Chapter 978: Dao Title

A Daoist title would accompany Jiang Fan throughout his entire Nascent Soul stage, and would even span his martial arts career, much like a person's name accompanies them through life. Everyone’s curiosity was instantly piqued, momentarily overshadowing their wonder about how Jiang Fan had survived the boundless blood tribulation.

The Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Secret pondered, “Jiang Fan possesses a resolute nature and the quality to carry on the legacy of his predecessors. His Daoist title shouldn’t be bad.” The Slave Heart Demon Emperor agreed wholeheartedly, saying, “Our master is so generous to those around him; the Ancient Sage’s Will will surely grant him a pleasing title, one that signifies commendation and encouragement.” Liu Qingxian wiped away dry tear stains from her eyes, her face filled with anticipation: “Xiao Fan works so hard; I think his title will be something about diligence and progress.”

Only Consort Yunxia furrowed her brow in thought. As her gaze flitted between the male Nascent Soul experts and Demon Emperors — the Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Secret, the North Sea Demon Emperor, and the West Sea Demon Emperor — her delicate brows slightly knitted. The Ancient Sage’s Will seemed to have always held a teasing attitude towards the male Nascent Soul experts and Demon Emperors of the continent. Could Jiang Fan be an exception?

The Lost Pearl Demon Emperor watched the dark clouds slowly forming characters, saying with a half-smile, “He wouldn’t be called ‘Venerable Oyster Opener,’ would he? What do you say, Old Dream Demon Emperor, am I right?”

The Old Dream Demon Emperor, who was curiously observing the dark clouds, jumped in surprise. Had the events of that day really spread all the way to the East Sea? Embarrassed and annoyed, she chided, “He should be called ‘Venerable Step-Daddy’— mmmph, mmmph, mmmph!” The Lost Pearl Demon Emperor, startled, quickly covered her mouth, exclaiming, “You long-legged woman, what nonsense are you spouting?” Who spread the news of that day’s family banquet?

The West Sea Demon Emperor rubbed his bald head, muttering, “I’m afraid my sworn brother won’t escape the Ancient Sage’s Will’s clutches either.” The North Sea Demon Emperor gave a wry smile, “It’s good if he can’t escape. Since we’re brothers, we should share difficulties. It shouldn’t be just the two of us with unsightly Daoist titles.” This atmosphere of not wanting to see one’s brothers do well had, imperceptibly, spread to the North Sea.

Jiang Fan, too, was mumbling under his breath. He had always worried that the Ancient Sage’s Will would mess with his Daoist title. Before the title solidified, he quickly clasped his hands and prayed to the heavens: “Ancient Sage Senior, please look carefully. I am Jiang Fan! The Jiang Fan who respects you the most, venerable elder. Please, you must give me a good Daoist title!”

As if his words were heard, the dark clouds, which had been slowly forming, suddenly solidified. Four large characters appeared before everyone’s eyes.

“Venerable Flower Bush.”

Everyone was stunned. Ling Shu wore an amused expression and chuckled mischievously, “Brother, ‘flower bush’ refers to beautiful women, right? Does it mean that because you have too many beautiful women around you, you’re named Venerable Flower Bush?”

Liang Feiyan paused, then applauded, cheering, “This is great! It couldn’t be more fitting! That damn Jiang Fan has claimed all the beautiful women of the human race and monopolized all the beautiful women of the demon race. Not calling him ‘Venerable Lecher’ is already a very polite understatement!”

Xia Chaoge stared at the four characters in astonishment, and finally couldn’t help but cover her mouth and burst into laughter. She had secretly given Jiang Fan the nickname “Gentleman of the Flower Bush.” Unexpectedly, the Ancient Sage’s Will had coincided with her thoughts and given him the Daoist title “Venerable Flower Bush”!

Everyone gradually understood the meaning of the Daoist title and couldn’t help but laugh. Even Consort Yunxia’s delicate lips curved into a faint smile. Liu Qingxian was both exasperated and amused, saying, “Xiao Fan, do you see now? Even the Ancient Sage couldn’t stand it. You need to take it easy from now on; don’t go collecting any more sisters.”

Gong Caiyi looked distressed, saying, “Isn’t the Ancient Sage’s Will a bit too much? Why treat Jiang Fan like this?” Yue Mingzhu crossed her arms over her chest and snorted, “Is this title wrong? He wants me, this wild flower, and you, this cultivated flower. ‘Venerable Flower Bush’ suits him perfectly.”

Jiang Fan, as the person in question, had a darkened face! How could he possibly utter this Daoist title in the future? Anyone who didn’t know would think he was a notorious lady-killer! He looked indignant, pointing at the sky and cursing, “You vengeful old hag! Didn’t I just sympathize with the West Sea Demon Emperor and mumble a word about you? And you held a grudge, striking me with lightning tribulations and giving me a twisted Daoist title! You loveless, man-hating old hag!” Anyway, the Daoist title was already set; he no longer expected anything from the Ancient Sage’s Will. What harm could it do to curse her a few times?

Unexpectedly! The dark clouds that had just formed characters actually dispersed, then re-formed new characters. Everyone was stunned! No way! Could a Daoist title be re-chosen? Could it be played this way? There were indeed cases where people, infuriated by a bad Daoist title, cursed the Ancient Sage. But when had it ever changed? The Ancient Sage’s Will only gave a name once and never changed it. Jiang Fan cursed, and it was immediately changed on the spot?

Jiang Fan was also stunned, but he had a bad premonition. It wouldn’t get worse, would it? In an instant, four large characters rapidly re-formed.

“Venerable Rogue!”

Holy crap! Jiang Fan’s face turned green; Deputy Pavilion Master Gu’s casual jest that day had actually come true! Jiang Fan stamped his feet in exasperation! He cursed, “You old hag, when have I ever been a rogue to you? How dare you give me such a Daoist title? Believe it or not, I’ll die right here for you to see?!”

Oh, heavens! This was even worse than “Venerable Flower Bush”! If this got out, he would truly have no face to live. At gatherings, others would introduce themselves as “Venerable Clear Wind,” “Venerable Emerald Peak,” or “Fairy Misty Smoke.” And Jiang Fan would step forward, bow, and say, “I am Venerable Rogue.” Just imagining that scene, his toes could dig through the floor.

At this moment, the words “old hag” seemed to enrage the Ancient Sage’s Will, and the dark clouds changed again.

“Venerable Three Breaths!”

Jiang Fan was momentarily stunned, then he understood what it meant. He stomped his feet again: “You haven’t even tried, how do you know I only last three breaths?” He was completely desperate. Each Daoist title was more maddening than the last. He quickly clasped his hands, “Beautiful, youthful, gentle, and virtuous Ancient Sage, please stop playing around. Please give this junior a proper Daoist title. From now on, whatever your command, this junior will brave fire and brimstone without hesitation.”

What made everyone’s eyes widen in disbelief was: The Ancient Sage’s Will actually changed it again. Finally, it solidified into the four characters “Venerable Headless.” Afterward, the dark clouds slowly dispersed.

Jiang Fan frowned. It sounded like a very ominous title. This was probably related to his habit of beheading opponents after killing them. It was still not elegant and not presentable. But compared to the previous three, at least it wasn’t shameful, right? “Venerable Headless it is, then.” Jiang Fan reluctantly accepted it.

Everyone nodded slightly. Although it wasn’t very elegant, it was still much better than the comical titles like “Solar Demon Emperor” or “Tearful Demon Emperor.” But Liang Feiyan’s thoughtful murmur instantly brought the entire scene to a dead silence.

“‘Venerable Headless.’ Which head is that referring to?”

Jiang Fan’s expression instantly froze. He pointed at the sky and cursed again, “Old hag! I curse you to meet scumbags wherever you go! What kind of idiotic Daoist title was this?!”

The North Sea Demon Emperor and the West Sea Demon Emperor, in a cheerful mood, stepped forward to congratulate him: “Venerable Headless, congratulations on breaking through to the Nascent Soul stage!” “Indeed, Venerable Headless, from today onward, you are the continent’s second human Nascent Soul expert!” Everyone came forward to offer congratulations with knowing smiles. The repeated calls of “Venerable Headless” left Jiang Fan speechless. He said with a dark expression, “On this continent, you can call me Venerable Headless, and I won’t hold it against you! But once we reach Taicang Great State, you must address me as Senior Jiang! Hmph!”

Having said that, he pushed off the ground with his feet, ascended into the air, and departed, truly too embarrassed to stay any longer. Might as well head to Hundred Flowers Valley first. It was time to inquire about Ling Shu’s matters. That woman’s actions were never as simple as they appeared. How much conspiracy was hidden within just one Soul Nurturing Pill back then? What was she brewing now by saving Ling Shu?