Chapter 1971: Friend, Please Hold On to It for Now

Immortal Sovereign Xuanguan had achieved the Dao many years ago. He was also the only Immortal Sovereign in this place. He hailed from humble origins and did not even possess an orthodox inheritance. He had experienced suppression and expulsion in his early years, bouncing around between multiple sects. Despite that, he had managed to achieve the Dao, becoming the first fourth-transformation immortal in this place and earning the title of Immortal Sovereign.

In the cultivation world, that was enough for someone to become a living legend and earn endless admiration. Even Huanhai Tower, with its grand momentum today, did not dare to put on airs in front of Immortal Sovereign Xuanguan.

Yet now, Yuwen Shang, the Old Ancestor of the Nine Profound Tower—which had only four immortals—actually dared to call Immortal Sovereign Xuanguan "Old Monster Xuanguan"?

Old Monster Kuxie asked slowly, "Yuwen Shang, do you have a death wish?"

He voiced the thoughts in the hearts of all the Huanhai Tower cultivators present. Even the two first transformation immortals of the Nine Profound Tower looked toward Yuwen Shang at the same time, their eyes filled with astonishment and horror.

If this news spread out, how would Immortal Sovereign Xuanguan treat the Nine Profound Tower?

Yuwen Shang sneered coldly. "Whether I curse him or not, will it change his attitude toward our Nine Profound Tower? Many years ago, before Old Monster Xuanguan achieved the Dao, he stayed at the Nine Profound Tower. But he had an unpleasant time here. Instead, he received preferential treatment at Huanhai Tower and formed a favorable karmic connection with one of your ancestors. Ever since then, he has intentionally or unintentionally helped you all suppress my Nine Profound Tower. If he weren't afraid of being cursed in private for betraying his master and burning bridges, he would have taken action personally long ago. Why would he act so stealthily otherwise?"

The Old Monster Kuxie became so angry he started laughing. "Good, good, good! My seniority is insufficient to judge this matter, so let Immortal Sovereign Xuanguan come in person to judge what's right or wrong."

As he spoke, he cupped his hands to the void. "Immortal Sovereign Xuanguan, please handle this matter in person!"

Immortal Sovereign Xuanguan is here?

The cultivators of the Huanhai Tower perked up instantly. In contrast, the cultivators of the Nine Profound Tower looked as if they were attending a funeral.

Clouds and mist churned, and a figure walked out from within. The newcomer wore a long black-and-white robe, his hair bun combed meticulously, exuding an extraordinary demeanor as he stood in the void. The moment he appeared, a faint pressure radiated outward.

The cultivators of Huanhai Tower bowed and greeted him in unison.

The cultivators of the Nine Profound Tower were caught in an awkward spot. Their ancestor had just cursed the man. They didn't know if they should bow or not.

"Daoist Yuwen, there might be some misunderstanding between us, but once spoken aloud, it's nothing much."

Immortal Sovereign Xuanguan looked at Yuwen Shang with a half-smile.

Yuwen Shang said calmly, "Misunderstanding? What misunderstanding? Everything I said is the truth."

Immortal Sovereign Xuanguan did not become angry. Instead, he unhurriedly asked, "I heard that you have a stalk of Soul Merging Grass in your possession, correct?"

Yuwen Shang's gaze flickered. He had already guessed that the Soul Merging Grass was anything but ordinary, which was why he handed it over without hesitation. Only by doing so could he avoid real disaster falling upon them.

"Yes, but I have already given it to a Senior."

Yuwen Shang smiled faintly. "That Senior is also an Immortal Sovereign."

Also an Immortal Sovereign?

Everyone froze for a moment.

Old Monster Kuxie finally understood why Yuwen Shang had dared to insult Immortal Sovereign Xuanguan.

Immortal Sovereign Xuanguan's gaze moved, looking deep into the Nine Profound Tower. "This Senior you speak of, is he currently at the Nine Profound Tower?"

In an instant, everything in the Nine Profound Tower had nowhere to hide from his eyes. Whether restrictions or array formations, none could block his gaze. Soon, his gaze swept over Fang Chen and Fairy Yu, yet it seemed as if he saw nothing at all.

Yuwen Shang smiled faintly. "Senior is a guest at the Nine Profound Tower. If you want the Soul Merging Grass, why don't I invite him for you to meet? I just don't know if he is willing to see you."

Immortal Sovereign Xuanguan sighed. "The Soul Merging Grass is of great significance to me. So regardless of where this Senior comes from or what cultivation base he possesses, please ask him to come out and meet me."

Yuwen Shang was just about to turn around and call out when he saw Fang Chen already standing beside him.

Yuwen Shang was secretly alarmed.

I didn't notice a single thing... With methods like these, he's probably no ordinary fourth-transformation Immortal Sovereign...

At that moment, Immortal Sovereign Xuanguan also noticed Fang Chen. His expression turned grave. He discovered that he actually couldn't see through Fang Chen's cultivation at all. This meant that the other party was either a fifth- or sixth-transformation immortal.

Immortal Sovereign Xuanguan immediately cupped his hands. "Junior Xuanguan pays respects to Senior."

Senior?

Yuwen Shang knew he had gambled correctly!

A trace of excitement flashed through the eyes of the middle-aged man in green. He immediately turned toward the deathly pale Old Monster Kuxie.

Old Monster Kuxie was anything but calm at this moment. No matter how hard he thought about it, he couldn't understand when the Nine Profound Tower had suddenly acquired an existence whom even Immortal Sovereign Xuanguan had to call Senior.

Fang Chen smiled. "No need for formalities. I have accepted the Soul Merging Grass. In the future, do not provoke the Nine Profound Tower."

Immortal Sovereign Xuanguan remained silent for a few breaths, then slowly shook his head. "Senior, the Soul Merging Grass is extremely important to me. If it were anything else, I would gladly offer it to you with both hands. But the Soul Merging Grass is the only exception."

Yuwen Shang's expression became somewhat strange. He couldn't help but say, "The Soul Merging Grass is the only exception? Since you know this is a senior, do you actually intend to fight him?"

"I am naturally no match for him, but... I am not some nameless nobody either." Immortal Sovereign Xuanguan looked at Fang Chen, his expression earnest. "Please hand the Soul Merging Grass over to this junior. Perhaps doing so will bring you a fortuitous opportunity in the future."

Fang Chen smiled. "I know you cannot help yourself. It isn't you who wants the Soul Merging Grass, nor is it of any use to you. You don't even know what function it serves. So call the people behind you over, and I'll talk to them myself."

Immortal Sovereign Xuanguan pondered briefly before taking out a mirror that appeared to be formed from clouds

Immortal Sovereign Xuanguan spoke respectfully to the mirror, "My Lord, the whereabouts of the Soul Merging Grass have been confirmed. However, it has fallen into the hands of a senior whose cultivation is far above mine. Please decide how this should be handled."

Yuwen Shang knew he was communicating with an important figure of the Spirit God Sect. But he hadn't expected that it was actually the Spirit God Sect itself that wanted the Soul Merging Grass.

He hurriedly transmitted his voice to Fang Chen, "Senior, the Spirit God Sect is extremely terrifying, with countless powerhouses within it. I am afraid we might have to give up the Soul Merging Grass..."

Just as his words fell, a cold snort echoed from within the mirror. "Who dares to lay a hand on the Soul Merging Grass? I will wipe out their entire family! Xuanguan, wait right there. I happen to be nearby and can arrive in an hour."

An hour?

Everyone looked at each other in astonishment. They grew curious just how powerful that powerhouse truly was. Immortal Sovereign Xuanguan put away the mirror and cupped his hands to Fang Chen. "Daoist, you only need to wait for an hour. An important figure of the Spirit God Sect will arrive to talk with you. That Soul Merging Grass... please keep it safe for the time being."