Their relationship wasn’t exactly distant, yet they were a long way from taking the next step forward.
The two of them had once discussed this very topic, speaking frankly during a lull in their unsuccessful joint cultivation sessions.
Yu Yaoguang’s view was to let things take their course. She was over thirty and had finally found someone she fancied—the *only* one who had ever caught her eye. Was she not allowed to take the initiative for once?
It was just as Zhai Xing had said: don’t ask for an eternity together, just ask for no regrets.
But as the Sect Leader of Yuqing Pavilion, it was impossible for her to marry Fang Shuwen.
Therefore, she wouldn’t interfere with whom Fang Shuwen married, or how many wives he took.
But regardless of how many women Fang Shuwen had, she had to be one of them.
They didn’t need to be too close. She wasn’t some young girl who needed to cling to Fang Shuwen’s side at all times. But if he had some leisure time, it would be enough for him to come find her for a "reunion."
Of course, in her words, it was to "jointly cultivate the Yin Yang Dao."
Fang Shuwen didn’t believe a single word of it...
This Grand Sect Leader was terrible at it but hopelessly addicted, indulging in pleasure and rarely bothering with actual cultivation.
However, even just those few sessions of true practice had brought Yu Yaoguang enormous benefits.
At her previous pace, the foundation of Inner Strength she had received from Bai Liuli would have taken another four or five years to fully absorb and master.
But these few encounters had saved her a full two years of arduous cultivation.
In another two or three years, her work would be complete.
But even this incredible benefit couldn’t overcome her tendency to neglect her proper duties for pleasure.
But a secret like theirs couldn’t be kept forever. Eventually, they would have to face the consequences, and there was no telling what that would look like.
While Fang Shuwen’s mind was racing, Zheng Sihai clicked his tongue in amusement.
"What did you do? Did you wrong some young lady?"
"Huh? I didn’t do anything."
Fang Shuwen hurriedly shook his head.
Zheng Sihai found it rather amusing.
"You’re the great Demon Evil God now, but you’re still the same as you were when you were young."
"Right, I haven’t properly thanked you for that Ten-Year Dust-Breaking Pill."
"Master, your kindness to me is as boundless as a mountain. This disciple couldn’t ask for more than the chance to repay even a fraction of it."
"Sigh. You have a good heart."
Zheng Sihai gently patted Fang Shuwen’s shoulder.
"Alright, that’s all from me. You’re free to go."
Fang Shuwen nodded. Just as he was about to leave, he remembered something else.
"Master, I plan to travel to the Northern Domain in the coming days."
"When I return, I’ll likely settle down in Guangning City..."
"I’ve found some clues about my parents."
Zheng Sihai paused for a moment, then nodded immediately.
"That’s wonderful news. You must follow it up."
"Yes."
Fang Shuwen cupped his fist.
"Your disciple takes his leave."
After leaving the room, Fang Shuwen began to agonize over whether or not he should visit the Zhou Family. ’I probably should... The Zhou Family still owes me two thousand taels of gold.’
He certainly hadn’t forgotten about that.
However, compared to his initial craving for that gold, it didn’t seem to weigh on his mind as much anymore.
So, after a moment of indecision, he went to Xuanhu Herb Hall first.
This was the very same medical hall where Fang Shuwen had lived for several years. When the Shopkeeper saw him, he was, of course, incredibly warm and welcoming.
The Shopkeeper was just an ordinary person, however, and had no interest in the affairs of the Jianghu.
Although he had heard of the infamous Demon Evil God Fang Shuwen, he never made the connection between that figure and the young man he knew.
Fang Shuwen spent the afternoon chatting with him. Before he left, he slipped two silver notes under the man’s abacus as thanks for taking care of him all those years ago.
By the time he emerged from Xuanhu Herb Hall, the sun was already sinking in the west.
Fang Shuwen had originally planned to go straight to his eldest martial brother, but after a moment’s hesitation, he instead went to a shop called the Ancient Quiet Pavilion.
This was the Golden Bell Tower’s outpost in Julu City.
When he came out, he was carrying two maps and some other essentials for traveling the Jianghu.
For this trip to the Northern Domain, he couldn’t just wander aimlessly as he had before.
His itinerary needed to be planned in advance: how far to travel each day, where to lodge for the night—it all had to be part of the plan.
The maps he bought from the Golden Bell Tower weren’t exceptionally detailed, but they were perfect for compensating for Fang Shuwen’s lack of planning.
By the time he had finished his errands, the sky had already grown dim.
Fang Shuwen then went straight to find Mo Beidou.
But it wasn’t just Mo Beidou there that evening; nearly all of his martial brothers had gathered. With not enough room to host everyone at home, they went to a tavern instead.
Having not seen him for over half a year, his martial brothers naturally made Fang Shuwen the target of their toasts.
Fortunately, his Martial Arts were now peerless, and a little alcohol was hardly enough to affect him.
The meal ended with everyone in high spirits.
「The next morning」
Fang Shuwen freshened himself up and headed to the Zhou Family estate to pay a visit.
The moment Elder Zhou, Half City Zhou, saw Fang Shuwen, he was exceedingly cordial.
He pulled Fang Shuwen close, calling him "Young Hero" this and "Young Hero" that.
Ultimately, however, the two were not well acquainted. After chatting for a couple of hours, Fang Shuwen rose to take his leave.
Zhou Feixiong quickly had someone bring over a box. He opened it to reveal silver notes equivalent to five thousand taels of gold.
Fang Shuwen tried every way he could to refuse, but to no avail. Left with no choice, he had to accept it.
Stepping out of the Zhou Family’s main gate, Fang Shuwen glanced at the silver notes in the box and sighed.
’It really pays to have powerful Martial Arts.’
With the money in hand, Fang Shuwen thought for a moment and then went to buy a small courtyard house.
Now he finally had a place of his own in Julu City.
For the next two days, Fang Shuwen didn’t do much else. He spent all his time at the Four Seas Martial Arts Hall, either idly chatting with Zheng Sihai or in the front courtyard, leading the new disciples and teaching them the Four Seas Dragon Fist and the Plum Blossom Scattering Hand.
He would occasionally study the secret manuals Fang Mingxuan had given him. The days passed in a rather fulfilling way.
Just two days later, however, Fang Shuwen went to Zheng Sihai to announce his departure.
Zheng Sihai didn’t know what his plans were, and he didn’t ask. He simply urged him to be cautious and to think things through carefully before acting.
Fang Shuwen nodded again and again, showing that he understood.
Before he left, however, he entrusted a letter to Zheng Sihai, telling him that if Young Miss Zhou Qingmei of the Zhou Family came to visit, he should give the letter to her.
And so, on that morning, the members of the Four Seas Martial Arts Hall gathered to see Fang Shuwen off on his journey.