Chapter 334 - 331: Invitation
Chapter 334: Chapter 331: Invitation
The three took their seats, observing the roles of host and guests. Qiu Lan slipped away without a sound, and a brief silence settled over the hall, with only the fragrant steam of tea curling in the air.
Chen Xuan took a light sip of tea, set down his cup, and looked at Fang Han. He slowly began to speak.
"Fang Han, Dean Xu and I have come today because there is a matter we hope you can help us with."
Fang Han had already expected this. ’For two Elders to arrive together,’ he thought, ’it must be for something important.’
His expression remained unchanged as he replied with solemnity, "Elder Chen, you have shown me great kindness. If you have any request, as long as it is within my power, I will not refuse."
His words were directed at Elder Chen, making his position clear: he would do it for Elder Chen’s sake.
As for whether he could actually accomplish it, that would depend on the task itself.
Chen Xuan naturally understood the unspoken meaning in Fang Han’s words. The admiration in his eyes deepened, and he nodded slightly before turning to Xu Jing.
Xu Jing understood. He took a deep breath to suppress his complicated emotions, then looked at Fang Han, his tone grave and earnest.
"Nephew Fang, I’m sure you’ve heard. In the recent new disciple competition among the Seven Sects, my Hai Courtyard... only managed to place sixth."
Fang Han nodded. The news had already spread throughout the Sect, so of course he knew.
A bitter expression appeared on Xu Jing’s face.
"The poor ranking has severely damaged the new disciples’ morale and confidence. If this continues, I’m afraid it will create a vicious cycle, which would be detrimental to the Sect’s foundation."
He paused for a moment before continuing, "Elder Chen and I have discussed this, and we would like to ask you, Nephew Fang, to spare some time to visit the Hai Courtyard and share some of your cultivation insights with this year’s new disciples. We hope you can motivate them and help them regain their confidence."
After he finished speaking, Xu Jing looked at Fang Han with hopeful eyes.
Chen Xuan also spoke up.
"Fang Han, you are now ranked sixty-eighth on the Celestial Pride List. Your name is known throughout Qingyang, and you hold immense prestige among the younger disciples."
"If you could appear and share your experiences, it would undoubtedly be a tremendous source of encouragement for the new disciples."
Hearing this request, Fang Han was both surprised and unsurprised.
’Back then, Wang Miao was invited to teach our class. I never thought that, without realizing it, I’d now be the one receiving the invitation. I can really feel how much my status has changed.’
’It isn’t too much trouble, and for Elder Chen’s sake, I certainly won’t refuse.’
He looked up at Elder Chen and Dean Xu, his tone calm as he said, "Elder Chen, Dean Xu, sharing my insights with the new disciples is something I can certainly do. It’s just that my knowledge is limited, so I’m not sure how much of an effect it will have."
Hearing this, Xu Jing’s face immediately lit up with joy, and he quickly said, "Nephew Fang, you’re being too modest! To the new disciples, your achievements make you a role model! Just your willingness to go will be a huge source of motivation for them!"
Elder Chen stroked his beard and smiled. "It’s good that you’ve agreed."
He knew Fang Han had agreed because of him, which made him feel quite gratified.
Fang Han nodded slightly. "In that case, I will go. When would you like me to visit, Dean Xu? And what format did you have in mind?"
Xu Jing thought for a moment and said, "In three days, the Hai Courtyard will hold its bi-monthly Transmission Day. All the new disciples will be gathered in the Inheritance Hall then. If it’s convenient for you, True Inheritor Fang, could you come on that day?"
"As for the format... perhaps you could start with a lecture, then select a few disciples for some light sparring and guidance? What do you think, True Inheritor Fang?"
"No problem." Fang Han nodded. "Then let’s set it for three days from now. I will be at the Hai Courtyard’s Inheritance Hall on time."
"Excellent! Excellent! Thank you, True Inheritor Fang!"
Xu Jing stood up excitedly and gave Fang Han a solemn, cupped-fist salute.
With the matter settled, Elder Chen and Dean Xu stayed for a short while longer, finished their tea, and then rose to take their leave.
Fang Han personally escorted the two to his courtyard gate and watched until their figures disappeared down the mountain path before turning back inside.
「Three days later.」
In the early morning, Fang Han finished his cultivation and changed into a clean green robe.
He left Courtyard No. 35, executed his Body Technique, and headed toward the Hai Courtyard.
The Hai Courtyard was located within the Qingxuan Sect’s region of Twelve Courtyards, a place dedicated to instructing ordinary disciples. The buildings were similar to those in the Sub-Branch where he had once lived, differing only slightly in their layout.
Fang Han’s arrival immediately caused a commotion.
"Is that... Senior Brother Fang?"
"It really is Senior Brother Fang! What’s he doing here at our Hai Courtyard?"
"Today is Transmission Day. Could Senior Brother Fang be here to share his insights with us?"
"If that’s true, that would be amazing!"
Seeing Fang Han, the disciples who were on their way to the Inheritance Hall couldn’t help but grow excited.
Whispers spread rapidly as gazes filled with curiosity, admiration, and excitement all focused on Fang Han.
These new disciples had only joined the Sect a little over half a year ago and were at an age where they held the Sect’s powerful experts in the highest esteem.
As a recently risen prodigy, Fang Han was undoubtedly the perfect role model.
Fang Han remained calm, giving a slight nod in acknowledgment of the stares as he walked with a steady pace toward the Inheritance Hall.
In front of the hall, Dean Xu and several Stewards from the Hai Courtyard were already waiting.
Upon seeing Fang Han, Xu Jing immediately stepped forward to greet him, a warm smile on his face. "Nephew Fang, you’re here."
The Stewards also cupped their fists in greeting, their polite attitudes tinged with a hint of respect.
Fang Han’s current strength and status were both above that of ordinary Stewards, leaving them no choice but to show him respect.
Moreover, Fang Han was here to help.
"Dean Xu, Stewards."
Fang Han cupped his fists and returned the salute.
"This way, Nephew Fang."
Xu Jing stepped aside to lead the way.
Fang Han nodded and followed Xu Jing into the Inheritance Hall.
The hall was extremely spacious, large enough to accommodate several hundred people.
At this moment, many of this year’s new disciples were already seated on the cushions below the main platform.
When Fang Han, Dean Xu, and the others entered, all eyes in the hall instantly snapped toward them, focusing especially on Fang Han.
Curiosity, excitement, anticipation, and even a hint of nervousness were all mixed together on their young faces.
Fang Han’s gaze swept over the crowd below.
In the front row, he saw several disciples whose auras were noticeably stronger than the rest. ’They must be Zhao Lie, Lin Xue, and the others who participated in the Seven Sects competition.’
They sat in the front row with complicated expressions, a mixture of shame, indignation, and anticipation.
As time passed, more disciples continued to arrive.
Upon learning that Fang Han was here to give a lecture, even some disciples who hadn’t planned on attending hurried over. Soon, all one hundred-plus disciples of the Hai Courtyard were present.
Xu Jing led Fang Han onto the high platform at the front, cleared his throat, and announced in a loud, clear voice, "Disciples! Today, for our Transmission Day, we are honored to have invited the sixty-eighth ranked expert on the Celestial Pride List, True Inheritor Fang Han from the True Inheritance Courtyard, to share his cultivation insights and provide you all with some guidance!"
As his voice fell, the area below the platform erupted with enthusiastic and excited murmurs.
Every disciple sat up straight, their eyes fixed on Fang Han with burning intensity.
Xu Jing motioned for quiet, then leaned toward Fang Han and said in a low voice, "Nephew Fang, I’ll leave them to you."
Fang Han nodded slightly, took a step forward, and calmly swept his gaze across the entire hall.
The disciples his gaze passed over all unconsciously held their breath.
"Junior Brothers and Sisters."
Fang Han began to speak. His voice was clear and not particularly loud, yet it carried distinctly to the ears of every disciple.
"Today, at Dean Xu’s invitation, I’ve come to share some cultivation insights with you. These ’insights’ are nothing more than my own humble observations from my path of cultivation. If they can offer any of you some inspiration, then I will consider it a great fortune."
His tone was calm, without a hint of superiority, putting everyone at ease.
The disciples below listened with even greater focus.
Fang Han paused in thought for a moment, then continued, "In the cultivation of the Martial Dao, the most important elements are temperament, perseverance, and method."
"Temperament must be tranquil, guarding against arrogance and impatience. Perseverance must be constant, enduring solitude. Method must be sound, advancing step by step."
Drawing from his own experiences in cultivating Inner Power, Swordsmanship, and Body Techniques, he eloquently explained some fundamental yet crucial principles.
He didn’t lecture on profound Magic Gates but focused instead on the proper mindset for cultivation, good habits, and how to overcome common bottlenecks.
His language was simple, yet it struck right at the heart of the matter.
The disciples below listened, utterly captivated. Many wore thoughtful expressions, clearly having been struck by his words.
Even the tense expressions on the faces of Zhao Lie, Lin Xue, and the others in the front row softened considerably, a flash of realization in their eyes.
Listening from the side, Dean Xu and the Stewards nodded from time to time, their eyes filled with satisfaction.
Fang Han wasn’t just spouting grand theories; everything he spoke of was rooted in personal experience. For new disciples, this was far more useful than any profound doctrine.
The lecture lasted for about an hour.
The eyes of many disciples below were filled with gratitude and excitement; they had clearly gained a great deal.
"Next, if you have any questions about your cultivation, you may ask them, and I will do my best to answer," Fang Han said.
The moment he finished speaking, a disciple eagerly raised their hand.
Fang Han answered each question one by one. His responses were concise, yet they always struck at the core of the issue, leading the questioners to moments of sudden enlightenment.
Although he had a unique advantage, his strength had still been built up one step at a time. His comprehension was incredibly deep, so answering the questions of new disciples was naturally no challenge for him.
The atmosphere became increasingly lively.
Smiling as he watched the scene unfold, Dean Xu turned to Fang Han. "Nephew Fang, would you be willing to spar a bit with a few of the disciples? It would let them personally feel the gap in strength and give them a sense of direction."
He gestured with his eyes toward Zhao Lie, Lin Xue, and the other three in the front row.
These five were the cream of the crop among the new disciples, and they were also the ones whose morale had suffered the most after their defeat in the competition.
Fang Han understood Dean Xu’s intention. He wanted to use this opportunity to have Fang Han personally guide these five.
He nodded. "Certainly."
A look of delight appeared on Dean Xu’s face. He called out to the disciples below, "Zhao Lie, Lin Xue, Sun Bufan, Wu Hao, Wang Pojun! The five of you, come up to the platform."
Hearing their names, the five immediately stood and walked briskly onto the high platform. They stopped before Fang Han, their expressions a mixture of nervousness and eagerness.
Fang Han’s gaze swept across the five of them. With his current level of cultivation, his ability to sense auras was exceptionally keen. A quick scan was all he needed to grasp their cultivation levels.
Zhao Lie was at the Middle Stage of Eighth Grade; Lin Xue and Sun Bufan were at the Early Stage of Eighth Grade; and the remaining three were at the Late Stage of Ninth Grade.
"The five of you, attack me together. Let me see what you’re capable of."
The five of them were startled by his words, but their surprise quickly gave way to understanding.
’Who is Senior Brother Fang?’
’He’s sixty-eighth on the Celestial Pride List. Even among Middle Third-Grade Martial Artists, he’s considered a top-level expert.’
’The five of us aren’t even Middle Third-Grade Martial Artists. We’d probably have to team up just to pose the slightest challenge to Senior Brother Fang.’