While sparring with a challenger, Fang Qing suddenly heard a prompt from the Holy Sanctuary.[Congratulations, Contracted Member, achievement unlocked: the predetermined red string of fate for a World’s Progeny has been severed.][Title acquired: “Fated Marriage”? Doesn’t matter—I will intervene.]Sweeping the challenger off the arena, Fang Qing paid no mind to the prompt and continued to wait for the next opponent.……An hour later, the wave of challenges subsided.All remaining challengers had been defeated by Fang Qing, and Gu Yuan never had the chance to return to the stage.Descending from the arena, Fang Qing said to Gu Yuan, “Let’s go.”Gu Yuan nodded, and the two set off together toward the vicinity of the Fire Hall.After they departed, the onlookers finally voiced the thoughts they had harbored.“He’s truly powerful…”“Indeed—this strength comes from a martial artist. Could the balance of power be shifting?”“Hey, Brother Fang, why did you discard the talisman?”“She shares my surname, and I’m interested in the blade, so from now on I’ll switch to sword cultivation.”“Why do you all only care about her strength? Don’t you wonder about that youth?”“Hmph—she’s cold to everyone, yet her expression changed for him. What do you think their relationship is?”“Exactly—I have proof. I have a Memory-Capture Stone!”“Memory-Capture Stone? Quick, show it!”……As Fang Qing and Gu Yuan walked home together, they were suddenly stopped by a figure.He was tall and erect, long hair casually draped over his shoulders, eyes bright as stars, breathtakingly handsome.Seeing his flame-red Daoist robe, Gu Yuan judged him to be of the Fire-Gold Sect, and politely asked, “May we ask your purpose in seeking us?”The newcomer smiled kindly and said, “I am Ren Yongnian. I wish to invite you two to a meeting.”That name lingered in both their minds; the moment he spoke it, Gu Yuan looked to Fang Qing for her opinion. Fang Qing simply asked, “What do you want with us?”“To ❀ Nоvеlігht ❀ (Don’t copy, read here) discuss the future of our Fire-Gold Sect.”“Oh?” Fang Qing, mildly intrigued, considered briefly and then agreed. “Very well. Where shall we go?”“Please follow me.” Ren Yongnian’s voice revealed his delight.Seeing Fang Qing’s assent, Gu Yuan offered no objection and accompanied Ren Yongnian.……In a warmly lit room redolent with tea fragrance, the three sat with differing expressions.Fang Qing remained impassive, quietly watching Ren Yongnian. Gu Yuan, however, felt something amiss—Ren Yongnian’s demeanor bore no hint of hostility.Since their meeting, Ren Yongnian’s smile had never left his face; if he continued grinning, he might cramp.With a gentle, steady tone, Ren Yongnian said, “This room is arrayed with a formation, so our conversation here will remain unheard by others.”Fang Qing nodded and asked calmly, “Then what is it you wish to tell us?”“Do you know why the Sect Leader has fostered your growth?”They both shook their heads.Watching their reactions, Ren Yongnian began slowly, “That matter dates back decades…”Fang Qing, unable to sit still at his storytelling posture, interrupted bluntly, “Don’t put on that storytelling act. Just give us the gist—otherwise I’ll leave.”Ren Yongnian gave a wry laugh at the contrast between this and her earlier restraint, then said, “Very well, I’ll be concise.”“Our Sect Leader, Luo Tiangan, and his junior brother, Yu De, share a long-standing grievance.”“It originated over a woman. Both Luo Tiangan and Yu De loved her. She chose Yu De, but on an expedition she died. Yu De returned alone and was beaten by Luo Tiangan; from then on they became estranged.”“Later, Luo Tiangan discovered that the woman was a spy, sent to sow discord between two Fire-Gold Sect prodigies so her own sect—the Shuiyi Sect—might benefit.”“Enraged by the truth, Luo Tiangan led an assault on Shuiyi Sect, silencing everyone—including the woman—by his own hand.”“Because of that, even after learning the truth, Yu De never reconciled with Luo Tiangan.”Having omitted many details, Ren Yongnian paused to gauge their expressions.Gu Yuan’s face shifted slightly—this was highly confidential information he would never have known otherwise. Fang Qing, however, remained unchanged and simply asked, “So, why are you telling us this?”Ren Yongnian smiled and replied, “Be patient—now comes the crux.”He cleared his throat and resumed, “Yu De now oversees the Gold Faction within our Sect. Though his authority doesn’t match Luo Tiangan’s, he is effectively the second in command.”“The Fire Faction follows Luo Tiangan’s line, aiming to have Luo Tiangan’s son, Luo Hong, succeed as Sect Leader.”“Yu De is also my foster father; he and the Gold Faction support me, and thanks to my talent I surpass Luo Hong in strength. So under normal circumstances…”“Seems an ‘accident’ has arisen.” Fang Qing interjected.Ren Yongnian did not seem displeased; he nodded with a smile and said, “Indeed, an accident has occurred. If you insist on opposing me, the Fire and Gold factions will erupt into conflict, leading to the decline of our Sect.”“Therefore I hope we can ally in secret while feigning rivalry, controlling the factions’ strife.”“When the time comes that we can lead both factions, we will end the conflict and prevent further decline.”After Ren Yongnian’s explanation, Gu Yuan asked, “Your goal is simply that?”Ren Yongnian nodded, “Exactly. I grew up in the Fire-Gold Sect; it is my home, the place I swore to protect! So to prevent our home from weakening and facing invasion, I am willing to do things my father would forbid.”His tone brimmed with resolve, as if he would forsake everything for his aim.Hearing this, Fang Qing nodded in slight approval, yet without hesitation said, “I can agree—but on conditions.”“Speak them—if they are within my ability, I will fulfill them.”“We are not from here; we feel no strong attachment to the Fire-Gold Sect. We came only to cultivate. So you should understand our condition.”“I understand—it is natural. I will notify Xiao Hua so that every seven days he provides you with cultivation resources.”“Very well. With that guarantee, I will cooperate fully.” Fang Qing agreed crisply, without further discussion.Gu Yuan observed Fang Qing’s maneuver and understood. Though he could have accepted Ren Yongnian’s request outright, since it was Fang Qing’s proposal, he too assented.

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