hhnovel Chapter 204: A Seed of Doubt
Chapter 204: A Seed of Doubt
Fang Yuan, who had stayed silent throughout the conversation, clenched his fists ever so slightly, his expression still calm. Yet beneath that composed exterior, frustration was brewing like a storm.
He knew all too well that while he had been recovering in the healing hall, Jiang Chen had likely been using the Demonic Qi Extraction Art to gain a strong following.
Now, Jiang Chen was on the verge of spreading the technique across the entire Immortal Martial Continent. Fang Yuan couldn’t even imagine how many souls would be grateful to Jiang Chen—how many would see him as their savior.
’Damn it!’ Fang Yuan’s thoughts grew darker as waves of resentment surged within him. ’It was Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning who made a deal with me. The Demonic Qi Extraction Art should have been mine! I should be the one receiving the hopes and gratitude of the people!’
His spirit trembled with a storm of unspoken emotions—sorrow mixed with bitter resentment. ’Why, why does Jiang Chen have to exist?!’ The question echoed in his heart like a curse, as envy and frustration threatened to overwhelm him.@@@@
At that moment, as if adding fuel to the fire burning in Fang Yuan’s heart, Jiang Chen respectfully gestured toward the Soul Embodying Ring on Fang Yuan’s hand. His demeanor was modest, even sincere, as he spoke, "Regarding the techniques in the Precious Pill Seeking Record, I’ve recently been in many battles and gained some new insights.
I would be grateful if the two seniors could offer me guidance."
Nangong Wan responded almost immediately, her soft voice carrying warmth. "Good! Tell us about your progress so far," she encouraged, clearly pleased with Jiang Chen’s development.
"Alright," Jiang Chen replied, his voice steady as he began his detailed explanation. "Regarding the first two techniques in the Precious Pill Seeking Record..." He carefully broke down his interpretation of the techniques, a gleam of deep understanding shining in his eyes.
Fang Yuan’s fists tightened even more as he listened to the exchange between Jiang Chen and his two seniors. An unbearable discomfort gnawed at him. ’Damn it, damn it! This is the second time!’ The thought echoed in his mind like a storm, anger surging through his veins. ’No, I can’t accept this!’
He couldn’t understand the deep discussion between Jiang Chen, Nangong Wan, and Shangguan Ning, nor was he in any position to interrupt. The realization hit him like a boulder—his own ignorance and distance were painfully clear.
At that moment, Fang Yuan felt a deep sense of isolation creeping over him, as if he had been cast out of a world where he no longer belonged. The sharp sting of that truth cut deep, making the ache in his heart even worse.
As time passed, Jiang Chen, with guidance from Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, pretended to master the second technique. His confidence seemed real as he smiled brightly. "Now that I’ve grasped two techniques," he said cheerfully, "it’s time to focus on restoring Junior Brother Fang Yuan’s spiritual root."
"Of course," Shangguan Ning’s voice replied from the Soul Embodying Ring. "But before we continue..." her tone suddenly shifted, filled with surprise. "Jiang Chen, I sense a faint trace of Sword Dao coming from you."
Her words, sharp with curiosity, struck like a thunderclap. "Could it be," she continued, astonished, "that you’ve begun to grasp the Sword Dao?"
The moment those words echoed in the room, Fang Yuan’s face froze, his heart pounding wildly. ’How can this be?!’ His thoughts screamed in disbelief.
With growing anxiety, Fang Yuan shot a desperate glance at Jiang Chen, hoping against all odds that Shangguan Ning had made a mistake.
Without delay, Jiang Chen began the process of restoring Fang Yuan’s spiritual root.
He didn’t rely on minor tricks or half-hearted efforts. Instead, he pushed the first two techniques of the Precious Pill Seeking Record to their absolute limits, executing them flawlessly with a display of mastery that radiated expertise.
Even Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning, observing from within the Soul Embodying Ring, couldn’t help but express their admiration for Jiang Chen’s dedication and skill.
Yet, unknown to everyone, Jiang Chen had already mastered the first five techniques of the Precious Pill Seeking Record. What he showed now wasn’t even half of his true ability.
It was a carefully crafted performance, impressive enough to draw praise without revealing the full depth of his talent.
"Junior Brother Fang Yuan, how do you feel?" Jiang Chen asked, turning to him with a gentle, inquiring smile that seemed sincere. His voice was calm, filled with concern, as if Fang Yuan’s well-being truly mattered to him.
Fang Yuan forced a nod, his expression steady. "Much improved. I thank you," he said, though his words lacked true gratitude.
To Fang Yuan, every move Jiang Chen made felt like part of an elaborate act, not for his benefit, but to win over Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning. The flawless execution, the sincere tone—it all felt staged.
’His real goal,’ Fang Yuan thought darkly, ’is to steal Nangong Wan and Shangguan Ning right from under my nose!’
The bitterness in his heart grew stronger. Every smile, every gesture from Jiang Chen only deepened Fang Yuan’s sense of alienation. He was convinced that Jiang Chen’s every action was aimed at winning the favor of the two seniors, further widening the gap between them.
"There’s no need to thank me. It’s simply my duty as your senior brother," Jiang Chen replied with a humble smile, shaking his head modestly.
He continued, "Next, I’ll help you fully restore your spiritual root once I’ve mastered the third technique. Please excuse me." With that, Jiang Chen prepared to leave.
But just as he was about to depart, his transmission jade token vibrated sharply. A quick sweep of his divine sense made his expression change instantly. "Another large-scale demonic beast tide has erupted!? And it’s even larger than the last one!" he blurted out, his voice filled with urgency.
"What!?" Nangong Wan’s voice rang out from the Soul Embodying Ring, filled with surprise. "Didn’t you just stop a surge of demonic beasts? The Demon Race’s attacks are becoming more frequent. This is turning into a real problem!"
Fang Yuan quickly stood, a fiery determination flashing in his eyes. "Another demonic beast tide?" he asked, his voice sharp with anticipation. Clenching his fists, his entire demeanor changed as his resolve hardened. ’This time, I must join the battle!’
Watching Fang Yuan’s reaction, Jiang Chen’s mind raced. ’As I thought, Fang Yuan is eager to leave the Healing Hall and jump into the fight. Luckily, I’ve already prepared a plan, but it’s best to try dissuading him first.’
Jiang Chen knew that if he could convince Fang Yuan to stay, it would be one less obstacle, allowing him to focus on his own plans. But if his attempt to dissuade Fang Yuan failed, he would let him join the battle—only to lead him into a carefully laid trap later.