The First Venerable of All Paths

Qingyang Commandery was one of the nine commanderies of Qingzhou.

The city gate was bustling with people.

Fang Xuan concealed his aura and, like an ordinary rogue cultivator, slowly walked into the city.

As soon as we entered the city, we heard murmurs of conversation coming from the tea stalls by the roadside.

"Have you heard? Fang Xuan, that idiot from the Fang family, fell off a cliff and died three days ago!"

"Good riddance! What a waste for a fool to possess the title of Innate Dao Body, and to make matters worse, he dared to insult Fairy Su! He's utterly wicked!"

"Who can argue with that? But the most powerful one is Zhao Qingcang, a disciple of the Dao Seeking Sect. I heard that he awakened his innate Dao Body by chance, and has now been taken in as a personal disciple by the elders of the Dao Seeking Sect, who are even going to bestow upon him the title of Holy Son of the Dao Seeking Sect!"

The murmurs reached Fang Xuan's ears, and he paused slightly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

Insulting Su Qingyao?

Awakening of the innate Dao body?

Good, very good!

Fang Xuan's cold smile deepened, and his eyes flashed with murderous intent.

The Fang family, as one of the three major families in Qingyang County, holds a pivotal position in the county.

As the last rays of the setting sun shone down, the vermilion gate of the Fang family was tightly shut. The two characters "Fang Mansion" on the lintel, illuminated by the sunset, exuded a sense of majesty, yet were also somewhat glaring.

Fang Xuan slowly walked to the door and gently knocked on the door knocker.

Who is it?

An impatient voice came from inside the door.

A moment later, the gate opened slightly, revealing a crack, and a servant poked his head out.

Upon seeing Fang Xuan, the servant was first stunned, then his expression changed drastically, and he exclaimed in shock, "You...you're Fang Xuan? You're still alive?"

Fang Xuan remained calm, his gaze indifferent as he looked at the servant's terrified face. He spoke lightly, "What? You're disappointed that I'm not dead?"

The servant trembled and hurriedly shook his head: "No... I wouldn't dare! It's just... I just heard you fell off a cliff..."

"I'm tough, I won't die."

After Fang Xuan finished speaking, he reached out and pushed open the door, intending to step inside.

"You...you can't go in!"

Seeing this, the servants hurriedly tried to stop them, but Fang Xuan slapped them away with his backhand.

"You treacherous lackey, who gave you the audacity!"

The servants were shocked and filled with fear. They dared not stop him anymore and could only follow Fang Xuan tremblingly, secretly cursing him in their hearts.

When did this idiot become so tough?

At this moment, the atmosphere in the Fang family's council hall was as heavy as lead.

"This scoundrel Fang Xuan dared to insult Fairy Su of the Dao Seeking Sect; his character is despicable. I propose that Fang Xuan be immediately removed from his position as Young Master and removed from the family register!"

Fang Yue sat in the main seat of the council hall, spoke slowly, and looked around with a dignified air.

Fang Xuan's father, Fang Xiaotian, disappeared when he was young. After his mother passed away, the power of the Fang family fell into the hands of Fang Xuan's second uncle, Fang Yue.

Fang Yue is a narrow-minded man who has always coveted the position of family head.

During the three years that Fang Xuan was mentally impaired, he mistreated him quite a bit. If it weren't for the fear of gossip, Fang Xuan would probably have been kicked out of the Fang family long ago.

Now that Fang Xuan is dead, it has saved him a lot of trouble.

Below Fang Yue, several elders of the Fang family sat upright, while the area outside the hall was filled with members of the Fang family.

Remove Fang Xuan from the family register?

The suggestion immediately caused an uproar in the room.

Everyone already knew of Fang Xuan's death, but no one expected Fang Yue to be so impatient.

"Second Master, even though the young master has already passed away, it is unreasonable and unethical to remove him from the family register like this."

Below, Fang Shanhe, the second elder of the Fang family, spoke, his voice steady yet tinged with worry.

He looked at Fang Yue with a solemn expression: "If this matter gets out, it will definitely be criticized and will chill the hearts of the clansmen."

Although Fang Xuan was mentally impaired for three years and his martial meridians were blocked, preventing him from cultivating, he still carried the blood of the Fang family.

"The Second Elder is absolutely right."

The Third Elder echoed, "Our Fang family has been established in Qingyang for hundreds of years, and we have always governed our family with benevolence and righteousness. Whether it is removing the young master from the position or expelling him from the family genealogy, these are no small matters. We hope that you will consider this carefully."

Fang Yue was not surprised to hear these words.

The Second Elder and the Third Elder were both Fang Xiaotian's confidants. Even though Fang Xuan had become a cripple, they still firmly believed that Fang Xiaotian would return.

The two men's words made many Fang family elders and clansmen nod in agreement, all feeling that Fang Yue's suggestion was too ruthless, even somewhat despicable.

"You may want to take a look at this first."

As Fang Yue spoke, he picked up a marriage certificate and gestured to the crowd.

"This is......"

Fang Shanhe's expression changed drastically. "Is it the marriage certificate between the young master and Su Qingyao?"

"Exactly."

Fang Yue's face darkened, and he feigned a look of deep sorrow. "Fang Xuan is of a despicable nature. He actually laid hands on Fairy Su and tried to force himself on her, which caused her to fall off the Cliff of Broken Souls. This is truly a heartbreaking matter."

Fang Shanhe's face grew increasingly grim.

He already suspected that Fang Xuan's fall off the cliff was orchestrated by Su Qingyao. Fang Xuan was mentally challenged; why would he go to the Broken Soul Cliff? Su Qingyao's cultivation was not low; how could she be insulted by Fang Xuan?

Moreover, how could it be such a coincidence that Zhao Qingcang suddenly awakened his innate Dao body?

This is clearly a frame-up!

But he had no evidence.

Even after such an incident, Fairy Su was magnanimous and did not blame the Fang family. She only requested that the engagement with Fang Xuan be dissolved.

Fang Yue continued, "But as you all know, Fairy Su has now successfully joined the Dao Seeking Sect and is deeply in love with the sect's Holy Son. If Fairy Su doesn't pursue the matter, do you think that Holy Son Zhao will let it go so easily?"

"It is precisely for the sake of the Fang family that I proposed expelling Fang Xuan from the family and severing all ties, so that the Fang family can be kept safe and sound."

Upon hearing this, Fang Shanhe frowned deeply.

He could question Fang Yue and Su Qingyao, but he dared not question the Dao Seeking Sect.

That's the most prestigious sect in Qingzhou.

Now that Zhao Qingcang has awakened his innate Dao body and been named a Holy Son, he and Su Qingyao are considered a perfect couple. Fang Xuan's existence has undoubtedly become a major stain on the Fang family.

"But Fang Xuan is already gone, so why go to such lengths?"

Fang Shanhe looked reluctant.

"Precisely because he is dead, we need to consider the bigger picture even more."

Fang Yue's expression was icy. "To risk offending the Dao Seeking Sect for a dead man—which is more important, I don't need to say more, do I?"

Upon hearing this, Fang Shanhe swallowed back the words he was about to say.

Taking this opportunity, Fang Yue continued, "Not only that, since everyone is here today, let's take this opportunity to elect a new young master."

These words caused a great stir, like a stone thrown into still water.

Fang Shanhe hurriedly said, "Young Master is the hope of the clan, shouldering the clan's mission and bearing the heavy responsibility. I'm afraid no one among the younger generation of our Fang family is capable of taking on this role."

"Who said that?"

At that moment, a slightly mocking voice rang out.

Everyone looked in the direction of the voice and saw a young man in brocade robes with bright eyes and a beautiful jade pendant hanging from his waist. He had an aloof and proud demeanor and was none other than Fang Xiao.

Fang Xiao was originally the second most talented genius in the Fang family after Fang Xuan. However, after Fang Xuan's incident three years ago, he became the number one genius in the Fang family.

He is also Fang Yue's son.

Upon seeing Fang Xiao, Fang Yue's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he asked with a hint of anticipation, "How was it?"

"It's done."

Fang Xiao nodded, his arrogance growing even stronger.

"Okay, okay!"

Fang Yue laughed loudly, his eyes shining as he looked at everyone, and slowly said, "Everyone, my son Fang Xiao, thanks to the blessing of our ancestors, has awakened a Rank 1 Martial Vein. He will surely lead the Fang family to even greater heights in the future."

"What?"

"Earth-rank martial vein?"

Upon hearing this, everyone was greatly shocked.

"Buzz—"

Just as everyone was shocked, Fang Xiao's blood and qi surged, and powerful patterns burst forth from his body, causing the entire council hall to tremble slightly.

The martial meridians within countless clansmen trembled slightly, as if ants had glimpsed a true dragon.

"Good, God bless the Fang family!"

The Grand Elder, Fang Shanhai, who had been silent until now, spoke up, "For the sake of the Fang family, immediately strip Fang Xuan of his position as Young Master and expel him from the family register. Disciple Fang Xiao, having awakened a Earth-rank martial vein, shall be the Young Master and represent the Fang family in the Three Clans Grand Competition one month from now."

After Fang Xiaotian went missing, Fang Shanhai became the strongest cultivator in the Fang family. As a third-grade expert in the Condensation Realm, he prioritized the interests of the family above all else.

Whoever is useful to the other party, we will support them.

Fang Shanhai looked at Fang Xiao with a gratified expression: "Xiao'er, for the next month, you just need to focus on your cultivation. The family will provide all the necessary cultivation resources."

"Thank you, Elder. I will certainly live up to the family's trust."

Fang Xiao nodded proudly, his gaze sweeping over the surroundings, and no one dared to meet his eyes.

The Fang family members, who had previously been hesitant, all stood up to offer their congratulations upon seeing this.

"Haha, Second Master has had a fine son! Congratulations!"

"Nephew Fang Xiao is indeed worthy of being the dragon of our Fang family. He will surely rise to great heights in martial arts in the future and bring glory to our Fang family."

"With the loss of a fool and a good-for-nothing, a martial arts prodigy has been born. Our Fang family will surely prosper for generations to come."

One by one, the elders and members of the Fang family seemed to have completely forgotten about Fang Xuan, and they all surrounded Fang Xiao, showering him with flattery.

In martial arts cultivation, the martial lineage is paramount.

Those with weak bloodlines are like insects and ants, finding it difficult to cultivate; those with divine blood are like true dragons, able to soar through the nine heavens.

While a Rank 1 martial vein cannot compare to an Innate Dao Body, it is still a rare talent, one in ten thousand. If given enough opportunities and good fortune, their future achievements may not be inferior to those of someone with an Innate Dao Body.

From now on, everyone will have to rely on Fang Xiao, and even Fang Yue.

"Now, as the young master of the Fang family, I have an announcement to make."

When Fang Xiao spoke, everyone immediately became solemn and listened attentively.

"Fang Xuan has offended the disciples of the Dao Seeking Sect and disgraced the sect. I hereby declare that all his belongings shall be burned. His parents have failed in their duty to educate their son, and the cenotaph they erected shall be moved from the ancestral land as a warning to others."

Fang Xiaotian had been missing for many years, and his clansmen all thought he was dead, so they built a cenotaph for him.

Now, Fang Xiao wants to move his cenotaph out of the ancestral land, also to tell everyone.

From this day forward, the Fang family will respect him.

"On what grounds?"

At that moment, a clear yet stubborn voice suddenly rang out.

A young girl walked into the council hall and glared angrily at everyone.

The girl was thin and pale, with a sallow complexion, clearly showing signs of malnutrition and a naturally weak physique.

Her name is Fang Rou, and she is Fang Xuan's younger sister.

Facing a room full of powerful figures, Fang Rou, who had no cultivation, had bloodshot eyes and mustered her courage to say, "My brother has devoted his life to the Fang family. Now that he has simply disappeared, what gives you the right to think he is dead? And why do you want to take his position as the young master?"

The girl's tone was firm and resolute as she questioned the elders.

Fang Rou knelt down before the Grand Elder with a thud, banging her head on the ground and raising her voice, "I, Fang Rou, beg the Grand Elder to uphold justice for my brother, Fang Xuan!"

"You little slut, this is family territory. Who let you in?"

A teenager rushed out from the crowd, kicked Fang Rou to the ground, and his face was full of malice.

"Elder, please!"

Fang Rou continued kowtowing, blood staining the ground from her forehead, her face full of pleading, "My brother was framed, he would never do such a thing, please..."

"Shut up!"

Fang Yue's eyes flashed with murderous intent as he shouted sharply, "Framed? Are you questioning Fairy Su and Zhao Shengzi of the Dao Seeking Sect? This is a sacred family territory; how dare a woman like you trespass? Xiao'er, according to the clan rules, what should be done?"

"Break all four limbs and lock him in a water dungeon!"

Upon hearing this, many members of the Fang family couldn't help but shudder.

The Fang family's water dungeon was dark and gloomy, perpetually filled with a chilling aura that not only eroded flesh and blood but also tormented the soul.

Those imprisoned all suffered pain worse than death.

"What? No one's following the young master's orders anymore?"

Fang Yue coldly ordered, "Drag him away!"

"I'll do it!"

It was Fang Zhi, the one who had kicked Fang Rou over earlier. He was originally from a collateral branch of the Fang family and used to be Fang Xuan's follower. Later, after Fang Xuan's genius fell from grace, he switched allegiance to Fang Xiao.

"You little bitch, you're just as despicable as your good-for-nothing brother."

Fang Zhi's face was contorted with rage as he raised his foot and stomped hard on Fang Rou.

"You dare touch my sister? You're asking for death!"

Just then, a cold shout rang out like thunder.

Fang Xuan strode over, exuding a chilling killing intent.

Seeing his sister's disheveled appearance, Fang Xuan's eyes grew even colder.

After his mother passed away, he and his younger sister Fang Rou depended on each other for survival.

Especially during the three years he was mentally impaired, his sister took meticulous care of him, never slacking off or showing any disdain.

His younger sister was Fang Xuan's Achilles' heel.

Dragons have scales that cannot be touched; to touch them is certain death!

"Fang Xuan?"

Fang Zhi's pupils constricted, his face filled with shock. "You...you're still alive? But so what? Even if you're alive, you're nothing but a piece of trash!"

"This little wretch has offended the young master and violated clan rules. I will not only cripple him, but I will kill him!"

After saying that, Fang Zhi kicked Fang Rou's head viciously.

This kick was powerful and heavy; if it landed, Fang Rou would have no chance of survival.

"You're asking for it!"

Fang Zhi only felt a black shadow flash before his eyes, and a figure rushed over like a ghost, with a domineering and fierce palm wind carrying a thousand pounds of force, slamming hard into his chest.

"Pfft—"

Fang Zhiru was struck by lightning; his body flew high into the air before crashing heavily to the ground.

Immediately afterwards, his body convulsed, his head lolled to the side, and he stopped breathing completely.

In an instant, the entire council hall became so quiet you could hear a pin drop.