Chapter twenty-five: Invitation

In the summer of Chu Ying Star, the air was thick with heat, and the constant sound of cicadas filled the streets. Fang Xing walked through the bustling market of Qinglin Town, the stone-paved road beneath his feet scorching from the sun. However, his mind was far from the sweltering heat, focused instead on the meeting ahead.

He had just concluded a business deal with a woman named Ding Hongxiu, who appeared to be selling spiritual rice and martial arts manuals. But behind this transaction lay something far more significant.

"Hongxiu, I didn't expect you to also be a cultivator," Fang Xing said with feigned surprise, bowing slightly, his tone probing.

Ding Hongxiu laughed softly, covering her mouth as she waved her hand. "Not at all. I'm merely a small-time cultivator at the second level of Qi Refining. My talent is mediocre. My grandfather won't even let me leave the market, saying he's afraid I'll run into some martial experts who might kill me on a whim."

Raising an eyebrow, Fang Xing casually asked, "I wonder, how would a martial expert at the Innate Realm fare against a Qi Refining cultivator?"

Ding Hongxiu thought for a moment before answering, "According to my grandfather, if a Qi Refining cultivator hasn't used talismans or magic artifacts in time, getting close to an Innate martial expert would indeed be dangerous."

"Oh? And what about someone at the middle stages of Qi Refining?" Fang Xing asked, his curiosity piqued.

"A mid-stage Qi Refining cultivator can easily deal with an Innate martial artist if they maintain distance. And those at the late stages of Qi Refining are simply unbeatable by any Innate martial expert," Ding Hongxiu confidently explained.

Fang Xing nodded, silently pondering her words. 'So even a Puyu Realm martial artist could threaten a beginner cultivator. But what about a Puyu Realm martial artist with top-tier techniques?' His mind churned, calculating his future path to advancement.

As their conversation flowed smoothly, an elderly voice suddenly interrupted, "The young lady's words are true, but you two seem unaware of the actual power dynamics within this market."

Fang Xing turned towards the voice and saw an old man with a head of white hair walking over slowly. He was dressed in a tattered Taoist robe that, despite its worn appearance, still emitted a faint glow. A large, yellowed gourd hung from his waist, from which a strong scent of alcohol wafted. The most striking feature, however, was his bright red, bulbous nose.

"Grandfather! You're back?" Ding Hongxiu's eyes lit up with joy, though she quickly furrowed her brows, eyeing the gourd with disdain. "Did you go drinking again?"

The old man laughed heartily, patting his gourd. "My dear granddaughter, you wouldn't understand. Your grandfather's Drunken Immortal Technique requires drinking! They say, 'Drink three stone of wine a day, and in a hundred days, you'll ascend to immortality!'"

The old man chuckled as he addressed Fang Xing with a respectful bow. "Young man, I am Ding Bushan. I overheard your conversation and couldn't help but interject. I hope you don't mind."

"Not at all, senior. Your wisdom is enlightening," Fang Xing responded with a polite smile, though inwardly he grew more cautious about the old man's true nature.

Trying to close the deal, Ding Hongxiu eagerly asked, "Fang Gongzi, would you like to purchase more spiritual rice?"

Fang Xing smiled and nodded. "How about thirty jin of Lotus Scented Spiritual Rice? Could you offer me a discount?"

Ding Hongxiu agreed cheerfully. "The original price is three spirit stones. But since we've had such a good conversation, I'll sell it to you for three spirit sands."

Fang Xing handed over a low-grade spirit stone and a few spirit sands, slung the rice onto his back, and began making his way out of the market.

After a few steps, he faintly overheard Ding Bushan cautioning his granddaughter, "Hongxiu, this man isn't simple. He's staying in the market without even renting a proper stall. He's either a drifter or dead broke. Best keep your distance."

Fang Xing chuckled to himself, thinking, 'Old fox, you've seen right through me. But since you're just being protective of your granddaughter, why should I hold it against you?'

Returning to his temporary camp, Fang Xing sat cross-legged and began cultivating. The cave he chose was quiet and cool, the only sound being his soft, steady breathing.

"This world offers the best environment and resources for me," Fang Xing reflected. Although he hailed from the modern world, practicing both martial arts and cultivation in this new land felt surprisingly natural.

He glanced at the low-level talismans in his hand, contemplating. "These talismans and magic artifacts are useful, but if I had money, I could just buy a laser gun in the modern world. Wouldn't that be easier?"

Closing his eyes, Fang Xing focused on the flow of energy within him. He knew that his most immediate need was to advance his martial cultivation, quickly reaching the peak of the Muscle and Bone Realm so that he could obtain the legendary 'Innate Pill.'

Just then, his communicator buzzed. Fang Xing opened his eyes to see a familiar name flashing on the screen — Gu Yun.

Gu Yun was a powerful cultivator and one of the few friends Fang Xing had made in the cultivation world. Her father had been someone he deeply admired, but he had fallen in battle. Since then, Gu Yun had undergone a drastic change, becoming cold and distant.

Answering the call, a 3D projection appeared before Fang Xing. Gu Yun, dressed in a simple training outfit, her face emotionless, got straight to the point. "I need a sparring partner. We'll settle on the fee later. Are you coming?"

Fang Xing blinked, then smiled. "I'll be there."

Moments later, Fang Xing arrived at the grand training hall of Jiang Mansion. Gu Yun stood there quietly, holding a wooden sword in her hand, her expression cold, exuding a sharp, oppressive aura.

"This time, I want you to go all out. Put on your armor and don't hold back," Gu Yun said, her tone icy, her eyes locked on Fang Xing.

Fang Xing chuckled and shook his head. "Didn't bring my armor. But don't worry, I can handle it."

Before his words even fully landed, Gu Yun lunged at him, her wooden sword moving like lightning, the blade cutting through the air with a whistling sound as it aimed directly at Fang Xing's face.

Fang Xing's expression grew serious as he swiftly retreated, evading her strike. With a light step, he countered, his fist arcing towards Gu Yun's chest.

Gu Yun effortlessly dodged, her body gracefully sidestepping as she swung her sword in a reverse motion, aiming for Fang Xing's shoulder. He blocked just in time, his arm tingling from the impact.

The two exchanged blows, each move swift and dangerous, though neither used their full strength. It was more of a mutual test and training session than a deadly confrontation.

The fight lasted for several minutes. Fang Xing, drenched in sweat, could feel his qi surging within him, while Gu Yun remained as composed as ever, her movements precise and relentless.

Finally, Fang Xing spotted an opening. He seized the moment, delivering a punch that struck Gu Yun's wrist, causing her wooden sword to fly from her hand and land on the ground.

Gu Yun retrieved her hand, gave him a cold, appraising look, and nodded slightly. "Not bad. You've improved since last time."

Panting, Fang Xing smiled. "Thanks for going easy on me."

Without another word, Gu Yun turned and walked away, her cold voice trailing behind her. "Next time, we'll go again."

Watching her leave, Fang Xing felt a mix of emotions rise within him. He knew that the changes Gu Yun had undergone ran deeper than she let on. And he, too, was slowly stepping into the depths of this world's complex power struggles.