Volume One: A Youth Enters the World Chapter Fifty-Nine: Consequences

Fang Tian did not underestimate his opponent; though he felt no fear in his heart, he dared not take his adversary lightly, for such recklessness was tantamount to gambling with his own life. This principle was well understood by Bai Yifan on the opposite side, otherwise he would not have prepared such an imposing stance.

Steadying his mind, Fang Tian began to exert his full strength, taking this opportunity to test whether he could truly fight across realms. He activated the Frost Sword Technique, cold air enveloping him, his spiritual power channeled ceaselessly into the Cold Feather Sword. In moments, the spiritual energy gathered on the blade reached its utmost limit, unable to absorb any more.

Fang Tian pointed his sword at Bai Yifan, as if to say he was ready to begin.

Bai Yifan did not hesitate, uttering a low command, “Five Spears Whirlwind Break.”

Five spears of spiritual energy spun and intertwined, emitting fierce roars. Like a soaring dragon, they shattered the floor and rushed towards Fang Tian at incredible speed.

Witnessing such a display, the spectators below sighed, feeling Fang Tian would hardly withstand such an attack.

Yet Fang Tian only smiled lightly, withdrew his sword slightly, and vanished from sight. In the next moment, he appeared, Cold Feather Sword in hand, colliding with the spears.

Frost spread, gradually enveloping the spiritual spears, until they transformed into a mass of ice that crashed to the ground in shards.

In that instant, Fang Tian’s sword was placed against Bai Yifan’s shoulder, just a hair’s breadth from his throat.

“You are defeated.”

At this moment, Bai Yifan stared at Fang Tian in disbelief. His full-force strike had failed to overcome a youth who appeared to be at the third level of Spiritual Gathering. A sword hovered at his shoulder—one slight movement and his life would be forfeit.

He moved his folding fan, unwilling to accept defeat, attempting to repeat his technique. But Fang Tian gave him no chance. The sword flickered, and frost appeared on Bai Yifan’s neck.

Fang Tian spoke, “Your life now hangs by my will. You would do well not to act rashly.”

Upon hearing this, Bai Yifan lowered his fan and remained motionless, for he understood his fate was firmly in Fang Tian’s grasp.

“Kill me if you wish,” Bai Yifan said, bitterness in his voice.

Fang Tian chuckled, sheathing the Cold Feather Sword. “I won’t kill you, but I hope you abandon your intent to slay Wolf Green.”

Bai Yifan pondered for a moment and replied, “Since I’ve lost, I have nothing more to say. I promise you.”

With those words, Bai Yifan glanced at Fang Tian, then walked off the stage without looking back, his defeat leaving him too humiliated to remain. In truth, Bai Yifan feared Fang Tian might change his mind; leaving swiftly was the wisest course. As for future matters, if action could not be taken openly, then it would be resolved in secret.

The strength Fang Tian displayed made Bai Yifan deeply wary. He could not fathom how a youth at the third level of Spiritual Gathering harbored greater power than himself. Did Fang Tian possess some secret?

The thought brought a slight smile to Bai Yifan’s lips, as if he were plotting something.

Seeing Bai Yifan depart, Fang Tian also descended from the stage, ready to leave, for he had other matters to attend to.

The crowd below, awed by Fang Tian’s prowess, gazed at him in silence, unsure how to speak.

Wolf Green, seeing Fang Tian about to leave, called out loudly, “Young brother, please wait!”

Fang Tian turned around, intending to depart without lingering, but Wolf Green stopped him.

Wolf Green approached slowly, and when he reached Fang Tian, he said, “I am deeply grateful for your rescue.”

Fang Tian waved his hand, smiling, “I only acted against villainy; you need not dwell on it.”

Wolf Green shook his head and continued, “But you did save me. This cannot be overlooked. I owe you a debt—please allow me a chance to repay it.”

Fang Tian did not wish to linger, but seeing Wolf Green’s insistence, he considered for a moment and said, “You are wounded. It’s best to heal first. Repayment can wait until you recover.”

“That’s fine. May I ask where you live?”

“Maple Forest Residence.”

“Good. When I am healed, I shall seek you out.”

“Very well. I have matters to attend to, so I must leave.”

“Then let us meet again another day.”

Fang Tian nodded and turned away. Wolf Green, after Fang Tian left, took the bounty notice and departed in another direction. His injuries were severe, and he needed a place to recuperate. He feared no trouble, for no one in the city dared commit murder openly.

After the two left, the remaining spectators realized there was nothing left to see and dispersed. Fang Tian’s performance on the stage began to spread among them.

On the road, Fang Tian recalled the duel. Now he had a clearer understanding of his true strength: Bai Yifan, at the sixth level of Spiritual Gathering, could not defeat him.

He had not tested his limits, which left him feeling that something was still missing.

As for why he did not kill Bai Yifan, Fang Tian had his reasons. He had overheard the crowd’s discussions and learned Bai Yifan’s background was not simple. His own situation was far from favorable. This intervention had already placed him in danger.

Before acting, Fang Tian had considered how to minimize the risk. If he killed Bai Yifan, he would surely be pursued by the forces behind him. The danger would be immense, and who knew what powerful elders might lurk behind Bai Yifan?

His own strength was not yet sufficient. If someone stronger than Bai Yifan came seeking vengeance, he would be in dire straits.

Thus, Fang Tian chose to let him live. If Bai Yifan gave up, all would be well. But from Bai Yifan’s departing gaze, Fang Tian sensed this was unlikely; revenge was inevitable.

If Bai Yifan was unwilling to let go and sought trouble, Fang Tian would wait for him in secret. In the meantime, he needed to mislead Bai Yifan, making him believe Fang Tian’s strength was no higher than the sixth level of Spiritual Gathering.

This way, even if Bai Yifan sought help, he would not attract a truly formidable opponent. Fang Tian therefore had little to fear.

Moreover, he had discussed these matters with Elder Tian. Elder Tian had told him, “Since you have already acted, you must find a way to resolve the issue. If all else fails, I will intervene, though the cost will be great.”

Fang Tian understood his actions had been somewhat reckless, but the trouble was upon him. He could only respond as needed.

“If I can lure him in, that may be a solution,” Fang Tian murmured to himself.

After all that had happened, Fang Tian’s outlook was no longer as naïve as before. To avoid further danger, he must resolve matters decisively.

As for Wolf Green, Fang Tian considered him a man of character and did not regret saving him.

With these thoughts, Fang Tian arrived at the entrance of the Spirit Tool Pavilion.