Lord of the night.

Chapter 1498 Gathering of Fortune, Immortal Guiding the Way [Part Two]

Fang Che's gaze was mainly focused on the center, looking at the two old men to the left and right of Dongfang San San.

Not only him, but all the guardians' eyes were also focused on these two.

Both men had gray hair and, by ordinary standards, appeared to be around sixty years old. They were vigorous, with slender faces and a slightly thin appearance.

Who are these two people?

Despite his high status, no one has ever seen him.

Clearly, these two individuals hold a position among the Guardians second only to Dongfang San San and Xue Fuxiao.

This should be the hidden trump card of the Eastern strategist.

But this mysterious person has actually appeared at the conference!

Although no introduction was given, everyone's eyes were very sharp.

Fang Che thought to himself that these two people looked even older than Lord Xue Fuxiao usually did.

And in this situation, Lord Xue actually allowed it.

That proves... that these two people are actually of a higher generation than Xue Fuxiao. Or rather: their current positions may not be their true proper positions.

It's more like a symbolic gesture...

Furthermore, Fang Che discovered that Xue Wu's place was not on it.

He was there; according to his status, he should have been seated at least next to Dongfang San San, but since he wasn't sitting there, no seat was assigned to him.

What does it mean?
Fang Che sensed something profound.

Does this mean... these two people are of similar generation and position to Xue Wu?
if so……

Fang Che remembered that Feng Du had mentioned a few people during their conversation, and his father had also mentioned a few names.

Fang Che tried desperately to remember...

I remember it was something like... frost, smoke, thunder, snow dance, snow fall, snow fly, romance, raindrops, rain threads, rain dreams...

Some of them have perished, but it hasn't been revealed who exactly they are, nor who is still alive. Feng Shuang has been confirmed dead, but Zheng Yuandong, the Grand Master of the Only Righteous Sect, is unwilling to accept this and has been trying to resurrect her.

Among the other people, Xue Wu has appeared several times.

However, other characters like Feng Qing and Yu Meng never appeared.

No battle records have ever circulated on the mainland, including those from ten thousand years ago. It seems as if a giant hand quietly smoothed everything over.

A huge question in Fang Che's mind was quietly answered at this moment.

Why are the Guardians able to hold on even when they are at a significant disadvantage?

Why does Zheng Yuandong rarely take truly destructive actions?

One reason should be that the Guardians have always had these trump cards; and if these people were to truly risk their lives in a life-or-death battle, then even if Zheng Yuandong were invincible, he would not be able to protect all his brothers!
Fang Che knew Xue Wu's strength; she was on par with Feng Du, and a cut above Yan Nanchen and others.

The tacit understanding between the two sides should be that we promised not to be the first to use that...? Yeah, more or less.

The second reason should be that Feng Shuang was in the same combat group or the same rank as these people before his death... The third reason is... the relationship between Feng Shuang, Feng Yan, Feng Qing and other people with the surname Feng?
Moreover, these people all belong to the category of wind, rain, and snow...

Now, there are two on stage.

It could be considered that he had revealed a portion of his trump card, which was indeed astonishing. However, looking at the two old men on the high platform at this moment, Fang Che did not feel that 'their trump card was very powerful,' but rather felt a strange sense of heaviness.

Because... this should be Dongfang San San's last trump card in terms of the Guardians' strength.

However... no matter how strong Feng Qing Yu Meng and the others are, they are only at the same level as Xue Wu Feng Du. As for the Dragon God, Snake God, Heavenly Centipede God... it has to be admitted that there is still an insurmountable distance between them!
If the Guardians' trump card ends here, then the only trump card of the True Cult is the Grand Master who has never appeared.

Such power is faced with divine intervention...

Fang Che sighed softly to himself.

Feeling the guardians gathering around him like a tidal wave, Fang Che's heart sank: He couldn't win!
Based on the current situation and what we know, we absolutely cannot win.

A year and a half later... the outlook isn't optimistic!
Dongfang Sansan is giving a speech.

All around, countless intelligence agents were meticulously recording the speech and immediately transmitting it to various parts of the continent in real time!
Dongfang San San spoke casually and warmly, and everyone could tell that Ninth Master hadn't prepared a script at all!

Instead, he was genuinely chatting with everyone.

This warmed the hearts of the guardians, since simply reading from the script could give off a cold, bureaucratic feeling.

"...In the past six years, wars have not been very frequent. The core strength of the Guardians has increased significantly, as has the number of high-level Guardians. Among them, the number of Guardians who have reached the peak of the Ninth Grade Saint Lord has increased by seventeen; the number of Ninth Grade Saint Lords has increased by forty-six; and the number of Saint Lords of the Sixth Grade and above has increased by one hundred and twenty-five."

At this point, Dongfang San San suddenly laughed and said, "Don't think that everyone has been promoted. There are still some gaps left by those who were promoted, and we haven't filled them yet. You all have to find a way to fill them!"

Immediately, smiles appeared on everyone's faces.

Everyone understood what Dongfang San San meant.

"Currently, the number of people who were originally at the initial stage of Saint King has increased to the middle stage. The number of people has increased, but the combat strength level cannot keep up for the time being. We must continue to find a way to address this."

Dongfang San San said, "Everyone here has a responsibility. Don't think that today is just a meeting where you can listen to me ramble on. You all need to get back to work quickly."

Everyone roared in unison, "Yes!"

But after they finished shouting, everyone looked worried.

Well, those who advanced to higher ranks had honed their skills at the peak of the mid-level for countless years. Their combat prowess and experience were unparalleled. Their luck exploded, and they broke through the bottleneck that had kept them stuck for so many years, thus advancing to higher ranks.

Those who are inferior to them, although they have also reached their original bottleneck level, do not have the combat power and instinctive wisdom brought by so many years of experience.

This requires countless battles and the tempering of time.

Therefore, this layer is actually the most difficult.

"And in the past six years, the number of people who have broken through from Saint Venerable to Saint King has reached three thousand."

Dongfang San San said, "There are many people, but... there are not many who experience large-scale spiritual energy tides, and even fewer who experience multiple holy halos. In this respect, we are far behind the Sovereign Sect."

There's nothing that can be done about this. The aptitude of young people is indeed a major issue.

"The good news is that the Sovereign Cult... has been fighting amongst themselves quite fiercely in recent years. Even now, as we sit here having this meeting, they are still killing off people in droves..."

Dongfang San San smiled, and the crowd below burst into laughter.

Then Dongfang San San said a few more things, and Fang Che could sense what Dongfang San San meant: in fact, he was trying his best to promote himself once again.

In the hearts of all the guardians, the impression of "Ninth Master is a truly great man who really cares about us brothers" was formed.

This impression is extremely important!
It's not a personality cult, but it's far more powerful than one!
Fang Che's mental power could even sense that as Dongfang San San spoke, the heartbeats of everyone present unconsciously became a unified rhythm.

Dongfang San San and the others had obviously noticed it as well.

So he laughed and said, "I've been rambling on and on at the beginning, and you're probably getting annoyed. But that's what this meeting is all about, so let's have someone else speak from now on. Let's change the faces, let you get used to them, and also give you a sense of participation."

"Today's meeting is for summarizing, reporting on our work, identifying shortcomings, and outlining future plans."

"Everyone from each department will take the stage to speak. After everyone has finished speaking, we will vote by secret ballot to select the best speaker. In addition, I won't hide it from you, but a major battle is coming soon, and this meeting is also a pre-battle mobilization and deployment. However, this part will be left until the end."

"After the meeting, I hope to raise a glass with everyone here again."

Dongfang Sansan smiled warmly: "My treat! Use my Dongfang wine! Hmm, wine and nine, you know what I mean."

Boom! The atmosphere instantly became lively.

Everyone burst into laughter, their faces beaming with genuine anticipation.

Ninth Master is treating everyone to Ninth Master's Oriental Wine!

Next came the stage for everyone to give their reports. Fang Che glanced at the meeting schedule in his hand and was surprised to find that his report was scheduled for the afternoon of the third day...

Anyway, my uncle has already finished speaking, and now it is General Yu Haoran, the chief commander of the headquarters' war affairs hall, who is reporting on his duties.

Summary, self-examination, outlook, and fighting spirit... etc...

The processes are all pretty much the same.

Moreover, the script was excellent, vivid and eloquent, yet it ensured that everyone could understand it!
Dongfang San San personally reviewed and revised each of these manuscripts...

Everyone listened with great interest, and spontaneously burst into thunderous applause from time to time.

But for Fang Che, now is the time to relax.

Mr. Fang never misses an opportunity to hold a meeting, as it's a rare moment for his brain to relax!

He sat upright, his hands neatly placed on his knees.

He put on a friendly smile, listened attentively, his eyes were wide open, and a knowing smile appeared on his lips.

She's fast asleep...

Firstly, it's none of his business. Secondly, he has the Five Spirit Gu on him, and at a time when guardians are gathering their fortune and everyone is united, it's best for him to remain silent.

Although Fang Che could control the Five Spirit Gu, he was not sure if he could sever all the Heavenly Centipede Gods' control over the Five Spirit Gu.

The safest course of action is to let the five spirit gu (a type of poisonous insect) simply annihilate themselves into a deep sleep.

Dongfang San San on the high platform glanced over and a smile flashed across his face: This kid is cautious, which makes me very satisfied.

Behind Fang Che, Xue Changqing was speechless.

The guy in front of me is asleep...

He kept a close eye on Fang Che's spiritual fluctuations, trying to maintain consistency with Fang Che: after all, they still had to vote.

I never expected this guy to be so unreliable.

Suddenly, the fluctuations in his divine sense vanished!

Holy crap!

There are two possibilities. The first is that it's dead.

The second type is: the consciousness shrinks into the sea of ​​consciousness, and the whole body relaxes completely and falls asleep...

This type of sleep is called 'quiescent sleep', which is a level higher than deep sleep—it's essentially a vegetative state.

Xue Changqing was completely numb.

You dare to sleep in this?

But he didn't dare to warn him, and Fang Che was the kind of person who wouldn't wake up even if he cut his butt twice right now.

Highly skilled martial artists typically only sleep like this when they feel extremely safe and assured that no one will disturb them, because for their spiritual consciousness, this is an extremely rare form of rest, recovery, and consolidation.

Currently, nowhere on the entire mainland is as safe as this...

Fang Che chose a good time... Xue Changqing had to admit that.

Xue Changqing also wanted to sleep... but he couldn't bear to...

During the meeting, Dongfang San San would intervene briefly between each speaker's remarks to refocus everyone's attention, which had become somewhat scattered.

The entire conference, at the same time it was being held, was being disseminated throughout the entire continent!

Meanwhile, all the guarding halls simultaneously announced this to the people of the world.

As the meeting progressed, the aura of fortune above the Guardian headquarters became increasingly concentrated and billowed, rapidly expanding at a speed almost visible to the naked eye.

Gradually, a majestic and boundless landscape began to emerge.

This meeting was meticulously prepared. It was a preparation made by Dongfang San San to gather the continent's fortune in order to open that mysterious secret realm before the war of gods, thereby enhancing the strength of the guardians.

Although luck was far from enough at that time, Dongfang San San still pursued that extremely slim expectation with several times the effort.

He did everything perfectly.

I only pray that Heaven will have mercy and bestow divine grace to open the secret realm.

Because Dongfang San San knew one thing very well: if they faced the God War with their current strength, the entire continent would undoubtedly be defeated!
There wouldn't even be any room to fight back!

He exerted all his strength and struggled relentlessly to pursue that distant, dimly lit star in the sky.

Even he himself did not expect that Fang Che's life-and-death squad would bring the Dragon God to Kanke City before the conference started!
The enormous gains and the immense surprise made all of Dongfang San San's preparations come to fruition at this moment!

So he reinforced the plan again overnight.

Furthermore, he did not hesitate to use his prestige to engage in a kind of personality cult, forcibly gathering the fortune of the mainland.

With countless heroes, a rich history, countless sacrifices, and the living pinnacle of Optimus Prime, it spreads its message throughout the world!
With profound and impactful data, it leaves a deep imprint on the hearts of everyone who hears or sees it, igniting their passion and becoming part of the totem of the mainland!

Mainland bloodline, the true descendants of God!
Dongfang San San was fully engaged in the meeting. He didn't bother to calculate how much luck he had accumulated, because he had already done his best!
An hour and a half later.

Fang Che woke up. Perfect timing, he announced a midday recess.

Fang Che, his face beaming with enthusiasm, clapped along with the others: "Clap clap clap..." His eyes were filled with the same adrenaline-fueled light as everyone else's.

Xue Changqing, standing behind him, really wanted to stab him right in the buttocks—you've clapped so many times while sitting there smiling, why are you clapping now… I'm getting noticed because of you…

Then Fang Che was called away by Rui Qianshan.

Then I met Dongfang San San.

"Make the most of these few days and get some sleep!"

Dongfang San San encouraged, "Your spiritual power is becoming too strong, it's almost beyond your capacity. You're safe for now, so seize the time to enter a state of quiescent sleep... it's more effective than practicing martial arts!"

Fang Che didn't expect to receive encouragement.

At first, I thought Dongfang San San was being sarcastic...

As expected, my uncle knew the real reason.

"I will obey!"

"Go ahead," Dongfang San San said with a smile.

The problem of spiritual consciousness naturally needs to be resolved, and your use of the Annihilation and Shielding of the Five Spirit Gu is also necessary. But after this is resolved, I'll settle the score with you for sleeping during meetings!
You really think that's the end of it?
When Fang Che went to the meeting again in the afternoon, he found that the two old men had indeed disappeared from the stage: they had only made a brief appearance in the morning, giving everyone some endless speculation, and then they were gone.

But such mysterious speculation is far more effective than simply stating it outright.

The suspense was over, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. But this won't do!

As long as it's not announced, everyone will keep guessing! They'll keep wondering, even discussing... that's what makes it a hot topic!
Dongfang San San's grasp of human nature and human emotions is already superb.

For this grand event, they used all their wisdom and even some unscrupulous means. For Xue Fuxiao, Xue Wu, Rui Qianshan, and the others, the final battle might be the day that determines their life or death.

But for Dongfang San San, today is the decisive battle!

If we fail to gather our fortune... our defeat is sealed today!
The moment the meeting was announced in the afternoon, Fang Che fell silent once again!
She fell into a sweet sleep.

Xue Changqing, who was right behind him, was nearly frantic with worry: "Grandpa! How sleepy are you?!"

night.

Xue Changqing and Xue Yizun arrived at Fang Che's courtyard as promised.

Xue Huanhuan, Mo Ganyun, and the others who insisted on coming along were all mercilessly driven away by Xue Yizun.

At this banquet, Xue Yizun was merely a guest, or perhaps a protector or gatekeeper brought by Xue Changqing.

Xue Changqing felt it wouldn't be very elegant for him to personally drive away Mo Ganyun and the others... Xue Yizun's intervention solved the problem. Hmm, just right. There's still some buffer time...

"Mr. Fang...you must be very tired lately?"

After several rounds of drinks, Xue Changqing said in a meaningful voice transmission, "I'm very tired, and it's been a long time since we last met... but... you know what I mean, right?"

Fang Che coughed and his face immediately fell: "Master Qing, just mind your own business... like the King of Shit."

Xue Yizun and Xue Changqing's faces contorted in pain.

How dare you mention the "Shit King"! Wasn't my Shit King created by your own hands, Fang Che?

"Mr. Fang!" Xue Changqing: "I meant well..."

"I know."

Fang Che knew Xue Changqing meant well, but... he had to sleep at the meeting. He couldn't explain it to him.

"Let's get down to business."

Fang Che said, "You must have something to tell me today."

Xue Changqing sighed, having no choice but to give up trying to persuade him, and said, "It's still because of Feng Yun..."

"..."

Fang Che said speechlessly, "What are you doing studying Feng Yun every day?"

Xue Changqing was taken aback: "If I don't study him... then who should I study?"

Fang Che was stunned: That's right! Xue Changqing should be studying Feng Yun the most; he's his lifelong rival and enemy. He's not like me, chatting and joking with Feng Yun every day…

"Okay. Go ahead and tell me."

Fang Che compromised.

“During this period, Feng Yun has not returned to the Southeast Headquarters. In terms of position, it seems that there has been no change. However, according to the news from the headquarters of the Sovereign Sect, Feng Yun’s power has increased more than tenfold compared to before.”

Xue Changqing said with a solemn expression, "The investigation and killings by the righteous sect were all done by Feng Yun and Night Demon. After I had someone investigate, I discovered a strange phenomenon, which is... nominally Night Demon was in charge, but in reality, it was Feng Yun who was in charge."

Fang Che rubbed his temples and took a sip of wine.

This is inevitable. How can one truly take the lead when one is not present? Of course, Feng Yun should be in charge.

"This signal is extremely clear, meaning that the younger generation of the Only Righteous Sect has already decided on the structure of Feng Yun as the main figure and Night Demon as the assistant!"

Xue Changqing said, "Moreover, it's not just about auditing the accounts; Feng Yun has been gradually getting involved and taking the lead in other matters as well. For example, the case of the Weiwo Zhengjiao buying and selling flesh and blood some time ago... that was also the case."

"As for other secret matters, although we don't know what the True Self Sect is doing now, Feng Yun's figure is also vaguely visible among them."

"To some extent, Feng Yun is participating in the overall management of the Sovereign Sect!"

Xue Changqing solemnly said, "And the Night Demon's auxiliary position is also essentially confirmed. Yan Beihan is planning another expedition and is completely ignoring matters within the sect. From this perspective, the future structure of the Weiwo Zhengjiao sect is already extremely clear."

Fang Che was taken aback.

A thoughtful look appeared in his eyes.

While I was caught up in it, I didn't realize it, but Xue Changqing, an outsider, understood it perfectly. Looking back now, there was indeed a hint of that intuition!
Xue Changqing's feeling was absolutely right.

"Feng Yun is investigating the case... and when it comes to cooperating with his second uncle, Feng Nuan, he's managed to keep to himself and not get the slightest bit emotionally charged..."

Xue Changqing analyzed step by step: "When deciding to kill, they showed no mercy. Now they are simultaneously dealing with the five major manors, and the punishment for the Feng family's manor is even more severe..."

"exist……"

Xue Changqing spoke clearly and meticulously, recounting everything Feng Yun had done during this period. He knew all of this by heart and was constantly refining his understanding of it.

Fang Che listened attentively.

Xue Changqing has really put in a lot of effort to get to Feng Yun.

Compare how each situation was handled with how similar situations were handled previously.

Each and every item was laid out on the table.

In half an hour, thirty-six events were recounted, and with their corresponding counterparts, that makes a total of seventy-two matters.

"...That's all. Then, based on the demeanor and style described in the intelligence report, we can make inferences."

Xue Changqing sighed softly: "Feng Yun has been completely transformed. He gives me a sense of control like Ninth Master and a sense of shrewdness like Yan Nan... The advantages of two peak-level people are gradually merging into Feng Yun."

Xue Changqing said with concern, "Although it is not fully integrated yet, it has already achieved more than half of the goal. The rest is just training."

Xue Changqing said.

Fang Che was comparing Feng Yun, whom he knew, in his mind.

It must be admitted that Xue Changqing was right.

Feng Yun was indeed quietly shifting towards that trend, and the whole process was extremely smooth without any sense of forced effort.

As Xue Changqing sensed Feng Yun's continuous transformation, his own sense of oppression intensified.

Feeling a little weak?

Fang Che asked with a smile.

Xue Changqing nodded directly: "...A little!"

He gave a wry smile and said, "I've been chasing after it frantically, but I'm getting further and further away. I can clearly feel that myself."

"What did Ninth Master say?" Fang Che asked.

“Ninth Master doesn’t concern himself with these matters; he’s already very busy…” Xue Changqing said dejectedly, “But he did tell Wan Shi to tell me that I can come and discuss things with you.”

"I see."

Fang Che pondered for a moment and nodded, understanding.

No wonder Xue Changqing looked at him like he was a treasure.

He frowned, wondering what his uncle was thinking. If it was his uncle who had personally enlightened him... Xue Changqing still had the mentality of being 'helped by others,' which was completely different from Feng Yun's self-directed transformation.

Therefore, if Xue Changqing were to receive subtle reminders from himself, the effect would be much better than Xue Changqing's top-down guidance.

Fang Che smiled and said, "Let me put it this way: First, Feng Yun is Feng Yun, and Xue Changqing is Xue Changqing. Feng Yun has to face the infighting he faces, while you, Xue Changqing, have fewer of these concerns than Feng Yun. You admit that, right?"

"Yes."

"Therefore, Feng Yun had to think more comprehensively, which was a forced decision. Moreover, a large part of his energy was inevitably tied to the internal strife within the 'Only My Righteous Sect,' while you have the advantage in this regard once again. You can focus without distraction, you admit that, right?"

"Yes."

A light slowly appeared in Xue Changqing's eyes.

"Thirdly, Feng Yun can't only be targeting you, Xue Changqing, but you, Xue Changqing, can target only Feng Yun! That makes sense, doesn't it?"

"Yes." Xue Changqing took a deep breath.

"Fourth, it's not that chasing Feng Yun is wrong, but you shouldn't lose yourself in the process. And although your frantic pursuit may not have caught up with Feng Yun, you're making faster progress than if you hadn't chased him at all, right?"

"Yes!"

"Feng Yun's strength is his versatility, but what about yours? You are so wary of Feng Yun, but you also need to see that what Feng Yun fears most is actually you."

Fang Che asked, "So what is Feng Yun afraid of about you? What aspect of you is he afraid of?"

Xue Changqing didn't hesitate on this point; he had already made the comparison a thousand times: "Reliable."

"Correct!"

Fang Che said:
"If you continue to work diligently and practically, what can Feng Yun do to you, no matter how many schemes he has?"

Fang Che said, "As long as the mountain is majestic enough, no matter how strong the wind is, it can only blow away a few rocks. Can it blow the whole mountain away?"

"The wind and clouds are in the sky, and the green mountains are on the ground."

Fang Che said, "What do you think?"

That night, in the latter half of the drinking session, Xue Changqing drank while pondering, drinking with great enjoyment.

Finally, we were full and satisfied.

"Mr. Fang!"

Xue Changqing, supporting Fang Che's shoulder, said with a gleam in his eyes, "I am so fortunate!"

He laughed heartily.

Turn around and go out.

Xue Yizun followed behind, walked to the door, turned around and said earnestly, "President Fang, thank you!"

Fang Che smiled wryly: "Actually, even the smartest person will take a detour. Changqing will realize this sooner or later. It's just that he has been too focused on the expectations of his elders and the pressure from his opponents, which has actually weighed him down."

These words were not spoken to Xue Yizun, but to Xue Changqing, who was already standing outside the door gazing at the night sky.

Xue Yizun understood perfectly, and laughed heartily: "Between brothers, great kindness needs no words of thanks. Farewell!"

"Walk slowly."

Fang Che saw the two off.

Back in his room, he sat down and reviewed the conversation again.

Finally breathed a sigh of relief.

Only now did Ye Meng emerge from the inner room, her eyes crinkling with a smile: "They're all gone?"

When Xue Changqing and his companion arrived, Ye Meng knew they had something to discuss. After exchanging greetings, she went back to her inner room to avoid suspicion. She prepared a few dishes to show her hospitality and then did not come out again.

"gone."

Fang Che said softly, "Actually, Xue Changqing has changed a lot since we last met."

Ye Meng smiled and said, "My master once praised him, saying that Xue Changqing is down-to-earth, but my uncle once said that Xue Changqing still needs guidance from an immortal. Hehe, Ache, are you an immortal?"

(End of this chapter)