Chapter 177: Chapter 177: After Suffering Comes Happiness
Translator: 549690339
Fang Yang had never before been overwhelmed by such a deep sense of inferiority. However, when facing Fang Lin, he felt it profoundly.
This inferiority complex made Fang Yang unable to meet Fang Lin’s gaze. He lowered his head deeply, his expression tense and uneasy.
Fang Lin noticed his tension and unease. Although he found it amusing, he refrained from mocking or ridiculing Fang Yang.
Despite their past conflicts, where Fang Lin had humiliated Fang Yang through the hands of others, Fang Lin had not done anything to Fang Yang thereafter.
In truth, with Fang Lin’s current strength and status, suppressing the insignificant Fang Yang would be extraordinarily simple. As soon as Fang Lin gave the word, countless members of the Martial Sect would leap to his assistance.
However, Fang Lin did not do so. Although Fang Yang was a petty individual, the grudges between them were, in actuality, trivial matters to Fang Lin, which he had long ceased to care about.
Furthermore, Fang Yang, after all, was of the Fang Family, bearing some kinship with Fang Lin. Although Fang Lin felt little affection for the insignificant Fang Family, he wasn’t heartless.
However, Fang Lin did not expect Fang Yang to visit him.
“Fang Yang, why have you come to me?” Fang Lin asked first, seeing Fang Yang timid and at a loss for words.
Fang Yang hesitated, his voice slightly nervous, “Brother Fang, I have come to apologize to you.”
Speaking these words, Fang Yang abruptly went weak, intending to kneel before Fang Lin.
Fang Lin frowned slightly, extended a hand to grab Fang Yang’s shoulder, stopping him from kneeling.
“Speak your peace and dispense with these formalities,” Fang Lin said bluntly.
Fang Yang was astonished. No wonder everyone in the Martial Sect claimed that Fang Lin had extraordinary martial prowess. Despite possessing the strength of the Human Origin’s sixth level, Fang Yang couldn’t move an inch under Fang Lin’s firm grip.
Fang Lin released his grip, and with a stagger, Fang Yang looked at Fang Lin in awe.
“Brother Fang, I hope you can be magnanimous about our past conflicts. Please accept this token as a gesture of my sincerity, ” Fang Yang finally spoke more fluently, bending over, and presenting a Nine Palace Bag.
Fang Lin looked at Fang Yang. So, he had come to apologize. It wasn’t surprising, considering Fang Lin’s current elevated status; who wouldn’t be fearful of him?
Dugu Nian, who was standing by the side, lost interest upon realizing Fang Yang’s intentions and turned away to attend to his own affairs.
Fang Lin glanced at the Nine Palace Bag and then at the expectant and apprehensive look on Fang Yang’s face. Without saying much, he took the bag.
Seeing that he had accepted his token, Fang Yang heaved a sigh of relief, a look of relief spreading across his face.
“Thank you, Brother Fang,” Fang Yang said respectfully.
Fang Lin nodded, “You can go back now. If anyone bullies you in the future, you can find me.”
Upon hearing these words, Fang Yang was overjoyed. Not only had Fang Lin completely forgiven him, but he was also willing to support him.
“Thank you, Brother Fang! Thank you, Brother Fang!” Fang Yang kept expressing his thanks, jumping around joyfully like a monkey.
No wonder Fang Yang was so excited. With Fang Lin as his backer in the Martial Sect, no one would dare to oppress him.
Though Fang Lin was a disciple of the Pill Sect, he had substantial prestige in the Martial Sect. Additionally, everyone knew that he was acquainted with Qing Jianzi. As long as Fang Lin asked Qing Jianzi for a favor, who in the sect would dare to refuse?
Fang Yang left in high spirits. Fang Lin looked at the Nine Palace Bag that he was holding but did not open it; he hung it at his waist.
Initially, Fang Lin hadn’t wanted to accept Fang Yang’s item. However, he knew that if he didn’t, Fang Yang would worry and wonder if he had truly forgiven him.
Only when he had accepted the item would Fang Yang be truly reassured.
Regarding what Fang Yang had gifted him, Fang Lin was indifferent. Given Fang Yang’s negligible status as a Martial Sect sword disciple, he probably couldn’t offer anything really valuable. Fang Yang might have given him what he considered his most treasured possession.
Fang Lin planned to find an opportunity to return the gift to Fang Yang.
The much anticipated promotion assessment finally began. Both the Martial Sect and the Pill Sect buzzed with activity as a new batch of disciples arrived at the Purple Mist Sect to undergo the initiation trial.
Having nothing else to do, Fang Lin strolled around the sect entrance plaza to observe the latest batch of disciples.
Upon arrival, he saw many young boys and girls gathered in the plaza. The expressions on their young faces were mainly curious and anxious. Some of the younger children were even sitting on the ground crying; they had never seen such a massive spectacle and were overwhelmed.
Fang Lin found this amusing, and he strolled over, hands clasped behind his back.
In fact, Fang Lin appeared not much older than them. However, in terms of aura and demeanor, he far outstripped these youngsters.
When the supervising elders of the Martial Sect and Pill Sect, who were conducting the trial for these children, saw Fang Lin loafing about, they rolled their eyes.
However, they didn’t say anything. Fang Lin didn’t need to participate in the promotion assessment. For him, walking around when he was idle wasn’t wrong, as long as he didn’t create trouble.
Those young boys and girls, however, were curiously watching Fang Lin. Especially when they noticed the Pill Refiner’s robe he was wearing and the emblem of a Second Cauldron Pill Refiner, respect and envy appeared on their faces.
However, no one dared to approach or speak to Fang Lin. In their eyes, Fang Lin probably was an unattainable genius.
After making a round, Fang Lin noticed a few promising candidates. He walked over to the elder of the Pill Sect who was conducting the trial, quickly whispered a few words, and pointed towards a few individuals among the crowd.
The elder’s lips twitched. Following Fang Lin’s directions, he looked towards the indicated individuals and nodded, indicating his understanding.
Fang Lin didn’t stay long. Sensing that his presence was no longer appropriate, he left. If he had continued to meddle, people might have started complaining.
Three days later, the assessment ended.
While some rejoiced, others mourned. Those who passed the promotion assessment were ecstatic, unable to contain their joy. However, the ones who failed were filled with disappointment, their faces clouded with gloom.
But that was the nature of the sect. Just like a ship sailing against the current, you can only advance, never retreat. Only by constantly trying to ascend and stand above others can you gain more.
Lu Xiaoqing and Zhang Xiaohai failed the Pill Apprentice exam. When Fang Lin heard the news, he didn’t feel disappointed. After all, this was only their second attempt at the Pill Apprentice exam. Their failures had been expected.
However, Fang Lin estimated that they should be able to pass the next examination.
Among the official disciples, Xu Shangao and Wu Mengsheng, Fang Lin’s old friends, finally reaped the rewards of their perseverance and passed the trial, becoming intermediate disciples..