Fang Yun was puzzled by his master's changing expression. “Grandpa, you didn’t know I fought a flame serpent?”“How would I know? All I saw was your body swaying like you were about to fall.”“Oh, right—I haven't told you what happened in there yet.” Fang Yun chuckled lightly before recounting the process of how he managed to master the Fire God's inner power.Fei Hung then reached for Fang Yun’s right hand and inspected his wrist. Both of their eyes widened in shock—the red snake tattoo had completely disappeared.“Where did it go, Grandpa?”“Why are you asking me? It’s your hand!”Fang Yun chuckled again. “Good point! Why am I even asking you?”Fei Hung was silent for a moment before finally speaking, “It’s possible that since you've mastered the Fire God's power, the red snake image has now fused with your body.”Fang Yun nodded, understanding. “So, the red snake symbol is actually the Fire God’s inner power itself. Is that what you mean?”“How would I know? I said ‘it’s possible.’

To quickly reach the village of Lunan, Fang Yun used the Quiet Wind technique he had already mastered. He deliberately avoided going back to Lufeng, not wanting to reopen old wounds that might weaken his resolve.His speed resembled that of a seasoned martial artist. Anyone watching him would find it hard to believe that this young man had only trained for two years.Before long, the bustling village of Lunan came into view. Fang Yun slowed his pace and walked like an ordinary traveler. A cloth bundle and the Sea of Fire Sword hung over his shoulder—a clear sign he was a wanderer.As he entered the lively village, familiar with every corner of it, Fang Yun had no trouble finding a food stall. He had longed for corn rice with chili paste and crispy fried river fish—simple meals that never failed to please his tongue."Uncle, I’d like some corn rice and water," Fang Yun said to the stall owner.The man nodded. “Have a seat first!”Fang Yun sat beside a table where four local villagers w

In the first five attacks, Fang Yun effortlessly dodged every strike from Chong Li. He simply evaded without retaliating once, and yet Chong Li had already unleashed ten attacks."Didn’t you say I’d kneel before you within five strikes? Yet this is your tenth, and you still haven’t touched me. Come on, 'top talent,' show us what you’ve got! Hahaha...!" Fang Yun purposely raised his voice so that all members of the Black Hawk Sect could hear him.Chong Li's face turned crimson with shame at Fang Yun's taunt. He sped up his attacks, but instead of gaining the upper hand, he stumbled over Fang Yun’s foot and fell flat on his back.Fang Yun burst out laughing at the sight of Chong Li’s dust-covered face pressed to the ground."Come on, top talent! Don’t disgrace your sect! You still have three attacks left!"Chong Li glared and stood, attacking again with all his might. But once again, his strikes missed completely.Unnoticed by the others, a pair of eyes watched the duel. "Who is that yo

Fang Yun stood tall. "Don’t kill me, Uncle. I’m just looking for my kite. I think it fell here." He climbed down slowly, pretending to be afraid. "Uncle, can you get me a ladder?" "Don’t be ridiculous! You climbed up, so climb down. Jump!" Fang Yun smiled inwardly, having formed a plan. He jumped and feigned a twisted ankle. "Ow… it hurts! My ankle… Is there a healer here?" His silly question enraged the robbers. "There’s no healer here, only butchers! What were you doing on that roof?!" "Looking for my kite, Uncle. I think it landed there." "Liar! Who flies kites at night? You must be spying on us!" "Get ready, Qiang Mo. They’re not interested in talking," Fang Yun thought. "You fool! Of all the excuses, kite flying at night? Can’t you come up with something better?" Qiang Mo grumbled. "Why are you silent? You must be a spy. Answer me!" More and more robbers gathered around Fang Yun, brandishing various weapons and glaring at him with murderous eyes. Fang Yun o

The young man continued walking, looking for an eatery to satisfy his grumbling stomach. It had been nearly a full day and night since he last ate. His eyes scanned the area and spotted a bustling tavern with people constantly going in and out.“The food must be good if it’s this crowded,” he thought.Fei Hung tied his horse’s reins and stepped into the tavern, which was nearly full at every table.After ordering his food, Fei Hung chose a seat beside a middle-aged man and woman dressed like warriors. On their backs, each carried a sword with a serpent-shaped hilt, gleaming green.The pair glanced at him briefly as he sat.Fei Hung waited casually for his food, whistling softly as he gazed around the crowded tavern. He noticed more than a dozen others dressed in warrior garb like the couple beside him.Not long after, an old man entered with a little girl, around ten years old. The elder scanned the room for a vacant seat.Spotting Fei Hung’s table with three empty chairs, the old man