Transcending two realms to become an earth immortal

The hall was deathly silent; you could hear a pin drop.

The air was still, with only the flickering candlelight reflecting the uncertain expressions on everyone's faces.

Fang Xia, Fang Qingling, and the others were all pale-faced, their breathing was unsteady, and shock remained in their eyes.

They were all people selected and promoted by the Fang family from among the refugees. They knew that if it weren't for the old patriarch taking them in, they would probably have long since lost their lives under the heavy shackles that cut off their way out, just like the refugees outside the city.

After all, having already ascended to the throne, he absolutely cannot tolerate a successor taking over... How could Fang Chen not understand this principle?

The original owner was born as the eldest son of the Fang family, a natural beneficiary of the existing system, and cutting off the path for future generations was what he should have done.

Furthermore, Fang Chen was not foolish; his experiences in both his past and present lives made him clearly aware of the advantages and disadvantages of this matter.

However, he remained silent for a long time, tapping his knuckles lightly.

This was because he recalled that turbid and evil world... where the heavens collapsed and the earth sank, and demons stained it with filth.

The root cause was that the ancient great cultivators, who had seized all the great fortune of the era, not only failed to give back to heaven and earth and make progress, but instead plundered the essence and exhausted the resources, ultimately leading to the collapse of the Great Dao.

Will the humans, immortals, and demons of this world also follow in their footsteps?

Besides, even if he opens a path to fairness today, what difference will it make?

Human greed has existed since ancient times. Those who are promoted today, once they have established themselves, will surely build even higher barriers to prevent those who come after them from succeeding.

This is not a matter of personal gain, but rather the inherent greed of living beings. How could one person possibly defy this overwhelming trend?

but……

Fang Chen remained silent for a long time before finally letting out a self-deprecating smile.

His thoughts were perhaps... too far ahead.

We haven't even established ourselves in this chaotic world yet, so how can we talk about changing the world or worrying about the future?

The most important thing right now is to cultivate the wasteland, gather the energy of humanity, and improve one's cultivation. This is the foundation for a stable life. As for everything else, we'll talk about it later.

Having made up his mind, he spoke in a deep voice:

"From this day forward, the rent and taxes for tenants in the village will be reduced by half. We will secretly select displaced people to cultivate the wasteland at the southern end; this fertile land must not be left to waste!"

"Young Master, this is unacceptable!" Fang Bo's expression changed upon hearing this. "To do this is a grave taboo! Officials and local clans all regard land and population as their exclusive domain. Openly reducing taxes to attract people is tantamount to winning hearts and minds, a path to disaster! I urge Young Master to reconsider!"

"I am a spoiled brat in this county, so what does it matter if I act a little more absurdly?" Fang Chen said calmly, his eyes deep and unfathomable. "If we can't do it openly, we'll do it secretly. We'll pick a few reliable confidants, disguise them as impoverished merchants, and secretly select from among the refugees. As long as we act discreetly and don't have too many people, it won't be a big problem."

"But young master," a steward said worriedly, "the county has many informants, and this action may not be able to be kept secret for long."

"If I can't hide it, then I can't hide it." Fang Chen sneered, tapping his finger on the table. "I am the eldest son of the Fang family, the son of two patriarchs! Let's see who in Qingzhang County dares to openly oppose me!"

A growing population and thriving agriculture can gather the vital energy of humanity, which is a great benefit to other spiritual paths.

The mere demons and monsters in this county are not worth his humiliation.

"Young Master," Fang Qingling suddenly spoke up, "I'm afraid the clan will be dissatisfied with your actions."

"They're already fighting tooth and nail for the position of family head, how could they possibly have the time or inclination to care about my affairs?" Fang Chen sneered. "Besides, even if they have grievances, what does it have to do with me?"

He suddenly stood up, walked to the window, put his hands behind his back, and gazed at the setting sun, which, like blood, dyed the distant mountains a poignant crimson.

"Don't forget, I am the eldest son of the Fang family, the son of two patriarchs... I don't need to explain my actions to others!"

"Young Master..." Fang Bo hesitated, wanting to say something but stopping himself.

Upon closer examination, although the young master's actions violated the rules, he ultimately did not openly defy them, but rather made a private compromise.

Given the Fang family's status in the county, as long as they don't completely break ties, who would really risk offending this "纨绔" (a spoiled brat) for a few pieces of land belonging to displaced people?

"This old servant understands," Fang Bo bowed and replied, "The arrangements will be made immediately."

"Also, make the arrangements and gather enough manpower." Fang Chen gazed at the night outside the window and said, "Ten days from now, we will resolve the matter of the demons outside the manor in one fell swoop!"

"...Yes!" Upon hearing this, the people below the hall were startled, exchanged glances, and finally agreed.

……

As day fades into night, the sky turns as black as ink, devoid of stars and moon, leaving only gloom all around.

At the southern end of the estate, in the wasteland, a dozen or so guards, armed with knives and guns, gathered together. Their faces were tense, and their breathing was clearly audible.

"Have you heard? This place... is haunted by monsters."

"How could I not know? Several months ago, a man from the Zhou family died here, and his remains have never been fully recovered..."

"Then coming here tonight is tantamount to suicide!"

"Silence! Uncle Fang is here..."

Whispers filled the night; some gripped their knife hilts until they turned white, while others kept glancing back, as if searching for an escape route.

In the center of the crowd, a bronze lamp burned quietly. The lamp was made of metal, and its flame was pale gold with a solid halo that did not waver or sway.

Fang Bo stood beside the lamp and shouted loudly:

"Listen carefully! If any demons approach tonight, this lamp will reveal their form! This is a treasure bestowed upon you by your master, ensuring your safety! Stay in your positions and do not act rashly!"

Upon hearing this, the group felt somewhat reassured and obeyed the orders to remain on guard.

Night was falling.

Suddenly, a thin fog rose up around us, growing thicker and thicker, blurring the figures and sounds around us.

A deep sense of intoxication washed over them, and the servants felt their eyelids were as heavy as lead, yawning repeatedly.

Fang Xia stood at the edge of the crowd, pinching his thigh hard. He was one of the few young men in the village who could fight to the death, which was why he was sent here.

"No... this drowsiness is coming on in a weird way..."

He mustered his strength and looked toward the lamp in the center.

The lights seemed dimmer than before?

Am I seeing things?

In his dazed state, he inexplicably recalled the Five Arts of Slavery that he had heard about a few days ago, and a chill ran down his spine.

"Aren't the government, the Taoist sects, and the imperial court the most righteous forces in the world? Why would they harbor such malicious intentions...? Between demons and the human heart, which is more feared?"

Just as I was in a daze, a sudden gust of cold wind swept over me!

Fang Xia shuddered suddenly, instantly regaining some clarity and clearing his mind of all distractions.

Looking up, his pupils suddenly contracted—

The light from that lamp had shrunk to the size of a fist!

Just three steps away, everything was swallowed up by the dark, sticky smog, which churned and writhed as if it were alive!

Fang Xia's expression changed instantly, and she hurriedly looked around—

What about people?

My companion, who was just standing beside me, has vanished without a trace!

Dead silence.

In the absolute silence, only his own heart pounding like a drum could be heard.

"evil creature!"

Suddenly, a furious shout from Fang Bo came from afar, like a thunderclap from a clear sky.

Immediately following was the sharp, intense clang of metal striking metal, which then abruptly ceased!

But the next moment, an overwhelming stench of blood swept in with the wind!

Startled by this strange occurrence, Fang Xia turned pale and turned to flee, but her legs felt like lead and she couldn't move.

But just then, the gray mist churned in front of them, and a strange face suddenly poked its head out!

Its face was blue with fangs, its eyes were like copper bells, its head had strange horns, its hair was bristling, and scarlet saliva was dripping from the corner of its mouth, drop by drop, emitting a nauseating fishy smell.

monster!

A monster that devours people and feeds on blood!

It stared at Fang Xia, its mouth wide open, as if it were grinning maliciously.

Fang Xia stood frozen in place, her blood seemingly frozen, unable to even move her fingertips.

"No……"

Before the thought even finished, the monster had already pounced. Its sharp claws tore through the thick fog and came crashing down on his head!

"You wretched beast! I have been waiting here for a long time!"

At that very moment, a cold shout rang out, like a thunderclap splitting the sky.

In an instant, the thick fog dissipated, and the blazing firelight pierced through, revealing a figure emerging from the fog.

He stood in mid-air, surrounded by swirling clouds and ethereal energy, his robes fluttering in the wind, like a banished immortal descending to earth... The newcomer was none other than Fang Chen!

In a short while, he raised his right palm and made a light, perceptible press from a distance.

As if commanded, the clouds around him surged and gathered, taking shape in his palm. Like ink swirling and waves surging, in the blink of an eye, they condensed into a giant cloud hand, its five fingers like pillars supporting the sky, pressing down!

Although this method is not a legitimate Xuanmen technique, it is based on the [Primordial Xuanhuang Qi Great Capture] and evolved with the power of [Chariot and Horse Mushroom]. However, when it is used now, it already has a bit of the aura of immortals.

It could be called—

【The Great Capture of Primordial Qi】!