solid and more lasting than before.

He withdrew the sword and slashed out again.

Once, twice, ten times, a hundred times—

Fang Han immersed himself in his Swordsmanship practice, losing all track of time.

Each slash was smoother and more fluid than the last.

With each slash, his control over the Wind Sword Intent grew a fraction purer.

With each slash, his understanding of the Sky-Splitting Sword Technique deepened.

The Transformations of the Sword Techniques, the circulation of Inner Qi, the fusion of the Wind Realm and Sword Momentum—

The subtleties that once required repeated contemplation to grasp, he could now understand quickly.

Comprehension led to gains, and gains were converted into increased strength.

He could feel his understanding of the Sky-Splitting Sword Technique deepening at an astonishing rate.

He was getting closer and closer to that threshold.

’Minor Achievement...’

Fang Han muttered to himself, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

Under the blessing of the 256x Swordsmanship Talent Amplification, he felt that the Sky-Splitting Sword Technique was not far from the Minor Achievement Realm.

Once this Swordsmanship reached Minor Achievement, its power would skyrocket, and his own strength would surge once again.

It was not until noon that Fang Han sheathed his sword and stood still, panting slightly.

Fine beads of sweat dotted his forehead, but his eyes were startlingly bright.

He stood in the courtyard with his hands behind his back, his heart completely at peace.

The path of the Martial Dao was long and arduous.

Only by never slacking off could one travel further down this path.