Chapter 135: Chapter 135: Depend on a Backer
Translator: 549690339
Yan Zhengfeng was meditating in his dwelling when he heard footsteps outside, causing him to frown.
Everyone in the Pill Sect knew that Yan Zhengfeng disliked noise and commotion. His residence was arguably the quietest place in the sect, and even those passing by would deliberately lower their steps to minimize disturbance.
Yet, the footsteps outside were unusually chaotic, which put him in a bad mood.
Just as he was deciding to ignore it, knocking sounds came from his door.
“Is Elder Yan in? Disciple Fang Lin needs to see you urgently.” Fang Lin’s voice echoed, which deepened Yan Zhengfeng’s frown. What did this youngster want?
Despite Fang Lin’s somewhat flamboyant character, Yan Zhengfeng was fairly fond of him.
“Come in,” Yan Zhengfeng finally said.
After receiving Yan Zhengfeng’s permission, Fang Lin, Lu Xiaoqing, and Zhang Xiaohai brought in Wang Xuanlong, who looked as useless as a dead dog.
Just as Yan Zhengfeng stepped out, he saw at first glance the pitiful state of Wang Xuanlong and his companions and he was dumbstruck.
“What happened?” he asked sternly.
Having never met the Great Elder of the Pill Sect, Lu Xiaoqing and Zhang Xiaohai were nervous upon seeing Yan Zhengfeng’s stern face. They stood behind Fang Lin, not daring to lift their heads.
Fang Lin, on the other hand, was unfazed by Yan Zhengfeng. He was quite fond of this elder.
“Elder Yan, I am here to report my meritorious deeds,” Fang Lin said confidently with his fists clasped.
Yan Zhengfeng laughed inwardly. You beat them up so bad and still claim merit?
“Nonsense! These three are obviously disciples of the Martial Sect, but you’ve injured them severely. Are you responsible?” Yan Zhengfeng scolded.
“Elder, indeed, these three are disciples of the Martial Sect, and indeed, I have injured them. However, they got what they deserved. I hereby submit them to elder for judgement,” replied Fang Lin seriously.
Yan Zhengfeng was confused. What on earth was going on?
Looking at the two disciples behind Fang Lin, both of whom were Pill Apprentices, Yan Zhengfeng was even more baffled.
“What on earth happened? Explain everything to me!” he demanded.
Upon receiving the question, Fang Lin recounted the entire incident. Although he didn’t exaggerate, he portrayed Wang Xuanlong and his companions as unbearable villains.
Yan Zhengfeng widened his eyes, looking closely at the unrecognizable Wang Xuanlong. Even after looking for a while, he couldn’t recognize him.
“Is this… Wang Xuanlong?” Yan Zhengfeng asked in surprise.
Fang Lin nodded in affirmation.
After looking carefully, Yan Zhengfeng noticed that the beaten figures indeed resembled Wang Xuanlong to some extent.
Upon learning of their identities, Yan Zhengfeng gave a bitter smile, his gaze on Fang Lin deep with implication.
Fang Lin, observed by Yan Zhengfeng, didn’t feel guilty; in fact, he looked quite at ease.
Yan Zhengfeng realized there was no deceit. Fang Lin had brought Wang Xuanlong and the two others to him evidently wanting to get him involved as his backing.
Although explicit, Yan Zhengfeng couldn’t ignore the situation. At the very least, Wang Xuanlong and his companions’ actions had really angered him due to his nature.
Yan Zhengfeng remained silent, looking again at Wang Xuanlong and his friends. Their conditions were truly tragic. Their parents would definitely not let the matter drop, making the issue somewhat difficult to handle.
That said, it was only “somewhat” difficult – Yan Zhengfeng wasn’t afraid of Wang Xuanlong’s parents.
“Elder, it is said that the parents of Wang Xuanlong are elders of the Martial Sect, and he has a brother who is a disciple of the sect’s leader. If elder finds it difficult, I am willing to take full responsibility. However, I did what I did to protect my fellow disciples of the Pill Sect,” Fang Lin said righteously. Yan Zhengfeng was tempted to say, let him take the blame then. But he only thought it and didn’t actually say it.
“Humph, even if Xing Tianxiao himself comes, I’m not afraid. Wang Xuanlong deserves this. I will detain them in the Demon Suppressing Cave and let his parents come for him,” Yan Zhengfeng said expressionlessly.
Upon hearing this, Fang Lin and his friends were overjoyed. This meant that Yan Zhengfeng was willing to step in.
With this new development, Fang Lin didn’t need to worry too much. After all, a tall figure would be there to shield him when the sky fell. With Yan Zhengfeng’s protection, he believed that Wang Xuanlong’s parents couldn’t do anything to him.
“But Fang Lin, you were overly harsh. While Wang Xuanlong deserves punishment, he should not be killed. Your attack nearly killed him,” Yan Zhengfeng glared at him.
Yet, soon after, Yan Zhengfeng began doubting. Wang Xuanlong was an official disciple of the Martial Sect and his skill must be formidable, probably at least a ninth layer in the Human Origin realm.
Fang Lin had impressed with his extraordinary alchemy skills but his martial arts had been unremarkable.
Now, Yan Zhengfeng had seen that without tremendous strength, there was no way Fang Lin could have beaten Wang Xuanlong to this extent.
Intrigued, Yan Zhengfeng asked, “Fang Lin, what realm have you reached
Fang Lin didn’t hide anything and said, “I was fortunate to break through to the Earth Element a few days ago.”
At this, Yan Zhengfeng was startled, Lu Xiaoqing and Zhang Xiaohai were even more dumbfounded.
“What? You’ve already reached the Earth Element realm?” Yan Zhengfeng asked incredulously.
Fang Lin nodded in confirmation. Yan Zhengfeng was still unconvinced. He placed a hand on Fang Lin’s shoulder.
Fang Lin had many ways to hide from Yan Zhengfeng’s inspection, but he didn’t. He revealed his true realm.
Earth Element level one— a legitimate Earth Element level one with no deception.
Yan Zhengfeng withdrew his hand, a thoughtful expression on his face.
The talent that Fang Lin displayed shocked Yan Zhengfeng. Even though he maintained a calm exterior, his heart was churning with turmoil.
Yan Zhengfeng had spent half of his life in the Pill Sect and had seen many alchemical geniuses. However, geniuses like Fang Lin were few and far between.
Advancing equally in both Alchemy Tao and Martial Arts was unprecedented.
Both Alchemy Tao and Martial Arts required massive effort and time to master. People generally preferred to focus on one.
Of course, there were those who excelled in both alchemy and martial arts, but such people were extremely rare. But Fang Lin was showing such promise.
“Good job, Fang Lin. I’ve grown quite fond of you. For this year’s rank advancement exam, you should be able to smoothly become a mid-ranked disciple. Additionally, you should register yourself as a Pill Refiner with the Pill Alliance as soon as possible,” Yan Zhengfeng said with a smile..
