Chapter 1097: Chapter 1097

Chen Qianlong cleared his throat, his gaze falling on Fang Chen.

Dongfang Haojie was quite adept at social etiquette, so he introduced Fang Chen to Chen Qianlong. However, he didn't specify where exactly Fang Chen was from, only mentioning that he came from a sword sect.

When those around learned that Fang Chen was from a sword sect, they were surprised and puzzled. After all, what kind of sword cultivator could carry with him ten first transformation Loose Immortals?

"Young Master Fang, did you just happen to pass by this place, or...?" asked Chen Qianlong with a casual tone.

He wasn't concerned about Fang Chen being a sword cultivator. Or rather, he didn't believe for a second that the person before him was merely a sword cultivator. It was likely just a cover for his true identity.

With a faint smile, Fang Chen answered, "It wasn't just a coincidence. The Spirit God Sect gave those sword cultivators a list, and there were a dozen or so names on it, including yours, Senior Qianlong."

Realization dawned on Dongfang Haojie, and he said, "So that's how it is... I thought you came here specifically looking for us."

Fang Chen chuckled. "I just happened to come by and coincidentally saw you two. It was all up to fate."

"The Spirit God Sect..." muttered Chen Qianlong.

He suppressed the anger rising in his heart and bowed slightly to the only remaining Loose Immortal. "Daoist Huang, I believe it's time to conclude our gathering today. I have some matters to attend to and cannot stay any longer."

"Understood, I'll take my leave then," responded Daoist Huang promptly.

He gave Fang Chen a smile before hastily leaving with his disciples.

After that, the remaining cultivators not affiliated with the Flood Dragon Clan were politely escorted out.

"Young Master Fang, did the Spirit God Sect really put my name on that list?" asked Chen Qianlong again, his tone tinged with disbelief.

Chen Qianlong clenched his fists, his eyes blazing with fury. "These damned creatures! They've been hiding in the shadows for so long, and now they dare to target me? Are they trying to force my father out of seclusion?"

Fang Chen calmly smiled and said, "Senior Qianlong, the Spirit God Sect is simply trying to stir up trouble. But today's cultivators are blind to this. They believe their actions won't affect them, so they prefer to ignore the situation."

Chen Qianlong's eyes narrowed. After a few moments of contemplation, he shook his head. "It's not that we don't want to get involved, it's just that the pills they sell can indeed replace Immortal Crystals. You might not know, but in this realm, each Immortal Crystal used means one less available.

"Because of this, many forces have benefited from the Spirit God Sect, and even if they don't want to join them, they still won't interfere with their affairs. Not to mention... the Spirit God Sect's background is enormous. They are not local cultivators but outsiders."

At that point, Chen Qianlong glanced at Fang Chen a few times, then cautiously asked, "Young Master Fang, are you from the Killing Spiritual Division?"

Everyone was slightly taken aback and looked towards Fang Chen. Could it be that this person was from the Killing Spiritual Division?

To many people, the Killing Spiritual Division was a joke. They had clashed with the Spirit God Sect many times and suffered continuous defeats, with their losses being well-known even among them.

Fang Chen nodded. "Indeed."

"Young Master Fang... as for today's matter... I think it's better if we leave it at this," said Chen Qianlong with a hint of helplessness in his voice.

Fang Chen gazed at him for a while and then nodded. "Senior Qianlong, I understand that you do not wish to become enemies with the Spirit God Sect, and I can understand the reasons for that. I ask only that you guide me to see the old flood dragon. I would like to meet him."

Chen Qianlong initially wanted to refuse, but recalling that he owed the other party a favor, he gritted his teeth and said, "Alright, I'll take you there, but don't get your hopes up too high."

Around half an hour later, Stone Dragon and the others gradually returned to the scene.

"Young Master, the person is dead, but nothing of value was left behind," reported Stone Dragon, cupping his hands in respect.

Everyone sucked in a cold breath. All five of the Loose Immortals were dead?

Fang Chen nodded. "No matter."

Chen Qianlong finally understood. There was no room for reconciliation between Fang Chen and the Spirit God Sect. He didn't want to get too involved and immediately led Fang Chen out, heading toward the place where the old flood dragon was in seclusion.

Along the way, Chen Qianlong tried to strike up a conversation with Stone Dragon and the others, but he found that these Loose Immortals were indifferent to him. Occasionally, only when Fang Chen signaled them would they respond with a few words. His curiosity about Fang Chen's true origins grew even more.

At first, Chen Qianlong thought that the old flood dragon's seclusion would be heavily protected. However, to his surprise, it was in an ordinary-looking valley, where the spiritual energy was even sparse. Such a place would usually be avoided by ordinary cultivators, much like how ordinary people would avoid filthy places.

In the valley, there was a small river. Sitting by the river was an elderly man with white hair and beard, holding a bamboo fishing pole. He seemed to be fishing.

Even when Chen Qianlong and Fang Chen arrived behind him, the old man paid no attention, continuing to focus on the surface of the river.

After a while, the old man suddenly yanked on his fishing pole, and a large, plump fish leaped out of the water. The old man laughed heartily, unhooked the fish, and tossed it back into the river. Then, he resumed fishing.

After a while, the same plump fish was hooked again and tossed back into the river. This repeated about ten times before the old man finally put away his pole.

He glanced at Fang Chen and Chen Qianlong and said casually, "Don't just stand there. Come sit over there."

He led them to a wooden hut and brought out three wicker chairs. He sat on one and gestured for Fang Chen and Chen Qianlong to sit on the other two.

Chen Qianlong smiled bitterly. "Father, I won't sit. Today, I came here because of this young brother—"

"I saw what happened in Hidden Dragon City," the old flood dragon said calmly, "If it wasn't for this kid's intervention, could you still be standing here?"

He continued without waiting for a response. "You never listen when I tell you to be more cautious. Six thousand years isn't that long; wait until you live to my age before holding such a celebration."

Chen Qianlong didn't dare to retort. He could only reply, "You are most wise, Father."

The old flood dragon looked at Fang Chen and said, "Boy, what did you come here for? If you think I'll come out of seclusion to help you deal with the Spirit God Sect just because you saved my son's life, you're gravely mistaken."

He added indifferently, "I have many descendants; losing one or two doesn't matter."

"..." Chen Qianlong felt quite humiliated by those words. He lowered his voice and asked, "Father, may I leave now?"

The old flood dragon waved his hand dismissively. "Go."

Chen Qianlong didn't say a word and turned to leave, clearly upset.

Fang Chen then took out the token that the Heaven Calamity Dragoness had given him, handing it to the old flood dragon.

"Senior, Heaven Calamity Dragoness said that with this token, you'd be willing to lend a hand once."

The old flood dragon narrowed his eyes, and he took the token from Fang Chen’s hand. "She's not dead?"

Fang Chen shook his head. "No."

The old flood dragon smiled. "Well, that's good."

He then examined the token for a few moments before gently shaking his head. "If you had come a few hundred years ago, I could've kept my promise and helped you out. But now it's too late. If I leave this valley, a heavenly tribulation will descend upon me. It's no ordinary tribulation. I can't withstand it, so I have to hide."

"Before I came here, I heard some rumors. It turns out there's truth to them and that you are indeed troubled by the tribulation, Senior," remarked Fang Chen, somewhat in awe.

No wonder the old flood dragon stayed in such a place. The spiritual energy here was sparse, which was likely a method to prevent triggering the tribulation.

"Isn't that right?" The old flood dragon laughed. "If someone were hunting you down, you could hide here for a while, and they wouldn't dare come in. But if you want me to act, that's a different story."

Fang Chen asked, "Senior, if the heavenly tribulation could be resolved, what would need to be done?"