The Sacred Leaves Family's Wishes for Peace-Chapter 428 - 546: Fang Chu’s Plan

Chapter 546: Fang Chu’s Plan

Fang Chu had arrived in Qingzhou, the first destination the three Fang family siblings had originally chosen after leaving Cangzhou. Qingzhou’s overall strength was considerable—ranking within the top hundred among the thousands of continents in the Tianyuan Realm. It was here, centuries ago, that Fang Chu, Fang Luo, and Fang Hao had journeyed with the purpose of entering the True Dragon Academy, the pinnacle institution of the continent.

The largest city in Qingzhou was Wolong City, a name derived from legends that a true dragon had once rested here during the academy’s early days. Its influence and reputation had only grown over time. Fang Chu had been in Wolong City for over six months, quietly implementing his plan to enter the Moonwatch Tower tavern, the key step in a larger strategy.

Fang Chu had tasted the tavern’s spiritual wines, and though they were respectable, they paled in comparison to his own creations. Moonwatch Tower’s brews were indeed considered elite among the continent’s top-tier establishments, as the tavern was one of the main pillars supporting the dominion of the Moonwatch Tower—a powerhouse among the ruling factions of Qingzhou.

However, Fang Chu’s superiority lay in two main factors:

First, his personal mastery of winemaking. Fang Chu could rightly be called a brewing master; his skill had been the backbone of the Drunken Immortal Pavilion, the Fang family’s premier distillery. Among the brewers at Moonwatch Tower, only a rare few could even hope to approach his level.

Second, Fang Chu possessed exceptional brewing formulas, some developed by himself, others inherited from the legendary Wine Sage of Cangzhou. Most prized of all were those Fang Hao had brought back from the Celestial Realm. These recipes had been refined over countless years in the immortal worlds, producing wines of supreme quality. When crafted correctly, they were nothing short of miraculous.

This was why, when the Nie family patriarch had once tried to enlist Moonwatch Tower’s allegiance against the Fang family, simply presenting a sample from Drunken Immortal Pavilion’s cellar had convinced the Moonwatch Tower master immediately. He knew that such spirits, if allowed to flourish, would inevitably overshadow or even surpass Moonwatch Tower. In a moment of preemptive strategy, he had attempted to neutralize a potent rival—but the Fang family had eluded him, leaving only a temporary dent in their long-term plans.

Fang Chu, now armed with his remaining stock of these exceptional brews, needed only to take a few careful steps to dethrone the tavern’s resident brewers.

Upon arriving in Wolong City, Fang Chu initially assumed the guise of an ordinary cultivator, blending into the city and quietly observing its social currents. He spent his days gathering information, seeking someone compatible to assist him in his plan—a person both skilled and influential in the city’s tavern circles.

Within two months, he found his man: a middle-aged man everyone called "Uncle Jiu". Known for his jovial disposition and wide network of friends, Uncle Jiu enjoyed a modest reputation and influence throughout Wolong City. What made him invaluable was his passion for wine—he could not bear to go a day without drinking. He was also a celebrated tasting master, capable of discerning even the most subtle flavors and qualities in a brew.

Uncle Jiu was a regular at Moonwatch Tower, a cherished patron whose opinions carried weight. Fang Chu took up residence nearby, renting a small courtyard where he could work in secrecy. For over a month, he began daily rituals: brewing and sampling his spiritual wines, letting the unique aromas waft freely, spilling beyond the courtyard walls.

Passersby could not help but remark on the fragrance:

"Wow! Such an extraordinary aroma!"

"Indeed, this must be a rare vintage!"

"I wonder where it comes from... I’d pay any price to get a bottle."

Fang Chu remained composed, simply savoring his own creations, a faint smile playing on his lips.

One day, as usual, Fang Chu sat enjoying a quiet drink. Uncle Jiu, who lived nearby, noticed the scent from afar. His senses attuned to wine, he paused mid-stride, eyes widening like a wolf scenting prey.

"What... is that fragrance?"

Drawn irresistibly, Uncle Jiu approached Fang Chu’s courtyard and knocked without hesitation.

Fang Chu rose and opened the door.

"Little brother, forgive my intrusion," Uncle Jiu said, bowing slightly, eyes scanning the courtyard. His gaze fell upon the stone table and the elegant wine pot resting atop it. His pupils dilated, and his heart quickened.

Fang Chu feigned casual curiosity. "I’m surprised, elder, may I ask the purpose of your visit?"

Uncle Jiu’s demeanor brightened, bowing again. "I cannot hide the truth. The fragrance of your wine drew me here. I had to ask: what is it called, and where might one obtain it?"

Fang Chu’s eyes flicked to the pot with nonchalant calm, as if it were nothing extraordinary. 𝘧𝘳𝘦ℯ𝓌𝘦𝒷𝘯𝑜𝑣𝘦𝓁.𝒸𝘰𝓂

"You mean this wine?" he said lightly. "It’s called Dreaming Back, a personal creation I brew in my leisure."

Uncle Jiu’s jaw almost dropped. Recognition and awe replaced his initial curiosity. "You’re... a brewer yourself? Truly remarkable!"

Fang Chu smiled faintly and gestured toward the table. "It seems the elder appreciates fine wine. Since that is so, please, come in and sample it with me."

Uncle Jiu’s smile broadened, and he stepped into the courtyard without hesitation. Most would have hesitated before entering a stranger’s home, but Uncle Jiu’s love of wine outweighed etiquette. He wanted nothing more than to taste the brew immediately.

Seated, he fixed his eyes upon the cup before him as Fang Chu poured. Every movement of Fang Chu’s hand conveyed mastery and confidence, reflecting his identity as a true brewing expert.

"Though we are strangers, elder, it seems we share a passion for wine. Today, let us forge a friendship over this cup."

"Indeed!" Uncle Jiu said, lifting his cup eagerly. "To wine and friendship—cheers!"

As Uncle Jiu sipped slowly, savoring every nuance, it was clear he approached tasting with devotion and reverence, not mere indulgence. Even if the sky were to fall, he would not finish hastily—he drank with complete focus, mind and body immersed.

Fang Chu observed him carefully. This was precisely the kind of person he needed for his plan. With Uncle Jiu as an ally, Fang Chu could subtly integrate into Moonwatch Tower, begin his influence over their brewing staff, and quietly advance his long-term strategy. The first step of a larger campaign was now well underway, and Fang Chu’s patience and foresight promised a successful execution.