Immortal of the Nine Realms

Chapter 19: Hidden Dragon

In General Fang Manor

What?! My big brother has been apprehended by the Court of Great Brilliance?

Fang Zhixue had been waiting for Fang Chens return when she heard that the latter had been brought to the Court of Great Brilliance. She immediately dashed out, only to be stopped by Fang Canghai.

Dont add to our troubles now and stay here! Fang Canghai roared.

Father, mother, arent you worried about my big brother at all? Fang Zhixue was startled. She turned to Fang Cangyou and the empress. Second uncle? Third aunt?

She thought that everyone would have been worried, but contrary to her expectations, everyone, including her parents, was perfectly composed. It was as if Fang Chen had merely gone to the Great Xia River for an excursion.

Your big brother didnt even tell us that he has regained his martial cultivation. This means that he has greater things planned. He has succeeded in purging the capital of Greenpine martial artists, but no one knows what his next step is, and no one can guess either.

Even I, his father, am unable to fathom his thoughts. What we can do right now is to not hold him back, and this includes you, Fang Canghai said.

Will big brother be put through grueling torture in the Court of Great Brilliance? Fang Zhixue asked. Despite knowing Fang Canghai was right, she couldnt help but worry about Fang Chen.

Hmph! Who dares? He has his third aunt as an empress, but even if not for that, just his reputation as the War God Fang is enough to grant him immunity. The Court of Great Brilliance has no choice but to treat him well while they wait for the emperors verdict.

Zhixue, there are times when I wonder if youre one of us. You dont need to be as bright as your big brother, but you should learn to analyze a situation by yourself, Fang Cangyou said with a laugh.

Fang Canghai and his wife glared at Fang Cangyou.

Those words agitated Fang Zhixue. Second uncle, youre making fun of me!

Enough, enough. The empress waved her hand with a smile. Chener has regained his martial cultivation and purged the capital of Greenpine trash. Our people dont have to be oppressed by those Greenpine martial artists anymore. This is something worth celebrating.

Indeed, its something to be celebrated. Fang Canghai stroked his beard.

However The empress suddenly changed her tone, and a sliver of worry showed on her face. His Majesty seems to have no intention of reinstating Chener post. I dont think he has any intention of allowing Chener into the imperial court.

The group was taken aback.

Fang Cangyou slammed his hand on his wheelchairs handle and angrily sneered, He dares!

Second brother, watch your mouth! Fang Canghai berated his brother before turning to the empress. Third sister, dont worry too much about it. Chener knows what hes doing. This might be a good thing if Chener doesnt want to return to the imperial court.

Fang Canghais wife nodded. I do hope that Chener doesnt lead an army again. Hes already of marriageable age. He should find a wife and continue our bloodline.

Xu Ge, who was standing behind Fang Cangyou, frowned. Should I inform the young master about this? It looks like his elders are planning to matchmake him.

Just then, a subordinate rushed into the room and reported, Old master, someone is applying to be our private teacher. He said that he came under the young masters recommendation.

Hm? Fang Chen was the one who recommended him here?

Everyone, including Xu Ge, was taken aback.

The empress eyes gleamed with curiosity. Bring him in.

Soon, Tie Ma stepped into the hall. He clasped his fist and bowed to Fang Canghai. Tie Ma pays respect to General Fang.

Everyones expressions turned weird, except for Fang Zhixue.

You are one of the third stage Ki Control martial artists of Greenpine Superior Dojo, Tie Ma? Fang Canghai asked with narrowed eyes.

The empress assessed Tie Ma from head to toe. Fang Cangyou fell into deep thought. Xu Ge was flabbergasted.

Fang Zhixue was confused until she finally connected the dots. Wait, Greenpine Superior Dojo? Doesnt that mean hes a Greenpine martial artist? Her ki immediately surged, as she prepared to make a move on Tie Ma.

Fang Canghai hurriedly held her down and said with a deep sigh, Please! Think about what your second uncle said earlier and let it steep.

But father, he Fang Zhixue anxiously pointed at Tie Ma.

He was introduced by your big brother. That makes him one of us. Dont just instinctively react to the word Greenpine. Fang Canghai looked visibly stressed.

That suddenly clicked for Fang Zhixue. That seems to make sense.

Mister Tie Ma, based on what I know, you are a citizen of Greenpine Country. Fang Canghai pointed out.

General Fang, I was born and raised in Great Xia. Under War God Fangs orders, I infiltrated Greenpine Countrys Wolf Army in order to acquire and deliver vital intelligence back, Tie Ma replied with an attitude that was neither arrogant nor subservient.

Fang Canghai and Fang Cangyou were surprised. They exchanged looks before they turned to Tie Ma with grim expressions. You are a Hidden Dragon?

Indeed. Tie Ma nodded.

Hidden Dragon was the term used in Great Xia to refer to spies who had infiltrated the enemy camp to deliver vital intelligence back. It was a highly dangerous role, with nine out of ten spies dying in the most grueling manner. Only the most outstanding and loyal people were chosen to be Hidden Dragons.

The only thing a Hidden Dragon could do upon being found by the enemy was to end their life. There were Hidden Dragons who failed to end their life in time and were subjected to terrifying torture over a long period of time before they were finally granted release.

Fang Canghai raised his right arm, clenched his fist, and struck his heart. Fang Cangyou did the same too.

This was a Great Xia military salute.

Tie Ma returned the salute.

The women in the room watched the scene in silence.

Mister Tie Ma, youll be our private tutor from this day onward. Well be counting on you to take care of our younger generation, Fang Canghai said with a smile.

There were over a hundred children in the General Manor. Some were children from the branch families, whereas the others were orphans whose parents had died in war.

Youre too polite. Its only right for me to do so, Tie Ma replied.

Did Chener suggest changing your name? Fang Canghai asked.

Tie Ma shook his head. The young master told me to continue using this name. If someone guesses my identity, so be it.

Hahaha! Sounds good! Fang Canghai burst into laughter. He summoned a servant to help Tie Ma settle down in the manor.

After Tie Ma took his leave, Fang Cangyou said, First the Windcloud Sword, and now Tie Ma. One is at pinnacle Ki Explosion, whereas the other is at early Ki Control. Granted the Windcloud Sword pales in comparison to Tie Ma, it still makes me wonder how many more aces Chen'er has up his sleeves. His own influence might just be greater than our Fang Clan Its an early Ki Control expert! Our Fang Clan will have another early Ki Control expert from this day on!!!

Second master, I am right behind you, Xu Ge murmured.

Why? Am I not allowed to talk about you? Fang Cangyou snorted. He was still holding a grudge against Xu Ge for not listening to his command.

Of course not. Second master, you can say all you want about me. I dont mind. Xu Ge smiled.

Meanwhile, Fang Chen had arrived at the Court of Great Brilliance.

Hoh, isnt this our War God Fang? I never thought youd ever grace our Court of Great Brilliance.

A man around thirty years of age walked over. He was dressed in official garments, and accompanying him was a group of rectifiers, clerks, and wardens.

He was Li Huafeng, the supervisor of the Court of Great Brilliance, a position that was second only to the court master himself. He was also the son of Prime Minister Li Guozhu.

Fang Chen was acquainted with Li Huafeng, though it would be more apt to say that they were nemeses!