Chapter Eighteen: Fearsome Prodigy—Bet Everything on him
Before returning to the cultivation cave, Zheng Guan gave Fang Mu Ge a brief tour around Lingyue Sect.
The sect was enormous—so much so that if Fang Mu Ge tried to walk its full length, it would take him a month just to circle it once.
Only then did Fang Mu Ge realize just how rich the spiritual energy was within the sect. It was far more abundant than what he'd experienced even when Fang Ting activated the Spirit Gathering Array back home.
Soon after, Fang Mu Ge returned to his master.
As always, Su Xin skipped small talk and went straight to the point.
"When did you first sense qi? And how long did it take you to reach the early stage of Body Tempering after that?"
Though he could already tell Fang Mu Ge had an incredible physique, he still needed to understand his comprehension and root aptitude before beginning formal training.
Fang Mu Ge answered, "Yesterday morning, my uncle guided me through sensing qi. From there to early Body Tempering... I think it took me about an hour."
"…What?"
Even Su Xin, with his vast knowledge and experience, was momentarily stunned. Normally, it took five days to half a month to go from sensing qi to that stage.
Even his daughter, Su Xinyan—currently the most talented disciple in the sect—had needed two and a half days.
And this kid had done it in one hour?
Realizing his own lapse, Su Xin quickly composed himself and resumed his serious demeanor.
"What technique are you currently cultivating? Is it the Basic Qi Circulation Method?"
Most new disciples practiced that standard entry-level technique. Anything more complex was beyond a beginner's ability to comprehend, let alone cultivate.
Fang Mu Ge replied honestly, "My uncle gave me a technique to use."
"What grade is it?"
"He said it's a low-grade Earth-rank technique… and told me not to talk about it casually."
"Earth-rank?"
Su Xin raised his brows. That was unexpected. The Fang family was just a minor clan in a border town—how did they come by an Earth-grade technique?
Fang Mu Ge quickly added, "It's only a fragment."
That was the story Fang Ting had told him to stick with.
"Ah, I see," Su Xin nodded, understanding now.
That would explain it.
After a moment's thought, Su Xin took out a jade slip.
"This is our sect's most powerful cultivation technique—a low-grade Heaven-rank method. Only the imperial family possesses higher. Try to see if you can understand it."
In the Great Qi Dynasty, only the three top-tier powers possessed Heaven-rank techniques. This was the foundation of their dominance.
Fang Mu Ge accepted the jade slip and began reading. His expression shifted back and forth—sometimes confused, sometimes smiling in understanding. Half an hour later, he began cultivating.
Su Xin's jaw nearly hit the floor again.
Back when he was in the Qi Gathering Realm, he had needed days to understand a single Mystic-grade technique.
His daughter Su Xinyan had been able to handle Earth-grade techniques while still in the Qi Gathering stage.
But Fang Mu Ge?
He wasn't even past early Body Tempering and could already comprehend and begin cultivating a Heaven-rank technique?
Absolutely ridiculous!
If he hadn't seen it with his own eyes, Su Xin wouldn't have believed someone could possess talent this freakishly high.
Once his shock wore off, it was quickly replaced by pure excitement.
The more gifted the disciple, the happier the master.
Su Xin raised his hand, and with a pull, he summoned the spiritual energy from an entire mountain peak. It swirled around Fang Mu Ge like a small tornado, significantly boosting his cultivation efficiency.
Two hours passed.
Boom!
Fang Mu Ge's aura surged—it was a breakthrough to mid-stage Body Tempering.
From sensing qi just yesterday morning… to mid-stage Body Tempering today… after only two hours of actual training.
Even with all his years of experience, Su Xin had never heard of such a thing.
He hadn't taken in a genius—he'd picked up a living treasure.
No—Lingyue Sect had picked up a treasure. Fang Mu Ge's existence wouldn't just change the sect—it could shake the entire Great Qi Dynasty.
When Fang Mu Ge opened his eyes, he was met with Su Xin's beaming smile. There was a warmth and affection in his expression that hadn't been there before—like he was looking at his own son. Actually, it was warmer than that.
"Master… what is it?" Fang Mu Ge asked, a little puzzled.
Su Xin quickly waved it off. "Nothing, nothing. You keep cultivating. I'll be right back."
Before leaving, he left behind a huge pile of spirit stones—but no pills.
With talent like Fang Mu Ge's, pills weren't even necessary. As long as there was enough spiritual energy, that was all he needed.
Su Xin left the cave—and immediately gathered all the Grand Elders (even those who had just climbed back into their coffins) and called the "mascot" Sect Master as well.
When he finished explaining what had happened with Fang Mu Ge…
Everyone present was stunned speechless.
One elder, still reeking of wine, muttered, "You dragged us all out just to brag about your new disciple's talent?"
"…Huh?"
The others turned to glare at him, expressions full of scorn.
"You idiot! Talent like that is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the entire sect!"
"Exactly! For twelve thousand years, Lingyue Sect has been a first-rate force under the dynasty's thumb. It's time for us to rise to the top."
That last sentence lit a fire in everyone's eyes.
Rising to the top would mean becoming the number one sect in the dynasty—or even an equal of the imperial family.
They'd never had the chance before.
But now that they had Fang Mu Ge, the impossible was suddenly within reach.
Fang Mu Ge wasn't just a genius—he was the key to reshaping the current power structure.
Excitement filled the room.
Su Xin looked at them, hand outstretched.
They stared back in confusion.
"What are you doing?"
Su Xin smiled shamelessly. "From now on, we'll be pouring all our resources into training Mu Ge. Don't you think it's time to chip in a little?"
You…
They couldn't argue—but his smug expression made them all want to punch him. Not that any of them could actually win if it came to that.
The Sect Master was the first to contribute, taking out a spiritual herb he'd treasured for years.
The rest of the elders reluctantly followed suit, pulling out one precious item after another.
Before long, a pile of rare and priceless treasures floated in front of Su Xin—any one of which could cause a stir if made public.
Su Xin was practically grinning from ear to ear.
"Excellent, excellent. On behalf of Mu Ge, I thank you all. Once we become the top sect of the dynasty, every one of you will be honored."
When Su Xin returned to the cave, he didn't say the usual "you're not strong enough, so I'll hold onto these for you."
Instead, he laid out everything the elders had donated—every last treasure—and explained what each one was, who had given it, what it did, and how valuable it was.
Fang Mu Ge was completely stunned.
He was just a poor kid from a backwater town. Now he was being showered with priceless, even invaluable treasures.
It took him a long time to process it all.
His first thought?
Which one of these would be best for Uncle? I need to save something for him so he can improve and grow the clan faster… that way I can pair him with Senior Sister!
Su Xin said gently and earnestly,
"Mu Ge, you are the future of Lingyue Sect. From now on, you don't need to worry about anything—just focus on cultivating. We will clear every obstacle from your path."
"I won't let you down, Master!" Fang Mu Ge replied with determination.
He wanted to grow stronger as quickly as possible—not just for himself, but so his parents and clan could live better lives, and so he could flex to his heart's content.