《Supreme Emptiness》 Chapter 1 - Chapter 1: Chapter 1: The Sisters Substitute Marriage Chapter 1: Chapter 1: The Sister¡¯s Substitute Marriage ¡°I would rather die than marry Jiang Fan!¡± Xu Yining held the three-foot Green Sword against her neck, tears of grievance streaming down her cheeks. The hall was in an uproar with many clan members. ¡°Yining, don¡¯t be impulsive! It¡¯s my fault. I shouldn¡¯t have forced you.¡± Xu Zhengyan was scared to the point of his heart in his throat, struggling to calm her down, ¡°Ten years ago, Jiang Fan¡¯s father saved Old Master Xu¡¯s life. Out of gratitude, the old master promised that you two would marry at the age of eighteen.¡± ¡°If you break off the engagement, people will say we¡¯re ungrateful.¡± ¡°Now that you¡¯ve finally been noticed by the Green Cloud Sect and are set to become a True Disciple, if they learn of this and some elder is displeased, your disciple qualification might be revoked!¡± Xu Yining¡¯s expression changed, and she stomped her foot, saying, ¡°I don¡¯t care!¡± ¡°I won¡¯t marry Jiang Fan, and I can¡¯t lose my reputation. Father, think of something for me!¡± Xu Zhengyan had a splitting headache, his eyes inadvertently glancing at Jiang Fan in the corner. Handsome appearance, tall and slender, with peaceful and insightful eyes, exuding a graceful and indifferent aura; he was a handsome young man. Sadly, he was a mute. Moreover, a mute who had been tested multiple times but had no Spirit Root. His daughter, on the other hand, was a Sixth Grade Spirit Root genius, favored by the elders of the Green Cloud Sect, who planned to accept her as a True Disciple with a boundless future. One was in the heavens, the other on the earth, completely worlds apart. ¡°Husband, if there¡¯s no other way, let Youran marry in place of Yining.¡± His wife, Wang Yingfeng, who was by his side, sighed helplessly. The Xu clan members¡¯ eyes all shot towards Xu Youran at the back of the crowd. A graceful young girl in green attire with a tranquil temperament. Her beauty was such that people couldn¡¯t take their eyes off her. As an elder sister, she was much more attractive than her younger sister, Xu Yining! But unfortunately, she was born of a concubine and held a far lesser status in the Xu family compared to Xu Yining. Wang Yingfeng suggesting Xu Youran marry in place of her daughter, to a mute, was unbearable to many in the Xu family. Such a beautiful woman like Xu Youran would have her life ruined by marrying a mute like Jiang Fan. ¡°Father, I just want to serve you by your side. Please don¡¯t marry me off.¡± Upon hearing this, Xu Youran¡¯s face instantly went pale. Biting her red lips, she pleaded helplessly. But Xu Zhengyan ignored her look, stepping forward to grip her shoulders earnestly, ¡°Youran, our Xu family has been in decline for a hundred years. It took us a lot to produce a genius like your sister. The future of the Xu family rests on her!¡± ¡°Consider this as a plea from your father. Marry Jiang Fan in place of your sister!¡± Seeing her still hesitating, Xu Zhengyan gritted his teeth and bent down on his knees, ¡°Do you want your father to kneel and beg you?¡± Xu Youran was startled and quickly helped him up in panic, ¡°Father, don¡¯t do this.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll marry, I¡¯ll marry, isn¡¯t that enough?¡± The moment she agreed, her eyes were filled with grievance. Only then did Xu Zhengyan stand up straight; the heavy stone in his chest, suspended for years, was finally set down. He revealed a relieved smile and looked at Jiang Fan, ¡°Fan, what do you think?¡± Jiang Fan sat calmly in the corner, leisurely sipping his tea. Upon hearing this, he raised his eyes. He glanced at Xu Youran, who was bowing her head in silence with tears in her eyes, and sighed silently in his heart, ¡°So pitiful, being calculated against by her own family.¡± The Xu family never intended to marry their prodigy daughter, Xu Yining, to Jiang Fan. They had planned all along to use Xu Youran as a sacrifice. From Xu Yining¡¯s deadly threat to Wang Yingfeng proposing a replacement, to Xu Zhengyan¡¯s emotional appeal, it was all pre-arranged. Xu Youran, pure and kind, easily fell for it and agreed to the replacement. Such a poor girl, how could Jiang Fan bear to harm her? He picked up the paper and pen he always carried and wrote a note. ¡°Uncle, don¡¯t trouble Youran. Xu Mansion has taken care of me for ten years, which repays the lifesaving debt from my father. Let¡¯s annul the engagement today.¡± Even without considering Xu Youran, Jiang Fan had intended to annul the engagement. Since they saved Old Master Xu ten years ago, they had been residing at the Xu Mansion. After his father¡¯s death three years ago, as time passed, the Xu family gradually distanced themselves from him. Jiang Fan understood that the Xu family¡¯s patience had worn thin. If not for concerns that breaking the engagement would harm their reputation, they would have kicked Jiang Fan out of the Xu Mansion long ago. Now, it was time for him to leave. After reading his note, Xu Zhengyan felt a surge of excitement. Jiang Fan staying at the Xu Mansion constantly reminded Xu Zhengyan of the immense debt owed to the Jiang family. Day after day, year after year, it was like a thorn in Xu Zhengyan¡¯s throat, impossible to remove. Now that he wanted to leave, it was the best news possible! Unexpectedly, Wang Yingfeng spoke sincerely, ¡°Fan, how could this be?¡± ¡°The engagement was made by the old master. How dare we go against his wishes? If he returns from his travels and finds out we didn¡¯t fulfill the agreement, neither your uncle nor I could bear the consequences.¡± ¡°If you truly appreciate the care of Xu Mansion for the past ten years, marry Youran, and we all become a family.¡± Some shrewd clan members saw through Wang Yingfeng¡¯s real intentions. She wanted to marry Xu Youran to the mute Jiang Fan, destroying her lifetime happiness, thus eliminating any threat to her daughter Xu Yining. With Xu Youran¡¯s outstanding temperament and unrivaled beauty, she was famous far and wide as a great beauty. Many young men from powerful families were coveting her. If she married into a powerful family or became the wife or concubine of a strong figure, she would undoubtedly become a rival to Xu Yining. By marrying her to Jiang Fan, a useless mute with no Spirit Root, they would completely eliminate the hidden threat. ¡°Truly vicious.¡± Jiang Fan saw everything clearly and looked at Xu Youran silently crying, sighed silently, and thought, ¡°Even if I help her today, after I leave, she won¡¯t escape Wang Yingfeng¡¯s clutches.¡± ¡°At that time, her fate might be worse than marrying a mute.¡± Over the years, Xu Youran had been the only one who treated him kindly. The year his father passed away, he had fallen severely ill from grief, bedridden for seven days and nights. The Xu family turned a blind eye, but Xu Youran stayed by his bedside without sleep for seven days, nursing him back to health. He couldn¡¯t bear to leave this pure and kind girl to fend for herself in the Xu family¡¯s pit of misery. After much contemplation, he helplessly took up the pen and wrote a single word to Wang Yingfeng. ¡°Alright!¡± Wang Yingfeng broke into a smile, warmly saying, ¡°Youran, quickly take Jiang Fan to have his clothes measured. You two will marry in a month.¡± She was eager for them to marry to avoid any unforeseen issues. Xu Youran wiped her tears, her eyes red and swollen, and came to Jiang Fan, ¡°Come with me. I have something to tell you.¡± In the boudoir. Though called a boudoir, it was only slightly better than a maid¡¯s room, very simple. Xu Youran opened the drawer of her dressing table, taking out a small pouch hidden in a corner. Inside were various sizes of broken silver. ¡°Little mute, you shouldn¡¯t have agreed.¡± Xu Youran sighed, ¡°They don¡¯t really want you to marry me. They just don¡¯t want to be labeled as ungrateful.¡± ¡°Once my sister joins the Green Cloud Sect, they will mistreat you and find ways to make you leave.¡± Oh? Jiang Fan smiled slightly; she wasn¡¯t so naive after all. Xu Youran stuffed the money pouch into Jiang Fan¡¯s hand, softly saying, ¡°Take this money and leave the Xu Mansion, leave Lonely Boat City.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want you to live a life like mine.¡± Jiang Fan wrote a note, ¡°What about you?¡± Xu Youran¡¯s lips curled into a bitter smile, ¡°This is my home. No matter how badly they treat me, I can¡¯t leave.¡± Suddenly, they heard the maids chattering and laughing as they went to fetch satin from the storeroom. She said nervously, ¡°You must go quickly, don¡¯t hesitate.¡± But, at the thought of this parting that might be forever, That they may never see this companion she grew up with again, A surge of inexplicable sadness arose in her heart, and she said hoarsely, ¡°Out there, don¡¯t trust strangers easily, don¡¯t eat their food, don¡¯t drink their water.¡± ¡°Also, don¡¯t talk to people randomly. If they find out you¡¯re mute, they will bully you.¡± ¡°Do you understand, little mute?¡± As she spoke, her voice started to choke with sobs. Tears began to well up in her eyes. Jiang Fan stepped forward, gently patting her head, and softly said, ¡°You should call me husband from now on.¡± Huh?! Xu Youran abruptly raised her head, her eyes wide in shock as if she had seen a ghost, stammering, ¡°You, you spoke?¡± ¡°You¡¯re not a mute!¡± Chapter 2 - Chapter 2: Chapter 2: The Mysterious Seed Chapter 2: Chapter 2: The Mysterious Seed Jiang Fan sneered, ¡°Did I ever say that I was mute?¡± Xu Youran¡¯s mind was in chaos as she stammered, ¡°You, you¡¯re pretending to be mute? Why?¡± Jiang Fan clasped his hands behind his back and silently gazed out the window. Moments passed. The clear sky echoed with two thunderous booms, startling everyone in the Xu Mansion, causing them to rush outside and look around. Xu Youran also flinched at the sudden thunder, whispering, ¡°Why is there thunder out of nowhere, just like three years ago?¡± Jiang Fan remained expressionless. This was why he pretended to be mute. He had a mysterious seed inside him, and every time he spoke, a trace of the seed¡¯s aura would escape, summoning the wrath of the Heavenly Thunder. His father had warned him since childhood not to speak. For eighteen years, he followed his father¡¯s advice meticulously, except when his father passed away. That night, lightning and thunder raged, and it didn¡¯t stop till morning. Seeing the sorrow in his eyes, Xu Youran softly said, ¡°Alright, alright, I won¡¯t ask anymore.¡± ¡°Pack your things and leave quickly. If Aunt Wang finds out that you¡¯ve been pretending to be mute all along, she¡¯ll be even more suspicious.¡± Jiang Fan turned around, gently took her delicate hand, and said: ¡°I won¡¯t leave. I¡¯ll stay and marry you, to protect you from now on.¡± Xu Youran¡¯s face blushed instantly. The words ¡°protect you¡± echoed in her ears, making her heart race inexplicably. She hurriedly withdrew her hand, lightly scolding, ¡°Stop bragging, your spirit root isn¡¯t even as good as mine!¡± Jiang Fan smiled but said nothing. His father had revealed the truth about the seed on his deathbed. It was a Divine Object with immense potential, needing eighteen years to sprout. Upon sprouting, the host would undergo a transformative change. Today was the last day of those eighteen years. Jiang Fan would be reborn with the first light of dawn tomorrow! Then, there would be no more mute Jiang Fan, no more worthless Jiang Fan! He looked at Xu Youran confidently and said, ¡°Trust me.¡± Seeing the calm and resolute look in Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes, a warm current surged in Xu Youran¡¯s heart. Since her mother¡¯s death, this was the first time someone had said they would protect her. After a long pause, she pushed the money pouch back into Jiang Fan¡¯s hands. Jiang Fan frowned slightly, she still didn¡¯t believe in him. It wasn¡¯t surprising. He was still a mute, an ordinary person without a spirit root. But when the seed sprouted tomorrow¡­ Xu Youran looked at him, her cheeks tinged with a hint of red, and softly said, ¡°Keep this as a betrothal gift for marrying me.¡± Boom¡ª It wasn¡¯t the sky thundering. It was inside Jiang Fan¡¯s heart. He never thought there would be a day when a girl would offer her lifetime¡¯s savings as a dowry to marry him. Unexplainable emotions entwined around Jiang Fan¡¯s heart. It made him feel an intense urge to hold Xu Youran tightly and protect her well. ¡°What are you standing there for?¡± Xu Youran reached out her small hand, gently tidying his clothes, and said tenderly, ¡°Uncle Jiang lived in poverty all his life and didn¡¯t leave you any wealth. I hope this savings can help you.¡± Even though she herself lived a hard life, she was still thinking of Jiang Fan. Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t hold back anymore and pulled her into his arms, embracing her lithe waist. He spoke softly again, ¡°Perhaps our way of coming together was unexpected, but the ending will be right.¡± The best marriages happened when you met the right person. And perhaps, Jiang Fan had found the right one. Xu Youran¡¯s face turned crimson, like a persimmon in late autumn, her mind blank, her body stiff, unable to move as Jiang Fan held her. After a long while, she snapped out of it, panicking as she broke away, saying, ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m going to measure the clothes¡­¡± Watching her retreating figure, Jiang Fan placed the money pouch back on the table, smiling, ¡°How could marrying my wife be so miserly?¡± ¡°Youran, I will marry you in a grand way.¡± Rumble¡ª Two more bolts of Heavenly Thunder exploded in succession. Jiang Fan glared at the sky angrily, muttering, ¡°Go ahead and roar, after tonight, you¡¯ll have no more chances!¡± In the backyard. In Wang Yingfeng¡¯s bedroom. ¡°Aunt, how could you marry cousin Youran to that worthless Jiang Fan?¡± Lu Zheng, who had also lived in the Xu Mansion for ten years, knelt before Wang Yingfeng, his face full of anxiety, ¡°Please, take back your decision and marry cousin to me!¡± Lu Zheng, Wang Yingfeng¡¯s nephew, was smart and talented, a third-grade spirit root genius. So Wang Yingfeng had brought him to the Xu Mansion to nurture him from a young age. And he had lived up to her expectations, reaching the fifth layer of Qi Cultivation at the age of twenty, bringing much pride to Wang Yingfeng in front of her family. However, what made Wang Yingfeng headache was that Lu Zheng liked Xu Youran very much and always considered her his woman. To prevent him from causing trouble, she had sent him away today to collect a debt in another town. But somehow, he had still gotten wind of the news and rushed back in haste. ¡°Zheng, Youran marrying Jiang Fan concerns the future of the Xu Family. Your aunt can compromise on other matters, but on this, you cannot be reckless.¡± To thoroughly suppress Xu Youran, Wang Yingfeng was determined to tie her fate to the worthless Jiang Fan, ruining her life. However, seeing Lu Zheng¡¯s anguished expression, she softened, speaking meaningfully: ¡°Your aunt only forbade you from interfering with their marriage, not from acting after it¡¯s done.¡± ¡°If by some accident Jiang Fan dies, you can still marry Youran.¡± If Xu Youran became a widow, those great families and powerful men would similarly not accept her. Who would marry a widow? Who wouldn¡¯t find it shameful? ¡°I understand, thank you, Aunt!¡± Lu Zheng suddenly realized, his face brightening with joy. He handed over a packet of snacks, ¡°Aunt, this is a specialty from Biliu City, snow cream, your favorite. I brought it back especially for you.¡± Wang Yingfeng gently rebuked, ¡°You, always focusing on pleasing others instead of cultivating properly.¡± Though she said this, her smile betrayed her delight. ¡°Pleasing Aunt is my duty. I¡¯ll go help Jiang Fan set up the wedding arrangements so they can marry soon,¡± Lu Zheng said with a grin. ¡°Go on. Don¡¯t forget to rise early tomorrow. Your Aunt will accompany you to the Detection Tower for your spirit root reevaluation,¡± Wang Yingfeng replied with a smile. ¡°Yes!¡± Lu Zheng bowed and left with a smile on his face. But the moment he stepped out of Wang Yingfeng¡¯s room, the smile on his face gradually vanished, replaced by a sinister look. ¡°Marrying something Jiang Fan has used? That old woman must be joking!¡± ¡°I, Lu Zheng, want only the best!¡± ¡°Once my spirit root is reevaluated tomorrow and found to be higher, I¡¯ll snatch Xu Youran back in front of everyone in the Xu Family!¡± Early the next morning. In a simple room in the west courtyard of the Xu Mansion. Jiang Fan paced back and forth in the room, occasionally looking out the window, his eyes bloodshot. ¡°Why isn¡¯t the sun rising?¡± Jiang Fan felt anxious. He had waited eighteen years for this day. He thought he was calm, emotions unaltered by external influences, ready to face the seed sprouting. But now that the day had arrived, he had spent the entire night sleepless, filled with unease. ¡°Father didn¡¯t lie to me, did he?¡± ¡°Is this seed really magical?¡± ¡°Will it truly transform me?¡± Countless thoughts churned through his mind, making Jiang Fan take deep breaths nervously. Suddenly. A beam of dazzling light pierced through the clouds and into the room. Almost simultaneously, Jiang Fan vaguely heard a cracking sound. As if some hard shell had broken open. The seed had sprouted! The moment of rebirth after eighteen years had arrived! Chapter 3 - Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Nirvana Rebirth Chapter 3: Chapter 3: Nirvana Rebirth He quickly sat cross-legged, holding his breath and concentrating his mind. The sound of the shell breaking grew more intense in his ears. At first, it was as quiet as a mosquito, then it grew louder like raindrops pounding, and finally, it boomed like war drums. At last, a thunderous roar that seemed to crack mountains and split the earth exploded right by his ears, plunging Jiang Fan into darkness. In the darkness, he saw a tender shoot breaking through the soil. Its emergence seemed to disturb some supreme existence, which sent down devastating thunderbolts trying to crush it back underground. The tender shoot slowly opened and effortlessly absorbed the thunderbolts. It then grew robustly at a speed visible to the naked eye. An inch, two inches, three inches¡­ A yard, two yards, three yards¡­ Ten yards, a hundred yards, a thousand yards¡­ Jiang Fan watched in astonishment as a single seed grew into an endlessly tall towering tree, using the thunderbolts as its nutrients! Realizing it could not stop the growth, the thunder gradually ceased. Just when Jiang Fan thought it was over, a majestic and powerful roar erupted: ¡°How dare you take the Void Ancient Clan¡¯s Divine Tree? Whoever you are, wherever you are, we will find you! We will find you!!!¡± The roar hit his ears, causing his head to ache as if it would split apart, and his soul was about to shatter under the unparalleled divine power. In that moment of crisis, the Void Ancient Tree scattered green light, which merged into Jiang Fan¡¯s body. The tearing sensation gradually disappeared, and under the influence of the green light, a spirit root began to form in his dantian. Having narrowly survived, Jiang Fan¡¯s face turned pale. Who was that? A roar that transcended time and space almost destroyed him? And why did they say the tree belonged to the Void Ancient Clan? Wasn¡¯t it given to him by his father? After a long time, he managed to calm the waves in his heart, then subconsciously looked at his abdomen and couldn¡¯t help but tremble in his voice. ¡°Spirit Root! I have a Spirit Root now!¡± he exclaimed with immense joy. He had waited eighteen years for this transformation, and it finally arrived! Immediately, he knelt on the ground full of sorrow: ¡°Dad, did you see that?¡± ¡°Your son now has a Spirit Root, and he can protect himself from now on.¡± ¡°You can rest in peace in heaven!¡± He bowed deeply, his eyes moist. Before his father¡¯s death, his greatest worry was Jiang Fan¡¯s lack of strength and protection for his growth. Now, he had a Spirit Root. His father, who protected his child throughout his life, could finally see him grown up! After a long time, Jiang Fan calmed down and carefully examined the Spirit Root, only to be taken aback. ¡°Transparent?¡± His Spirit Root was actually transparent, without any color! ¡°Red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, violet, black, white, but none are transparent!¡± Xu Yining¡¯s Spirit Root was azure, representing a sixth-grade Spirit Root. The highest in legend is the white Spirit Root, representing the ninth grade. But a transparent Spirit Root had never been heard of! ¡°It seems I need to go to the Detection Hall to confirm.¡± Jiang Fan muttered to himself. On this continent, there was an ancient power called the Heavenly Mechanism Hall, with the famous Green Cloud Sect being just one of its nine subordinate sects. They had established a Detection Tower in every city. Providing free Spirit Root detection for everyone. If an excellent Spirit Root was detected, one could apply to join the local sect through the Detection Tower Master. For instance, Xu Yining was detected as having a sixth-grade Spirit Root, which alarmed an elder of the Green Cloud Sect, making an exception to take her as a True Disciple. It was said that if one¡¯s talent was unparalleled, it might even attract someone from the Heavenly Mechanism Hall to recruit them directly. But it was only rumored, as no one had ever been directly recruited by the Heavenly Mechanism Hall since the Detection Tower in Lonely Boat City was established. To enter the Heavenly Mechanism Hall, one had to further cultivate in one of the nine major sects for three years, with only the most outstanding among them standing a chance of being selected by the Heavenly Mechanism Hall. He wondered what grade his transparent Spirit Root would be. At that moment, Jiang Fan suddenly noticed that the lush Void Divine Tree was filled with huge transparent fruits. In the lowest hanging fruit, a cultivation technique was sealed. ¡°Profound Level High-grade Mental Method, ¡®Dragon Seeking Scripture.¡¯ ¡± Reading the inscription on the technique, Jiang Fan was shocked. The Xu Family, as an old power in Lonely Boat City, had its treasure technique which was only a Yellow Level Medium-grade Swordsmanship, ranking among the top ten techniques in Lonely Boat City. Several crises in Xu Family history sprang from others coveting it. A single Profound Level High-grade technique was enough to plunge the world into chaos! He held his breath and rushed to the tree, attempting to jump and grab the fruit. But an invisible force pushed him back to the ground. A trace of information emerged in his mind. ¡°Only those in the Foundation Establishment Stage can pick the lowest fruit.¡± Soon after, the dark world in front of him gradually dissipated, and he returned to the simple room he lived in. He was stunned; the experience just now felt like a dream. But the Spirit Root in his abdomen confirmed that it was all real. ¡°¡®Dragon Seeking Scripture,¡¯ Foundation Establishment Stage.¡± Jiang Fan excitedly licked his lips, itching to break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm immediately. Not wanting to waste any time, he left the Xu Mansion, half walking and half running, until he reached the Detection Tower, gasping for breath. It was still early morning, and the Detection Tower had not yet opened. A group of young boys and girls were waiting outside the tower for their tests. ¡°Zheng, today¡¯s retest, don¡¯t be nervous. The Tower Master said you underperformed last time because of nerves.¡± Wang Yingfeng stood with Lu Zheng, waiting for the tower to open. ¡°You should have been at least a third-grade top level, but nerves only showed you as a third-grade medium!¡± ¡°Because of this difference, I couldn¡¯t secure more resources for you from the Xu Family.¡± Lu Zheng nodded heavily. The Xu Family¡¯s resources were limited, most of which went to Xu Yining, with the remainder allocated according to talent. Many in the Xu Family had third-grade Spirit Roots. Being a grade lower meant receiving far fewer resources. So this retest, he needed to show his true level. ¡°If you can test as a third-grade top level, I will find a way to convince the Xu Family to make an exception and let you cultivate the Xu¡¯s Sword Technique.¡± For this nephew, Wang Yingfeng was willing to go all out, even planning to pass on the Xu Family¡¯s core secrets to an outsider. What? Lu Zheng was ecstatic! The Xu¡¯s Sword Technique, a Yellow Level Medium-grade attack skill, was one of the top techniques in Lonely Boat City, accessible only to the core members of the Xu Family. After enduring ten years of hardships in the Xu Family, he finally had the chance to touch its core techniques! In his excitement, he caught a glimpse of a familiar figure out of the corner of his eye and couldn¡¯t help but be surprised: ¡°Jiang Fan? What are you doing here?¡± Jiang Fan calmly wrote down a note: ¡°The same as you.¡± Until his skills reached a certain level, he decided to continue pretending to be mute to avoid suspicion from the Xu Mansion. ¡°The same as me? Haha.¡± Lu Zheng shook his head, filled with disdain. He was there for a higher Spirit Root retest. Jiang Fan had been tested several times; what was the point of another retest? He patted Jiang Fan on the shoulder, taunting: ¡°Spirit Roots are innate, if you have it, you have it, if not, you don¡¯t.¡± ¡°Living a life as an ordinary person, what¡¯s wrong with that? Why chase after something you can¡¯t get?¡± Jiang Fan clenched his fists quietly. Why was he destined to be an ordinary person while others got to be high and mighty Martial Artists? At this moment, the doors opened. The Detection Tower Master, an old man who had performed the same job for decades, looked numb and expressionless as he said: ¡°As always, those with outstanding qualifications will receive cultivation technique rewards.¡± Everyone looked indifferent. Because the rewards were nearly out of reach for them. In recent decades, the only one who had received a reward was Xu Yining, whose sixth-grade Spirit Root gifted her a Yellow Level Low-grade Mental Method. With that mental method, Xu Yining reached the Eighth Layer of Qi Cultivation in just six months. Even a sixth-grade Spirit Root only got the lowest level technique, so the others didn¡¯t even bother to hope. But Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes gleamed: ¡°There are techniques up for grabs?¡± Chapter 4 - Chapter 4: Chapter 4 Deadly Misunderstanding Chapter 4: Chapter 4 Deadly Misunderstanding He wanted to break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm; he had to have a mental method. The mental method was a cultivation technique specifically for improving one¡¯s realm. Compared to swordsmanship or fist skills and other attack skills, the mental method was more central and more precious. Every power treated their mental method like a treasure, not allowing outsiders to touch it. The Detection Tower was the only place where an ordinary person could receive a mental method as a reward, but it was extremely difficult to obtain. Jiang Fan wasn¡¯t confident about getting the reward. After all, he had no idea what grade a transparent spirit root was. The crowd entered the Detection Tower. There were many separate rooms inside the tower; the Tower Master arranged for Jiang Fan and Lu Zheng from the Xu Family to enter adjacent rooms. Lu Zheng exuded confidence all over, glanced sideways at Jiang Fan, and said with a sly smile, ¡°Don¡¯t be scared by the true grade of my spirit root later!¡± He was confident that this time he could detect a third-grade top-level spirit root. Thus, his status in the Xu Family would increase again. By then, it would be easier to snatch Xu Youran away. Jiang Fan shrugged and wrote on a piece of paper, ¡°Let¡¯s wait and see.¡± He had a spirit root too. Though it was transparent. With the Tower Master¡¯s command, everyone entered the detection chambers simultaneously. It was Jiang Fan¡¯s fourth visit. After closing the stone door, he couldn¡¯t help but feel nervous as he looked at the crystal ruler floating in the center of the chamber. It had nine colored markings, representing grades one to nine. When a martial artist placed their hand on it, the spirit root would trigger the corresponding color on the crystal ruler, indicating the grade of the spirit root. The detection was very accurate, never making errors. Taking a deep breath, Jiang Fan approached the crystal ruler and placed his hand on it. Buzz! The crystal ruler immediately trembled slightly! A ripple slowly rose from the base, reaching the red marking, then shot to the orange marking without stopping. Jiang Fan¡¯s heart relaxed a bit. He had always worried that his transparent spirit root might be some sort of waste spirit root with no grade. Soon, the ripple reached the yellow marking, and then surged to the green marking with a rapid force. Jiang Fan¡¯s heart raced. The green represented a fourth-grade spirit root, already exceeding Lu Zheng¡¯s grade, a rare top spirit root in Lonely Boat City. But the ripple showed no sign of stopping. It went past the blue marking and reached the azure marking! Jiang Fan clenched his fist, his heart pounding fiercely. A sixth-grade spirit root, reaching Xu Yining¡¯s level! Yet the ripple didn¡¯t stop! Purple, seventh-grade! Black, eighth-grade! Jiang Fan¡¯s heart was in his throat, and he couldn¡¯t help but feel dry-mouthed. Eighth-grade! He had actually achieved eighth-grade, breaking the highest record in Lonely Boat City! Buzz¡ª¡ª The ripple still had immense momentum and surged to the highest marking, white! Ninth-grade! It was ninth-grade! Jiang Fan¡¯s pupils contracted, his eyes filled with uncontrollable joy. He actually had an unprecedented ninth-grade spirit root! This was a legendary level! However. The ripple still didn¡¯t stop and continued to rise. The end of the crystal ruler was a large blank area with no markings. But the ripple continued rising and finally shot out of the ruler, flying out of the chamber. This left Jiang Fan dumbfounded. What kind of spirit root was his? He had detected it but seemed like he hadn¡¯t¡­ Almost at the moment the ripple shot out of the crystal ruler. In the adjacent chamber, Lu Zheng watched the ripple in the crystal ruler rising slower and slower, like a snail climbing a wall, and when it finally settled at the critical point between mid and upper third-grade, his face turned ugly. ¡°Rise! Come on, rise! Damn it!¡± Lu Zheng pounded the crystal ruler angrily, shouting in frustration. He thought he was a sure thing to reach third-grade top-level, but ended up just a hair¡¯s breadth away. This difference meant he had no access to the Xu Family¡¯s resources, nor Wang Yingfeng¡¯s promised ¡°Xu¡¯s Sword Technique¡±! At that moment. The ripple in Jiang Fan¡¯s crystal ruler shot out of his chamber and passed by Lu Zheng¡¯s chamber. The powerful surge pulled the ripple in Lu Zheng¡¯s crystal ruler, causing it to climb again. It surged past the green, azure, blue, purple, and black markings. Finally, it climbed slowly and settled at the white marking. The white marking began to glow, and the light grew increasingly intense. The Tower Master was lying in a bamboo chair, holding a pen in one hand and lazily flipping through the registry with the other. At this time, the stone door of Chamber 3 lit up first, releasing a faint red glow. He found Chamber 3 in his registry and said indifferently, ¡°Chamber 3, Miss Zhu of the Zhu Family, Zhu Tingting, first-grade lower spirit root.¡± Soon, other chambers began to light up one after another. ¡°Chamber 7, Yu Wangdong, heir of the Liu Family Commerce, first-grade upper spirit root.¡± ¡°Chamber 1, Young Castle Master of Cheng Family Castle, Zheng Xiangqiu, first-grade lower spirit root.¡± ¡­ After recording the results of several chambers, the Tower Master shook his head repeatedly. ¡°Alas! Lonely Boat City is getting worse year by year!¡± ¡°If not for Xu Yining with her recent sixth-grade spirit root, the Detection Tower here would be dismantled.¡± Suddenly, a white light shot out from the seam of the stone door in Lu Zheng¡¯s chamber. The Tower Master rubbed his eyes, looking puzzled, ¡°White? On the crystal ruler, white represents¡­¡± Crash! He sprang to his feet, the force of his movement sending the bamboo chair flying several dozen feet. His old face was filled with immense shock as he stared at the increasingly dazzling white light coming from Lu Zheng¡¯s chamber, exclaiming four words with astonishment! ¡°Ninth-grade¡­ appearing!!!¡± As his words fell, the white light suddenly intensified, like a blazing sun emitting a blinding radiance, turning the entire Detection Tower pure white. The tower couldn¡¯t contain the overwhelming white light, which shot into the sky, piercing through the cloud layers! Xu Family. Xu Yining had just finished meditating, surrounded by spiritual energy, her eyes sharp and bright. Beside her, Xu Zhengyan looked proud, ¡°Yining, you¡¯ve broken through the ninth layer of Qi Cultivation! At such a young age, this is unprecedented in our Lonely Boat City!¡± Xu Yining¡¯s brows held a trace of pride, ¡°After all, with a sixth-grade spirit root, it¡¯s no surprise to cultivate so fast.¡± ¡°Once I join the Green Cloud Sect and obtain a mid or even high Yellow Level mental method, I¡¯ll cultivate even faster¡­¡± Suddenly. She glimpsed a beam of white light from the corner of her eye and was stunned, ¡°Father, what is that?¡± Xu Zhengyan, also shocked by the spectacular sight, observed for a while and then said, ¡°It¡¯s from the Detection Tower.¡± ¡°Could it be a world-class spirit root has appeared?¡± ¡°I heard your grandfather say that many years ago, in neighboring Biyun City, a prodigy with an eighth-grade spirit root appeared. During the detection, a black light beam shot into the sky, just like what we see now!¡± Black light represented an eighth-grade. Then, the white beam must be ninth-grade? Xu Yining could hardly believe it as she watched the beam, unconsciously biting her lip. As proud as she was, she couldn¡¯t accept that someone in Lonely Boat City had a spirit root superior to hers. And far superior at that! Watching the gradually fading light, she gritted her teeth, threw down her sword, and rushed toward the Detection Tower, saying, ¡°I must see who it is!¡± Xu Zhengyan worried about her impulsiveness, but he was also extremely curious about the identity of this extraordinary prodigy. So, he quickened his pace to follow her. The entire Lonely Boat City went into chaos because of the appearance of the white light beam. Countless martial artists crazily flocked to the Detection Tower, eager to witness this once-in-several-hundred-years sight. Among them were even a few old clan leaders, long thought dead, who could no longer stay hidden and broke through their seclusion to witness the face of this world-altering talented one! The outside world was in turmoil. Inside the Detection Tower, it was in an uproar. The detecting martial artists rushed out of their chambers, crowding around Lu Zheng¡¯s stone door, filled with unparalleled shock. The Tower Master appeared manic, muttering nonstop. ¡°A legend! I¡¯ve witnessed a legend!¡± ¡°In my lifetime, I¡¯ve actually seen the legendary ninth-grade spirit root!¡± ¡°It¡¯s the same as our Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion¡¯s Pavilion Master¡¯s spirit root.¡± A young man with clenched fists said jealously, ¡°Tower Master, is ninth-grade really the strongest?¡± The Tower Master glared at him and snorted, ¡°Nonsense! Ninth-grade is of course the strongest¡­¡± Seemingly recalling something, he paused, uncertain and said, ¡°There¡¯s indeed a type of spirit root that surpasses the ninth-grade in this world.¡± Chapter 5 - Chapter 5: Chapter 5: The Fake Dragon Emperor Chapter 5: Chapter 5: The Fake Dragon Emperor ¡°It is called the Root of Infinity.¡± ¡°Legend has it that it is shadowless and invisible, transparent in color.¡± ¡°This kind of spirit root is ten times, even a hundred times, stronger than the ninth-grade.¡± ¡°But such a spirit root only exists in myths, it simply doesn¡¯t exist in reality.¡± ¡°What, do you think you have the Root of Infinity?¡± The Tower Master mocked, ¡°Ninth-grade is the existence you can look up to in this life, cherish the opportunity to face the genius of ninth-grade!¡± ¡°Once he grows up, you won¡¯t even have the chance to receive a glance from him for the rest of your life!¡± Hearing this, the young man was full of bitterness. Just one talent assessment determined their future status as superior or inferior. One was a true dragon in the sky, the other an ant on the ground. Such a comparison, so cruel that it was despairing. Jiang Fan, in the adjacent room, naturally noticed this commotion. ¡°No way? Lu Zheng has a ninth-grade spirit root?¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s face showed surprise. If he had such talent, why did ten years of consuming the Xu Family¡¯s resources still leave him inferior to Xu Yining¡¯s sixth-grade? As he pondered, he suddenly realized his crystal ruler reacted once again. A dim ball of light flew out of the ruler, landing in front of him. When the light dispersed, it turned out to be two cultivation techniques! ¡°Oh? Are these rewards for me?¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s heart felt joy. He quickly picked them up and looked closely. One was a Yellow Level high mental method called the Pure Wind Scripture. The other was a Yellow Level high attack skill called the Seven-star Sword Jue. The highest-level technique in Lonely Boat City was only Yellow Level medium. He unexpectedly received two Yellow Level high techniques at once! Most importantly, one of them was the mental method he urgently needed! ¡°What level am I at to receive such high rewards?¡± Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t help but be surprised. Xu Yining, with her sixth-grade spirit root, was only rewarded a Yellow Level lower mental method. But regardless of the reason, with these two techniques and this transparent spirit root, he would make rapid progress in the shortest time! He safely tucked the techniques and opened the stone door. The huge sound of the opening door attracted the attention of countless onlookers. ¡°So it¡¯s Jiang Fan! He scared me. I thought it was Lu Zheng coming out!¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t Jiang Fan¡¯s assessment show no spirit root again this time?¡± ¡°Alas, just a wall apart, one is a peerless ninth-grade, the other has no spirit root. The difference is mountainous!¡± ¡°The Xu Family is a miraculous place. Ten years of sheltering raised both a waste and a peerless dragon, ha-ha.¡± Jiang Fan frowned. He wanted to argue with them, but after thinking it through, why bother? Quietly training in the two Yellow Level high techniques and silently increasing his strength was the right path. He was now alone. If people knew his details, it would instead bring big trouble. Thus, he responded with a calm smile. ¡°Jiang Fan, you are here too? What¡¯s the situation inside?¡± Xu Yining and Xu Zhengyan came over, noticing Jiang Fan also undergoing the assessment. Xu Yining bit her red lips, speaking rapidly. Jiang Fan calmly wrote on a note: ¡°Lu Zheng¡¯s assessment showed a ninth-grade spirit root.¡± What? Xu Yining¡¯s face turned ghastly pale, staggering a few steps, unable to believe this reality: ¡°Impossible, this is impossible!¡± Could it really be a ninth-grade genius born? Moreover, he was fostered in their own family? Her strong pride couldn¡¯t bear the blow, and she burst into tears. Jiang Fan silently sighed. He always felt there was some issue with Lu Zheng¡¯s spirit root assessment, so he casually comforted her, writing: ¡°Keep calm and continue cultivating, await the future.¡± Xu Yining glanced at it, feeling it was Jiang Fan¡¯s sarcasm towards her, and said angrily: ¡°Seeing me cry makes you feel happy, right?¡± ¡°You think me rejecting your marriage proposal has its retribution, right?¡± ¡°No matter what, I¡¯m a sixth-grade prodigy, a hundred times, a thousand times better than you, a waste of a mute!¡± Jiang Fan was speechless. She was angry, but why take it out on him? Truly, like ¡°not grateful,¡± a dog biting L¨¹ Dongbin without knowing a good person¡¯s heart! At this moment, the Tower Master, who also noticed Xu Zhengyan¡¯s arrival, quickly ran over with an incredibly kind smile. ¡°Brother Xu, congratulations, congratulations!¡± Xu Zhengyan was flattered. The Detection Tower Master usually never gave face to anyone, only slightly smiled at the City Lord. So suddenly being so kind, calling him ¡®Brother Xu,¡¯ made him feel light as if walking on air. Next, the strongest person in Lonely Boat City, the City Lord Ye Jifeng, also came with cupped fists: ¡°Family Head Xu, congratulations, Xu Mansion produced a true dragon!¡± Seeing Ye Jifeng¡¯s barely smiling face, Xu Zhengyan felt even more like he was dreaming. Once upon a time, he visited Ye Jifeng with heavy gifts, only to be shut out, receiving no audience. Now, he proactively came to express goodwill with envy and jealousy. Several secluded old monsters, whom Xu Zhengyan had to address with utmost respect, also kindly approached, speaking about the connections between their ancestors and the Xu family. It seemed as if overnight, the Xu family transformed from an obscure declining family to the hottest first family in Lonely Boat City. Xu Zhengyan was in a daze for a long time before gradually calming down. He understood it was all thanks to Lu Zheng! Wang Yingfeng proudly walked over: ¡°Husband, do you remember what you said when I insisted on bringing Zheng into the Xu family for cultivation?¡± Upon hearing this, Xu Zhengyan¡¯s face was full of guilt. He had strongly opposed it, after all, the Xu family¡¯s resources were limited, giving them to an outsider would mean less for their own people. Under Wang Yingfeng¡¯s desperate plea, he reluctantly agreed. He never expected Lu Zheng to be so promising! ¡°I was blind at the time, all thanks to you, my fortunate wife, that our Xu family could attach itself to Zheng, this future peerless talent!¡± Xu Zhengyan embraced Wang Yingfeng, feeling extremely grateful. Wang Yingfeng¡¯s face was full of glory: ¡°Indeed? Back then, that eighth-grade prodigy from Biyun City directly entered the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, and later became its Vice Pavilion Master.¡± ¡°Our Zheng is a ninth-grade prodigy, the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion will soon recruit him!¡± ¡°Your Xu family will soar to new heights with my Zheng¡¯s help!¡± Xu Zhengyan was swayed in his thoughts. Lu Zheng¡¯s ninth-grade spirit root changed not just his fate, but the entire Xu family! Not long after, amidst everyone¡¯s anticipation, Lu Zheng finally opened the stone door, walking out confidently. He came before Xu Zhengyan, knelt on one knee, and said: ¡°Thank you, uncle, for your years of nurturing.¡± ¡°I have not let you down, my assessment showed a ninth-grade spirit root!¡± For a moment, everyone envied Xu Zhengyan. No one knew how much luck was required to get such a heavenly prodigy! Xu Zhengyan didn¡¯t dare to act superior, quickly helping him up: ¡°This won¡¯t do, Zheng, you¡¯re a ninth-grade prodigy, how can I, your uncle, deserve this kneel? Stand up quickly.¡± Lu Zheng felt unprecedentedly elated. In the past, he always spoke and acted cautiously in front of Xu Zhengyan, slightly off would trigger a reprimand. Now, Xu Zhengyan revered him as a god. And the Tower Master, the City Lord of Lonely Boat City, and some old monsters from various families all looked at him eagerly, hoping to establish a good relationship. This made him, who had long been at the bottom, feel invincible, as if he was overlooking the world from the nine-layered heaven. However, from the corner of his eye, he saw Jiang Fan¡¯s silhouette. Everyone bowed to his ninth-grade spirit root¡¯s brilliance. Only Jiang Fan, with his hands in his sleeves, showed neither reverence nor fear. This annoyed him greatly. A waste mute, why didn¡¯t he bow to him? ¡°Jiang Fan, are you unconvinced?¡± In front of all the strongmen, all the bigwigs, and all the martial artists in Lonely Boat City, he threw his question firmly. Chapter 6 - Chapter 6: Chapter 6 Deadly Stand-off Chapter 6: Chapter 6 Deadly Stand-off Jiang Fan turned his head to look, his expression blank as he casually wrote: ¡°Do you deserve it?¡± In his entire life, he only respected his father, who single-handedly raised him. Everyone else was unworthy. ¡°How laughable, a worthless person without a Spirit Root, what qualification do you have to act high and mighty in front of me?¡± Lu Zheng said contemptuously. He then turned to Xu Zhengyan, bowed, and said: ¡°Uncle Xu, I have a request.¡± Xu Zhengyan hurriedly said: ¡°Dear nephew, you may speak, there is no need for such formalities.¡± Lu Zheng glanced at Jiang Fan, a smirk at the corner of his mouth: ¡°I have grown up alongside Youran, and I cannot bear to see her marry a worthless person.¡± ¡°I implore Uncle Xu to give Youran¡¯s hand in marriage to me.¡± ¡°I am the one who can bring her happiness and a future!¡± This¡­ Xu Zhengyan was in a difficult position; he had already promised Youran to Jiang Fan, could he go back on his word and have Youran remarry? Wouldn¡¯t that make him a man of no integrity? ¡°Uncle, if I declare my desire to marry, I believe many families present would gladly form an alliance with me, right?¡± With his hands behind his back, Lu Zheng said with a hint of threat: ¡°At that time, I would be someone else¡¯s son-in-law.¡± Xu Zhengyan¡¯s face changed dramatically. Lu Zheng was the Xu family¡¯s Sky-reaching Tree! If he were to lose him, Xu Zhengyan would be the eternal sinner of the Xu family! Compared to breaking his word and losing his integrity, being an eternal sinner was something he could not bear. As he was about to make a decision, Jiang Fan lifted his pen and aggressively wrote a few words: ¡°Uncle Xu, whether one can bring Youran happiness depends on strength, not words.¡± ¡°I am willing to compete with Lu Zheng!¡± Xu Zhengyan felt a sudden relief. If Jiang Fan lost and withdrew voluntarily, he wouldn¡¯t have to bear the name of a man with no integrity. And Lu Zheng could marry Xu Youran as he wished. A perfect solution! As for the possibility of Jiang Fan winning¡­ One had no Spirit Root, the other had a Nine-grade Spiritual Root. He couldn¡¯t see how Jiang Fan could win. He quickly looked at Lu Zheng and said with a smile: ¡°Zheng, what do you think?¡± Lu Zheng laughed heartily: ¡°A worthless person wants to challenge a Nine-grade Spiritual Root? Ha ha ha!¡± ¡°Fine, since we both grew up at the Xu Mansion, I¡¯ll give you a chance to compete against a Nine-grade Spiritual Root.¡± ¡°Even if you lose, you can brag about it for a lifetime!¡± Xu Zhengyan completely relaxed and said: ¡°I¡¯ll give you three days, whoever breaks through one level will have the qualification to marry Xu Youran!¡± ¡°What do you think?¡± One level in three days? Jiang Fan thought that in three days, it was possible that he might break through more than one level. With his mysterious Spirit Root, coupled with the high-grade Yellow Level mental method, it was not difficult at all. He immediately lifted his pen and wrote: ¡°Agreed!¡± Lu Zheng smiled confidently: ¡°One level, Uncle, you underestimate my Nine-grade Spiritual Root! Just wait and see in three days!¡± At this moment, an old man dressed in luxurious robes stepped forward from among the dignitaries and said with clasped hands: ¡°Young Master Lu, I am Qin Changsheng.¡± On hearing this, everyone was moved. Qin Changsheng, the head of the first alchemy family in Lonely Boat City. With the ancestral formula for Qi Cultivation Liquid, they monopolized the supply to all surrounding cities. And Qi Cultivation Liquid was the only medicine that could enhance cultivation in the Qi Cultivation Realm. Thus, Lonely Boat City had a saying: it¡¯s better to offend the City Lord tenfold than to offend the Qin family slightly. His appearance immediately drew everyone¡¯s attention. Lu Zheng also recognized him and asked in confusion: ¡°Qin Family Head, what is the matter?¡± Qin Changsheng smiled and presented a brocade box. Inside were ten small jade bottles, each emanating spirit light, filled with the famous Qi Cultivation Liquid! ¡°The Qin family congratulates Young Master Lu on detecting a Nine-grade Spiritual Root. We have nothing else to offer, so please accept these ten newly refined bottles of Qi Cultivation Liquid.¡± ¡°We hope Young Master Lu will win the beauty¡¯s hand in three days!¡± Ten bottles? Many people looked greedily at the Qi Cultivation Liquid; a single bottle was priceless, not affordable for ordinary families. The Qin family giving away ten bottles at once was indeed a generous gesture. With ten bottles of Qi Cultivation Liquid, even a pig could undergo qualitative changes, not to mention Lu Zheng with his Nine-grade Spiritual Root? They couldn¡¯t help but look sympathetically at Jiang Fan. This young man was destined to lose his bride. Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly; the Qin family was clearly supporting Lu Zheng? Noticing Jiang Fan¡¯s gaze, Qin Changsheng did not withdraw. Instead, he said indifferently: ¡°Additionally, from today, all Qin family shops are prohibited from selling Qi Cultivation Liquid to Jiang Fan.¡± It wasn¡¯t just support; it was blatant suppression! Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes turned cold, and he lifted his pen and wrote: ¡°I hope you won¡¯t regret it.¡± Qin Changsheng sneered: ¡°Regret? Regret abandoning a worthless person and embracing Young Master Lu¡¯s favor?¡± The crowd burst into laughter. Jiang Fan gave Qin Changsheng a meaningful look and silently walked away. The crowd also dispersed, following the end of the farce. On the way back, an elder following Qin Changsheng looked hesitant: ¡°Family Head, why did you press so hard and suppress a junior?¡± As an alchemy family, the Qin family earned enormous profits each year, attracting envy from many. Therefore, the Qin family had always adhered to a low-profile principle, offending no one. Qin Changsheng, understanding this well, had always maintained harmony and avoided conflict. Now he was so oppressive towards Jiang Fan, puzzling the elder. Qin Changsheng¡¯s expression was emotionless: ¡°Do you remember the mysterious Soul Master who emerged ten years ago?¡± The elder nodded: ¡°Of course, I remember. The Mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid he refined nearly destroyed our Qin family¡¯s hundred-year enterprise.¡± ¡°If he hadn¡¯t stopped at refining ten bottles, exchanging them for money and some materials, his Mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid might have completely taken over our market for Low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid.¡± The Qin family¡¯s Qi Cultivation Liquid was low grade, less than half as effective as mid-grade. If that person had mass-produced and sold mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, who would still buy low-grade ones? His emergence back then almost led to the direct decline of the Qin family. Qin Changsheng said meaningfully: ¡°Then do you remember when Lu Zheng came to our Lonely Boat City?¡± The elder thought carefully and exclaimed in shock: ¡°Ten years ago! Family Head, you mean¡­¡± ¡°Exactly!¡± Qin Changsheng¡¯s eyes gleamed with excitement: ¡°Ten years ago was when Lu Zheng arrived, and that mysterious Soul Master also appeared then. This is no coincidence!¡± ¡°I think he is very likely the protector of Lu Zheng, the one with a Nine-grade Spiritual Root!¡± ¡°So now do you understand why I got involved in the competition between Lu Zheng and Jiang Fan?¡± The elder suddenly understood and praised: ¡°Family Head wants to gain Lu Zheng¡¯s favor and thereby receive recognition from the Soul Master behind him?¡± ¡°If he can become our backer, our domain will far exceed the few surrounding cities!¡± Qin Changsheng slowly nodded. He raised his fingers to the sky, gripping tightly, and said with great spirit: ¡°All my life, I have been cautious, never making wrong choices.¡± ¡°This time, I believe I won¡¯t be wrong either!¡± ¡°As for that so-called Jiang Fan, he can only blame himself for not seeing the bigger picture and blocking the Qin family¡¯s path to greatness!¡± ¡°He¡¯s just a small character; offending him won¡¯t cause any big waves!¡± Chapter 7 - Chapter 7: Chapter 7 Fathers Relics Chapter 7: Chapter 7 Father¡¯s Relics Xu Mansion. After Jiang Fan returned, he immediately shut the door and clenched his fists tightly. ¡°Lu Zheng, I don¡¯t believe that I am inferior to you!¡± He opened the ¡°Pure Wind Scripture¡± and carefully read it. Perhaps it was because his body had been baptized by the Void Ancient Tree, but this rather esoteric Yellow Level high-grade mental method suddenly became much easier for him to understand. A two-hour period later, his eyes shone with wisdom as he sat cross-legged and began to cultivate. ¡°Letting the qi flow through the dantian, focusing the mind and forgetting the self, neither wind nor self¡­¡± He silently recited the mantra, and the transparent spirit root within his body, like vast root tendrils rooted in nothingness, slowly absorbed the spiritual energy from the air. The stronger the spirit root, the faster the absorption speed. The more advanced the mental method, the faster the absorption speed as well. The combination of both produced a synergistic effect. Soon, strands of invisible spiritual energy gathered from all directions, blending into his dantian and transforming into threads of pure spiritual power. He cultivated tirelessly, losing himself in it. So much so that when dawn broke and a ray of glaring sunlight hit his eyes, he was woken up. He slowly opened his eyes. With a glimmer of anticipation, he jumped off the bed, circulated his dantian, and threw out his fists. Poof¡ª The faint sound of compressed air bursting entered his ears. ¡°Second Layer of Qi Cultivation! In one night, I reached the Second Layer of Qi Cultivation!¡± Jiang Fan was overjoyed. ¡°It took Xu Yining three whole days to break through to the First Layer of Qi Cultivation, didn¡¯t it?¡± Though he rejoiced for a long time, he did not become arrogant or complacent. ¡°But just reaching the Second Layer of Qi Cultivation is not enough. To protect myself and Xu Youran, I need to become even stronger.¡± Jiang Fan muttered to himself. He tried to continue cultivating but found that the speed at which he absorbed spiritual energy had slowed significantly. ¡°In the Qi Cultivation Realm, the further you go, the slower the cultivation becomes. You need Qi Cultivation Liquid to assist.¡± ¡°But Qi Cultivation Liquid is very expensive, and Qin Changsheng won¡¯t sell it to me!¡± He frowned slightly. Suddenly, a spark flashed in his mind, and he muttered, ¡°Before my father passed, he asked me to bury the box he had carried with him for ten years in front of his grave.¡± ¡°He cautioned me not to dig it up until the seed had sprouted.¡± ¡°Is there any cultivation resource left for me inside?¡± Since his father could leave him such a miraculous seed, there must be extraordinary items inside the mysterious box as well. He got up and opened the door. Yet he heard Xu Youran¡¯s pleading voice from the neighboring courtyard. ¡°Aunt Wang, these are the resources the clan allocated to me this month, please don¡¯t take them away.¡± Wang Yingfeng, with two personal maids, had driven Xu Youran into a corner against the wall. The maids held her hands down, while Wang Yingfeng retrieved a bottle of Qi Cultivation Liquid from her bosom, her face icy as she said, ¡°Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know, you want to give this to that useless Jiang Fan!¡± ¡°You want him to win? Haha, dream on!¡± Bang¡ª Wang Yingfeng ruthlessly smashed the Qi Cultivation Liquid onto the ground, spilling the precious liquid all over, mixing with the soil. Xu Youran anxiously broke free from the two maids, threw herself to the ground, and tried to scoop up the mud soaked with the spiritual liquid, hoping to salvage some of it. But the liquid had already mixed with the soil, becoming impossible to separate and thus useless. ¡°Aunt Wang!¡± Normally calm, her eyes filled with tears in anger: ¡°Fan is already pitiful enough, why do you bully him like this?¡± ¡°You make it so difficult for him even for a single bottle of Qi Cultivation Liquid!¡± Wang Yingfeng nonchalantly clapped her hands and said, ¡°Who bullied him?¡± ¡°The Qi Cultivation Liquid belongs to our Xu Family, if he has the guts, let him get it himself, relying on a woman to give it to him secretly, not only do we in the Xu Mansion look down on him, even the beggars on the street would spit on him.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± She swayed her hips, satisfied, and left. Jiang Fan doesn¡¯t even have a bottle of Qi Cultivation Liquid and wants to beat her nephew, keep dreaming. Xu Youran crouched helplessly on the ground, hugging her knees and sobbing in self-blame. At this moment. A hand rested on her back, gently patting her. Startled, she turned her head to see Jiang Fan, and her self-blame deepened. She collapsed into his arms, crying out, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Fan, I¡¯m so useless!¡± ¡°I should have been more careful, then Aunt Wang wouldn¡¯t have discovered it.¡± Jiang Fan gently patted her thin back, his heart full of tenderness: ¡°Silly girl, I should be thanking you, how could I blame you?¡± Xu Youran¡¯s eyes were red, filled with endless self-blame: ¡°But that was the only Qi Cultivation Liquid I could give you.¡± How am I worthy of having such a fianc¨¦e? Jiang Fan became even more gentle: ¡°Wang Yingfeng said one thing that I do agree with.¡± ¡°A man who only wins by relying on a woman¡¯s help, not only do outsiders look down on him, but I would look down on myself too!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll figure out a way to get the Qi Cultivation Liquid myself.¡± ¡°Go back and rest, wait for my news.¡± Xu Youran was silent for a long time, then suddenly nodded: ¡°Okay, do your best, no matter the result, I won¡¯t blame you.¡± With that, she left the backyard and the Xu Mansion. She headed toward Cloud Mist Mountain on the outskirts where Spirit Grass grew abundantly. Unable to bear Jiang Fan¡¯s isolation and helplessness, she still wanted to help him as best as she could. Although Spirit Grass was far less effective than Qi Cultivation Liquid, it was better than nothing. Meanwhile. Jiang Fan also left the Xu Mansion and came to the cemetery outside the town. ¡°Dad, your unfilial son has come to see you.¡± He knelt in front of the grave, burning many paper offerings and candles, his mind recalling the years spent with his father. His father was silent and taciturn, liked to drink. When drunk, he would curse the heavens in rage, as if venting some injustice. When sober, he would gaze at the moon, tears streaming down his face. Regardless of whether he was drunk or sober, his gaze toward Jiang Fan was always gentle. ¡°Dad, I¡¯m going to get married, but not to Xu Yining, to the one you liked more¡ªXu Youran. You once said she was actually more suitable to be my wife, gentle and understanding.¡± Jiang Fan laughed, but tears flowed as he spoke: ¡°If you were still alive, you would certainly be grinning from ear to ear, wouldn¡¯t you?¡± ¡°When we¡¯re married, I will surely bring her to meet you.¡± Wiping his tears, Jiang Fan said with a bit of guilt: ¡°But I¡¯ve run into some trouble and need to open the box you left behind.¡± ¡°Disturbing your peace, I beg your forgiveness.¡± After kowtowing several times, Jiang Fan picked up a hoe and began digging the earth in front of the gravestone. He dug three feet deep before finally uncovering a black wooden box. ¡°Hmm, it hasn¡¯t rotted.¡± Jiang Fan lifted it, a look of surprise on his face. Since he could remember, this wooden box had always been this way. Neither damaged nor showing any signs of age. Even after being buried underground for three years, there were no traces of insects or vermin gnawing at it, nor was it corroded by the damp soil. It seemed the box itself was anything but ordinary. With his heart slightly pounding, he turned the latch of the box, and with a click. This box that his father had guarded for fifteen years, never leaving his side, never once opened. Finally, after Jiang Fan¡¯s seed sprouted, saw the light of day again. Creaaak! As the box opened, some items that caused Jiang Fan¡¯s pupils to contract sharply came into view. Chapter 8 - Chapter 8: Chapter 8 Soul Master Chapter 8: Chapter 8 Soul Master Those were two jade bottles, quietly lying inside were green spiritual liquids. ¡°Mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid! It¡¯s mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid!¡± Jiang Fan was overjoyed beyond words. He knew it, his father would definitely leave him some cultivation resources. These two bottles of mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid solved his urgent need! He hurriedly picked up the Qi Cultivation Liquid, only to find a letter and a bamboo slip underneath. Seeing the letter, his heart skipped a beat as he trembled while opening it. The handwriting inside was indeed his father¡¯s. ¡°Fan, when you see this letter, your father would have been dead for three years, right?¡± ¡°Has your seed sprouted? Have you married Xu Yining? Are you healthy and safe? How do you look now?¡± ¡°Father really wants to know, but alas, I can no longer see.¡± ¡°Father hopes you comply with my instructions in opening the wooden box, as the items inside are useful only when the seed has sprouted.¡± ¡°The two bottles of mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid are left for you to break through your current realm.¡± ¡°But the most important thing is the bamboo slip underneath. Father had mediocre talent and could only grasp a smattering after a lifetime of study, barely becoming a two-star soul master.¡± ¡°I hope my son can surpass me and become a great soul master, thus having the means to protect yourself.¡± ¡°Finally, this wooden box was left to you by your mother. She said that when you become a five-star soul master, you can open the hidden layer of the box.¡± ¡°Failing to open the hidden layer is father¡¯s last regret.¡± ¡°If you ever get to open it someday, remember to burn a paper and tell me what¡¯s inside.¡± ¡°Keep going, my son.¡± ¡°Your life will have many twists and turns, never give up no matter what, okay?¡± Droplet after droplet of tears fell onto the letter. Jiang Fan felt as if his father was bidding him a final farewell right in front of him. ¡°Father¡­¡± he clenched his fists, tears streaming down, ¡°I will strive to live, definitely! Definitely!!¡± After a long time, he wiped away his tears. Reverently putting the letter away, his heart surged with emotion. ¡°So, father was once a two-star soul master.¡± Soul masters were the most prestigious profession in this world, without exception. They possessed extraordinary soul power, capable of performing various wondrous soul techniques and refining pills used by martial artists. Unlike the medicines of ordinary people. The pills needed for cultivation were all made from various aged heavenly materials and earthly treasures. These heavenly materials and earthly treasures grew in deep mountains and old forests over the years, absorbing both spiritual energy and, inevitably, impurities. To remove these impurities, one could only rely on powerful soul power to strip them away. Therefore, a soul master was both a mysterious and unpredictable expert and an irreplaceable alchemist. Lonely Boat City¡¯s Qin Family became the top medicine-refining family because every generation of family heads inherited the Qin Family¡¯s heirloom, a treasure capable of temporarily enhancing one¡¯s soul power. The enhanced level was roughly of soul master apprentice caliber. Even so, this made the Qin Family one of the foremost houses in Lonely Boat City, with a stomp of their feet causing the entire city to tremble. The might of a soul master was evident. Jiang Fan, dry-mouthed, unrolled the bamboo slip. If he could learn even a smattering and become a two-star soul master like his father, wouldn¡¯t he be able to control the wind and rain? On the bamboo slip were strange, twisted characters. At a glance, they couldn¡¯t even be considered characters. Moreover, looking at them made him dizzy. ¡°¡®Taiyin Soul Technique, Upper Chapter,¡¯ authored by: Eight-star Great Carefree Venerate.¡± ¡°Only those with powerful souls can decipher these characters. Others who read it lightly suffer severe headaches; severely, their souls are destroyed. Practice with caution.¡± Jiang Fan then understood that the characters should not be viewed with his eyes but recognized with his soul. The fact that he could decipher them indicated that his soul was stronger than the average person¡¯s, qualifying him to become a soul master! This delighted Jiang Fan immensely; he hurriedly continued reading until headaches forced him to stop. He quickly sat cross-legged in front of the grave, quietly digesting what he had read. Just like when he practiced the ¡°Pure Wind Scripture,¡± he comprehended these contents very quickly. In just half a day, he opened his eyes, gleaming with expectation. ¡°Father, I seem to have learned some ways to use my soul.¡± Looking at the two bottles of mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid in front of him, he drank one and tucked the other in his chest. As the potent Qi Cultivation Liquid entered his body, it emitted abundant spiritual energy. Jiang Fan quickly cultivated, greedily absorbing this spiritual energy. Soon after, his body shook. He joyfully opened his eyes, ¡°I¡¯ve broken through to the third layer of Qi Cultivation! Mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid has such an effect; I wonder what the effects of top-grade and highest-grade would be like!¡± He filled the hole in front of the grave, bowed to his father¡¯s tombstone, and then got up to head back to the city. He did not return to the Xu Family but instead went to a desolate Treasure Pavilion. The Treasure Pavilion was the Chen Family¡¯s shop, the second medicine-refining family in Lonely Boat City. The Chen Family didn¡¯t have the Qin Family¡¯s luck of owning a soul power-enhancing treasure, so they could only refine rough pills, and their business was far from as good as the Qin Family¡¯s. Jiang Fan, upon arrival, changed into a broad black robe and wore a mask, then walked into the shop. Minding the shop was the Treasure Pavilion¡¯s shopkeeper, lazily lying on a chair, saying, ¡°What would the customer like to buy?¡± Jiang Fan shook his head, holding a small stone in his mouth to muffle his voice. ¡°Not buying.¡± Oh? The shopkeeper, with an eight-character mustache, looked at Jiang Fan in surprise, ¡°Then, do you have heavenly materials and earthly treasures to sell?¡± Some lucky martial artists would sell valuable herbs they discovered to reputable shops, which wasn¡¯t unusual. ¡°Not selling either.¡± The shopkeeper frowned, ¡°This is a place for business. If you¡¯re not buying or selling, why are you here?¡± Jiang Fan took out the mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid he had tucked away and placed it on the counter. ¡°For exchange.¡± The shopkeeper frowned, his gaze sweeping over, landing on the mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid. He was slightly taken aback at first, his eyes showing unfamiliarity, then he suddenly jumped from the reclining chair and quickly walked over, exclaiming, ¡°This, could this be mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid?¡± ¡°It¡¯s been ten years, and I¡¯m seeing mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid again!¡± His tone was somewhat excited, looking at Jiang Fan with reverence, calling out loudly, ¡°Quick! Don¡¯t just stand there; bring tea for this gentleman!¡± ¡°The best tea!¡± Jiang Fan was slightly surprised, ten years? Could it be the Qi Cultivation Liquid refined by his father? He said expressionlessly, ¡°No need for tea, I want to exchange for these materials, how much can your shop provide?¡± He picked up a pen on the counter and wrote down the materials. ¡°Materials for Qi Cultivation Liquid?¡± The shopkeeper grew even more excited, his tone filled with awe, his posture unconsciously bending, ¡°Could it be that¡­ sir, you are a soul master?¡± Throughout Lonely Boat City, apart from Qin Changsheng, no one else would need materials for Qi Cultivation Liquid. Unless he was a soul master, preparing to refine Qi Cultivation Liquid. Jiang Fan¡¯s tone turned icy, ¡°Do you want to know?¡± The shopkeeper was startled, immediately smacking his lips, ¡°Forgive my nosiness, sir. Please pardon me.¡± If this man indeed was a soul master, ten lives would not be enough to atone for offending him. ¡°Less nonsense, how much can you offer?¡± Jiang Fan said. The shopkeeper quickly replied, ¡°According to the market price, one bottle of mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid is ten thousand taels of silver. The materials for Qi Cultivation Liquid cost one thousand taels of silver per set. You can exchange for ten sets of materials.¡± His gaze shifted, the shopkeeper rubbed his hands, ¡°But sir, if you have more Qi Cultivation Liquid to sell us, I can decide to give you eleven sets of materials.¡± Jiang Fan paused, ten thousand taels of silver? Low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid was only five thousand taels per bottle. The price of mid-grade had doubled! But considering its effects were twice as potent as low-grade, it made sense. After a moment¡¯s thought, Jiang Fan nodded, ¡°Okay.¡± The shopkeeper was overjoyed, hurriedly fetching eleven sets of materials and presenting them to Jiang Fan, rubbing his hands, ¡°To be honest, sir, tomorrow is the exhibition of medicine-refining families in Lonely Boat City. If you have extra Qi Cultivation Liquid, could you sell it to us at the event to enhance our Chen Family¡¯s prestige?¡± Seeing his almost pleading expression, Jiang Fan slightly nodded, ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡± Then he left the Treasure Pavilion. After ensuring no one was following, he found an alley to remove his disguise and calmly walked back to the street. Just a few steps later, he heard a sneer. ¡°Oh? Who is this?¡± Lu Zheng, smiling broadly, rode a horse with Qin Changsheng beside him. They reined in their horses and stopped as they saw Jiang Fan. Glancing at the nearby Treasure Pavilion, Lu Zheng sneered: ¡°Family Head of the Qin Family, some people are daydreaming, thinking they can buy low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid?¡± Chapter 9 - Chapter 9: Chapter 9 Nine-grade Spiritual Root Not Working Chapter 9: Chapter 9 Nine-grade Spiritual Root Not Working Qin Changsheng glanced at Jiang Fan, indifferent, ¡°In Lonely Boat City, besides my Qin family, no other place will have Qi Cultivation Liquid.¡± ¡°You went to the Treasure Pavilion to ask for Qi Cultivation Liquid, but you might have asked the wrong place.¡± ¡°Instead of asking them, it¡¯s better to ask Young Master Lu.¡± Lu Zheng teased, ¡°Asking me for Qi Cultivation Liquid is not as good as asking me to let your fianc¨¦e go, haha!¡± He laughed heartily and rode away. Qin Changsheng cast a sidelong glance at Jiang Fan, disdainfully saying, ¡°Forget about Qi Cultivation Liquid.¡± ¡°As long as I¡¯m around, you¡¯ll never get a drop of Qi Cultivation Liquid in your lifetime.¡± After saying that, he also galloped away. Jiang Fan shrugged. Low Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, even dogs don¡¯t want it. Soon. A distinguished person arrived at the Treasure Pavilion. One by one, the imposing members of the Chen family arrived. The shopkeeper bowed low, trembling with fear, ¡°Miss, the matter is just as I said earlier.¡± Among the Chen family members, there was a beautiful young girl with a delicate face, tall stature, and intelligent eyes. She was the eldest daughter of the Chen family, Chen Silin. ¡°Did you send someone to investigate his identity?¡± Chen Silin asked sharply. The shopkeeper shivered and quickly said, ¡°How dare this old servant? Soul Masters fear being coveted by others most. If we annoy him, wouldn¡¯t we bring a catastrophe to the Chen family?¡± Chen Silin¡¯s expression softened slightly and she said, ¡°Very good, you handled it very well!¡± ¡°Not only improving relations by offering this Soul Master benefits but also not showing the slightest disrespect.¡± ¡°Next, whether we can associate with this Soul Master depends on his mood!¡± ¡°If he could provide us with some Mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid at the exhibition, we would gain fame and finally contend with the Qin family.¡± Thinking about how they had been suppressed by the Qin family for centuries, Chen Silin was exceptionally eager for that Soul Master to support the Chen family and change their family¡¯s fate. By then, she would be willing to pay any price. As for Jiang Fan, upon returning to the mansion, he heard a commotion inside. ¡°Find her! Quickly find her! Even if you have to dig three feet deep, find Xu Youran!¡± What? Xu Youran was missing? Jiang Fan panicked, and an image of her suddenly leaving in the morning flashed through his mind, conjuring a bad thought. This silly girl, could she have gone to find Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures for his breakthrough? Now it¡¯s almost dark, and she¡¯s not back yet¡ªcould she be in danger? He hurriedly ran out of the city, heading towards the only place nearby with Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures¡ªCloud Mist Mountain. ¡°Beauty Xu, stop struggling, or you¡¯ll fall and turn into a pile of flesh.¡± At the edge of a cliff, three brawny men with bats embroidered on their chests grinned menacingly at Xu Youran, who was clinging tightly to a vine below. Her hands, worn and bloody from clutching the vine for so long, were trembling and pale from exhaustion. Beneath her was a boundless cliff shrouded in rolling clouds, making it impossible to see the bottom. ¡°Come up quickly. There¡¯s no conflict with us. We just want to capture you and demand that Lu Zheng pay his gambling debt.¡± ¡°We swear we won¡¯t harm you.¡± But as they spoke, their greedy eyes never left Xu Youran¡¯s alluring body. If they caught her, it was easy to imagine what would happen. Xu Youran gritted her teeth and said, ¡°Dream on!¡± The leader lost patience and ordered, ¡°Pull her up!¡± He couldn¡¯t believe Xu Youran would really let go and fall to her death! The other two brawny men immediately started pulling up the vine. Seeing herself being lifted up, Xu Youran felt desolate. Biting her red lips, she murmured, ¡°Fan, I¡¯m sorry, I won¡¯t be able to marry you in this life.¡± She loosened her hands, ready to jump into the abyss. At that moment. A series of hurried footsteps suddenly approached. Then, one of the men pulling the vine was kicked off the cliff, caught completely off guard. His dark figure plummeted into the clouds, screaming, and vanished without a trace. The other two men were furious and fought the attacker. Soon, another lay on the ground, screaming. The last man, terrified, yelled, ¡°Dare to kill someone from Blood Bat Palace! You¡¯re dead! You¡¯re dead!¡± As he yelled, he fled. Xu Youran was startled, wondering who had come. Among the three men from Blood Bat Palace, one was at the Third Layer of Qi Cultivation, and the other two were at the Second Layer! Suddenly. A head poked out, and Xu Youran was stunned, ¡°Fan?¡± She couldn¡¯t believe it was Fan who had driven off the bad guys. With a stern face, Jiang Fan pulled her up and smacked her bottom hard, shouting, ¡°Who allowed you to come here?¡± Xu Youran lowered her head in guilt and meekly held up her bloody hand, clutching a vibrant medicinal herb, and said weakly, ¡°I just wanted to help you.¡± Seeing her worn-out hand, still unwilling to let go of the herb, Jiang Fan¡¯s heart ached. He hugged her tightly and said, ¡°You are the most important person to me. If you leave me, there will be no one in this world for me to care about!¡± Despite his reproach, Xu Youran felt an unprecedented sweetness, as if tasting honey. Leaning against his broad chest, she felt safer than ever before. Relaxed, she fell into a deep, exhausted sleep. Jiang Fan didn¡¯t have the heart to wake her. Looking at the Blood Bat Palace corpses on the ground, he had an idea and searched them. Soon, he found a token and couldn¡¯t help but rejoice, ¡°Blood Bat Palace token! The City Lord¡¯s Mansion issued a reward decree: killing someone from Blood Bat Palace grants a chance to cultivate in the Spirit Pond of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion.¡± ¡°Many people have made breakthroughs there!¡± He put the token away and surveyed the surroundings. It was pitch dark, making it impossible to see the way down the mountain. He could only find a safe cave and spent the night there with Xu Youran. While guarding her, Jiang Fan didn¡¯t stay idle. He took out the materials from the Treasure Pavilion and attempted to refine Qi Cultivation Liquid. At dawn the next day. Jiang Fan looked at a pile of ashes on the ground, distressed, ¡°I wasted three sets of materials.¡± ¡°But¡­¡± His eyes shifted to the eight bottles of Spiritual Liquid beside him. Seven bottles of Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid and one bottle of top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid. ¡°It seems I¡¯m more talented than my father. I can already refine Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid and, in the best condition, even top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid!¡± ¡°Once I become proficient, the success rate for top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid will be higher.¡± He eagerly picked up the top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid and drank it. The potent medicinal power released Spiritual Energy ten times that of Low Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, swelling Jiang Fan¡¯s body like a balloon! He quickly sat cross-legged to cultivate, rapidly absorbing the Spiritual Energy. One two-hour period later. ¡°Fourth Layer of Qi Cultivation! And I¡¯m not far from the Fifth Layer!¡± Jiang Fan was secretly amazed. Xu Yining took ten days to advance from the Third Layer to the Fourth Layer of Qi Cultivation, drinking Low Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid daily. He succeeded with just one bottle of top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid! The effect of top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid was unbelievably powerful! Feeling the strength of the Fourth Layer of Qi Cultivation, he couldn¡¯t help but look at Xu Youran¡¯s beautiful sleeping face, smiling slightly: ¡°Youran, this time, I protected you.¡± Xu Mansion. Lu Zheng was sweating profusely, his face somewhat unsightly. He stared at the ten empty Qi Cultivation Liquid bottles in front of him, saying, ¡°Why is it like this?¡± ¡°I drank them all; why haven¡¯t I broken through?¡± Wang Yingfeng, beside him, was also puzzled. It shouldn¡¯t be! With a Ninth Grade Spiritual Root and ten bottles of Low Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, even a pig should have broken through. But Lu Zheng showed no sign of progress! She had to comfort him, ¡°Zheng¡¯er, haste makes waste. Perhaps your anxiety to break through has affected your state of mind.¡± ¡°After all, you haven¡¯t lost. Jiang Fan, that loser, has neither a Spirit Root nor Qi Cultivation Liquid and is even less likely to break through.¡± ¡°So you two are only even!¡± Hearing this, Lu Zheng sighed in relief. He sneered, ¡°Does he deserve to compete with me?¡± ¡°My lack of breakthrough is only temporary, but he will never break through in his life!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go to the main hall and determine the victor!¡± Chapter 10 - Chapter 10: Chapter 10: Who is the True Dragon Chapter 10: Chapter 10: Who is the True Dragon Xu Mansion. Jiang Fan and Xu Youran returned, stepping in the morning light. ¡°Fan.¡± Xu Youran looked at the gate of the Xu Family but hesitated to step inside. Because this was a duel destined for defeat. The result would be that she had to marry Lu Zheng. Looking at Jiang Fan in front of her, a heavy feeling surged in her heart as she bit her lip and said: ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if you lose. Don¡¯t blame yourself. I won¡¯t blame you, understand?¡± During these days of being together, she had already regarded Jiang Fan as her husband. If he really lost, she would never marry Lu Zheng. At worst, she would die once more! Feeling her mood, Jiang Fan held her hand and calmly said, ¡°I said I would protect you.¡± ¡°Now and forever, it will always be so!¡± With that said, he led her by the hand and stepped into the gate of the Xu Mansion. After ten years of living under other¡¯s roof. Today he would soar to the skies. Jiang Fan had never been more eager to face the eyes of the Xu Family. He wanted to prove himself! He was not a wastrel! He, Jiang Fan, was worthy of Xu Youran! Their return caused a stir among the entire clan. Xu Zhengyan hurried over with others, chastising angrily: ¡°Xu Youran, where the hell have you been? Do you want to scare us to death?¡± Facing her father¡¯s anger, Xu Youran¡¯s expression darkened, and she said, ¡°Father, are you worried about my safety, or are you worried you can¡¯t fulfill Lu Zheng¡¯s wish and the family will lose a backing?¡± ¡°If it¡¯s the former, Father need not worry; the Xu Family would be the same with or without me. Having my sister is enough.¡± Xu Zhengyan, full of anger, found himself speechless. The existence of Xu Yining had always made Xu Youran feel neglected and secretly bullied by Wang Yingfeng. He said grudgingly, ¡°Alright, it¡¯s good you¡¯re back.¡± Noticing that Jiang Fan was still holding her hand, he frowned slightly and asked, ¡°Jiang Fan, how has your cultivation been lately?¡± Jiang Fan calmly wrote two words, ¡°Not bad.¡± Not bad? Xu Zhengyan was surprised. Could it be that someone without a spirit root had indeed made some progress? However, considering that even Lu Zheng with a nine-grade spirit root hadn¡¯t broken through in three days, Jiang Fan was even less likely to succeed. ¡°Follow me. The clan members are already waiting in the hall.¡± He led Jiang Fan and Xu Youran to the main hall of the Xu Family. Dozens of Xu family members, both young and old, from the direct and collateral lines, were all present. Some young Xu Family girls dressed in bright colors were laughing and chatting around Lu Zheng, hoping to catch his favor. Xu Yining also had a smile on her face and occasionally spoke with Lu Zheng. When she saw Jiang Fan return, her smile disappeared, and she said coldly, ¡°I thought you wouldn¡¯t dare to come.¡± ¡°At least you still have some manliness left.¡± Clan members glanced over, inevitably comparing Lu Zheng and Jiang Fan. Some of the more acerbic ones even directly uttered harsh words. ¡°I really don¡¯t understand where he got the courage to duel with Lu Zheng.¡± ¡°He has eaten the Xu Family¡¯s food for ten years and still doesn¡¯t understand his status, thinking he can compete with Big Brother Lu?¡± ¡°If I were him, I wouldn¡¯t wait for Big Brother Lu to say anything. I would offer Xu Youran myself to at least save face.¡± ¡­ Jiang Fan¡¯s face showed no expression. In ten years, he had heard too many cold remarks and was already numb to them. He didn¡¯t waste any words, stood in the middle of the hall with a straight posture, and wrote confidently, ¡°When do we start?¡± His confident aura made everyone¡¯s expressions change slightly. Xu Yining looked at him with a mix of surprise and curiosity, unable to help but evaluate him from head to toe. Today¡¯s Jiang Fan gave her an indescribable feeling, as if a confidence from deep within his bones was radiating outward. Could he be confident in winning today¡¯s duel? But how could that be possible? Shaking her head lightly, she said, ¡°The result of this duel was decided long ago. Does it matter when it begins?¡± The female clan members who supported Lu Zheng rolled their eyes. ¡°He acts like he¡¯s the one with a nine-grade spirit root.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just the last shred of dignity since he¡¯s about to lose his wife.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t wait to see him break down and cry. Haha!¡± Wang Yingfeng lightly tapped her teacup and leisurely began, ¡°Jiang Fan.¡± Everyone quieted down to listen to the matriarch speak. ¡°Do you remember the bet of this duel?¡± ¡°If you can¡¯t match Lu Zheng, then it¡¯s unfortunate, but Xu Youran will have to marry Lu Zheng.¡± Jiang Fan looked at her coldly and wrote, ¡°If Lu Zheng loses, I also expect you to keep your nephew in check and stop him from thinking a toad can eat swan meat.¡± Bang! Wang Yingfeng slammed the tea cup onto the table, her phoenix eyes filled with anger. A mere dependent dared to speak to her like that? She snorted coldly, ¡°If Zheng loses, he naturally would not have the face to ask Xu Youran to marry him.¡± ¡°If you lose, you will leave the Xu Mansion for good. The Xu Family will no longer owe you!¡± Jiang Fan, with his hands behind his back, confidently wrote, ¡°Good!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s have a clear winner then!¡± Wang Yingfeng simmered with anger and said, ¡°Zheng, go ahead!¡± ¡°Use your full strength. Even if you don¡¯t break through, as long as you¡¯ve progressed, it¡¯s a win.¡± ¡°After all, it¡¯s impossible for Jiang Fan to break through!¡± Lu Zheng confidently stepped into the center of the hall, facing Jiang Fan from a distance. The disdain on his face was almost palpable. ¡°Competing against someone with a nine-grade spirit root, your family ancestors would be proud.¡± He sneered, raised his fists, and swung them fiercely through the air. Bam¡ª It sounded like firecrackers exploding, with the cultivation of Fifth Layer Perfection making the air tremble. Xu Yining couldn¡¯t help but be amazed, ¡°No breakthrough? That shouldn¡¯t be!¡± With ten bottles of Qi Cultivation Liquid, even someone like her with a Sixth Grade spirit root would have broken through. The clan members exchanged puzzled looks. This outcome was unexpected. A nine-grade spirit root didn¡¯t seem as powerful as they thought. The scene became awkward. Wang Yingfeng smoothed things over, saying, ¡°The path of cultivation is tough with every step. Advancing to the Fifth Layer Perfection in just three days is already impressive.¡± The clan members, though finding it strange, didn¡¯t think much of it. The female relatives who were fawning over Lu Zheng spoke in agreement. ¡°The matriarch is right. Anyone else would probably remain stagnant.¡± ¡°Yes, no matter what it¡¯s still better than a waste without a spirit root.¡± ¡°Advancing to Perfection is already remarkable and has secured an undefeated position.¡± Hearing this, Lu Zheng puffed up his chest with pride and smirked, ¡°What say you, Jiang Fan?¡± ¡°Although I didn¡¯t break through, I at least progressed.¡± ¡°You still lose!¡± He couldn¡¯t help but look fervently at Xu Youran. In his mind, he already pictured a scene of dominating her. Jiang Fan smiled as he wrote, ¡°Nine-grade spirit root, supported wholeheartedly by Qin Changsheng, and this is it?¡± His words grated on Wang Yingfeng¡¯s ears, and she impatiently pounded the table. ¡°The celestial dragon above, and a mere worm on the ground, what right do you have to mock?¡± Celestial dragon? Jiang Fan¡¯s smile widened as he raised his fist and violently swung it through the air! A pure strand of spiritual energy shattered the atmosphere. And shattered everyone¡¯s expectations! Chapter 11 - Chapter 11: Chapter 11 Shocked Everyone Chapter 11: Chapter 11 Shocked Everyone ¡°Qi Cultivation First Layer! It¡¯s the Qi Cultivation First Layer! Fan, you, you broke through!¡± Xu Youran¡¯s somber face lit up like a springtime meadow in full bloom. She covered her mouth, whispering in disbelief with joy. Xu Yining¡¯s eyes widened, murmuring incredulously, ¡°He has a Spirit Root?¡± The women who supported Lu Zheng were also stunned. Lu Zheng himself widened his eyes, unable to believe what he was seeing. The trash he never respected had broken through to the Qi Cultivation First Layer and won against him? ¡°How is that possible?¡± He couldn¡¯t accept it. He, a prodigy of the Nine-grade Spiritual Root, had lost to a piece of trash. Jiang Fan smiled, picked up a pen, and wrote a sentence: ¡°If the ancestors of the Jiang Family knew that I defeated a Nine-grade Spiritual Root, they would be even more honored.¡± Earlier, Lu Zheng¡¯s mockery felt like a slap on his face. It made him clench his fists, angered uncontrollably. Wang Yingfeng also felt humiliated and said coldly, ¡°It¡¯s just the Qi Cultivation First Layer. Look at you getting all smug!¡± ¡°Is there any comparison between breaking through the Qi Cultivation First Layer and the Sixth Layer?¡± ¡°The latter is five times more difficult than the former!¡± The women supporting Lu Zheng immediately started mocking. ¡°Exactly, if you have a Spirit Root, even a dog can break through.¡± ¡°Achieving Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer Perfection in three days is much harder than the First Layer.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t know where he gets the nerve to be proud.¡± Jiang Fan just smiled. He raised his hand and threw another punch, causing a mild popping sound in the air. He picked up the pen and smiled faintly, ¡°So what next?¡± Xu Youran was so shocked that she couldn¡¯t close her mouth, ¡°Qi Cultivation Second Layer! Fan, you broke through to the Qi Cultivation Second Layer in just three days?¡± This time, Xu Yining couldn¡¯t stay seated. Her pretty face showed a look of surprise, ¡°I couldn¡¯t break through the Qi Cultivation Second Layer in three days!¡± ¡°Jiang Fan, did you really have no Spirit Root before?¡± But she quickly realized she had asked a pointless question. Jiang Fan had gone to the Detection Tower three times under the Xu Family¡¯s watchful eye. If he had a Spirit Root before, it couldn¡¯t have been hidden. The women supporting Lu Zheng felt like they¡¯d been slapped in the face and couldn¡¯t say anything. Lu Zheng¡¯s pupils trembled, his eyes full of anger. Breaking through one layer had already beaten him. Breaking through to the Qi Cultivation Second Layer would completely crush him. Wang Yingfeng was also shocked, but she still argued stubbornly, ¡°The Qi Cultivation Second Layer isn¡¯t hard; it just barely catches up to Lu Zheng¡¯s progress.¡± However. As soon as these words were uttered. Jiang Fan threw another punch toward the air. The crisp popping sound was like a harsh slap to everyone¡¯s face. ¡°And then?¡± Jiang Fan coldly smiled and picked up the pen to ask. Whoosh¡ª Xu Yining stood up in shock, knocking over the chair but not even realizing it. Her pretty face showed intense surprise, ¡°The Qi Cultivation Third Layer! Impossible, it¡¯s impossible to break through to the Qi Cultivation Third Layer in three days, not even with a Nine-grade Spiritual Root!¡± ¡°Jiang Fan, what exactly is going on with you?¡± The women who initially wanted to defend Lu Zheng were completely stunned. They had been cultivating for several years and barely reached the Qi Cultivation Third Layer. But Jiang Fan, it only took him three days! Lu Zheng and Wang Yingfeng¡¯s faces were also filled with intense shock as they stared at Jiang Fan in disbelief. Three days, and he achieved the Qi Cultivation Third Layer. This was not merely a victory over Lu Zheng but completely crushed him. The entire place fell silent, and everyone looked at the boy who had been considered trash for ten years with a newfound respect. Jiang Fan carried himself with one hand behind his back, holding a pen with the other: ¡°So what if he¡¯s a true dragon or has a Nine-grade Spiritual Root?¡± ¡°Give me time, and I¡¯ll crush them all underfoot!¡± Having spoken, he publicly embraced Xu Youran and stated with a flourish: ¡°Youran is my wife, and no one will take her from me!¡± His words were firm and resonated deeply. Lu Zheng felt humiliated and roared, ¡°Jiang, what are you so proud of?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid to tell you, the people from the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion are already on their way!¡± ¡°When they arrive, I¡¯ll join the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion directly, and you? Just a bug at the Qi Cultivation Third Layer!¡± ¡°Compete with me? You don¡¯t deserve it!¡± Having said this, he stormed off. Jiang Fan shrugged. He always doubted Lu Zheng¡¯s Nine-grade Spiritual Root. He himself had a transparent Spirit Root but reached the Qi Cultivation Fourth Layer in three days. There was no reason a Nine-grade Spiritual Root couldn¡¯t break through even one level. When the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion people arrived, they would surely verify Lu Zheng¡¯s Spirit Root, right? At that time, would he really still be detected as having a Nine-grade Spiritual Root? Wang Yingfeng also felt humiliated today. The nephew she fully supported wasn¡¯t even as good as a piece of trash! She glared at Jiang Fan, angrily saying, ¡°Fine, you have a Spirit Root, you¡¯re not trash, you¡¯re amazing, right?¡± ¡°Originally, I didn¡¯t ask for a dowry to marry off Youran because I felt sorry for you.¡± ¡°But since you¡¯re so capable, prepare a generous dowry for me in ten days!¡± ¡°If you can¡¯t come up with it, don¡¯t blame me for breaking the engagement and marrying Xu Youran off to someone else!¡± ¡°Hmph!¡± She pounded the table and left in anger. Xu Youran, who had just been happy, now had a worried look on her face and sighed, ¡°Fan, I¡¯m afraid those pieces of broken silver I have won¡¯t be enough.¡± ¡°If Aunt Wang is deliberately making things difficult for you, no matter how much you bring, she¡¯ll find fault with it.¡± If it had been before, Jiang Fan might also have been troubled. But now, he wouldn¡¯t be. Because he was a Soul Master, a Soul Master who could refine expensive pills! He suddenly remembered that he had promised the shopkeeper of the Treasure Pavilion to participate in the exhibition in Lonely Boat City yesterday. He had just refined a batch of Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid; it should fetch a good price, right? ¡°Youran, I¡¯m going to cultivate. Don¡¯t go out randomly, understand?¡± Jiang Fan instructed with a pen. Xu Youran obediently nodded, ¡°Yes, yes, go ahead; I won¡¯t cause you any more trouble.¡± She looked comforted, gazing at Jiang Fan¡¯s hurried back, her eyes full of hope. With such a hardworking and motivated husband, how could their future not be bright? ¡°Sister, you missed out on your true soulmate.¡± Xu Yining walked up to her, regretting, ¡°Breaking through the Qi Cultivation Third Layer in three days is nothing compared to the Nine-grade Spiritual Root.¡± ¡°In the future, with Lu Zheng, Jiang Fan won¡¯t even have the right to look up at him.¡± However, Xu Youran looked at Jiang Fan¡¯s back, feeling content, ¡°What does Lu Zheng¡¯s strength have to do with me?¡± ¡°It¡¯s Jiang Fan who is worth entrusting my heart to.¡± Is that so? Xu Yining glanced at Xu Youran. Seeing her face filled with happiness and expectation, she felt somewhat irritated. Was Jiang Fan really that good? In front of the City Lord Mansion. The wide streets were lined with stalls. Today was the city-wide medicine-refining families¡¯ exhibition, where medicine-refining practitioners of all sizes would come to showcase their best products. Many local martial artists and foreign merchants would attend the exhibition. Through comparison, they would choose better drugs for personal use or to sell elsewhere. For small medicine-refining families, this was an excellent opportunity to showcase themselves. For top-level medicine-refining families like the Qin family, it was also a challenge. Sure enough, the Qin Family Head, Qin Changsheng, was displaying the Xu Family¡¯s best-selling product, Low Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, on a very spacious platform. The crowd gathered like mountains and seas. Opposite, the similarly spacious Chen Family platform was deserted and desolate. The stark contrast made Chen Silin uneasy, murmuring, ¡°Will that senior really come?¡± Chapter 12 - Chapter 12: Chapter 12 Laughing Too Early Chapter 12: Chapter 12 Laughing Too Early The shopkeeper accompanied them, smiling bitterly, ¡°Soul Masters mostly have aloof personalities and prefer to be solitary.¡± ¡°Whether he comes or not depends entirely on his mood.¡± He was also very anxious. If that Soul Master came, the Chen family, with the mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, would undoubtedly shine and overwhelm the Qin family. But if he didn¡¯t come, this exhibition would turn into a solo show for the Qin family, making it increasingly difficult for the Chen family in the coming year. What made them even more uneasy was that the treasure of the Qin family seemed to have stimulated stronger abilities. It was said that Qin Changsheng had already successfully refined a bottle of mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid. Although the production efficiency was only one percent, it would cause a great sensation if it got out. The only way out for the Chen family was to cling to that Soul Master. At this moment. Jiang Fan approached the center of the two families¡¯ exhibition stands. He glanced at Qin Changsheng, who was vividly explaining the low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid. Qin Changsheng also noticed him, curling his lips contemptuously, ¡°Everyone recognizes that young boy below, right?¡± he joked, ¡°Jiang Fan, the future son-in-law of the Xu Family!¡± ¡°Recklessly competing with Young Master Lu, being banned by me from purchasing low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid!¡± ¡°He went mad, desperately seeking a bottle of low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, visiting the Chen family¡¯s Treasure Pavilion for medicine to no avail.¡± ¡°By now, he must have lost the competition and been kicked out by the Xu Mansion.¡± ¡°A single bottle of Qi Cultivation Liquid made him lose his wife. You all wouldn¡¯t want to end up like this, right?¡± ¡°So, whoever can buy, buy it quickly. When the qualification to purchase is gone, even if you want to buy, you won¡¯t be able to.¡± This impromptu advertisement immediately caused the observing martial artists to flock over. In just a short while, several hundred bottles were sold. Qin Changsheng was so happy he couldn¡¯t close his mouth, sarcastically saying, ¡°Young Master Jiang, your negative example is more effective than a hundred or even a thousand words from me.¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you come to my Qin family, and stand by the shop entrance every day, telling the story of how you lost your wife over a bottle of low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, to boost our sales?¡± Listening to these mocking words, Jiang Fan smirked intriguingly and wrote, ¡°Qin Family Head, you are laughing too early.¡± Qin Changsheng burst into laughter, ¡°You¡¯re right! I still have even better news to announce, the real laughter is yet to come.¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s smile deepened as he wrote, ¡°I hope you can still laugh in the end.¡± Finished, he turned and entered the alley. Qin Changsheng sneered contemptuously, ¡°What a thing, thinking it can watch my Qin family as a laughing stock? Doesn¡¯t even recognize whom we¡¯ve hitched our wagon to!¡± ¡°That¡¯s a Nine-grade Spiritual Root, a future great power!¡± Little did he know. Soon after, a mysterious figure clad in a thick robe and wearing a mask walked out of the alley. This person would become a nightmare for him and the entire Qin family! Jiang Fan climbed the steps up to the Chen family¡¯s exhibit stand. Chen Silin was pacing back and forth, frowning slightly as she glimpsed a shadowy figure, ¡°Who are you?¡± The shopkeeper also looked over and immediately recognized the attire with a single glance, his heart pounding wildly as he stuttered, ¡°Eld-, Eldest Miss, it¡¯s him, it¡¯s him!¡± Chen Silin¡¯s heart trembled slightly, quickly stepping forward and bowing, ¡°Siling pays respects to Senior!¡± The shopkeeper hurriedly introduced, ¡°Senior, this is my Chen family¡¯s eldest miss, who oversees family affairs on behalf of her father.¡± Jiang Fan was unconcerned about the Chen family¡¯s affairs. He still spoke in a vague voice, ¡°How much Qi Cultivation Liquid can you take?¡± Chen Silin hid her joy. This Soul Master truly wanted to cooperate with the Chen family! Her eyes turned slightly, ¡°My Chen family has prepared ten thousand taels of silver.¡± ¡°According to market price, we can take ten bottles of mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid.¡± Upon hearing this, Jiang Fan frowned. He currently had no mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, only top grade. Chen Silin, not hearing a response for a long while, mistakenly thought that the money she had prepared was not enough, causing the other side¡¯s displeasure, quickly said: ¡°Senior may not know, our Chen family is purchasing your Qi Cultivation Liquid for ten thousand taels of silver a bottle, the price is absolutely fair.¡± ¡°The Qin family across has already created mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid. In future competition, the selling price will definitely be lower than ten thousand taels of silver.¡± ¡°Our Chen family is taking a loss to earn a reputation.¡± Jiang Fan said flatly, ¡°I do not sell mid-grade.¡± Huh? Chen Silin glanced at the shopkeeper, meaning to ask whether he hadn¡¯t explained everything clearly to the Soul Master? If it isn¡¯t mid-grade, do they want to buy low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid? Low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid wouldn¡¯t be enough to make a name for the Chen family. The shopkeeper was also sweating anxiously; he had clearly said that he invited this Soul Master to sell mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid on the spot! At this moment. Jiang Fan silently took out a bottle, placed it on his palm, and said, ¡°I only sell this.¡± Chen Silin and the shopkeeper both looked over. While Chen Silin was able to keep her composure, her pupils also shrank drastically. Refining mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid and refining top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid were two different concepts. The former could be done by a First-Grade Soul Master. The latter required at least a Second-Grade Soul Master! And the Green Cloud Sect had only one Second-Grade Soul Master! Just what kind of great figure had she encountered? The shopkeeper directly exclaimed, ¡°Top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid!¡± ¡°Senior, you want to sell us this?¡± Jiang Fan questioned, ¡°Do you not want to purchase it?¡± The shopkeeper quickly replied, ¡°No, no, no, we want it, of course!¡± This was top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid! No less in Lonely Boat City, it was a top-level spiritual medicine that had never appeared even in the surrounding cities! With it, the Chen family could entirely establish their name, seize the majority of the Qin family¡¯s market share, and leap to become the first medicine-refining family in Lonely Boat City. As for the Qin family¡¯s mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, it was simply insignificant in front of top-grade! However, the shopkeeper became worried again, ¡°Senior, how much do you want to sell it for?¡± Each bottle of top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid was worth a fortune; it was whispered that in a distant place, it was worth fifty thousand taels of silver per bottle. If this Soul Master demanded exorbitantly, their Chen family might not be able to purchase in large quantities. ¡°Ten thousand taels,¡± Jiang Fan said flatly. Huh? Chen Silin¡¯s eyes flickered with some doubts, hinting deeply, ¡°Senior, mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid is worth ten thousand taels of silver?¡± She couldn¡¯t help but wonder if Jiang Fan had other motives. Until Jiang Fan took out three more bottles, placed them in front of him, and calmly said: ¡°I have only one request, bring down the Qin family, can you do that?¡± Chen Silin suddenly understood! No wonder he was selling at this low price, it turned out this senior had a grudge against the Qin family! But the Qin family, did they eat the wrong medicine? How did they provoke a Second-Grade Soul Master! She immediately made the decision, ¡°If Senior can supply top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid at such a low price for a long time, what¡¯s so hard about bringing down the Qin family?¡± Jiang Fan glanced at the laughing and jubilant Qin Changsheng across, ¡°Good, give me the materials for Qi Cultivation Liquid, I¡¯ll immediately mass-produce top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid for you!¡± Chen Silin immediately ordered someone to prepare the materials and the refining site. It was noon. The exhibition was at its peak. Suddenly, Qin Changsheng laughed loudly, ¡°Everyone, I have a great piece of news to share!¡± ¡°Our Qin family has successfully developed mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, priced at thirteen thousand taels of silver!¡± The crowd erupted into cheers. Despite being above market price, mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid was something that had a price but no market. Being able to buy it was already a stroke of luck; a higher price was entirely acceptable. Watching the surging crowd, Qin Changsheng laughed heartily. Since aligning with Lu Zheng, the Qin family had been on a roll¡­ ¡°Everyone, my Chen family also has good news to announce!¡± What surprised Qin Changsheng was seeing Chen Silin across the way, holding a tray with a red cloth on top, smiling lightly. Chapter 13 - Chapter 13: Chapter 13 Silins Misunderstanding Chapter 13: Chapter 13 Silin¡¯s Misunderstanding Qin Changsheng frowned, ¡°This girl, putting on airs.¡± ¡°However, to go against my Qin family, you need real skills.¡± Before the words had even faded. Chen Silin¡¯s lips curled slightly, and she said straightforwardly, ¡°Our Chen family will begin offering limited quantities of top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid starting today!¡± Then, she lifted the red cloth off the tray. A bottle of top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid was prominently displayed. The crowd immediately erupted into a deafening uproar. ¡°Top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, it¡¯s really top-grade! One bottle is as effective as five bottles of low-grade!¡± ¡°This is the top-level spiritual medicine that only disciples of the Green Cloud Sect can enjoy, and it¡¯s being sold here in Lonely Boat City!¡± ¡°The Chen family is defying the heavens!¡± Qin Changsheng¡¯s pupils dilated in shock. ¡°Where did the Chen family get top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid?¡± This was even more fatal than the mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid that had emerged ten years ago! But he couldn¡¯t understand where the Chen family had suddenly obtained top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid overnight. He panicked a little, watching his customers rush towards the other booth, and yelled urgently: ¡°Everyone, calm down! Top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid is worth at least fifty thousand taels of silver; are you sure you can afford it?¡± This caused many warriors, carried away by excitement, to hesitate, showing embarrassed expressions. Indeed, how precious is top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid? Ordinary people can¡¯t afford it; it¡¯s better to buy low-grade and mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid honestly. However, Chen Silin¡¯s lips curved, and she said, ¡°To thank new and old customers for their years of support to the Chen family.¡± ¡°We announce that for a limited time of one month, the price of top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid is¡­ twelve thousand taels of silver!¡± She had calculated carefully. Twelve thousand taels, of which ten thousand went to the senior, one thousand was material cost; the Chen family only earned a meager one thousand taels of silver. But even though the profit was small, it was enough to crush the Qin family! ¡°What? Only twelve thousand for top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid?¡± ¡°This price is lower than the Qin family¡¯s thirteen-thousand-tael mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid.¡± ¡°Only a fool wouldn¡¯t buy it!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll buy it.¡± ¡°I want one too!¡± ¡°Qin Family Head, I no longer want the low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid I just bought from you, please refund me!¡± ¡°Refund! Hurry up and refund!¡± The crowd exploded in an instant, with some surging towards the Chen family¡¯s booth, throwing ten-thousand-tael silver notes. And another wave rushed to the Qin family¡¯s booth, demanding massive returns. The chaotic scene lasted until dusk. Qin Changsheng, looking at the low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid piled up in front of his booth, his eyes bloodshot, said, ¡°Why is this happening? Why?¡± He couldn¡¯t understand where the Chen family had come up with top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, at such a low price. As if deliberately targeting the Qin family. Grinding his teeth, he muttered, ¡°Chen Silin, no matter who you¡¯re backed by, you are too inexperienced to think you can crush my Qin family!¡± He stood up, snorted, and said, ¡°I¡¯ve helped Lu Zheng so much, it¡¯s time he invites his Tao Guardian to assist our Qin family!¡± At the Chen family¡¯s backstage, in a temporary tent. Jiang Fan took a sip of tea to moisten his throat. By the end of the day, he had produced fifty bottles of top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid and ten bottles of top-level Qi Cultivation Liquid. He kept the top-level Qi Cultivation Liquid for himself. He sold the top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid to the Chen family for fifty thousand taels of silver. At this moment. Chen Silin gracefully approached with silver notes in her hand, carrying a faint fragrance, and said, ¡°Senior, here are your fifty thousand taels of silver notes.¡± Jiang Fan accepted them expressionlessly, tucked them into his robe, and said, ¡°Tomorrow, I will make another batch of top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid. Just prepare the silver and materials for the exchange.¡± He stood up, ready to leave. ¡°Please wait, Senior,¡± Chen Silin¡¯s eyes sparkled with intelligence and said, ¡°Top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid is enough to topple half of the Qin family¡¯s power, but they still have low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, which allows them to continue struggling.¡± Jiang Fan thought briefly and understood. The number of martial artists who could afford top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid was ultimately small. Most martial artists still preferred to buy low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid. The Qin family spared no effort in suppressing his family for Lu Zheng¡¯s sake; he had to settle this score. ¡°Senior, can you make some low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid?¡± Chen Silin asked tentatively. Jiang Fan stared into the distance. Low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid could be made, but the demand was huge; even working day and night might not meet the market demand. His main focus should be on cultivation. Spending so much time to deal with the Qin family was clearly not worth it. Could he possibly train a few Soul Master apprentices? Chen Silin¡¯s expression became slightly unnatural. Because the direction of Jiang Fan¡¯s gaze was her rounded bosom. ¡°Senior, what do you think?¡± Chen Silin calmly covered her chest and asked. Jiang Fan came back to his senses and said, ¡°Sorry, I was considering whether to train a few Soul Master apprentices specifically to make low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid.¡± ¡°But this matter shouldn¡¯t be rushed. Selecting the right people is a big hassle.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s discuss it when we have more time.¡± He looked at the sky and took his leave. Chen Silin¡¯s heart fluttered. Training Soul Master apprentices? You should know, Qin Changsheng, with the help of his family treasure, was only at the level of a Soul Master apprentice. If the Chen family had Soul Master apprentices, they would never worry again! However, just as Jiang Fan had piqued her interest, he set the matter aside. Recollecting Jiang Fan¡¯s earlier stare at her chest. Chen Silin evidently misunderstood something, biting her luscious red lips and sighing softly: ¡°He is hinting at me, isn¡¯t he?¡± ¡°Indeed, all men in the world are the same.¡± After pondering for a while, she said, ¡°Take out the Delusion-breaking Crystal. When he comes to the mansion tomorrow, I want to see his true face.¡± The Delusion-breaking Crystal was the Chen family¡¯s heirloom treasure, capable of seeing through disguises. Before deciding whether or not to sacrifice herself, she at least had to know what this Soul Master really looked like. Although, most Soul Masters were of advanced age and looked very old. Thinking of this, she couldn¡¯t help feeling depressed, wanting to find someone to vent. ¡°I heard Youran got engaged,¡± she said. ¡°I¡¯ve been busy with the exhibition these days and haven¡¯t had the chance to congratulate her.¡± ¡°Shopkeeper, go to the Xu Mansion tomorrow and invite her to my mansion as a guest.¡± The shopkeeper nodded slightly. Chen Silin pondered a bit, then added: ¡°And have her bring her fianc¨¦ along.¡± ¡°She is so beautiful, admired by countless talented men. This engagement must have been to an extremely outstanding noble family¡¯s son, right?¡± ¡°Let her bring him over too; I also want to see which family¡¯s son has won her, the pearl of Lonely Boat City.¡± Chen Silin and Xu Youran were once classmates and good friends. Although their statuses were vastly different, their temperaments were quite similar, making them very compatible. Upon hearing this, the shopkeeper smiled wryly and said, ¡°Miss, you will probably be disappointed; her fianc¨¦ is Jiang Fan.¡± Chen Silin was stunned, ¡°That Jiang Fan who has been living at the Xu family?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t he mute and without a Spirit Root? Are you sure it¡¯s him?¡± The shopkeeper looked regretful and said, ¡°Absolutely certain, it¡¯s already widely known in Lonely Boat City!¡± Chen Silin was shocked, ¡°Has Xu Youran gone mad? Marrying him? Isn¡¯t this like a flower planted in cow dung?¡± ¡°No, I must persuade her to give up this marriage!¡± ¡°And also convince Jiang Fan. He has hands and feet; why does he need to rely on a woman for a living?¡± ¡°A man should be independent, shouldn¡¯t he?¡± Chapter 14 - Chapter 14: Chapter 14: The Daughter of the Green Cloud Sect Master Chapter 14: Chapter 14: The Daughter of the Green Cloud Sect Master Jiang Fan left the exhibition. He did not hurry back to the Xu Mansion. He came to the gate of the City Lord Mansion nearby and took out the token he had found on a member of the Blood Bat Palace. Seeing the token, the Guard Captain saluted in reverence: ¡°So young and you¡¯re able to kill someone from the Blood Bat Palace, a true hero!¡± The Blood Bat Palace was an evil organization entrenched within the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s territory. They committed all sorts of atrocities¡ªburning, killing, looting. They had many branches, and despite many attempts by the Green Cloud Sect to purge them, they could not be completely eradicated. Reluctantly, the Green Cloud Sect ordered every City Lord Mansion to issue bounties for extermination tasks. However, most martial artists dared not provoke the Blood Bat Palace, and few could complete these tasks. ¡°You are entitled to cultivate in the Misty Spirit Pond once, follow me!¡± Under his guidance, Jiang Fan arrived at a corner of the City Lord Mansion. There were two secret chambers standing side by side. Beneath these chambers was the Misty Spirit Pond, continuously emanating dense spiritual energy. When he arrived, there was already a woman in purple standing in front of the chambers. She was very tall, almost as tall as Jiang Fan, with round and straight legs. Her waist was slender, and her back was lean. She looked like an ink painting. Upon hearing someone approach from behind, she turned around. Her breathtakingly beautiful face seemed to stun even time itself. Her long dark eyebrows, cool eyes, bright red lips, and delicate contours. An icy demeanor that kept others at a distance. She looked like a fairy who had walked out of a painting. She merely glanced at Jiang Fan and immediately saw through his cultivation, saying calmly: ¡°Qi Cultivation Fourth Layer Perfection, you¡¯re late.¡± With that, she chose one of the chambers and went inside to cultivate. Jiang Fan was stunned. Late? What did that mean? The Guard Captain sighed and said: ¡°So you have already reached Qi Cultivation Fourth Layer Perfection, then you are indeed late.¡± ¡°The Misty Spirit Pond has been open for more than three years, and many martial artists have used it.¡± ¡°The spiritual energy in the pond is not as abundant as it used to be; only martial artists at the Qi Cultivation First or Second Layer have a chance to break through.¡± After all, martial artists at the Qi Cultivation First or Second Layer require much less spiritual energy to break through than those at higher tiers. ¡°Now, for anyone above the Fourth Layer to break through, their spirit root must be exceptionally good, or they must have a high-tier mental method.¡± The Guard Captain added. But looking at Jiang Fan¡¯s attire, he didn¡¯t seem to be from a prestigious family that could possess an excellent mental method. He sighed silently: ¡°Since you¡¯re here, you might as well give it a try.¡± ¡°You can only cultivate for one two-hour period, make the most of it.¡± Superior spirit root and high-tier mental method? Jiang Fan nodded slightly and entered the other secret chamber. The Guard Captain stayed outside to wait. Before long. An imposing middle-aged man hurried over, it was Ye Jifeng, the top expert in Lonely Boat City, who had also been present at the Detection Tower. ¡°Fairy Liu went in?¡± The Guard Captain responded respectfully: ¡°She is already cultivating.¡± Ye Jifeng let out a light breath: ¡°The daughter of the Green Cloud Sect Master, we must not neglect her.¡± ¡°Wait here for Fairy Liu to come out. Notify me immediately if she does!¡± Suddenly, Ye Jifeng noticed someone else in the other chamber and frowned: ¡°Who is in there?¡± The Guard Captain replied: ¡°A nameless young man who killed a member of the Blood Bat Palace.¡± Hearing this, Ye Jifeng reprimanded: ¡°Couldn¡¯t we wait until Fairy Liu finished her cultivation before letting him in?¡± The Guard Captain hesitated: ¡°Shall we ask him to come out?¡± Looking at the two adjacent chambers, Ye Jifeng pondered: ¡°Forget it, a nameless young man with low cultivation level won¡¯t affect Fairy Liu¡¯s cultivation.¡± ¡°Wait here.¡± With that, he turned to arrange the welcome ceremony. Jiang Fan was already in a state of immersive cultivation. His transparent spirit root was like the roots of a giant tree, greedily absorbing the surrounding spiritual energy. At the same time, the Yellow Level High mental method, the ¡°Pure Wind Scripture,¡± also started to circulate, accelerating the absorption by the spirit root. The combined effect was that the spiritual energy in the area seemed summoned and swarmed toward Jiang Fan. The woman in the purple dress was in a state of meditation next door. Suddenly, she was startled. Feeling the direction of the spiritual energy flow, a hint of confusion crossed her cold face: ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡± ¡°I am practicing the highest mental method of my sect, and my spirit root is of Seventh Grade.¡± ¡°When we cultivate simultaneously, the spiritual energy should flow towards me.¡± She restarted her mental method, attempting to draw back the spiritual energy. However. The spiritual energy in her chamber not only failed to stay but also dissipated faster. A trace of astonishment appeared on her face. ¡°Could his spirit root be far superior to mine?¡± She decided to stop cultivating. After all, the spiritual energy here had little effect on her realm. She stepped outside the chamber and felt the situation inside Jiang Fan¡¯s chamber through the gap in the door. In her perception, streams of astonishing spiritual energy were being devoured, as if there was a black hole inside, absorbing all the spiritual energy. ¡°Absorbing spiritual energy so quickly?¡± She couldn¡¯t help but be moved. Suddenly, a thought struck her: ¡°Could he be the one with the Ninth Grade Spirit Root detected in Lonely Boat City?¡± She stared intently at the stone door, her eyes filled with a sense of competition. This time, she had secretly run away from her father. For no other reason. As the Proud Daughter, she wanted to see for herself what was so exceptional about this Ninth Grade Spirit Root that had shocked the world! At that moment. A muffled sound came from the chamber, and a fluctuation of the Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer slowly emerged. The Guard Captain¡¯s pupils contracted as he whispered: ¡°He, he broke through!¡± The spiritual energy here was very thin, only enough for low-tier martial artists to break through. Yet Jiang Fan had succeeded! The cold face of the woman in the purple dress also showed a trace of surprise, and she involuntarily clenched her fists: ¡°No wonder he has the Ninth Grade Spirit Root, he¡¯s exceptional!¡± For an ordinary Qi Cultivation Fourth Layer Perfection martial artist, it was impossible to break through successfully with such thin spiritual energy. ¡°But with my spirit root and cultivation technique, I could barely do it too.¡± ¡°The Ninth Grade Spirit Root doesn¡¯t seem that much stronger than mine.¡± However, after a time of a cup of tea. A slight explosion came again from the chamber. Another strong fluctuation of the Qi Cultivation Sixth Layer swept out, lifting the dust on the floor. The beautiful face of the woman in the purple dress finally showed surprise: ¡°In the time of a cup of tea, he broke through from Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer to Qi Cultivation Sixth Layer?¡± She asked herself and knew she couldn¡¯t do it even with all her might. A hint of bitterness appeared at the corner of her mouth: ¡°Is this the difference between the Ninth Grade Spirit Root and the Seventh Grade Spirit Root?¡± The Guard Captain also gasped: ¡°He broke through two realms in a row!¡± ¡°Hiss! The power of the Ninth Grade Spirit Root is beyond our imagination!¡± The woman in the purple dress still had her last bit of stubbornness left: ¡°But this is the end for him too.¡± ¡°The barrier between the Sixth and Seventh Layer is a great chasm; it took me ten days to break through it back then.¡± ¡°The Ninth Grade is stronger than the Seventh Grade, but only slightly.¡± She breathed a sigh of relief, feeling much lighter. The Guard Captain, however, felt awkward. Ten days, with the woman in the purple dress enjoying the top-level resources of the entire Green Cloud Sect. For ordinary people, crossing this chasm could take several years, even half a lifetime! As time ticked away. There was no more movement from the chamber, seemingly confirming the woman¡¯s words. Seeing that the time was almost up, the Guard Captain stepped forward to knock on the door, ready to remind Jiang Fan. But suddenly. An even more powerful airflow swept out from the chamber. The Guard Captain almost couldn¡¯t stand still, exclaiming: ¡°Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer?¡± ¡°In just one two-hour period, he broke through from Qi Cultivation Fourth Layer Perfection to Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer?¡± The woman in the purple dress could no longer maintain her icy demeanor. Her cold eyes were filled with shock, and she muttered incredulously: ¡°Impossible! The Ninth Grade and Seventh Grade are only two grades apart, how can the gap be this big?¡± Chapter 15 - Chapter 15: Chapter 15: The Arrival of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion Chapter 15: Chapter 15: The Arrival of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion The woman in purple was so devastated that her Dao heart nearly crumbled. In her wildest dreams, she never imagined that her proud Seventh Grade Spirit Root would fall so far short compared to a Ninth Grade Spirit Root! In her mind, she no longer had any trace of discontent towards the prodigy with the Ninth Grade Spirit Root. All she had was immense dejection. Jiang Fan, drenched in sweat, left the secret room. Seeing the woman in purple outside, he realized his cultivation had disturbed her. Hastily, he clasped his hands in apology, ¡°Miss, I¡¯m sorry for the disturbance.¡± Disturbance? It was a blow! The woman in purple looked at Jiang Fan with complex emotions, engraving his appearance deeply in her mind. Gritting her teeth slightly, she said, ¡°My name is Liu Qingxian! Remember it!¡± ¡°Catch up to my realm, and I¡¯ll have a duel with you!¡± With that, she took off the purple token hanging from her waist and tossed it to Jiang Fan. ¡°Take this, and use it if your life is in danger!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you dare die!¡± ¡°Humph!¡± With these words, she flicked her sleeves and left. Leaving Jiang Fan bewildered. What did I do to her? Why does she want a duel with me out of the blue? And she even gave me a token? Scratching his head, he left in confusion. Liu Qingxian left Lonely Boat City, riding a white crane. Not long after she took off, a dark cloud suddenly loomed overhead. Looking up, she saw an enormous blue eagle, with a sharp-looking middle-aged man in a white robe standing on it with his hands behind his back. The powerful aura emanating from him dispersed all the gusts of wind. Seeing him, Liu Qingxian was greatly shocked and hurriedly bowed, ¡°Disciple Liu Qingxian of the Green Cloud Sect greets Deputy Pavilion Master Chen of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion!¡± The person in front of her was indeed one of the four deputy pavilion masters of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, Chen Zhengdao! Without a doubt, he was the person from the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion coming to take Lu Zheng away. ¡°Your father has been looking for you everywhere, turns out you came here.¡± Chen Zhengdao chuckled. He and the Sect Master of the Green Cloud Sect were once senior and junior brothers with a very close relationship. On his way here, he received a message saying his daughter had run away and asked him to keep an eye out for her. Glancing at Lonely Boat City below, he immediately understood Liu Qingxian¡¯s intention and curiously asked, ¡°Have you met the one with the Ninth Grade Spirit Root? How was it?¡± Upon hearing this, Liu Qingxian¡¯s eyes turned red, and she complained, ¡°He was too bullying!¡± Uh¡ª Chen Zhengdao was stunned. In his memory, Liu Qingxian was a strong-willed girl who wouldn¡¯t yield to anyone. How had she been bullied into tears? What kind of blow did she suffer? ¡°How did he bully you? Tell me all about it.¡± Chen Zhengdao quipped with a hint of amusement. Liu Qingxian recounted her experience. After listening, Chen Zhengdao stopped smiling. ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± ¡°Are you sure you didn¡¯t feel wrong? One two-hour period, in an ordinary spiritual qi pool, from Fourth Layer Perfection to Seventh Layer?¡± ¡°I have an Eighth Grade Spirit Root, just a step away from Ninth Grade.¡± ¡°But even my cultivation speed is not half of what you described!¡± Seeing Chen Zhengdao¡¯s disbelief, Liu Qingxian felt a sense of relief. Eighth Grade Spirit Root got overshadowed too? Humph! Feeling pleased, she said, ¡°Deputy Pavilion Master Chen, why not verify it yourself?¡± ¡°I gave him the Green Cloud Order, you¡¯ll recognize him easily.¡± ¡°Farewell!¡± After saying this, she cupped her hands, hummed a cheerful tune, and rode away on the white crane. Leaving Chen Zhengdao in stunned silence. ¡°Is the gap between Ninth Grade and Eighth Grade really that big?¡± ¡°I find it hard to believe!¡± At the Xu Mansion. When Jiang Fan returned, he found the mansion in chaos. The servants hurriedly arranged various flower baskets and cleaned the tables and chairs. Even Xu Zhengyan, the family head, personally joined the efforts, with Xu Youran hastily assisting. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Jiang Fan asked in surprise. Upon seeing him return, Xu Zhengyan showed a hint of disdain and said, ¡°Why are you standing there? Hurry up and help!¡± Xu Youran handed over a cloth with respect, ¡°A moment ago, the City Lord sent someone urgently to notify us.¡± ¡°The dignitaries from the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion have arrived!¡± Oh? The person from the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion who came to take away the one with the Ninth Grade Spirit Root had finally arrived? ¡°Jiang Fan, what are you standing there for? Get to work right away!¡± ¡°If you ruin my big event, you won¡¯t be able to make up for it even with your ten heads!¡± At this moment, Lu Zheng, brimming with confidence and dressed in a brand new silk martial robe, proudly ordered. Jiang Fan casually threw the cloth he received to the ground. He wrote, ¡°What does your matter have to do with me?¡± The people from the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion were here for Lu Zheng. Why should Jiang Fan help clean up? Lu Zheng smiled insincerely, ¡°What a fool you are!¡± ¡°Today is the day I rise to the nine-layered heaven.¡± ¡°Outside, many people are trying to cling to me in this last moment, but I don¡¯t have time for them.¡± ¡°You¡¯re lucky to have the chance to wipe my chair, mop the floor, and yet you don¡¯t cherish it!¡± Accompanied by Wang Yingfeng, who was also in high spirits, she sarcastically said, ¡°Zheng, why bother with this mute?¡± ¡°Some people are destined to remain lowly their whole lives, no matter how you try to help them, they won¡¯t rise.¡± The aunt and nephew tag-teamed with their taunts. Right then, Qin Changsheng arrived upon hearing the news and cupped his hands with a smile, ¡°Young Master Lu, I congratulate you!¡± ¡°Here¡¯s a small gift as a token of respect!¡± ¡°I hope Young Master Lu will look after the Qin family in the future.¡± Behind Qin Changsheng, several strong men carried several chests filled with low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, causing the Xu Family to gasp. Such a large amount of Qi Cultivation Liquid, at least worth 300,000 taels of silver. Xu Zhengyan and Wang Yingfeng were so overwhelmed by the lavishness that they didn¡¯t dare accept it immediately. Giving a gift requires a return. But their Xu Family couldn¡¯t afford to reciprocate such a heavy gift. Lu Zheng, however, laughed heartily, accepting without hesitation, ¡°Family Head Qin arrives just in time!¡± ¡°Come, come, come, everyone working here, each gets a bottle!¡± ¡°Of course, someone who thinks too highly of themselves won¡¯t be getting one.¡± Thus. Everyone from family members to servants happily received a bottle of low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, which they usually couldn¡¯t afford to buy. Except Jiang Fan, who was left empty-handed. Lu Zheng smugly said, ¡°Jiang Fan, starting to regret now, aren¡¯t you?¡± ¡°You just missed out on a bottle of low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid!¡± ¡°Tsk tsk, such a loss.¡± Jiang Fan adjusted his vest to make the ten bottles of top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid inside less uncomfortable and slowly wrote: ¡°If it were me, I wouldn¡¯t accept this gift until I entered the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion.¡± What if Lu Zheng couldn¡¯t get in, how would he repay? Lu Zheng sneered, ¡°Look at him, dreaming of becoming me, haha!¡± Qin Changsheng naturally supported Lu Zheng, disdainfully saying, ¡°Jiang Fan, I¡¯m willing to gift, Young Master Lu is willing to accept, why do you need to interfere?¡± Jiang Fan looked at Qin Changsheng, smiled playfully, and wrote: ¡°I¡¯m just worried for Family Head Qin, ending up with nothing and deep regret.¡± Qin Changsheng laughed heartily, ¡°Regret?¡± ¡°I¡¯ve latched onto the leg of someone with a Ninth Grade Spirit Root, I can¡¯t think of any reason for regret.¡± At that moment. A gust of wind swept through. The giant blue eagle slowly descended over the Xu Family. A figure radiating overwhelming strength leapt down! Lu Zheng took a deep breath and said to Jiang Fan, ¡°Jiang Fan!¡± ¡°My moment of glory has come!¡± ¡°Watch closely, how I leap through the dragon¡¯s gate and become a true dragon of the nine heavens!¡± Chapter 16 - Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Nine-grade Spiritual Root, Nothing More Chapter 16: Chapter 16: Nine-grade Spiritual Root, Nothing More As Chen Zhengdao landed. Xu Zhengyan led Lu Zheng and the Xu family members out, kneeling on one knee to greet him. ¡°Welcome, honored Master of the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion!¡± Chen Zhengdao smiled and nodded gently, ¡°I am the Deputy Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, Chen Zhengdao.¡± Deputy Pavilion Master? Everyone present was shocked. They had thought that it was just a deacon or someone similar coming. Who knew, it was actually a Deputy Pavilion Master! Everyone was both terrified and shocked. The importance the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion placed on the Ninth-grade Spiritual Root far exceeded their expectations! ¡°Who here possesses the Ninth-grade Spiritual Root?¡± Chen Zhengdao asked impatiently. In one two-hour span, breaking through three levels in a row. This was simply defying the heavens. Everyone¡¯s gaze uniformly focused on Lu Zheng. Envy, jealousy, joy, and other emotions converged, making Lu Zheng feel extremely proud. He cupped his hands and said, ¡°Junior Lu Zheng greets Deputy Pavilion Master Chen!¡± Upon hearing this, Chen Zhengdao hurriedly stepped forward and personally helped him up, nodding repeatedly in praise. ¡°Not bad, not bad, a fine young man!¡± Lu Zheng was flattered and overwhelmed. He had never expected that Deputy Pavilion Master Chen would be so approachable, causing him to become more reserved. Chen Zhengdao smiled, holding Lu Zheng¡¯s hand, ¡°No need to be nervous, we could be considered half-countrymen.¡± ¡°I am from the neighboring Biliu City. Thirty years ago, when it was detected that I had an Eighth-grade Spiritual Root, it shocked the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion.¡± ¡°Thirty years later, you were detected to have a Ninth-grade Spiritual Root, shocking the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion once again.¡± ¡°This is our destiny.¡± Everyone suddenly understood. So Chen Zhengdao was the prodigy from Biliu City with the black Eight-grade Spiritual Root back then! His initiative to forge a connection and draw in Lu Zheng was clearly understood by everyone present. This meant that when Lu Zheng went to the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion, Chen Zhengdao would definitely look after him. Lu Zheng¡¯s potential was infinitely bright! Qin Changsheng excitedly clenched his fist, murmuring to himself, ¡°I told you, I, Qin Changsheng, have never made a wrong choice in my life!¡± ¡°Clinging to Lu Zheng is my most correct decision in this life.¡± After chatting with Lu Zheng for a long time and becoming familiar with him, Chen Zhengdao finally got to the point. Glancing at the members of the Xu Family kneeling on the ground, he said, ¡°You may all rise.¡± Xu Zhengyan was the first to stand up and respectfully said, ¡°Deputy Pavilion Master Chen, please come inside.¡± With that, everyone moved to the main hall. Chen Zhengdao sat alone, while the rest stood at the sides of the hall, not daring to breathe loudly. ¡°Little Lu, I heard of the power of your Ninth-grade Spiritual Root on the way here.¡± Chen Zhengdao chuckled softly, ¡°Even that cold girl from the Green Cloud Sect was moved to tears by you.¡± Hmm? Lu Zheng was slightly bewildered. The girl from the Green Cloud Sect? Who was that? Chen Zhengdao continued, ¡°Could you demonstrate here how you operate your Spiritual Root and its marvels?¡± Breaking through three levels in one two-hour span, the speed of absorbing Spiritual Energy was probably like a whale consuming seawater. Lu Zheng nodded, stepping to the center of the hall. The people from the Heavenly Secrets Pavilion wanting him to showcase himself was expected. However, merely operating the Spiritual Root wouldn¡¯t fully demonstrate the power of his Ninth-grade Spiritual Root. So, he already had a better idea. ¡°Deputy Pavilion Master Chen, could we change it to a sparring match instead?¡± Without hesitation, Chen Zhengdao nodded, ¡°Who do you wish to spar with?¡± A true expert would be obvious from the first move. In a bout, Lu Zheng could better showcase the uniqueness of the Ninth-grade Spiritual Root. Lu Zheng chuckled coldly inside, pointing towards Jiang Fan, who stood calmly with his hands folded in his sleeves. ¡°Jiang Fan, do you dare to compete with me again?¡± Oh? Chen Zhengdao followed his finger and saw Jiang Fan. Seeing that he couldn¡¯t speak and could only write to respond, he was surprised, ¡°A mute?¡± Lu Zheng explained, ¡°Deputy Pavilion Master Chen, you may not know!¡± ¡°My beloved was taken away by him with a marriage contract. To win her back, I competed with him to see who could break through a level faster!¡± ¡°But he used underhanded methods to win.¡± ¡°I was not convinced, so I wanted Deputy Pavilion Master Chen to witness how I take back my beloved honorably and openly.¡± This was asking the Deputy Pavilion Master to uphold justice. The Deputy Pavilion Master, however, frowned slightly. A mute, able to bully Lu Zheng, who had a Ninth-grade Spiritual Root? Wang Yingfeng hurriedly stepped forward and said, ¡°Reporting to Deputy Pavilion Master Chen, this is indeed the case.¡± ¡°This Jiang Fan, relying on the kindness he once showed us, forced my eldest daughter to marry him.¡± ¡°Out of gratitude, we swallowed our anger and had my daughter endure the humiliation and consent to marry.¡± ¡°When my nephew tested as having a Ninth-grade Spiritual Root and wanted to win his beloved back, Jiang Fan used deception to win.¡± As she spoke, she glanced at the Xu family members, coercing them to lie in support of Lu Zheng. Perhaps out of conscience or fear of the Deputy Pavilion Master¡¯s authority, no one dared to speak. However, Qin Changsheng quickly turned his eyes and immediately said, ¡°Deputy Pavilion Master Chen, I guarantee with the credibility of the Qin family that this is true!¡± With two people attesting, the Deputy Pavilion Master¡¯s expression turned slightly cold. He looked at Jiang Fan with a hint of severity and said, ¡°Using the pretext of kindness for forced marriage is no different from robbery!¡± ¡°Do you dare to compete with Lu Zheng for the love you cherish?¡± Xu Youran was stunned. It was clearly the Xu family who were ungrateful and changed the marriage arrangement. How did it turn into Jiang Fan exploiting his kindness? She opened her mouth to explain, but Jiang Fan stopped her from speaking further and wrote, ¡°No need for more words!¡± ¡°What can be solved with fists doesn¡¯t need debate.¡± He then looked at Lu Zheng, wrote, ¡°How do you want to compete?¡± Lu Zheng arrogantly replied, ¡°Naturally, it¡¯s a competition of strength! Do you have the guts to fight?¡± Almost without hesitation. Jiang Fan swiftly wrote with his pen, ¡°Alright!¡± Seeing this, Lu Zheng sneered in his heart. Stupid and overestimating fool! He was at the fifth layer of Qi Cultivation, and these past few days he had secretly practiced the Xu family¡¯s ¡°Xu¡¯s Sword Technique.¡± And Jiang Fan? He had merely lucked into breaking through to the third layer of Qi Cultivation by coincidence. What could he use to win against him? ¡°Then let¡¯s begin!¡± Lu Zheng drew his sword, pointing it at Jiang Fan from a distance. Today! He would step on Jiang Fan¡¯s face, take away Jiang Fan¡¯s woman, and show the world the power of the Ninth-grade Spiritual Root! And Jiang Fan would be the stepping stone for his rise to the heavens! Jiang Fan remained unafraid, calmly stepping to the center of the hall. He casually made a beckoning gesture. This arrogant gesture brought ridicule from Qin Changsheng: ¡°How ignorant does one have to be to provoke the Ninth-grade Spiritual Root?¡± ¡°He kept saying I would regret it; later, when he is lying on the ground like a dead dog, I will ask him if he regrets it!¡± Chen Zhengdao also gently shook his head and sighed softly, ¡°To dare to act so arrogantly in the face of a Ninth-grade Spiritual Root!¡± ¡°This kid is too conceited.¡± Such disdainful behavior further incited Lu Zheng¡¯s anger. ¡°You brought this upon yourself!¡± Lu Zheng snorted coldly, using a move ¡°Powerful Splitting Hua Mountain,¡± channeling the strong Spiritual Power of his fifth layer of Qi Cultivation to slash ferociously. Jiang Fan smiled. After all this time, Lu Zheng had made no progress at all. As the sword¡¯s shadow came down, Jiang Fan released Spiritual Energy of the sixth layer of Qi Cultivation! His finger, imbued with Spiritual Energy, lightly flicked the sword blade. The immense force, far beyond what Lu Zheng could withstand, instantly sent the sword flying from his hand. Lu Zheng was stunned momentarily, not comprehending what had just happened as Jiang Fan switched his finger to a palm, striking towards his face. Lu Zheng hastily channeled his Spiritual Power, roaring as he punched to meet the strike. He attempted to knock Jiang Fan away, salvaging some dignity. However. The clash resulted in Lu Zheng¡¯s hundred-pound body being sent flying with a single palm strike, crashing into a tea table before coming to a stop. The entire scene fell silent. It was a deathly silence! Only the sound of Jiang Fan dusting off his sleeves could be heard, along with the words he penned: ¡°A Ninth-grade Spiritual Root is nothing special.¡± Chapter 17 - Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Return to Original Form Chapter 17: Chapter 17: Return to Original Form A Ninth Grade Spirit Root failed? And failed so completely? The completely opposite result left everyone caught off guard. Xu Yining¡¯s beautiful eyes flickered, having already noticed something, she thoughtfully gazed at Lu Zheng, who had blood all over his mouth. Wang Yingfeng, however, helped him up with a pained expression, saying, ¡°Zheng¡¯er, were you being too careless?¡± Qin Changsheng also hurriedly took out a healing pill he couldn¡¯t bear to eat himself and stuffed it into Lu Zheng¡¯s mouth, saying, ¡°Young Master Lu, don¡¯t be careless because of ten years of friendship between you two.¡± ¡°Deputy Pavilion Master Chen is watching.¡± ¡­ Everyone chimed in, considering Lu Zheng¡¯s defeat an accidental mishap. Chen Zhengdao slightly frowned, clearly noticing something was wrong too. Obviously, Liu Qingxian said she saw with her own eyes the Ninth Grade Spirit Root breaking through from the Fourth Layer Perfection of Qi Cultivation to the Seventh Layer. Why was he easily defeated by a martial artist of the Sixth Layer? He couldn¡¯t help but re-examine Lu Zheng: ¡°Are you really a Ninth-Grade Spirit Root?¡± ¡°If you deceive me, do you know the crime?¡± Hearing this, the Xu family¡¯s people were shocked. This defeat had actually shaken the truth of Lu Zheng¡¯s identity! Wang Yingfeng hurriedly defended her nephew, saying, ¡°Deputy Pavilion Master Chen, please give my nephew another chance.¡± Lu Zheng¡¯s pupils shrank as well, and he quickly stood up, saying, ¡°Deputy Pavilion Master Chen, I swear by the heavens, I have never deceived Your Excellency.¡± ¡°That day I did detect a Ninth-Grade Spirit Root!¡± ¡°I was a bit careless just now, I¡¯m willing to fight again and prove my strength.¡± Seeing him speak so firmly, not looking like he was lying, Chen Zhengdao nodded slightly, deciding to give Lu Zheng another chance. ¡°Alright.¡± Chen Zhengdao then looked at Jiang Fan, saying, ¡°What do you think?¡± Jiang Fan unhesitantly wrote, ¡°He can¡¯t beat me.¡± He suppressed his realm, using less than half of his strength, yet Lu Zheng still couldn¡¯t win. Based on the result, Lu Zheng was exactly as he guessed. He wasn¡¯t anything like a Ninth-Grade Spirit Root. Seeing these five words, Lu Zheng was furious, roaring like an enraged lion, ¡°Jiang! What kind of skill is it to sneak attack?¡± ¡°Kneel before me!¡± He roared again and lunged like a fierce tiger. He wanted too much to win against Jiang Fan and prove himself, which made his strikes full of openings. Jiang Fan seized the opportunity, subtly dodged a sword strike, and kicked him squarely in the chest. Puah¡ª Lu Zheng was knocked back again, but this time he spat blood, clearly suffering from internal injuries. His second defeat rendered the entire Xu family speechless. One defeat could be considered carelessness. Could the second one also be? More and more clan members, like Xu Yining, gradually saw through the facade. Besides Wang Yingfeng, who was still unwilling to wake up, treating this nephew as her biggest ace, the rest of the Xu family began to doubt his Ninth-Grade Spirit Root identity. This time, even without Jiang Fan¡¯s words, Chen Zhengdao snorted softly, ¡°Is this all a Ninth-Grade Spirit Root is?¡± He casually pulled out a mini version of the bronze ruler from the Detection Tower and threw it in front of Lu Zheng. ¡°Retest!¡± Chen Zhengdao ordered. Lu Zheng laughed bitterly, ¡°I just lost twice, and that is enough to deny my Spirit Root?¡± ¡°Fine! I¡¯ll prove it to you all!¡± ¡°Let you see, what a Ninth-Grade Spirit Root is!¡± The doubting eyes around stabbed at his pride. He felt deeply humiliated. He grabbed the mini bronze ruler and glared at everyone in anger! ¡°Xu Zhengyan, I originally wanted to bring the Xu family to rise together, but unfortunately, you all doubted me!¡± ¡°Then it¡¯s too bad, your Xu family isn¡¯t worthy of rising with me!¡± Upon hearing this. The Xu family members were suddenly in a frenzy. Qin Changsheng quickly said, ¡°Young Master Lu, I believe in you, I believe in you!¡± If Lu Zheng wasn¡¯t a Ninth-Grade Spirit Root, it wouldn¡¯t just be Lu Zheng¡¯s doom; even the heaven of the Qin family would collapse. Lu Zheng nodded slightly, patting his shoulder, ¡°You¡¯re the only one who supports me the most, don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let you lose!¡± He then looked at Jiang Fan. With madness in his eyes, ¡°Jiang Fan! You think just because you luckily broke through to the Sixth Layer, you can look down on a Ninth-Grade Spirit Root?¡± ¡°Open your dog eyes wide and see how dazzling my Ninth-Grade Spirit Root is!¡± He tightly gripped the bronze ruler with his five fingers. Immediately. A surge of energy started flowing upward from the bottom of the ruler. First Grade. Second Grade. Third Grade. When it reached the Third Grade, the energy flow slowed down significantly. It crept up like a snail. Third Grade Low, Third Grade Mid. Finally, it stopped just a hair¡¯s breadth from the Third Grade Upper. The whole place fell deathly silent. The drop of a pin could be heard. The retesting result of Lu Zheng, who supposedly had a Ninth-Grade Spirit Root, was actually Third Grade Mid! Even Lu Zheng himself was stunned, muttering, ¡°How could this be? How could this be?¡± ¡°I clearly detected a Ninth-Grade Spirit Root!¡± ¡°It must be a mistake; I¡¯ll try again!¡± He gripped the bronze ruler once more. But the result remained the same. Still Third Grade Mid. Lu Zheng panicked, his world collapsing around him, he shook his head, ¡°This is impossible! There¡¯s something wrong with this bronze ruler!¡± ¡°Yes! That must be it!¡± Seeing him descend into madness, doubting Deputy Pavilion Master Chen¡¯s magic artifact. Xu Yining finally couldn¡¯t hold back, stood up, and grabbed the bronze ruler. The surge of energy started flowing from the bottom again, rushing past the Third Grade Mid mark, reaching a brilliant blue area, Sixth-Grade Spirit Root! Xu Yining looked at Lu Zheng, revealing a relieved expression, ¡°It seems that the bronze ruler has no problem.¡± ¡°The problem lies with your test result!¡± The whole place erupted. Even with Chen Zhengdao present, the murmurs of heated discussion couldn¡¯t be suppressed. ¡°What is this? He was never a Ninth-Grade Spirit Root!¡± ¡°I flattered him for days, just for this?¡± ¡°You¡¯re lucky; some people even offered themselves to him for nothing!¡± ¡°Losing one¡¯s body is minor; just think of the Qin Family Head. He just gifted a thirty-thousand-valued Low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, and he accepted it all.¡± ¡­ Wang Yingfeng, eager to protect her nephew, urgently shouted, ¡°Enough! My Zheng¡¯er is definitely not Third Grade Mid, definitely not!¡± At this moment. Xu Yining interrupted her, calmly, ¡°Mother, are you still deluding yourself?¡± ¡°We should have seen it when he lost to Jiang Fan the first time.¡± ¡°Three days, with a Ninth-Grade Spirit Root and the Qi Cultivation Liquid support from Qin Changsheng, yet he couldn¡¯t surpass Jiang Fan.¡± ¡°At that moment I already doubted his Spirit Root, today¡¯s result was expected.¡± Her pace quickened, her long-suppressed heart finally found peace. It seemed, she still remained Lonely Boat City¡¯s top prodigy! Sixth-Grade Spirit Root was still the strongest! Wang Yingfeng bit her lips, knowing the truth better than anyone, but she just couldn¡¯t admit it. Lu Zheng¡¯s Ninth-Grade Spirit Root had once been her pride. Looking at the crestfallen Lu Zheng, she could only console him, ¡°Zheng¡¯er, it seems the Detection Tower¡¯s bronze ruler had a malfunction.¡± ¡°There isn¡¯t any Ninth-Grade Spirit Root in this world, being Third Grade Mid is still top in Lonely Boat City.¡± Hearing these words, the heavily struck Lu Zheng felt slightly better. He nodded slightly, ¡°Yes, the best one is still Xu Yining with her Sixth-Grade Spirit Root, I¡¯m just three grades below, not too bad.¡± However. Chen Zhengdao, with a grim expression, put away the bronze ruler and said something that shattered Lu Zheng¡¯s world! ¡°Who said there is no Ninth-Grade Spirit Root in Lonely Boat City?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just not you!¡± Chapter 18 - Chapter 18: Chapter 18 A leaf before the eyes hides Mount Tai Chapter 18: Chapter 18 A leaf before the eyes hides Mount Tai Boom, boom¡ª¡ª Lu Zheng¡¯s eyes widened, and the heart that had just felt a bit better was once again ruthlessly hit! ¡°There really is a Ninth-grade Spiritual Root, it¡¯s just¡­ just¡­ not me¡­¡± As a ¡°former Ninth-grade Spiritual Root,¡± the huge disparity, how could he endure it? The blood in his body churned, and he could no longer hold back, spurting a large mouthful of blood mist on the spot, collapsing to the ground and convulsing incessantly. Xu Yining was equally devastated. She clenched her fists tightly, unable to accept it, and said, ¡°Is there truly a Ninth-grade Spiritual Root in Lonely Boat City? Isn¡¯t it possible that the Detection Tower is malfunctioning?¡± Deputy Pavilion Master Chen said, ¡°Although I do not know why the bronze ruler of the Detection Tower would mistake a third-grade mediocre talent as having a Ninth-grade Spiritual Root.¡± ¡°But, Lonely Boat City indeed has someone with a true Ninth-grade Spiritual Root.¡± ¡°The daughter of the Green Cloud Sect Master, I saw her not long ago, and even she admitted she was inferior.¡± ¡°However¡­¡± Deputy Pavilion Master Chen frowned. Although Liu Qingxian said she left the Green Cloud Order with the other person, If the other person does not actively show it, how would he know? Enough! He still had to call Liu Qingxian back, as only she had seen the Ninth-grade Spiritual Root. Only she could help find it together. Xu Yining¡¯s previously lightened mood was once again suppressed, she clenched her fists tightly and said, ¡°I too want to know who this Ninth-grade Spiritual Root truly is!¡± Upon hearing this, Chen Zhengdao looked at her with a long sigh and said earnestly, ¡°Stay calm.¡± ¡°This Ninth-grade Spiritual Root is very special, not to mention your Sixth-grade Spiritual Root, even my Eighth-grade Spiritual Root is far inferior.¡± ¡°If you can get to know him, it would be the fortune of your life.¡± The implication was that Xu Yining could only look up to him, and was not even qualified for comparison. Xu Yining showed a surprised look, even an Eighth-grade Spiritual Root was worlds apart? Then her Sixth-grade Spiritual Root would be even more disparate, right? Thinking of this, she took some solace, thinking, even a Deputy Pavilion Master accepted it, what was her little Sixth-grade Spiritual Root worth? She couldn¡¯t help but imagine what kind of style the prodigy with the Ninth-grade Spiritual Root would have. Murmuring, ¡°He must be a dragon among men, invincible in the world?¡± Suddenly. She noticed Jiang Fan standing in place with his hand on his chin, lost in thought, which felt like an eyesore. Today, he had taken all the limelight. The Sixth Layer of Qi Cultivation realm made people see him in a new light. But the more he did, didn¡¯t it show that she had misjudged him in the past? ¡°Jiang Fan, winning against a ¡®Ninth-grade Spiritual Root,¡¯ are you very proud?¡± Xu Yining said coldly with a face as if frost: ¡°Lu Zheng hasn¡¯t really been focused on training all these years, his mind was elsewhere.¡± ¡°His foundation is unstable, and his swordsmanship has not reached great success.¡± ¡°Winning against him is nothing.¡± Jiang Fan snapped out of his thoughts. He had been thinking about who the Ninth-grade Spiritual Root mentioned by Chen Zhengdao could be. Even the daughter of the Green Cloud Sect Master admitted she was inferior, it must mean the person was extremely exceptional. He wondered how his own transparent Spiritual Root compared to the Ninth-grade Spiritual Root. On hearing her words, he just glanced at Xu Yining, and then dismissed it. Turning, he smiled at Xu Youran and wrote: ¡°Surprised?¡± Xu Youran looked at Jiang Fan, her eyes full of light, nodding repeatedly: ¡°Fan, you¡¯re amazing!¡± Jiang Fan treating Xu Yining as if she didn¡¯t exist and only caring about Xu Youran¡¯s opinion made Xu Yining inexplicably uncomfortable. She felt overshadowed by her sister, Xu Youran. This made Xu Yining feel somewhat uncomfortable. At this time. Chen Zhengdao also stood up to leave. Without waiting for the Xu Family to see him off, he jumped onto the flying eagle and soared into the sky. Xu Zhengyan let out a long sigh of relief, collapsing onto the chair: ¡°Luckily, Deputy Pavilion Master Chen was kind-hearted and did not hold us accountable for the impostor Ninth-grade Spiritual Root.¡± ¡°Otherwise, our Xu Family would be in great trouble.¡± He had been terrified earlier. Lu Zheng, who had been convulsing for a while and started to recover, also showed a look of relief after surviving a disaster. Although he was no longer a Ninth-grade Spiritual Root, fortunately, Deputy Pavilion Master Chen did not punish him. However, the matter was far from over! An enraged roar exploded in the air! ¡°Lu Zheng!!!¡± Everyone trembled and looked towards the voice, seeing Qin Changsheng¡¯s twisted face, as if he wanted to devour someone alive. His hair stood on end, fists clenched, roaring: ¡°You useless trash!¡± The biggest loser this time was not Lu Zheng. He was merely being returned to his original form. But Qin Changsheng was different. He had initially latched onto Lu Zheng and made wild bets. Now with Lu Zheng¡¯s true form revealed, never mind the embarrassment he felt. He had given ten bottles of low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid at first. Earlier when he came to congratulate, he brought a congratulatory gift worth a staggering 300,000 taels of silver! The key was, Lu Zheng had pretended to be generous and had given away all the low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, and it had all been drunk. There was no way to return it! Lu Zheng paled, saying, ¡°Qin Family Head, calm down, I, I will find a way to repay you.¡± He regretted deeply, wishing he had listened to Fan and not accepted the gifts first. ¡°Repay? With what will you repay?¡± Qin Changsheng¡¯s eyes were red, wishing he could strangle Lu Zheng. He initially thought the Qin family had leveraged Lu Zheng and the Soul Master behind him. That¡¯s why he offered a congratulatory gift worth 300,000 taels of silver. In the end, it was all for nothing! Facing the completely turned-against Qin Changsheng, Lu Zheng finally realized, the Qin family was truly one of the top four families in Lonely Boat City. Normally, they wouldn¡¯t even have had the chance to associate with someone like him. Having a Ninth-grade Spiritual Root was understandable, but without it, he was nothing to them. Terrified, he dared not speak and hid behind Wang Yingfeng. Qin Changsheng raged: ¡°Within three days, gather the money and repay me, or else, don¡¯t blame me for being ruthless!¡± His body shook, emanating the powerful cultivation of the First Layer of Foundation Establishment. Terrifying the Xu family onlookers significantly. The Xu Family was merely a middle-ranked family, how could they withstand the wrath of the Qin family? Lu Zheng could not hope to contend. Without protection, Qin Changsheng would surely kill him! As he left, Xu Zhengyan angrily glared at Lu Zheng: ¡°You scourge, get out, the Xu family does not need such ingrates!¡± He was furious. Instead of being elevated by Lu Zheng to great heights, they were humiliated and became the laughing stock of the whole city. Now they faced a colossal debt of 300,000 taels! Wang Yingfeng, protective as always, started to throw a fit: ¡°Xu! If you drive Zheng out, then you¡¯ll have to drive me out too!¡± She threw herself onto the ground, kicking her legs, wailing. Xu Zhengyan, seeing her stubborn tantrum, felt helpless and said, ¡°So, do you want the Xu family to burden this debt? That¡¯s 300,000 taels of silver! Do you want the entire clan to starve?¡± Wang Yingfeng was at a loss for words. But she still wanted to protect her nephew, saying, ¡°This¡ªthis can¡¯t be blamed on Zheng, it¡¯s all¡­ all Jiang Fan¡¯s fault!¡± ¡°Yes, if Jiang Fan hadn¡¯t been next to Lu Zheng, bringing bad luck, would Zheng have mistakenly thought he was a Ninth-grade Spiritual Root?¡± Hearing such unreasonable arguments, Xu Zhengyan also became angry. Even though he disliked Jiang Fan, he felt Jiang Fan was innocent. He couldn¡¯t help but speak justly, ¡°No matter how you twist it, this mess was caused by Lu Zheng himself! This debt, Lu Zheng will repay!¡± Seeing her tantrum useless, Wang Yingfeng directed all her resentment towards Jiang Fan: ¡°Why didn¡¯t you let Lu Zheng win?¡± ¡°If you had let him win, wouldn¡¯t there be no trouble?¡± Xu Youran also became angry, saying, ¡°Aunt Wang! That¡¯s too much!¡± ¡°It was Lu Zheng who kept bullying Fan, now you blame him?¡± Seeing even the little girl argue with her. Wang Yingfeng became even angrier, shouting: ¡°Out of order, right!¡± ¡°Fine, fine! You two really think you can become a couple and join hands to bully me, right?¡± ¡°Let me tell you, your marriage is not yet set in stone!¡± ¡°Jiang Fan, within three days, give me the bride price, if I am not satisfied, this marriage will not happen!¡± Hearing this, Xu Youran¡¯s face turned pale. Blaming Jiang Fan so spitefully, the little bit of silver she had given Jiang Fan earlier would never be enough. She bit her red lip, about to say some softening words of apology. But Jiang Fan held her hand, stopping her. With the other hand, he wrote boldly: ¡°If the bride price satisfies you, will you shut your filthy mouth for good?¡± Chapter 19 - Chapter 19: Chapter 19: Chen Silins Little Thoughts Chapter 19: Chapter 19: Chen Silin¡¯s Little Thoughts He had endured Wang Yingfeng for a long time. It was one thing to repeatedly indulge Lu Zheng, but to bully Xu Youran time and again? This time, he would ensure she had no opportunity to interfere with their marriage! Wang Yingfeng¡¯s eyes were filled with wrath as she shouted, ¡°Fine! You have guts!¡± ¡°As long as you can give me a satisfactory betrothal gift, I won¡¯t meddle in your affairs anymore!¡± ¡°But remember, it must be a gift that satisfies me! Understood?¡± Jiang Fan nonchalantly wrote a line, ¡°Then just wait to shut up!¡± Wang Yingfeng clenched her fist, gritting her teeth, ¡°Fine! I¡¯ll wait!¡± With that, she stormed back to her room with a dark expression. Xu Zhengyan glanced at Jiang Fan and couldn¡¯t help but look at him differently. ¡°You do have some backbone, kid.¡± Seeing him so dominantly defend Xu Youran, as a father, he felt a bit reassured. However, Jiang Fan wanting to gather a betrothal gift that would satisfy Wang Yingfeng within three days seemed nearly impossible. He pondered whether he should help Jiang Fan and Xu Youran a bit. The crowd dispersed. Xu Youran returned to Jiang Fan¡¯s house with a worried look, her face troubled, ¡°Fan, you shouldn¡¯t have agreed just now.¡± ¡°Do you know why Aunt Wang wants a satisfactory betrothal gift, and why she gave exactly three days?¡± With no one around, Jiang Fan smiled, ¡°You know, so how could I not know?¡± ¡°She just wants to get a large sum of silver to clean up her precious nephew¡¯s mess.¡± ¡°As long as the betrothal gift exceeds 300,000 taels, even if she doesn¡¯t want to agree to us being together, she will hold her nose and accept it for Lu Zheng¡¯s sake.¡± Xu Youran angrily punched Jiang Fan¡¯s chest, ¡°You know and still dare to agree?¡± ¡°That¡¯s 300,000 taels of silver, where will you get it from?¡± ¡°Rob the bank?¡± Jiang Fan shrugged, mumbling softly, ¡°The bank may not have more than me.¡± He had promised. To marry Xu Youran in grand style. So, even without Wang Yingfeng demanding a high-priced betrothal gift, Jiang Fan had already planned to offer a lavish betrothal gift! Night fell. After Xu Youran left, Jiang Fan began refining Qi Cultivation Liquid. With the experience from the day, he did it skillfully. By dawn. He had placed forty bottles of top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid and twenty bottles of top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid before him. ¡°The efficiency of the top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid has improved a lot compared to yesterday.¡± ¡°Alright, sell the top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid to the Chen Family, which will bring in another 400,000 taels of silver.¡± ¡°Including the previous 500,000, that¡¯s 900,000 taels of a hefty sum.¡± He was about to leave for the Chen Family. But Xu Youran came over, smiling brightly, ¡°Fan, Chen Silin invited me to her mansion and wants me to bring you along too.¡± Who? Chen Silin? The one from the Chen Family? Seeing his confusion, Xu Youran explained, ¡°She¡¯s my close friend, we¡¯ve known each other for many years.¡± ¡°For this betrothal gift, I want to ask for her help.¡± If it weren¡¯t for a matter concerning the survival of her marriage, she really wouldn¡¯t seek help. Now, she could only seek Chen Silin¡¯s assistance. ¡°When you meet her later, you must make a good impression, understand?¡± ¡°Perhaps, she¡¯s our last hope.¡± Make a good impression? Does it mean to refine more top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid? Jiang Fan scratched his nose and helplessly followed Xu Youran to the Chen Family. Feeling the weight of the Qi Cultivation Liquid in his pocket, Jiang Fan was a bit speechless. Couldn¡¯t go visiting like this, could he? Better sell the Qi Cultivation Liquid to the Chen Family first. Nearing the Chen Family¡¯s gate, Jiang Fan said, ¡°Youran, why don¡¯t you wait here.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll buy some pastries and come back soon.¡± Xu Youran was momentarily stunned, then realized it was Jiang Fan¡¯s first visit to the Chen Mansion. He should bring a gift along. ¡°You are quite considerate, alright, hurry back, Chen Silin is very busy, it¡¯s rare she has time to meet us, we can¡¯t waste her time.¡± Jiang Fan nodded and slipped into the crowd. Taking advantage of Xu Youran¡¯s inattention, he dodged into an alley, changed his attire, and appeared at the Chen Family gate. The Treasure Pavilion¡¯s shopkeeper was initially waiting for Xu Youran. Seeing the Soul Master, he was pleasantly surprised, ¡°Senior, why have you come so early?¡± From last night to today, countless people had been urging their Chen Family to sell top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid. Many even offered double the price to get a bottle of the top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid. However, Chen Silin worried that this senior Soul Master might not provide enough top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid today, so she dared not agree. Unexpectedly, this senior Soul Master was so diligent. In just one night, he had come as promised to deliver the top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid. ¡°Please come in, let me take you to the young lady.¡± At the Chen Family¡¯s backyard. Chen Silin was practicing swordsmanship in the courtyard, trying to calm her anxious heart. After thinking all night, she still couldn¡¯t decide whether to dedicate herself to this senior longing for her. First, the age; second, the other party might not fulfill the promise of nurturing Soul Master apprentices. ¡°Miss, the senior has come to deliver the Qi Cultivation Liquid.¡± The shopkeeper¡¯s voice interrupted her sword practice. Chen Silin was startled, turning her head to see the mysterious Soul Master, wrapped tightly in a loose robe. She couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit happy. She was naturally pleased that he kept his promise and came early to deliver the top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid. However, her mind soon grew troubled again. She was troubled, of course, because she still hadn¡¯t decided whether to accept his implicit offer. As she pondered, she discreetly squeezed the Delusion-breaking Crystal hidden in her sleeve. Steadying her emotions, she quickly put down her sword and ran over, her flushed face and beads of sweat rolling down her smooth chin, sliding into the depths of her chest. The sweaty martial robe clung tightly to her body, outlining a voluptuous and alluring figure. Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t help but take another look before quickly averting his gaze, placing the forty bottles of top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid on the table. ¡°Here it is.¡± Chen Silin felt nervous. Because she had been paying attention to the senior Soul Master¡¯s glance, even though he only looked at her for a moment, she still caught it. It made her even more flustered inside. She quickly checked the top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, confirming there was no problem, then handed over the prepared silver note and fifty sets of materials on the spot. ¡°Senior, everything is here.¡± She bit her lip lightly, deliberately keeping her distance as she handed it to Jiang Fan. Jiang Fan looked puzzled. What¡¯s wrong with her? Did she think he would eat her? ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll come back tomorrow.¡± Jiang Fan pocketed the items and turned to leave. ¡°Wait a moment, senior!¡± Suddenly, Chen Silin called after him, ¡°Senior, have some tea before you go, I specially prepared a bowl of Spiritual Tea for you.¡± As soon as she finished, a maid carefully brought over a bowl of jade-green Spiritual Tea. The tea had a rich aroma, and it was clearly top-grade Spiritual Tea that could enhance cultivation. It was priceless and beyond the reach of ordinary families. Jiang Fan¡¯s fingers twitched, and he sat down to take a sip. While he lowered his head, Chen Silin turned away and discreetly fitted two thin, transparent crystals into her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she turned back, nervously looking at the senior. She secretly hoped. She wished this senior who hinted at her wasn¡¯t too old. At the very least, it would put her at ease. If he was middle-aged, that would be ideal. As for appearance, she didn¡¯t have high hopes, just as long as he wasn¡¯t too ugly. But. When the Delusion-breaking Crystal gradually pierced through the layers of thick robes, revealing Jiang Fan beneath. Chen Silin was stunned. Chapter 20 - Chapter 20: Chapter 20: Youre not allowed to say hes lecherous Chapter 20: Chapter 20: You¡¯re not allowed to say he¡¯s lecherous A man¡¯s exceptionally young face came into view. In terms of age, he wasn¡¯t that much older than herself. Moreover, his features were delicate, his appearance handsome, his stance upright, and he exuded a serene aura. Was this really a Soul Master senior? Wasn¡¯t it said that all Soul Masters were elderly people who had cultivated for many years? Chen Silin couldn¡¯t believe it. This wasn¡¯t some lecherous old man, it was clearly an exceptional prodigy! In the Green Cloud Sect, even the soul master who held such a lofty status that the Sect Master had to give them some face, was only a Second Grade Soul Master! Didn¡¯t that mean that the young man in front of her was someone so significant that a mere stomp of his foot could cause tremors throughout the entire Green Cloud Sect¡¯s territory! ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Jiang Fan noticed Chen Silin¡¯s odd gaze and couldn¡¯t help but ask. Chen Silin, flustered, hurriedly replied, ¡°Nothing, nothing.¡± Jiang Fan vaguely felt something wasn¡¯t right, so he cautiously put down his tea, saying, ¡°I have things to attend to, so I will leave first.¡± Watching his departing figure, Chen Silin couldn¡¯t take her eyes off him for a long time. The shopkeeper whispered, ¡°Miss, did you see clearly?¡± Chen Silin nodded with a complex expression. The shopkeeper¡¯s voice got even lower, ¡°So, you¡­¡± Chen Silin bit on her rose-petal-like red lips, her face gradually turning red. ¡°If it¡¯s necessary to sacrifice for the family, I¡­ can consider it.¡± The shopkeeper sighed deeply in his heart, feeling pity. It seemed that Chen Silin had made up her mind to sacrifice herself. It was truly a hard fate for Miss, being ruined by such an old guy for the sake of the family. Ah! At this moment. A servant reported. ¡°Miss, Miss Xu Youran has arrived.¡± Chen Silin came back to her senses and went to greet her while still wearing her martial robe. Very soon. Seeing Xu Youran dressed in verdant green, gracefully like a lotus leaf in early summer, her eyes lit up, ¡°You, girl, are becoming more and more beautiful.¡± She stepped forward, hugging her waist and pinching her chin, teasingly saying, ¡°Little lady, you have become even more attractive since we last met. Let me have a good look.¡± Being teased like this in public, Xu Youran¡¯s face turned red, and she protested, ¡°Aren¡¯t you embarrassed?¡± Chen Silin then let her go, covering her mouth and laughing incessantly. Xu Youran, having been with her for a long time, knew her nature. Seeing her so happy, she said, ¡°You are in a very good mood.¡± ¡°You must have encountered something good; tell me about it!¡± Chen Silin, eager to talk to someone, pulled her to the backyard and recounted the events of the past few days. After listening, Xu Youran¡¯s face turned complex and she asked, ¡°Siling, are you really determined?¡± ¡°Even if he is very young, his implicit suggestion shows that he is a lustful person with an unprincipled mind. Even if he gets your body, he might not take responsibility for you.¡± Chen Silin, on the contrary, had come to terms with it, saying, ¡°As children of a big family, where is our freedom?¡± ¡°Even if I don¡¯t sacrifice myself willingly, sooner or later, the family will marry me off to someone I don¡¯t like as a tool for alliance.¡± ¡°Now, giving myself to a Second Grade Soul Master is actually a step up.¡± This¡­ Xu Youran thought of herself; she was also forced into a substitute marriage. The difference was, the man she married was Jiang Fan, a very reliable person, much better than this lustful Soul Master. She sympathetically held Chen Silin¡¯s hand, ¡°It¡¯s just, in the future, it will be hard for you to get married.¡± Chen Silin sighed, ¡°If this Soul Master takes responsibility for me after having my body, then I will be wholeheartedly devoted to him, seeing him as my husband, loyal and unwavering.¡± ¡°If he abandons me¡­ it¡¯s fine, I¡¯ll just remain single for life.¡± ¡°As long as he fulfills his promise to train a few Soul Master apprentices for the Chen Family, that will be enough.¡± Xu Youran looked pained. Compared to herself, Chen Silin¡¯s future seemed much more dismal, and she softly said, ¡°Siling, I¡¯m sorry, I can¡¯t help you.¡± Chen Silin smiled, not wanting to continue discussing this issue, and said, ¡°By the way, where is your fianc¨¦?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t I ask you to bring him along?¡± Xu Youran got angry at the mention, ¡°Don¡¯t mention him!¡± ¡°On the way, he said it was his first visit and he wanted to bring a gift, so he went to buy something.¡± ¡°But he hasn¡¯t returned for a long time, and the time for our appointment was approaching, so I came first.¡± Already dissatisfied with Jiang Fan, Chen Silin criticized, ¡°He can¡¯t even be punctual! What kind of person is this?¡± Xu Youran was helpless. Knowing it was his first visit, Jiang Fan was still late, leaving a bad impression on others. Later, asking her to help would probably be difficult. At this time, a servant came to report again, ¡°Miss, a man named Jiang Fan, claims to be Miss Xu¡¯s fianc¨¦.¡± Chen Silin said irritably, ¡°Let him wait outside!¡± While Xu Youran was angry, she couldn¡¯t bear to see Jiang Fan being neglected like this, so she softly said: ¡°Siling, he was just preparing something thoughtful, that¡¯s why he missed the time.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t blame him.¡± Seeing Xu Youran so protective of him, Chen Silin got even more furious and said, ¡°Fine, let him in!¡± ¡°I just have something to say to him!¡± She always thought Xu Youran was forced into marriage with Jiang Fan. Now it seemed Xu Youran had voluntarily done so. This made her anxious, and she earnestly advised her: ¡°Youran, it¡¯s not that I¡¯m saying you! ¡°Marriage is a major life event, how can you treat it so lightly?¡± ¡°Your stepmother already sees you as an eyesore and treats you badly; you should find a rich young master to marry, to ensure lifetime happiness.¡± ¡°How could you act so foolishly and marry a mute?¡± After being scolded like this, Xu Youran sighed softly, ¡°It¡¯s actually very complicated.¡± She briefly explained her situation of marrying on behalf of her sister. Chen Silin, being knowledgeable about the world, immediately understood and said irritably, ¡°You¡¯re such a fool!¡± ¡°Your father, stepmother, and sister all conspired together, putting on a double act!¡± ¡°Your father and sister may not have any other motives, they are just considering the family or themselves.¡± ¡°But your stepmother definitely wants to pin you down with a mute, ruining your entire life! How malicious she is!¡± After learning the reason, Chen Silin was even more determined not to allow the two to get married. Xu Youran, holding her aching head, knew that revealing the truth would lead to this outcome. ¡°Siling, although my union with Fan was an accident, we get along well. I can feel his sincerity and believe he will treat me well in the future.¡± Chen Silin poked her forehead angrily, ¡°What¡¯s the use of sincerity?¡± ¡°Let me ask you, can his sincerity buy enough betrothal gifts?¡± This¡­ Xu Youran was speechless. If Jiang Fan could provide enough betrothal gifts, she wouldn¡¯t have thought of asking Chen Silin for help. ¡°If he can¡¯t even gather the betrothal gifts, how can he talk about giving you happiness?¡± Chen Silin, looking at Xu Youran, couldn¡¯t help but feel sorry for her, tearfully said, ¡°Youran, you are the most pitiful.¡± ¡°Your beauty and character are unique, clearly, you could have a wonderful life, but you were forced to marry a mute in your sister¡¯s place!¡± She clenched her fists, gritted her teeth, and said: ¡°I can¡¯t watch you fall into this fiery pit!¡± ¡°About the thirty thousand betrothal gifts, I won¡¯t help him no matter what!¡± ¡°I will not allow him to ruin your life!¡± She decided to be the bad person! At this moment. The family servant tiptoed in and reported, ¡°Miss, Young Master Jiang is here.¡± Chen Silin¡¯s eyes turned sharp, ¡°Just in time!¡± ¡°I will make him retreat in the face of difficulties!¡± Chapter 21 - Chapter 21: Chapter 21 Youre A Bad Sport Chapter 21: Chapter 21 You¡¯re A Bad Sport Xu Youran panicked and pleaded, ¡°Siling, please don¡¯t do this.¡± ¡°Fan has worked so hard and finally made some progress on the Martial Path. Please don¡¯t hurt his self-esteem.¡± Seeing her protect Jiang Fan so vehemently, Chen Silin felt that if she didn¡¯t break them apart quickly, there would be no chance left. She nodded and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t insult him.¡± ¡°I just want to have a heartfelt talk about your future.¡± ¡°If he is a responsible person, he should know how to choose.¡± Tap, tap, tap¡ª Steady footsteps were heard. Following the maid¡¯s guidance, Jiang Fan arrived at the backyard he had just visited. However, this time, he was stopped by the maid before entering. ¡°The backyard is only for women. Please stay here and wait for Miss¡¯s instructions.¡± Jiang Fan froze for a moment. How did he get in just now? ¡°Are you Jiang Fan, Youran¡¯s fianc¨¦?¡± Through a wall, he heard a familiar voice, which indeed belonged to Chen Silin. The aggressive tone made Jiang Fan touch his nose. How could this girl have two faces? Facing him as a Soul Master, she was obedient. Assuming a different identity, she became ferocious. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s me.¡± Jiang Fan wrote a note and threw it over the wall. Chen Silin had a servant pick it up, scanned it, and said, ¡°I am Youran¡¯s good friend. Now I want to ask you a few questions, please answer honestly.¡± ¡°First, when you marry Youran, do you genuinely like her, or do you want to curry favor with the Xu Family, living off her?¡± Uh¡ª Living off her? Xu Youran showed a look of pleading, asking Chen Silin not to embarrass Jiang Fan like this. Currently, Jiang Fan was homeless and entirely reliant on the Xu Family for support. If others said he was living off someone, he had no way to refute it. Chen Silin¡¯s sharp gaze made her feel that the first question alone could render Jiang Fan speechless. Unexpectedly. A few brand-new silver notes flew over the courtyard wall. Chen Silin was stunned, slightly shocked. Five silver notes, each valued at ten thousand taels, totaling fifty thousand taels! They were even from the same bank where she had given notes to that Soul Master. Xu Youran was also surprised, ¡°Fan, where did you get so much money?¡± Fifty thousand taels of silver notes were beyond what Jiang Fan could own. Jiang Fan simply smiled and threw over another note, ¡°Miss Chen, you can ask the second question now.¡± With fifty thousand taels of silver notes, it was enough for both of them to live well. The claim of living off someone was easily dispelled. Chen Silin was a bit stunned, thinking where someone who had been living under others¡¯ roofs for ten years could get so much silver? Originally intending to discourage Jiang Fan, she was unexpectedly shown up by him. Slightly annoyed, she asked again, ¡°Even if you have some savings, can you protect Youran?¡± ¡°Our Lonely Boat City is still considered peaceful. The outside world is cutthroat and ruthless. Are you sure you can protect him?¡± Someone as beautiful as Xu Youran would be coveted wherever she went. Without strength, she could not be protected. Chen Silin thought that someone like Jiang Fan, without cultivation, was not capable of protecting her. On the contrary, he would only drag her down. Hearing no response from the other side, Chen Silin thought she had hit his sore spot and continued proudly, ¡°If you truly like Xu Youran, let go. You cannot protect her¡­¡± Before she could finish speaking. The wall between them suddenly cracked open with a huge hole, revealing Jiang Fan¡¯s lower half. Chen Silin immediately sensed Jiang Fan¡¯s realm, astonished, ¡°Seventh Layer of Qi Cultivation?¡± At this age, such a realm, within Lonely Boat City, was considered a top-level expert! She blinked hard, incredulous, seeking confirmation from Xu Youran, ¡°Isn¡¯t it said that he doesn¡¯t have a Spirit Root?¡± Xu Youran smiled bitterly, ¡°Maybe he has been cultivating in silence all along, and we just didn¡¯t know.¡± Chen Silin was dumbfounded. What made her furious was Jiang Fan¡¯s provocative note that followed, ¡°Any more questions?¡± Chen Silin gritted her teeth slightly, ¡°This guy, how smug he is!¡± ¡°So what if you have some cultivation? What can you give Youran?¡± ¡°If she marries into a wealthy household, she can get endless resources and various cultivation techniques. Do you have those?¡± She believed this was the Achilles¡¯ heel for someone like Jiang Fan without a background. Jiang Fan might have some money, some cultivation. But resources and top-grade techniques were the core assets of wealthy families. These were something a poor boy could never possess. Silence ensued for a long time, with barely audible sounds of ripping. She thought Jiang Fan, out of frustration, was destroying things and couldn¡¯t help but feel a bit remorseful. If it weren¡¯t absolutely necessary, she wouldn¡¯t want to hurt someone unjustly. So, her tone softened a bit as she spoke, ¡°Jiang Fan, I don¡¯t mean to target you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just that Youran¡¯s fate is too bitter. I hope you can let go and let her marry someone worthy.¡± ¡°If you agree to give up the engagement, I am willing to provide you with some top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid as compensation.¡± ¡°Is that acceptable?¡± But there was still no response from the other side. After a while, a small bundle was thrown over. Chen Silin was surprised and had the maid pick it up. She unpacked it in front of Xu Youran. Five bottles of top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid emerged in front of her eyes. ¡°Top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid? Where did you get it?¡± Chen Silin¡¯s face was filled with shock. Top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid was exclusively sold by the Chen Family, limited to one bottle per person. It was impossible for anyone to buy five bottles at once! Could he have hired people to grab them? ¡°This guy really has some money, huh.¡± Chen Silin admitted that she had underestimated Jiang Fan¡¯s financial strength. ¡°However, these five bottles are nothing, right?¡± Chen Silin said, then noticed a torn cover of a nameless technique at the bottom of the bundle. Was he tearing this just now? Chen Silin picked it up, bewildered, ¡°You can¡¯t be telling me this is a technique, right?¡± But as soon as Chen Silin opened and glanced at the first page, she sprang up from her chair, her dainty visage filled with shock. ¡°Yellow Level High Mental Method!!!¡± She gasped, incredulous. In Lonely Boat City, the best technique the largest wealthy family could offer was only Yellow Level Medium! Yet Jiang Fan gifted Xu Youran a Yellow Level High Mental Method! This was a top-grade resource that no wealthy family could offer! At this moment. Another note from Jiang Fan was thrown over. ¡°Any more questions?¡± Chen Silin, who initially intended to deter Jiang Fan, was now harshly schooled by him. As a young mistress, Chen Silin had never been treated this way before. Gritting her teeth, she grabbed a treasured sword from the table, shouting, ¡°Come here!¡± ¡°I want to see if you still have your bravado in front of me!¡± Xu Youran tugged at Chen Silin¡¯s sleeve, laughing and crying, ¡°Siling, let it go.¡± They were supposed to just talk. How did it turn to this? Can¡¯t you take it anymore? Chen Silin, furious, said, ¡°Don¡¯t stop me! I must teach him a lesson today!¡± In her glaring eyes. A tall figure dressed in a green robe slowly walked through the moon gate. Jiang Fan¡¯s appearance immediately etched into her eyes. With just one look, Chen Silin felt as if struck by lightning, frozen in place. Chapter 22 - Chapter 22: Chapter 22: Xu Yourans Jealousy Emerged Chapter 22: Chapter 22: Xu Youran¡¯s Jealousy Emerged ¡°Who did I see? A Soul Master senior?¡± Chen Silin¡¯s mind went blank. She felt a disorienting sense of confusion. Jiang Fan, the mute whose useless reputation had spread throughout Lonely Boat City, looked exactly like a Second Grade Soul Master? No, they were the same person! The same person! Her best friend¡¯s fianc¨¦ was actually the mysterious Soul Master senior she had been preparing to devote herself to? For a long time, she was stunned until Xu Youran¡¯s voice awakened her. ¡°Siling, don¡¯t be angry.¡± ¡°Fan, look at how you¡¯ve agitated Silin. Apologize to her.¡± Chen Silin suddenly snapped back to reality. She was inwardly gasping in shock! How could she dare let a Second Grade Soul Master apologize to her? Immediately, she dropped the sword in her hand and waved her hand: ¡°No, no, it was my impulsiveness, I offended the Soul¡­ Young Master Jiang.¡± She realized that Xu Youran seemed unaware of Jiang Fan¡¯s true identity. It appeared Jiang Fan was deliberately hiding it, so she quickly corrected herself. ¡°Young Master Jiang, please have a seat.¡± She was a bit nervous and politely invited Jiang Fan to sit down. Then she personally picked up the teapot, poured him a cup of tea, and handed it to him with both hands: ¡°Young Master Jiang, please have some tea.¡± Jiang Fan found it strange. She had been fierce just a moment ago, but changed as soon as she saw him? Xu Youran also looked puzzled. Wasn¡¯t she clamoring to teach Jiang Fan a lesson? What happened to make her suddenly so polite? Could it be that she was giving herself face and didn¡¯t want to make trouble with Jiang Fan? Thinking about it, Xu Youran smiled with relief: ¡°Fan, Silin is my best friend. She was just testing you earlier, don¡¯t take it to heart.¡± Jiang Fan nodded and wrote: ¡°Understand.¡± Chen Silin, however, was drenched in sweat. Recalling her earlier actions, she was terrified. She had been challenging the powerful support of the Chen family and even drew her sword against him. The more she thought about it, the more uneasy she felt, with a worried expression and a gentle voice: ¡°Young Master Jiang, I heard from Youran that the Xu Family Matriarch made things difficult for you during the betrothal gift.¡± ¡°Youran and I have been friends for many years, I can¡¯t sit back and do nothing.¡± ¡°I will have someone bring over 300,000 taels shortly, hoping it can help, Young Master Jiang.¡± She wanted to make amends. But Xu Youran was puzzled. Just now, Chen Silin didn¡¯t say that! She categorically stated she wouldn¡¯t help! She even swore to break them apart! So what happened? Jiang Fan hadn¡¯t even asked for help, and she offered it voluntarily. Even more outrageous was. During their subsequent interactions, Chen Silin left Xu Youran aside and kept being attentive to Jiang Fan. Offering snacks first to Jiang Fan. When touring the Chen Family garden, she introduced Jiang Fan first. Explaining the Chen family¡¯s history, she disclosed many secrets to Jiang Fan that Xu Youran didn¡¯t even know. Chen Silin had never been this enthusiastic with her over all these years! So. On the way back, Xu Youran was unhappy in the carriage. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Jiang Fan was sorting through the various big and small gifts Chen Silin had given. Noticing Xu Youran¡¯s troubled expression, he asked in confusion. Xu Youran looked at Jiang Fan, hesitant to speak. But in the end, she couldn¡¯t hold back and sourly said: ¡°It seems Chen Silin has fallen for you.¡± What? Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes widened: ¡°Don¡¯t talk nonsense!¡± Xu Youran felt even more bitter and said: ¡°I¡¯ve never seen her so interested in a man.¡± ¡°And at first, she was aggressive towards you, but seeing you in person, she changed.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that love at first sight?¡± As she spoke, her eyes reddened. She never dreamed her friend¡¯s melodramatic story of snatching a man would happen to her. Being kind-hearted, she didn¡¯t blame Chen Silin but felt bitter: ¡°Fan, if you think Chen Silin is good, choose her. I won¡¯t blame you.¡± Her eyes showed a hint of insecurity. In terms of family background, identity, and strength, Chen Silin was much stronger than her. Jiang Fan marrying her could bring endless benefits. And he wouldn¡¯t be entangled in troubles like he was with the Xu family. Seeing she was about to cry, Jiang Fan realized she was genuinely upset. He quickly pulled her into his arms. ¡°Silly girl!¡± ¡°No matter what Chen Silin feels about me, let¡¯s not talk about it.¡± ¡°But do my feelings for you need to be questioned?¡± ¡°During my most difficult time, it was you who saved me. This kindness deserves a lifetime to repay.¡± Hearing Jiang Fan¡¯s sincere words, Xu Youran started to feel better. ¡°I gave you a Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid earlier. Use it secretly, don¡¯t save it. I have plenty more.¡± ¡°Also, work hard on the High Yellow Level mental method,¡± Jiang Fan reminded her again. He considered giving her the top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid too. But he worried she might ask too many questions and discover his Soul Master identity. So for now, he let her use the Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid. Xu Youran¡¯s face finally showed a smile: ¡°Mm, I¡¯ll work hard.¡± With the Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid and the High Yellow Level mental method, she was confident she could quickly improve her cultivation. Although she couldn¡¯t catch up with Chen Silin, she would close the gap. Leaning against Jiang Fan, she regained some sense of security and said: ¡°Silin promised to help us gather the betrothal gifts, so we don¡¯t have to worry now.¡± However, when they returned to the Xu family. They saw several luxurious carriages parked at the Xu family¡¯s entrance. Upon entering, they found boxes covered with red paper lined up from the door to the living room. Seeing Xu Youran return. Wang Yingfeng¡¯s face beamed with joy: ¡°Youran, come quick! Meet Young Master Zhu!¡± ¡°Do you remember him?¡± Xu Youran, puzzled, walked into the hall and saw a young man in fine clothes sitting on par with her father, Xu Zhengyan. Tall and handsome, with a sharp and extraordinary gaze. His cultivation had reached the Foundation Establishment Realm! Except he was much older than Xu Youran, around thirty years old. ¡°Zhu Jianshen?¡± Xu Youran recognized him and called his name with slight resistance. Jiang Fan followed and couldn¡¯t help but frown. Why him? Five years ago, Zhu Jianshen was found to have a Fourth Grade Spirit Root. His relative from the Green Cloud Sect managed to bring him into the sect. Back then, he was only at the Third Layer of Qi Cultivation. Now, after years of training in the Green Cloud Sect, he had become a Foundation Establishment Realm expert! What Jiang Fan remembered most was Zhu Jianshen luring Xu Youran to a ruined temple, attempting to defile her. It was Jiang Fan¡¯s father who intervened and chased Zhu Jianshen away. That¡¯s why, after his father¡¯s death, Xu Youran took care of Jiang Fan. Xu Youran looked at the ground full of red boxes, feeling an ominous premonition: ¡°Father, what¡¯s this?¡± Xu Zhengyan sighed deeply and said: ¡°Young Master Zhu came back from the Green Cloud Sect to heal and, upon learning you were still unmarried, came to propose.¡± Propose? Xu Youran immediately opposed fiercely: ¡°I already have a fianc¨¦! Young Master Zhu, please take back these betrothal gifts!¡± Wang Yingfeng retorted: ¡°Fianc¨¦? You mean Jiang Fan? Did he present any betrothal gifts?¡± ¡°Even if he did, can he give as much as Young Master Zhu?¡± ¡°Do you know how much these gifts are worth? A total of 500,000 taels of silver!¡± ¡°Can Jiang Fan afford that?¡± Everyone turned their gazes to Jiang Fan. Many of the clan members showed sympathy. Poor Jiang Fan, facing one challenge after another. Zhu Jianshen also looked at Jiang Fan provocatively. If it hadn¡¯t been for Jiang Fan and his father, he would have already made Xu Youran his. But today¡¯s timing wasn¡¯t too late. 500,000 taels of betrothal gifts were enough to make Jiang Fan watch helplessly as his woman was taken away. Xu Youran was also anxious. Chen Silin had only promised 300,000 taels as the betrothal gift. 500,000 taels, Chen Silin couldn¡¯t produce such an amount all at once! At this moment. Jiang Fan unceremoniously wrote a line. ¡°After five years in the Green Cloud Sect, you could only come up with 500,000 taels for betrothal gifts?¡± Chapter 23 - Chapter 23: Chapter 23: A Slap Across the Face Chapter 23: Chapter 23: A Slap Across the Face Huh? The Xu family members looked at each other in confusion. Lu Zheng couldn¡¯t help but retort sarcastically, ¡°Just? Jiang Fan, have you forgotten that you are still living under someone¡¯s roof?¡± Wang Yingfeng sneered even more directly, ¡°If your ears are bad, I can repeat it again.¡± ¡°This is a betrothal gift worth 500,000 taels! 500,000!¡± ¡°Not five taels!¡± ¡°A man who doesn¡¯t even have five coppers dares to boast here?¡± Zhu Jianshen opened his folding fan and shook it gently, smiling, ¡°Aunt Wang, Brother Lu, please be more understanding towards Jiang Fan.¡± ¡°After all, it¡¯s normal to say extreme things when one¡¯s fianc¨¦e is taken away, feeling upset.¡± Then he changed his tone to a mocking one, ¡°However, Jiang Fan, let me tell you this.¡± ¡°One should have self-awareness. Look at yourself in the mirror and ask if you deserve Xu Youran?¡± ¡°A man who can¡¯t even afford a betrothal gift, still dreaming of marrying her?¡± The room burst into laughter. Xu Youran clenched her fists, wanting to say something, but Xu Yining beside her sighed softly, ¡°Sister, stop being naive.¡± ¡°A thousand words of defense from a woman are no match for a man¡¯s backbone.¡± ¡°Jiang Fan really doesn¡¯t deserve you!¡± Zhu Jianshen shook his fan more proudly, laughed disdainfully, and then turned to Wang Yingfeng and Xu Zhengyan, ¡°Uncle, Aunt, what do you think?¡± ¡°If you agree, please accept these betrothal gifts, and let¡¯s set the wedding date.¡± Wang Yingfeng readily agreed. But Xu Zhengyan kept frowning. After all, Zhu Jianshen almost defiled Xu Youran back in the day. His character was evidently poor. Could his daughter be happy marrying him? She might as well marry Jiang Fan. At least Jiang Fan¡¯s character had been observed over ten years and was found to be upright, a gentleman. ¡°Say something!¡± Wang Yingfeng urged impatiently. Xu Zhengyan sighed silently. This was where his hesitation lay. The Xu family still had to depend on Wang Yingfeng¡¯s family for support. Some matters required respecting her opinion. So he pondered for a long time but couldn¡¯t make a decision. Jiang Fan, however, slowly took out a thick stack of silver notes and slapped them on Zhu Jianshen¡¯s table. Everyone, including Xu Youran, looked on in shock. ¡°Silver notes?¡± Xu Zhengyan stepped forward in astonishment and counted the notes before Zhu Jianshen¡¯s face, exclaiming, ¡°510,000 taels!¡± What? Wang Yingfeng seized them in disbelief, ¡°Could they be fake?¡± 510,000, the Xu family¡¯s income for three years combined wouldn¡¯t be this much! Where did Jiang Fan, a person living under someone else¡¯s roof, get so many silver notes? But upon careful inspection, she found they were genuine notes from the largest bank in Lonely Boat City. Beside her, Xu Yining looked at the 510,000 taels silver notes in disbelief, muttering, ¡°He actually got this many silver notes!¡± Under the gaze of astonished eyes, Jiang Fan calmly wrote a note and slapped it in front of Zhu Jianshen. ¡°Mingling in Green Cloud Sect for five years, yet you can¡¯t even compare to me?¡± One had 510,000 taels. The other had 500,000 taels. The difference was clear. Such a humiliating slap in the face made Zhu Jianshen¡¯s face turn green. He slammed the table and roared, ¡°Jiang Fan! What do you mean?¡± Jiang Fan smirked and wrote quickly, ¡°Isn¡¯t my meaning clear?¡± ¡°Do you have the right to compete with me for Youran?¡± These words. Xu Youran, who felt downcast, blushed slightly and looked at Jiang Fan with sparkling eyes. Xu Yining suddenly felt a bit envious. Having 510,000 taels and being willing to spend it on a betrothal gift were two different things. Being willing to give all his wealth for Xu Youran showed how important she was to Jiang Fan. It seemed Xu Youran had found a man who truly cared for her. Xu Zhengyan showed a happy expression. Although he didn¡¯t know where Jiang Fan got the money, he could rightfully marry off his daughter. Wang Yingfeng checked the silver notes one by one, confirming they were not fake. Her face visibly darkened. Finally, in anger, she scattered the silver notes, glaring at Jiang Fan, ¡°510,000 taels of silver is still not enough!¡± ¡°I said it must be a betrothal gift that satisfies me!¡± ¡°And now, I am not satisfied! Understand?¡± The Xu family members saw the truth clearly. It was not that she was dissatisfied with the betrothal gift, she was dissatisfied with Jiang Fan. The same betrothal gift of 500,000 taels made her very satisfied with Zhu Jianshen but had a different attitude towards Jiang Fan. Jiang Fan remained unfazed, instead writing another note, ¡°That¡¯s right! I¡¯m not satisfied either!¡± ¡°Offering this 500,000 silver note is just to tell you that these things are not worthy of marrying the best woman in the world!¡± ¡°I hope you, the head wife, can widen your perspective a bit and not get lost over mere tens of thousands of taels!¡± Gasp! He actually dared to mock Wang Yingfeng right to her face! This was even more insulting than a slap! ¡°Jiang Fan!!¡± Wang Yingfeng¡¯s eyes widened in rage as she screamed, ¡°Who are you saying hasn¡¯t seen money?¡± Jiang Fan smirked, writing, ¡°Of course, it¡¯s the money-hungry you. It couldn¡¯t possibly be the one with 510,000 taels, could it?¡± Wang Yingfeng, furious, raised her hand to slap Jiang Fan. But Xu Zhengyan intercepted her, yelling sternly, ¡°Do you have no sense of shame left?¡± How could the head wife of a prestigious family act like a shrew and hit someone in public? Wang Yingfeng, unwilling to give up, shouted angrily, ¡°Jiang Fan! You have two more days! If you don¡¯t come up with a betrothal gift that satisfies me, you can forget about marrying Xu Youran! Forget it!!¡± Jiang Fan wrote calmly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, if my betrothal gift can¡¯t satisfy you, then no one in Lonely Boat City can marry Youran.¡± These words made Zhu Jianshen, who was standing beside, unable to ignore them. ¡°Look at you boasting!¡± Zhu Jianshen snorted coldly, ¡°I, the young master of the third largest family in Lonely Boat City, a disciple of Green Cloud Sect, am still inferior to you, a loser?¡± ¡°In two days, I¡¯ll come back to propose again. Just watch Xu Youran become my woman!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± The Zhu family¡¯s servants awkwardly carried back the boxes of gold and silver jewelry. Back at the Zhu family residence. ¡°Shen, why did you bring all the betrothal gifts back?¡± his mother Zhang Yuxiu asked in surprise. Zhu Jianshen, with a grim face, explained everything that had happened. Zhang Yuxiu immediately felt indignant for her son, ¡°Unbelievable! How can a man living under someone else¡¯s roof compete with my outstanding son?¡± ¡°Shen, don¡¯t worry! Isn¡¯t it just a betrothal gift? Mother will arrange everything for you herself!¡± ¡°With the Zhu family¡¯s wealth and connections, how could an orphan compete with us?¡± Immediately she ordered, ¡°Butler, prepare some gifts for me. Tomorrow I will visit the Chen family.¡± ¡°Their top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid is hard to come by! Fortunately, I am an old friend of the Chen family¡¯s mistress. How difficult could it be to buy a few bottles?¡± ¡°Shen, come with me to the Chen family tomorrow.¡± Zhu Jianshen suddenly looked up in astonishment, ¡°What? Our Lonely Boat City has top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid?¡± In Green Cloud Sect, only outstanding disciples were allowed to consume this! Zhang Yuxiu nodded, ¡°Yes, it started selling the day before yesterday, but only fifty bottles are sold daily. Without strong connections, you can¡¯t buy it.¡± ¡°Taking this as a betrothal gift, that Jiang boy will be left speechless!¡± Zhu Jianshen¡¯s brows furrowed, ¡°But Mother, top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid can only be refined by a two-star Soul Master.¡± ¡°Could it be that our little Lonely Boat City has produced a two-star Soul Master?¡± ¡°It¡¯s no joking matter!¡± ¡°In my opinion, you¡¯ve all been deceived.¡± What does a two-star Soul Master represent? Even the Green Cloud Sect Master would travel miles to personally visit such a being! How could one possibly be in this small Lonely Boat City? His words made Zhang Yuxiu uncertain. Since Green Cloud Sect had a two-star Soul Master, her son had more authority on this matter. Zhu Jianshen sneered, ¡°We¡¯ll see the truth tomorrow.¡± Chapter 24 - Chapter 24: Chapter 24: Refining Vicious Things Chapter 24: Chapter 24: Refining Vicious Things Xu Family. Xu Youran held her face with both hands, looking distressed. ¡°Fan, why is everything so difficult for us?¡± First, there was Lu Zheng stealing love. It took great effort for Jiang Fan to defeat Lu Zheng, and then there was an exorbitant dowry. Fortunately, Chen Silin was willing to help, but then came Zhu Jianshen, who had an incredibly high status and position. There was silence behind her. She turned her head to see Jiang Fan pouring Spiritual Liquid from a jade bottle into a teacup. He handed it to her: ¡°Drink it?¡± Xu Youran looked suspicious: ¡°What is it?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll know once you drink it.¡± Jiang Fan smiled, turned around, and picked up a pen to transcribe something. Xu Youran pondered briefly before drinking it swiftly. Anyone in this world might harm her, but never Jiang Fan. Unexpectedly, as soon as the Spiritual Liquid entered her stomach, it churned violently, causing her meridians to ache. ¡°Fan, what is this?¡± Surprised, Xu Youran saw Jiang Fan handing her several pages of prepared text: ¡°Cultivate according to this mental method.¡± Mental method? Xu Youran knew exactly how precious mental methods were. The Xu Family, despite its reputation, only practiced an unknown mental method, not even at the Lower level. Feeling the intense pain in her stomach, she wasted no time, sat cross-legged, and began to cultivate as instructed by the mental method. About half a day later. Suddenly. Xu Youran¡¯s slender body shook, and a strong Spiritual Power emanated from her. ¡°Qi Cultivation Third Layer?¡± Xu Youran exclaimed in disbelief: ¡°Fan, what did you make me cultivate?¡± What else could it be? Of course, it was that Yellow Level High-grade mental method, the ¡°Pure Wind Scripture¡±. However, what truly enabled her to break through in a short period was the top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid. ¡°These are all things my father left me.¡± Jiang Fan handed her another mysterious liquid. Xu Youran suddenly understood. No wonder Jiang Fan had changed so much recently. His cultivation had advanced rapidly, suddenly having so much money, and possessing a seemingly powerful mental method. She took the teacup again, drank the entire bottle of top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid in one gulp, and continued to cultivate sitting cross-legged. Jiang Fan also swallowed a bottle and sat beside her to cultivate. The next morning. Seeing Xu Youran still in meditation, Jiang Fan quietly packed newly refined Qi Cultivation Liquid and went to the Chen Family. ¡°Senior, you¡¯re here so early?¡± The shopkeeper, stepping out of the mansion, saw the burly Jiang Fan and exclaimed: ¡°Miss is busy cleaning the warehouse. I¡¯ll take you to the guest hall to rest and immediately inform Miss.¡± ¡°No need for such trouble, just take me straight to her.¡± Thus. In front of the Chen Family¡¯s warehouse, Jiang Fan saw Chen Silin, with her slender waist, intently counting various herbs on the ground. A pink top, a blue long skirt, and a simple yet tasteful combination that gave a sweet impression. Her full posterior pressed against the long skirt, outlining a pair of peach petals. ¡°Miss, senior has arrived.¡± The shopkeeper reminded from afar. Chen Silin stood up hurriedly, turned her head, and almost blurted out Jiang Fan¡¯s name. Luckily, she caught herself and quickly corrected: ¡°Senior, you¡¯ve arrived.¡± Jiang Fan looked at the scattered materials on the ground: ¡°What are these?¡± Chen Silin, having moved around for a while, her pretty face flushed, making her skin look like peach blossoms. ¡°Reporting to senior, these are some expired or unsellable herbs. They can only be discarded or sold at a low price.¡± Really? Jiang Fan glanced over. These materials weighed at least hundreds of pounds, all filled with Spiritual Energy, Heavenly Materials, and Earthly Treasures. It would be a pity to just throw them away. Suddenly, Jiang Fan¡¯s gaze was drawn to an old jade box, inside which lay a branch. Several fiery red, soybean-sized fruits grew on it. ¡°Oh?¡± Jiang Fan picked up the jade box and scrutinized it for a while, saying, ¡°It¡¯s actually Forget River Beans?¡± ¡°Are you really going to throw away such treasures?¡± In the ¡°Taiyin Soul Technique,¡± there is a third-grade Spirit Pill called the Beauty-Restore Pill. It can turn white hair black and rejuvenate the skin, a treasure women dream of. However, its main ingredient, the Forget River Bean, is extremely rare. It is formed from the tears of a demon called Forget River, reminiscing about its past in its old age. Unexpectedly, the Chen Family actually had one. ¡°Senior has great knowledge, recognizing the Forget River Beans.¡± Chen Silin, with a faint fragrance, approached and gazed at the well-disguised Jiang Fan with sparkling eyes, softly saying: ¡°My grandfather found this on a cliff when he was young. After consulting countless ancient books, he learned it was a Forget River Bean, the legendary main ingredient of the Beauty-Restore Pill.¡± ¡°Unfortunately, it is a third-grade Spirit Pill, and no one can refine it.¡± A Second Grade Soul Master is already a formidable presence. Not to mention the legendary Third Grade Soul Master? Where could the Chen Family find such a person? ¡°We have the Forget River Beans, but without a Soul Master, it¡¯s been a hidden treasure for decades. I planned to sell it cheaply.¡± Sell it? Jiang Fan¡¯s mouth twitched violently. Such wastefulness? ¡°Since you want to sell it, why not give it to me? I¡¯ll refine it into a Beauty-Restore Pill and give you one as payment. How about that?¡± Hmm? Chen Silin blinked her clear eyes, reminding him: ¡°Senior, the Beauty-Restore Pill is a third-grade Spirit Pill, only a Third Grade Soul Master can refine it.¡± Jiang Fan replied: ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Hiss! Chen Silin¡¯s eyes widened, covering her rosy lips, exclaiming: ¡°You¡­ you are a Third Grade Soul Master?¡± A Second Grade and a Third Grade, though only one grade apart, were worlds apart! The Green Cloud Sect Master held the Second Grade Soul Master they hired with great respect. But if the person were a Third Grade Soul Master, it wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration to say the Sect Master would kneel in respect! Jiang Fan was actually a Third Grade Soul Master? She found it hard to believe. Jiang Fan said: ¡°You¡¯ll see once I start refining. Provide me with a secret room.¡± Chen Silin came back to her senses and quickly led the way: ¡°There¡¯s one beside the warehouse.¡± Jiang Fan nodded, handed her the forty bottles of top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid he had refined the previous day, and stepped into the secret room. He wasn¡¯t entirely sure of his Soul Master level. But being able to refine top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, surpassing his father, a Second Grade Soul Master, refining this pill shouldn¡¯t be an issue, right? With curiosity, he began the refining process. At the same time. Zhang Yuxiu and Zhu Jianshen, accompanied by the Chen Family Matriarch Liu Qimin, arrived at the warehouse. ¡°Siling, come meet Young Master Zhu.¡± Standing by the secret room, Chen Silin did not move but bowed from afar. Lowering her voice to avoid disturbing Jiang Fan, she said: ¡°Mrs. Zhu, Young Master Zhu, I¡¯m unable to come over. Please forgive me.¡± Seeing this, Liu Qimin lightly frowned. Zhu Jianshen was a disciple of the Green Cloud Sect, of significant status. Personally visiting, how could he be treated so indifferently? ¡°Siling! Do not be rude! What could be more important than paying respects to Young Master Zhu?¡± Zhu Jianshen was examining Chen Silin. Her sweet and fresh demeanor, seductive figure, made his eyes light up. Though not as stunning as Xu Youran, she was also an irresistible beauty. He courteously said: ¡°Miss Chen, what are you doing?¡± Glancing at the secret room she guarded, he searched for a topic. In front of a Green Cloud Sect disciple, Chen Silin dared not be arrogant, so she explained: ¡°To be honest, Young Master Zhu, a Soul Master senior is refining pills inside.¡± ¡°Forgive me for not being able to chat with you, lest I disturb the senior.¡± Soul Master senior? Zhu Jianshen¡¯s lips curled: ¡°Quite a coincidence.¡± ¡°Alright, let¡¯s see how I expose him as a fake Soul Master!¡± ¡°Daring to bluff before me, Zhu Jianshen, I¡¯ll unmask him!¡± Chapter 25 - Chapter 25: Chapter 25 He is a Fake Soul Master Chapter 25: Chapter 25 He is a Fake Soul Master With the intention of showing off in front of Chen Silin, Zhu Jianshen carefully took out a bottle of Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid from his pocket. He boasted, ¡°This is the authentic Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid awarded to me personally by that Second Grade Soul Master from the Green Cloud Sect.¡± ¡°I have been reluctant to drink it, but today, to ensure Miss Chen is not deceived, I am willing to use it.¡± Deceived? Chen Silin showed a surprised expression. Her mother, Liu Qimin, worriedly explained, ¡°Siling, Young Master Zhu said just now that the Second Grade Soul Master our Chen family met might be fake.¡± ¡°I have been thinking, why would a Second Grade Soul Master stay in a small place like Lonely Boat City.¡± ¡°If you take out a bottle of Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid and compare it with the authentic one, you¡¯ll know if it¡¯s real or not.¡± Suspect Jiang Fan? Chen Silin got a bit angry and said, ¡°I appreciate Young Master Zhu¡¯s kind intention, but I can distinguish whether the Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid is fake or not!¡± Even if she was young and inexperienced, the shopkeeper couldn¡¯t make a mistake, right? Nor would the powerful figures who bought the Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid be mistaken, right? Zhu Jianshen¡¯s tone grew serious, ¡°Miss Chen, what you don¡¯t know is that there has indeed been a batch of counterfeit Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid rampant within the Green Cloud Sect territory recently.¡± ¡°According to reliable sources, it is likely the work of the Blood Bat Palace. They manufacture a large quantity of counterfeit Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid to deceive martial artists for their money.¡± ¡°Not only is this medicine ineffective, but it also contains some toxicity, leading to many deaths.¡± ¡°If your Chen family gets deceived and sells fake Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, causing casualties, the consequences would be unbearable.¡± Upon hearing this. Chen Silin¡¯s heart skipped a beat. She couldn¡¯t help but waver a little. Zhu Jianshen continued, ¡°Miss Chen, take out a bottle of the Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid made by this fake Soul Master and compare it with mine. You will know whether it is real or fake.¡± This¡­ Chen Silin bit her red lips slightly. Doing this would mean suspecting Jiang Fan? When Liu Qimin heard this, her face changed dramatically, feeling the situation was severe, and said, ¡°Siling, what are you hesitating for?¡± ¡°Your father is seriously ill in bed; you can¡¯t afford to make any mistakes.¡± Thus, Chen Silin hesitated for a moment, then gritted her teeth, took out a bottle of just exchanged Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, and walked over, saying, ¡°How do we compare them?¡± Smelling the intoxicating fragrance from Chen Silin, Zhu Jianshen couldn¡¯t help but feel restless. If he unmasked the fake Soul Master, it would be equivalent to saving the entire Chen family. By then, even if Chen Silin had to commit herself to him, the Chen family would have no objections, right? Suppressing the restless evil fire in his heart, Zhu Jianshen took out two gray-brown seeds. ¡°These are Spirit-finding Flower seeds. They are very sensitive to spiritual energy and are usually used to precisely distinguish the grade of Qi Cultivation Liquid.¡± ¡°Just watering them with a bottle of Qi Cultivation Liquid will make them emit different height sprouts based on the absorbed spiritual energy.¡± ¡°Thus, determining the quality of the Qi Cultivation Liquid.¡± Pausing for a moment, Zhu Jianshen glanced at the Qi Cultivation Liquid in Chen Silin¡¯s palm and said, ¡°Of course, if it¡¯s fake Qi Cultivation Liquid, the seed will not move at all.¡± ¡°If Miss Chen doesn¡¯t have any other questions, let¡¯s begin.¡± Zhu Jianshen first opened his Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, feeling very reluctant. He hadn¡¯t even been willing to drink it himself. But if he could save the Chen family and win over Chen Silin, a great beauty, this bottle would be worth it. Gritting his teeth, he poured an entire bottle of Qi Cultivation Liquid onto a seed. After three breaths. A miraculous scene occurred. The seed swelled, cracked, sprouted, and grew at a speed visible to the naked eye. In less than ten breaths, it grew into a three-inch-tall, lush green sprout. Zhu Jianshen said, ¡°One inch means Low Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, two inches is Mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, three inches is authentic Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid.¡± ¡°Miss Chen, it¡¯s your turn.¡± Chen Silin was a bit nervous. If it was fake, what should she do? Should she uphold justice for Xu Youran and take down Jiang Fan? Liu Qimin urged with concern, ¡°Siling! What are you hesitating for?¡± Helpless. Chen Silin had to bite her red lips and hesitantly pour the Qi Cultivation Liquid onto the seed. Then, her crystal-clear eyes stared unblinkingly at the seed. In her heart, she silently prayed that it must be real! If not, the Chen family would be doomed. Not only would they be unable to surpass the Qin family, but they would also have to pay a heavy price for the previously sold fake Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid. Zhu Jianshen, on the other hand, looked relaxed, with a victorious smile on his lips. Even with simple logic, it was obvious that this bottle must be fake. After all, there was only one Second Grade Soul Master within the Green Cloud Sect territory. Three breaths passed. The seed indeed remained motionless. Chen Silin¡¯s heart skipped a beat and ached faintly. Her beautiful face visibly showed signs of panic. What she feared most had happened! It turned out to be fake! Zhu Jianshen smiled slightly, revealing the demeanor of a benefactor, saying, ¡°Miss Chen, fortunately, I appeared in time.¡± ¡°The Chen family is not deeply affected yet, and there is still room for maneuver.¡± Liu Qimin¡¯s body swayed, almost unable to stand, her face turning pale. She hurriedly said to Zhu Jianshen, ¡°Thanks to Young Master Zhu, otherwise, our Chen family would be doomed!¡± ¡°You have done our Chen family a great favor. Please accept my bow!¡± She was about to kneel down. Zhu Jianshen courteously helped her up and said, ¡°Aunt, you are too kind.¡± ¡°I got along well with Silin and couldn¡¯t bear to see her fall into the crime of the family, so I helped.¡± Everyone could understand his implication. Liu Qimin was also delighted. If her daughter got the favor of a disciple from the Green Cloud Sect and it turned into a marriage, it would be the best possible outcome. She hurriedly said, ¡°Siling, shouldn¡¯t you thank Young Master Zhu?¡± Chen Silin was still in shock from the drastic turn of events, dazedly saying, ¡°Thank you, Young Master Zhu.¡± Liu Qimin deliberately tried to matchmake them and scolded, ¡°Is this the way to thank someone?¡± She held Chen Silin¡¯s hand and placed it in Zhu Jianshen¡¯s palm, smiling, ¡°Take Young Master Zhu and have a good walk in our garden.¡± Only then, Chen Silin suddenly came to her senses and quickly withdrew her hand, saying, ¡°Mother! What are you doing?¡± Liu Qimin simply spoke straightforwardly, ¡°Siling, Young Master Zhu sacrificed a bottle of authentic Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid for you, isn¡¯t his affection clear?¡± She grabbed Chen Silin¡¯s hand again, saying, ¡°Besides, Young Master Zhu saved our entire Chen family, saving dozens of lives.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it right for you to express your gratitude to him properly?¡± Chen Silin continued to struggle. But it was very feeble. Because Zhu Jianshen indeed had a great favor. Just as she was about to be handed over to Zhu Jianshen, she suddenly glimpsed something from the corner of her eye and quickly shook off Liu Qimin¡¯s hand, exclaiming: ¡°It moved! The seed moved!¡± Chapter 26 - Chapter 26: Chapter 26: The Lethality of the Beauty-Restore Pill Chapter 26: Chapter 26: The Lethality of the Beauty-Restore Pill What? Liu Qimin and Zhang Yuxiu looked over simultaneously, both surprised, ¡°It¡¯s really moving!¡± Zhu Jianshen also looked over in amazement. The previously motionless seed started to wobble as it swelled. ¡°This¡­¡± He was both shocked and secretly furious. Just when the beauty was about to be in his grasp, the seed reacted! His current mood was like being abruptly interrupted at the height of passion. Feeling particularly displeased, he snorted: ¡°Even if it¡¯s moving, it doesn¡¯t mean anything. It only shows that the fake Qi Cultivation Liquid contains a bit of spiritual energy.¡± However. Just as he finished speaking. The seed, having swelled to the extreme, cracked and sprouted. A verdant green shoot grew rapidly! One inch, two inches, three inches! Chen Silin¡¯s face suddenly burst with joy and exclaimed excitedly, ¡°Mother! Three inches! It¡¯s three inches! It¡¯s really Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid! He didn¡¯t deceive us!¡± Zhu Jianshen couldn¡¯t believe it, ¡°How is this possible?¡± ¡°How could there be a second Second Grade Soul Master within the Green Cloud Sect?¡± ¡°Could it be that he got his Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid from the black market in Green Cloud Sect?¡± He thought about it and arrived at only one explanation! But at this moment. Chen Silin suddenly covered her mouth and exclaimed, ¡°Wait! It¡¯s still growing!¡± Everyone stared intently, and indeed, the shoot continued to grow slowly until it reached three and a half inches before it slowly stopped. Chen Silin clenched her fists in excitement and said: ¡°Three and a half inches! Does this mean that our family senior¡¯s Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid is of a higher quality than that of the Soul Masters from Green Cloud Sect?¡± Upon hearing this, Zhang Yuxiu was also shocked and said, ¡°Shen, didn¡¯t you say that this Soul Master from the Chen Family was a fake?¡± ¡°Why is it that the Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid he refined isn¡¯t just real, but it¡¯s also stronger than the one from Green Cloud Sect?¡± This question stumped Zhu Jianshen. He looked into the secret chamber where the unknown Second Grade Soul Master was, no longer daring to show any disrespect. All he felt was awe. However, the confidence with which he had made his earlier assertions now seemed like a slap in his own face. Unwillingly, he muttered softly, ¡°Even if he is a Second Grade Soul Master, it doesn¡¯t necessarily mean he¡¯s better than the ones from our Green Cloud Sect.¡± ¡°The Soul Masters of our Green Cloud Sect are veterans who have gone through numerous battles.¡± ¡°Perhaps this senior just happened to refine a slightly better batch of Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid.¡± At this. Even Chen Silin, who had deep respect and admiration for Jiang Fan, did not see any issue. The Soul Master seniors of the Green Cloud Sect were renowned figures. They had refined countless spirit pills in their lifetime. In contrast, Jiang Fan was still young. Just a single bottle of Qi Cultivation Liquid was far from enough to prove that he surpassed the seniors of Green Cloud Sect. But at this moment! A dull sound suddenly echoed from the closed secret chamber. A wisp of faint red smoke drifted out, spreading into the air, instantly filled the courtyard with an enchanting fragrance of medicinal herbs. Just by inhaling a breath, the faces of Zhang Yuxiu and Liu Qimin, two middle-aged women, showed a look of fascination. ¡°What is this? It somewhat resembles beauty pills, but the fragrance is much more superior!¡± As noblewomen of Lonely Boat City, they had always used expensive beauty pills. So they immediately recognized the type of medicinal fragrance. However, compared to this fragrance, the high-end beauty products they were used to seemed extremely inferior. Zhu Jianshen looked puzzled, ¡°The Soul Master seniors of Green Cloud Sect once said that the higher the grade of the pills, the more intense the fragrance when they are refined.¡± ¡°Miss Chen, what kind of pills is this senior refining?¡± Chen Silin was also stunned. Staring unblinkingly at the secret chamber, she said in a tone of disbelief, ¡°He said he was refining Beauty-Restore Pills.¡± Zhu Jianshen had never heard of this pill before. Zhang Yuxiu was shocked and exclaimed, ¡°The legendary pill that can turn white hair black and rejuvenate the skin, Beauty-Restore Pill?¡± Liu Qimin trembled with excitement, ¡°Siling, you mustn¡¯t say such things lightly. This is a Third Grade Spirit Pill. No one in the world can refine it.¡± This kind of legendary pill had a devastating allure for women, especially those who were older. No one could resist! Chen Silin said, ¡°The senior took away the Forget River Bean, said he wanted to refine Beauty-Restore Pills, and promised to give me one as payment for the materials.¡± ¡°Just not sure if the one refined now is the Beauty-Restore Pill.¡± Upon hearing this. Liu Qimin excitedly grasped Chen Silin¡¯s shoulders, ¡°Did he really say he would give you one?¡± ¡°Great, great, great! My good daughter! You have given me an immense surprise!¡± ¡°Handing over the family business to you was the best decision of my life.¡± Chen Silin¡¯s eye twitched slightly. When her father was seriously ill, and the family members recommended Chen Silin take over the family business, her mother was the first to oppose. She thought Chen Silin was too young and that the family business should be managed by herself, the main lady. But since she never actually took part in managing the business, the family members worried she wouldn¡¯t be able to handle it and insisted on letting Chen Silin take charge. This caused a rift between the mother and daughter. Now, with a Beauty-Restore Pill, her mother¡¯s attitude changed 180 degrees instantly. Zhang Yuxiu, on the other hand, became anxious. The thought of someone else having a miraculous item like the Beauty-Restore Pill when she did not was more unbearable than death. ¡°Siling, my dear, you must help Auntie get one too. No matter the price, I¡¯m willing to pay!¡± Chen Silin immediately shook her head, ¡°Such a Soul Master senior isn¡¯t someone who will heed my requests so easily.¡± ¡°I can only ask whether the senior is willing to sell one to you.¡± Upon hearing this, Zhang Yuxiu was overjoyed and hurriedly took off the valuable jade bracelet on her wrist, stuffing it into Chen Silin¡¯s hand. ¡°My dear, Auntie is counting on you.¡± ¡°As long as you plead on my behalf, regardless of the outcome, this jade bracelet is yours.¡± Chen Silin was startled. This bracelet was worth ten thousand taels of silver! She hurriedly waved her hands, ¡°No, no, I can¡¯t accept it. It¡¯s too valuable¡­¡± Clack¨C At this moment. The stone door of the secret chamber opened. Amid the faint red smoke, Jiang Fan looked at the three crimson Beauty-Restore Pills in his palm. The best one among them was a Top Grade Beauty-Restore Pill. The other two were Low Grade Beauty-Restore Pills. He planned to use the Top Grade Beauty-Restore Pill as part of the betrothal gift. As for the remaining two pills. One was promised to Chen Silin. And the other one could be sold. He just didn¡¯t know how much it was worth. Thinking of this. He stored away one Top Grade and one Low Grade Beauty-Restore Pill, and put the last Beauty-Restore Pill into a jade bottle and walked out of the secret chamber. Only then did he notice that besides Chen Silin, there were three others in the yard. One of whom was Zhu Jianshen, the Green Cloud Sect disciple who had competed with him for the betrothal gift just the day before. ¡°Senior, how did the refining go?¡± Chen Silin asked cautiously. Jiang Fan smiled and tossed the jade bottle in his hand to her, ¡°This is yours.¡± Chen Silin took it and immediately felt the extraordinary nature of the pill even through the jade bottle. ¡°Beauty-Restore Pill!¡± Liu Qimin snatched it over excitedly and examined it closely: ¡°That¡¯s right! It¡¯s exactly like the Beauty-Restore Pill illustration your grandfather once drew. I¡¯ve seen it countless times!¡± ¡°Daughter, may I have it?¡± Chen Silin was speechless. She had no doubt that if she dared to say no, Liu Qimin would disown her on the spot. ¡°You better ask the senior.¡± Chen Silin didn¡¯t dare make the decision. Jiang Fan said indifferently, ¡°Since it¡¯s given to you, you can decide for yourself.¡± Then, he started to leave. Zhang Yuxiu quickly bowed deeply and respectfully said, ¡°Senior, may I ask if you have any extra Beauty-Restore Pills?¡± Chen Silin also immediately spoke up, ¡°Senior, this is Mrs. Zhu, her son is a Green Cloud Sect disciple.¡± ¡°Could you sell her a Beauty-Restore Pill?¡± Oh? Zhu Jianshen¡¯s mother? Jiang Fan smiled meaningfully and then left. Zhu Jianshen, with a nearly worshipful fervor in his eyes, rushed to block Jiang Fan¡¯s way and knelt down with a thud. ¡°Green Cloud Sect disciple Zhu Jianshen, pays respects to the senior!¡± Chapter 27 - Chapter 27: Chapter 27: The Ladies Have Gone Crazy Chapter 27: Chapter 27: The Ladies Have Gone Crazy This was a Soul Master capable of refining third-grade spirit pills. This meant his rank was third-grade! A rare third-grade Soul Master! In front of him, the second-grade Soul Masters of the Green Cloud Sect bowed their heads and addressed themselves as disciples! This was an intimidating, peerless powerhouse. If he didn¡¯t seize the opportunity, he would deserve to live in the lowest tier of the martial world forever! Jiang Fan looked down at him and said indifferently, ¡°What is it?¡± Zhu Jianshen¡¯s heart raced wildly, and he stammered, ¡°Senior, I admire the Soul Master path. I am willing to offer all the Zhu Family¡¯s wealth if you would take me as your disciple.¡± Though it was abrupt. Zhu Jianshen understood that meeting a third-grade Soul Master was like hitting the jackpot. To utter a word with him was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If he didn¡¯t speak quickly, he might lose the chance forever. Jiang Fan laughed. First, he tried to steal my woman, then he knelt down to beg to be my disciple? He straightforwardly said, ¡°You are not qualified.¡± With that, he started to leave. Zhang Yuxiu panicked and slapped Zhu Jianshen, scolding, ¡°Are you crazy?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you see your own status? How dare you try to cling to a senior?¡± A third-grade Soul Master, was that something their little Zhu Family could attach themselves to? Even the Green Cloud Sect Master would kneel before such a peerless figure. A regular disciple of the Green Cloud Sect wanted to become his disciple? He looked like a clown! Moreover, he angered the senior, jeopardizing their chance to get the Beauty-Restore Pill. She hurriedly chased after him, bowing repeatedly and apologizing, ¡°Senior, I¡¯m sorry, my son has never seen the world. Please forgive him.¡± ¡°About the Beauty-Restore Pill, could you please show some leniency?¡± Chen Silin also cast a disdainful glance at Zhu Jianshen. Didn¡¯t he have any self-awareness? To want to be a disciple upon first meeting? It was sheer madness! She then respectfully looked at Jiang Fan, and softly said, ¡°Senior, could you extend our Chen Family some courtesy and please sell one more Beauty-Restore Pill?¡± ¡°I¡¯m sure Mrs. Zhu is willing to pay any price.¡± Upon hearing this, Zhang Yuxiu felt immense gratitude. Just with this sentence, she knew her jade bracelet worth ten thousand taels hadn¡¯t been given to Chen Silin in vain. Oh? Jiang Fan pondered. The Beauty-Restore Pill seemed even more popular than he had expected. Liu Qimin and Zhang Yuxiu, the two top ladies of Lonely Boat City, were so fervent. After a slight consideration, Jiang Fan took out a low-grade Beauty-Restore Pill and said, ¡°Indeed, there¡¯s still one bottle.¡± ¡°However, I¡¯m not sure about its value; if I ask too high, Mrs. Zhu would suffer, too low, I would suffer.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s do this. Hold a bidding auction, and the highest bidder wins.¡± With that, he threw the Beauty-Restore Pill to Chen Silin, ¡°I¡¯ll leave it to your Chen Family to organize.¡± This action nearly made Chen Silin scream! She quickly ran to catch it with both hands. This was a Beauty-Restore Pill! To toss it casually like an ordinary item, if it were to break, what a loss that would be? Yet, she immediately showed immense gratitude, exclaiming, ¡°Rest assured, senior, we¡¯ll definitely hold a grand auction.¡± A third-grade spirit pill, and an incredibly rare Beauty-Restore Pill at that! Once auctioned, what a commotion it would cause? At least the noblewomen of Lonely Boat City would be restless. By then, the scene¡­ Chen Silin felt a surge of excitement; this was an excellent opportunity to elevate the status of the Chen Family! After Jiang Fan left. Zhang Yuxiu lamented, ¡°Alas! If it¡¯s an auction, I might not win this pill!¡± ¡°Those old women would be willing to offer their husbands and sons for the Beauty-Restore Pill.¡± Chen Silin covered her mouth and giggled. At the same time, Liu Qimin, with a look of satisfaction, swallowed the Beauty-Restore Pill. In front of everyone, her gray hair turned black, the wrinkles on her face smoothed out at a visible speed, and her skin became white and tender. In her forties, she transformed, looking like a youthful woman in her early thirties. Standing with Chen Silin, they appeared more like sisters than mother and daughter! In just a few breaths, a middle-aged woman became a youthful one! Such a world-shattering transformation stunned Zhang Yuxiu, ¡°This, this is the effect of the Beauty-Restore Pill?¡± Her breath quickened, and she pulled Zhu Jianshen up, ¡°Let¡¯s go! Go home immediately and prepare the money!¡± ¡°No matter the cost, I must win this Beauty-Restore Pill!¡± ¡°I must!¡± As for the critical matter of her son¡¯s marriage to Xu Youran. She had already thrown it beyond the nine-layered heaven. When Jiang Fan returned home. Xu Youran was anxiously searching for him. ¡°Fan Fan, did you hear? The Chen Family is preparing to auction a Beauty-Restore Pill!¡± Her face was full of surprise, ¡°The whole noblewomen¡¯s circle in Lonely Boat City is buzzing with it. Even the City Lord¡¯s Wife declared she must get it.¡± ¡°For this, she even had a fierce argument with the City Lord.¡± Really? Jiang Fan touched his nose. He hadn¡¯t even reached home, yet news had spread throughout the city? Moreover, the Beauty-Restore Pill¡¯s appeal was indeed too immense? Seeing Xu Youran¡¯s astonished expression, Jiang Fan asked in surprise, ¡°Do you also want the Beauty-Restore Pill?¡± Xu Youran was in the prime of her youth and beauty; it would be of no use to her. ¡°How could I dare think that?¡± Xu Youran laughed and cried, ¡°With so many noblewomen vying for it, what am I?¡± ¡°I just thought of Father. Over the years, he has exhausted himself for the Xu Family, aging rapidly.¡± Jiang Fan nodded slightly. He recalled that when he came to the Xu Family ten years ago, Xu Zhengyan was still a vigorous middle-aged man with bright eyes. Ten years later, he was worn out and haggard. Standing with the well-maintained Wang Yingfeng, they looked like people of two different age groups. ¡°It will happen.¡± Jiang Fan smiled knowingly. Xu Youran sighed, ¡°Don¡¯t speak so casually, it¡¯s not something I can even touch.¡± While they were conversing. Xu Zhengyan appeared out of nowhere, standing at a corner, and quietly beckoned them over. The two walked over in surprise. Xu Zhengyan confirmed there was no one around and carefully took out a bundle of silver notes. The large ones were ten thousand taels, the small ones one hundred taels. Sparsely, it amounted to ten thousand taels in total. He stuffed them all into Xu Youran¡¯s hands. ¡°Father? What¡¯s this?¡± Xu Youran asked in astonishment. Xu Zhengyan¡¯s eyes showed a trace of guilt, ¡°These are the private savings I¡¯ve accumulated over the years.¡± ¡°I intended to secretly give them to you after your marriage, to help you and your husband live well.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t expect your stepmother to demand such exorbitant betrothal gifts.¡± ¡°Take this money, go to the Chen Family¡¯s auction tomorrow, and bid for that Beauty-Restore Pill.¡± Xu Zhengyan sighed, ¡°Your stepmother is now in a frenzy, determined to get that Beauty-Restore Pill.¡± ¡°If you use it as a betrothal gift, even if she disagrees with your marriage, she will endure it for the pill.¡± Xu Youran was speechless, looking at Xu Zhengyan¡¯s aged appearance, tears of emotion welled up in her eyes. She never thought Xu Zhengyan cared for her. She thought he only cared about her sister, Xu Yining. ¡°Tomorrow, accompany Youran and try to win it.¡± ¡°I hope, ultimately, that you will marry Youran.¡± Xu Zhengyan patted Jiang Fan¡¯s shoulder, showing rare approval. After speaking, he looked around and quietly left. Jiang Fan felt a sense of comfort, ¡°So, he still has his eldest daughter in his heart.¡± ¡°Just that, for the family¡¯s interest, he had to care more for the younger daughter.¡± This future father-in-law wasn¡¯t entirely useless. However. Looking at the silver notes in Xu Youran¡¯s hands, Jiang Fan¡¯s forehead was full of black lines. Spending money to bid on his own item? Who would believe it if told? Chapter 28 - Chapter 28: Chapter 28 The One Who Should Leave is You Chapter 28: Chapter 28 The One Who Should Leave is You The next day. Jiang Fan left the house with Xu Youran, feeling both amused and helpless, and they arrived at the Treasure Pavilion. Today¡¯s auction was to be held inside the Treasure Pavilion. Just as the two arrived, two people hurriedly walked up behind them. It was Wang Yingfeng, accompanied by Xu Yining. Seeing Jiang Fan and Xu Youran, Wang Yingfeng was visibly taken aback, then frowned and said, ¡°Are you here to bid for the Beauty-Restore Pill as well?¡± Xu Youran bowed slightly and nodded. Wang Yingfeng, still holding a grudge against Jiang Fan for the embarrassment he had caused her, snorted, ¡°Don¡¯t think that just because you know Chen Silin, you can secure the Beauty-Restore Pill!¡± ¡°Soon, you¡¯ll witness the true strength of the Xu Family!¡± With that, she and Xu Yining quickly walked into the Treasure Pavilion. Jiang Fan sighed lightly and said, ¡°Youran, having someone like her in the Xu Family is a curse, not a blessing.¡± ¡°The Xu Family didn¡¯t even think of using the family¡¯s resources when the Qin Family was demanding repayment.¡± ¡°Yet, she¡¯s willing to use the family¡¯s resources just to preserve her looks.¡± Xu Youran pursed her lips. Over the years, Xu Zhengyan had been secretly saving up his pocket money, reluctant to spend it frivolously. But Wang Yingfeng, for the sake of her appearance, squandered the family¡¯s money recklessly. However, what could she do about it? ¡°Let¡¯s go, we¡¯ll do our best to bid for the Beauty-Restore Pill.¡± The two walked in side by side. Her stunning beauty, like a crane among chickens, immediately drew everyone¡¯s attention. ¡°Hm? Youran, you¡¯re here too?¡± Zhu Jianshen, sitting in the front row, immediately smiled and quickly approached. Seeing Jiang Fan beside her, his expression immediately turned sour: ¡°Do you belong in a place like this?¡± ¡°Do you know what¡¯s happening here? This is an auction for the Beauty-Restore Pill!¡± Jiang Fan shook his head and wrote, ¡°If it weren¡¯t for Young Master Zhu¡¯s reminder, I really wouldn¡¯t have known.¡± Reading the obviously mocking words, Zhu Jianshen grew even more displeased. ¡°You pretentious fool! Do you think possessing 510,000 taels and standing in the auction room means you can stand on equal footing with me?¡± ¡°Do you see the seating arrangement here?¡± ¡°Here, the seating arrangement represents identity, status, and foundation!¡± He shouted confidently: ¡°My Zhu Family sits in the front row, whereas you don¡¯t even have the right to sit; you can only stand!¡± ¡°Shaming yourself is one thing, but taking Youran down with you?¡± As he spoke. He turned and looked at Xu Youran, ignoring her cold expression, and smiled, ¡°Youran, come sit with the Zhu Family?¡± ¡°My mother also wants to meet you.¡± He even reached out, trying to pull Xu Youran over. Jiang Fan unobtrusively stood in front of him, blocking his dirty hand, and wrote, ¡°No need, my Youran prefers to stand.¡± ¡°Right, Youran?¡± Xu Youran smiled and nodded, affectionately holding onto Jiang Fan¡¯s arm. This caused Zhu Jianshen¡¯s eyes to narrow. He considered Xu Youran his woman; how could he tolerate another man touching her? At this moment. The shopkeeper of the Treasure Pavilion happened to walk by. He immediately called out, ¡°Shopkeeper Qin.¡± Seeing it was the Young Master of the Zhu Family, a disciple of the Green Cloud Sect, Shopkeeper Qin quickly bowed respectfully, ¡°Young Master Zhu, your esteemed presence brings glory to our humble pavilion.¡± Zhu Jianshen straightened up and said, ¡°I¡¯m here to support the Treasure Pavilion today, but I don¡¯t like this person. Please, have him removed.¡± Shopkeeper Qin turned to see who he was pointing at and was stunned. It was Jiang Fan, Xu Youran¡¯s fianc¨¦? Feeling troubled, he said, ¡°Young Master Zhu, Miss Xu is a friend of our eldest lady. How can I drive away her fianc¨¦?¡± What? He couldn¡¯t even drive away a good-for-nothing? This made Zhu Jianshen lose face. Furious, he said, ¡°If he doesn¡¯t leave, then I will!¡± This¡­ Not wanting to offend Zhu Jianshen, Shopkeeper Qin hastily bowed: ¡°Young Master Zhu, please wait. I¡¯ll go consult the eldest lady immediately.¡± Watching his hurried departure, Zhu Jianshen glared at Jiang Fan: ¡°You dog!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll show you the Zhu Family¡¯s strength!¡± ¡°Soon you¡¯ll realize just how insignificant you are against my Zhu Family¡¯s might!¡± Xu Youran couldn¡¯t help but show a trace of anxiety. Though Chen Silin was her close friend, she also bore the weight of the Chen Family¡¯s great undertaking. A powerful family like the Zhu Family wasn¡¯t something she could easily offend. If things went badly, she might really kick Jiang Fan out. Soon after. Shopkeeper Qin returned swiftly. However, he looked a bit oddly at Jiang Fan as he bowed to Young Master Zhu and hesitated, ¡°The eldest lady has given her instructions.¡± Zhu Jianshen, hands behind his back, smirked coldly: ¡°Did you hear that, Jiang Fan? Get lost!¡± But to his surprise, Shopkeeper Qin said, ¡°The eldest lady asked Young Master Zhu to leave.¡± Uh¡ª Zhu Jianshen was stunned, pointing at himself in disbelief: ¡°Me? Leave? You must be mistaken.¡± No matter how much Chen Silin disliked him, he was still the real Young Master of the Zhu Family. Between him and a good-for-nothing, Chen Silin sided with the good-for-nothing? However, even more unacceptable to Zhu Jianshen was Shopkeeper Qin saying, ¡°Also, the eldest lady said.¡± ¡°The Zhu Family is requested to vacate their seats for Young Master Jiang and Miss Xu to sit.¡± What? Zhu Jianshen was shocked: ¡°How is that possible?¡± Shopkeeper Qin, helpless, said, ¡°The eldest lady personally instructed, and I dare not disobey.¡± ¡°Someone, clear out the Zhu Family¡¯s seats.¡± Several Treasure Pavilion staff immediately moved in and cleared out the Zhu Family members from the front row. Zhang Yuxiu was baffled: ¡°Shopkeeper Qin, what¡¯s going on?¡± Shopkeeper Qin, exasperated, explained the situation. Upon hearing this, Zhang Yuxiu glared at Jiang Fan angrily: ¡°So you¡¯re Jiang Fan, the one vying for a woman with my son?¡± ¡°Using your acquaintance with Chen Silin to oppress others!¡± ¡°Fine, mark my words. Tomorrow is the day for the betrothal gifts. I will see with my own eyes what betrothal gifts you have to surpass my Zhu Family!¡± With that, she led the Zhu Family members to the last row, looking humiliated. Jiang Fan simply shrugged, sitting in the front row¡¯s VIP seat under the envious eyes of the entire hall. Watching the whole scene unfold, Chen Silin couldn¡¯t help but shake her head. ¡°I really feel sorry for the Zhu Family.¡± ¡°Of all the people to target, you chose Jiang Fan?¡± ¡°He¡¯s the very person whom you mother and son revere like a god!¡± Chen Silin sighed softly to herself. Seeing that all the guests had gathered, she led ten young women in red dresses, each carrying several trays covered with red cloth, to the stage. Her dazzling attire, beautiful face, and elegant demeanor immediately quieted the crowd. ¡°Thank you, distinguished guests, for attending today¡¯s auction. I apologize for the short notice and any inconvenience caused.¡± ¡°As a gesture of apology, Silin has decided to offer nine of the Chen Family¡¯s prized possessions at bargain prices, to be sold to the highest bidder as usual.¡± Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t help but smirk. Using the fame of the Beauty-Restore Pill to sell more high-priced items while pretending it was an apology. One must admit, Chen Silin was very suited for business. Therefore, although the guests were eager to bid on the Beauty-Restore Pill, they patiently endured, captivated by her eloquent speech. He couldn¡¯t help but admire Chen Silin. Chen Silin also noticed Jiang Fan¡¯s gaze, feeling a wave of joy in her heart. Just as Jiang Fan was closely observing, a faint voice sounded in his ear: ¡°Are you two hiding something from me?¡± Chapter 29 - Chapter 29: Chapter 29 Picking Up a Bargain Chapter 29: Chapter 29 Picking Up a Bargain Jiang Fan awkwardly withdrew his gaze and said, ¡°I was just admiring her commercial talent, I didn¡¯t mean anything else.¡± Xu Youran sternly said, ¡°I didn¡¯t suspect you.¡± ¡°I suspect Chen Silin, she seems to be overly fond of you.¡± For Jiang Fan, she was willing to drive out the Zhu Family. What exactly was Chen Silin after that made her willing to go to such lengths for Jiang Fan? Jiang Fan, feeling guilty, said, ¡°I don¡¯t understand either.¡± Xu Youran glanced at Jiang Fan and said, ¡°I also don¡¯t know what she likes about you.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be fooled by her approachable manner, her standards for choosing a future husband are quite high.¡± ¡°I really didn¡¯t expect her to like you this much.¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s lips twitched. Why hadn¡¯t he noticed before that she was so good at putting people down? She didn¡¯t even need to use a single swear word throughout! As Chen Silin finished her opening explanation, she decisively unveiled the red cloth from the first tray, revealing a Spirit Grass that could extend one¡¯s life. It¡¯s rarely seen on the market. Jiang Fan finally understood what ¡°wealthy ladies¡± meant! Though it¡¯s only worth ten thousand taels, the wealthy ladies didn¡¯t care about the price exceeding its market value to show off their status, competing fiercely. Finally, it was sold at the high price of fifteen thousand taels. Chen Silin was overjoyed, once again casting a grateful look at Jiang Fan. If it weren¡¯t for the Beauty-Restore Pill presiding, gathering so many wealthy ladies for an auction would have been nearly impossible. A regular Spirit Grass could never have sold for such a sky-high price of fifteen thousand taels. Then, she successively displayed several more rare items. She was very clever, selling not only treasures needed by women, such as high-grade rouge, whitening pills, and so on. She also thoughtfully prepared treasures needed by elderly, men, and children, such as life-extending Spirit Grass, kidney-tonifying Spirit Pills, height-promoting Spiritual Liquid, and more. The wealthy ladies were also very willing to pay. The reason was simple. By silencing the members of their families, they could spend lavishly on the Beauty-Restore Pill without any objections from home. So, by the time the eighth item was auctioned off, Chen Silin had already made a net profit of fifty thousand taels of silver. Equivalent to the Chen Family¡¯s past year¡¯s income! This made her ecstatic! This auction not only increased the Chen Family¡¯s prestige, but the real gold and silver in hand were astronomical numbers. But she also knew when to stop. She unveiled the covering of the ninth item, that bottle of Beauty-Restore Pill that all the wealthy ladies in the city scrambled for! With wisdom flashing in her eyes, Chen Silin said, ¡°This bottle of Beauty-Restore Pill, I won¡¯t give much of an introduction.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll have my mother explain it to everyone.¡± The transformed Liu Qimin, dressed in a light red long dress, slightly applied makeup, and wearing simple jewelry, appeared young again, looking like she was in her twenties. Her appearance stunned many wealthy ladies. ¡°Is she Mrs. Chen? Impossible, we just saw her the other day, she wasn¡¯t like this,¡± ¡°She is Liu Qimin, you must be mistaken,¡± ¡°Oh my gosh, she looks more than ten years younger, like she¡¯s twenty years younger!¡± Zhang Yuxiu exclaimed. Even having witnessed Liu Qimin¡¯s transformation firsthand, she almost didn¡¯t recognize her. This made her even more envious and she shouted, ¡°No need for an introduction, two hundred thousand taels, I¡¯ll buy it!¡± What? Starting at two hundred thousand? Wang Yingfeng was shocked. She had only prepared three hundred thousand, thinking that if she was lucky, she might be able to get it. Gritting her teeth, she decided to try, ¡°Thre¡­¡± Before she could finish, a determined voice sounded. ¡°Four hundred thousand!¡± It was the City Lord¡¯s Wife! She forcefully called out the price, looked at Liu Qimin, then looked at the Beauty-Restore Pill, her eyes burning. ¡°Five hundred thousand!¡± An elderly lady from another prominent family called out without hesitation! ¡°Six hundred thousand!¡± ¡°Seven hundred thousand!¡± ¡°Eight hundred thousand!¡± As the price continued to rise. Chen Silin¡¯s jaw dropped, and she murmured, ¡°This is crazy!¡± She simply couldn¡¯t understand, how a Beauty-Restore Pill could have such a huge allure! Wang Yingfeng¡¯s eyes were wide open, holding onto her pitiable three hundred thousand taels of silver, feeling utterly bitter. She completely underestimated the appeal of the Beauty-Restore Pill. ¡°One million!¡± Zhang Yuxiu called out, voicing an earth-shattering price. Beside her, Zhu Jianshen was dumbfounded and urgently said, ¡°Mother! Are you mad?¡± A million, even the Zhu Family could not bear such a cost! Spending so much for a Beauty-Restore Pill was an immense loss! ¡°Shut up!¡± Zhang Yuxiu¡¯s eyes were filled with anger as she glanced around, ¡°Anyone else?¡± A million was simply too much, even the City Lord¡¯s Wife reconsidered and reluctantly gave up. Given her stance, it was clear what the other wealthy ladies would do. All of them clenched their teeth and painfully withdrew. ¡°One point one million, Young Master Jiang bids one point one million.¡± At this moment. Jiang Fan, sitting in the front row, crossed his legs, nonchalantly raised his sign. After all, the Resurrection Pill was his. No matter how high the bid, it didn¡¯t matter, at worst no one would compete and the pill would return to him. When Zhu Jianshen heard it was Jiang Fan who bid, he angrily shouted, ¡°Do you even have the money to shout here?¡± Chen Silin furrowed her brows and spoke on Jiang Fan¡¯s behalf, ¡°Whether the guest has money or not, we at the Treasure Pavilion will check with the bidders afterward.¡± ¡°For those who make false bids, we at the Treasure Pavilion will not let them off.¡± ¡°Over the years, no one dared to cause trouble at the Treasure Pavilion.¡± The wealthy ladies nodded one after another. At such a high-level auction, causing trouble recklessly was akin to courting death. Chen Silin continued, ¡°One point one million, once.¡± ¡°One point two million!¡± Zhang Yuxiu glared at Jiang Fan and gritted her teeth. One point two million was quite a burden for the Zhu Family. Some properties would need to be sold to raise that much money. ¡°One point three million! Young Master Jiang bids one point three million!¡± Chen Silin looked at Jiang Fan¡¯s raised sign and shouted excitedly. Zhang Yuxiu was furious, this guy was out to get her. She considered giving up to teach Jiang Fan a harsh lesson, but thinking of Liu Qimin¡¯s transformation, she hardened her resolve again: ¡°One point four million!¡± ¡°If you bid again, I¡¯ll let you have it!¡± Jiang Fan pursed his lips and stopped bidding. The money he had on him was exactly one point three million. Zhu Jianshen plopped down on the ground, his eyes darkened and he said, ¡°One point four million!¡± He never dreamt that this pill would cost one point four million! This had already hurt the Zhu Family¡¯s Yuan Energy! One million was already the limit. The extra four hundred thousand was nearly fatal! And these four hundred thousand were due to Jiang Fan¡¯s malicious bidding! Chen Silin was overjoyed and immediately completed the transaction with them. However, the auction hadn¡¯t ended yet. Chen Silin unveiled the red cloth of the last item, revealing a three-foot-long piece of wood, as thick as an arm. It was charred black all over, with traces of Thunderbolt scorched marks. Many people recognized it. ¡°Thunderstruck Wood? Can this be considered a collectible?¡± A wealthy lady questioned. Thunderstruck Wood is the charred remains after a Thunderbolt strike. It has some value, but not very high. It¡¯s not rare on the market. With some effort, you can still buy it from several material shops. Chen Silin said, ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, Silin placed this last for a reason.¡± ¡°My grandfather saw with his own eyes a giant tree that had gained sentience and was capturing passersby, drawing their blood.¡± ¡°A colorful Heavenly Thunderbolt struck down, burning it to leave only this piece.¡± ¡°It¡¯s definitely different from ordinary Thunderstruck Wood, but my grandfather studied it for many years without finding anything.¡± ¡°If any of you believe it has fate with you, you can buy it back and continue studying it.¡± Upon hearing this, many wealthy ladies got up to leave, losing interest. In an instant, more than half of the people had left. Chen Silin smiled bitterly, it seemed that no one wanted this piece of Thunderstruck Wood. ¡°My fianc¨¦ bids ten thousand.¡± At this moment, Xu Youran reluctively shouted. Beside her, Jiang Fan held up a sign with ten thousand taels of silver, his eyes glinting as he stared at the Thunderstruck Wood. He could hardly believe it. The ¡°Thunder Pattern Spiritual Wood¡± described in the ¡°Taiyin Soul Technique¡± actually existed! Chapter 30 - Chapter 30: Chapter 30 Plant Essence Chapter 30: Chapter 30 Plant Essence Huh? The noblewomen were stunned. ¡°There really are fools willing to buy it! And they started at ten thousand taels of silver!¡± ¡°It¡¯s just ordinary Thunderstruck Wood.¡± ¡°Too young! Chen Silin is a merchant. He makes up an unverifiable story, and they believe him.¡± Zhu Jianshen, upon hearing it was Jiang Fan, immediately felt furious. He was about to raise the bid. Because of Jiang Fan, the Zhu Family had overpaid by four hundred thousand taels, and he wanted Jiang Fan to pay the price. He noticed, however, that Jiang Fan was looking at him with a slight smile. Zhu Jianshen suddenly realized, ¡°That filthy scoundrel, trying to trick the Zhu Family¡¯s money again! Almost fell for it!¡± He quickly closed his mouth, crossed his arms over his chest, and smirked at Jiang Fan¡¯s performance. Chen Silin was taken aback, not expecting Jiang Fan to bid. After inquiring three times with no one willing to compete for the worthless Thunderstruck Wood, it sold for ten thousand taels of silver. ¡°Young Master Jiang, did you perhaps see something special in this piece of Thunderstruck Wood?¡± Chen Silin couldn¡¯t help but ask curiously. From a distance, Zhu Jianshen sneered, ¡°Anything special? Just that no one got tricked this time, and he became the fool! Hahaha!¡± Wang Yingfeng also snorted in displeasure, ¡°Embarrassing! Spending ten thousand taels of silver on a piece of broken wood! Outrageous!¡± Xu Yining indifferently gazed at Jiang Fan, ¡°Just a nouveau riche, does he really think he can afford to throw money around?¡± Xu Youran silently criticized as well. Ten thousand taels! For a piece of broken wood? She couldn¡¯t understand why Jiang Fan would buy it at such a high price. On stage, Jiang Fan accepted the Thunderstruck Wood and slightly nodded as he wrote, ¡°It¡¯s indeed not ordinary wood.¡± ¡°Though it appears insignificant, it hides something valuable.¡± After speaking, he discreetly used powerful soul power to probe deep into the Thunderstruck Wood, forcing out tiny drops of emerald green liquid that were invisible to the naked eye. He collected them one by one with a jade bottle. A moment later, when no more emerald green droplets remained, the jade bottle was full, emitting a deep fragrance. Xu Yining sniffed it and immediately stood up, exclaiming, ¡°Plant Essence! It¡¯s Plant Essence!¡± Zhu Jianshen also recognized it and quickly came over, looking shocked, ¡°It¡¯s indeed Plant Essence!¡± Some experienced noblewomen were also filled with shock. ¡°Plant Essence is said to be the accumulated essence of plants that have become spirits over the years.¡± ¡°When a martial artist in the Qi Cultivation Realm consumes it, they can directly break through a realm. Even a cultivator in the Foundation Establishment Realm can significantly enhance their cultivation with it!¡± ¡°It¡¯s a divine object that¡¯s hard to find even for a million taels outside!¡± ¡°And he got it for just ten thousand taels?¡± ¡°A single bottle is enough for four people to break through!¡± These words made the noblewomen¡¯s eyes light up. ¡°This young master, my Zheng Family is willing to offer four hundred thousand taels of silver for just one-third of the Plant Essence.¡± When reaching the sixth layer of Qi Cultivation, without top-notch Spirit Roots, breaking through each level required astronomical resources. Spending just four hundred thousand taels to break through a level was an unbeatable bargain! Zhu Jianshen regretted deeply, feeling like slapping himself. Such a rare Plant Essence, and he missed it even when it was right in front of him! Gritting his teeth, he said, ¡°Jiang Fan! Give me this bottle, and we will settle our grievances!¡± Jiang Fan smirked and wrote, ¡°I actually prefer having grievances between us.¡± ¡°You!¡± Zhu Jianshen was furious, stomping his foot fiercely, ¡°Fine! Fine!¡± ¡°You just wait!¡± ¡°We¡¯ll see who triumphs tomorrow at the gift presentation!¡± With that, he stormed off in anger. Facing the noblewomen¡¯s purchase requests, Jiang Fan politely declined, leaving them in disappointment. ¡°Jiang Fan, you got something valuable, shouldn¡¯t you leave some for our Xu Family?¡± Wang Yingfeng jealously pulled Xu Yining over, righteously saying, ¡°You¡¯ve been eating and drinking from the Xu Family these years.¡± ¡°You should have a conscience, do you understand?¡± ¡°I¡¯m not asking for a lot, just one-fourth of that bottle of Plant Essence for our Xu Family.¡± Upon hearing this, Chen Silin rolled her eyes. Even though she was an outsider, she knew how poorly the Xu Family had treated Jiang Fan over the years. They never treated him as a lifesaver. They even broke a previously promised marriage arrangement. And now they dare speak of conscience! Xu Youran was also irritated. Wang Yingfeng was too bullying! She frowned, ¡°This is Fan¡¯s own money, his own earned skill. Why should he give it to the Xu Family?¡± ¡°Fan, don¡¯t listen to her!¡± Xu Yining, also embarrassed by Wang Yingfeng, murmured, ¡°Mother, why do we need his things?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll find my way to enhance my own cultivation.¡± Though she disliked Jiang Fan, she wouldn¡¯t simultaneously despise him and covet his benefits. That would be too shameless. But, to everyone¡¯s surprise, Jiang Fan did give away one-fourth of the Plant Essence. He wrote meaningfully, ¡°Aunt Wang is right. The Xu Family has helped me over the past ten years.¡± ¡°A little Plant Essence is nothing significant.¡± Chen Silin and Xu Youran stomped their feet in frustration. Was Jiang Fan too naive? Giving away the precious Plant Essence so easily. Evidently, Wang Yingfeng wanted it for Xu Yining¡¯s consumption. Xu Yining also didn¡¯t expect Jiang Fan to be willing to give it. She reexamined Jiang Fan, pondering hard. Apart from some lower aptitudes, he was indeed unassailable. Why did she start disliking him, and when? Wang Yingfeng secretly scorned, ¡°So what if he has five hundred ten thousand taels of silver?¡± ¡°He¡¯s still at my mercy.¡± ¡°I asked for part of the Plant Essence, and he obediently divided it, like a good boy, haha!¡± However, soon Wang Yingfeng¡¯s expression turned stiff. Jiang Fan did not hand the one-fourth Plant Essence to her. Instead, he gave it to Xu Youran, opening her small cherry mouth with one hand and pouring the Plant Essence into her mouth with the other. ¡°Cough, cough¡­cough, cough, cough¡­ Fan, what are you doing?¡± Unprepared, Xu Youran choked. Jiang Fan shrugged and wrote, ¡°Your aunt said so, I must repay the Xu Family.¡± ¡°Giving this one-fourth of Plant Essence to the eldest young lady of the Xu Family is only fitting, right?¡± ¡°Alright, stop talking and sit down to cultivate, see if it works as rumored.¡± Xu Youran had much to say, but the Plant Essence within her had already exploded with overwhelming spiritual energy, making her hastily sit cross-legged for cultivation. With the Yellow Level high-grade mental method provided by Jiang Fan, In a blink, she broke through to the fourth layer of Qi Cultivation! However, it wasn¡¯t over, as her cultivation level was low and the medicine was potent. After a short period, she broke through another level! Reaching the fifth layer of Qi Cultivation! Finally, with the last force of Plant Essence, she advanced to the Fifth Layer Perfection of Qi Cultivation. With just a few days of quiet cultivation, she could break through to the sixth layer of Qi Cultivation! This scene left Xu Yining both surprised and envious. Breaking through to the sixth layer of Qi Cultivation had taken her half a year. But her sister, just because of a bit of Plant Essence from Jiang Fan, had achieved it. This stark contrast complicated her feelings. She looked at Jiang Fan, biting her red lips, then turned and left. Wang Yingfeng, extremely angry, shouted, ¡°Jiang Fan!!! How dare you humiliate my daughter like this, tomorrow! Tomorrow, I¡¯ll make you pay!!!¡± Jiang Fan shrugged, and before she left, he took out another one-fourth bottle and handed it to Chen Silin. ¡°This bottle is for you.¡± Wang Yingfeng nearly blacked out. Rather give it to an outsider than to her daughter! She would remember this! Chen Silin, startled, said, ¡°This is too precious, I can¡¯t accept it!¡± Jiang Fan silently smiled and placed it in her arms. Secretly, he smiled to himself. Who told them that the most valuable thing about the Thunder Pattern Spiritual Wood is the Plant Essence? Its most precious aspect is the material itself! Chapter 32 - Chapter 32: Chapter 32: The Mysterious Betrothal Gift Chapter 32: Chapter 32: The Mysterious Betrothal Gift Chen Silin unconcernedly took all the Qi Cultivation Liquid back to her room. A calm face emerged with lingering fear. ¡°Luckily, Jiang Fan left early, otherwise it would have been troublesome.¡± She patted her chest, her heart pounding wildly, ¡°These two people, are they enemies or friends of Jiang Fan? I can¡¯t confirm it and absolutely can¡¯t let them find Jiang Fan.¡± Slightly biting her finger, she forced herself to calm down, ¡°They definitely haven¡¯t left yet, most likely monitoring me in secret. If I contact Jiang Fan now, they will definitely discover him.¡± ¡°In that case, I can¡¯t go to the day of Jiang Fan¡¯s marriage proposal tomorrow.¡± ¡°Sigh!¡± The next day. It was just dawn. The Xu Family members got up early. Because today was the day of Jiang Fan¡¯s marriage proposal. It was said that the Zhu Family might also come. At that time, both sides would compete openly, and whoever had fewer betrothal gifts would lose face. The Xu Family members were curious about how many betrothal gifts Jiang Fan could provide and whether he could finally win Xu Youran over. ¡°Finish the work quickly so we can also have a look and see who our new son-in-law is.¡± ¡°Is there even a need to say? Of course, it¡¯s Young Master Zhu. He is a disciple of the Green Cloud Sect, and the Zhu Family is one of the most prestigious families.¡± ¡°Not necessarily. I heard yesterday that Jiang Fan only spent ten thousand taels of silver to get several bottles of Plant Essence, each worth hundreds of thousands.¡± ¡°Jiang Fan¡¯s betrothal gifts will definitely not be light.¡± ¡°Who wouldn¡¯t be jealous of the eldest lady, who, though not favored by the master, marries far more grandly than any other lady.¡± ¡°Do you think the second lady regrets it? After all, Jiang Fan originally wanted to marry her.¡± At this moment. Xu Yining emerged from the training ground, hearing the maids gossiping. Her face immediately turned cold, and she scolded, ¡°You all have no work to do?¡± The maids scattered, but her mood remained unsettled for a long time. Gripping her sword hilt tightly, Xu Yining clenched her teeth slightly, ¡°Will I regret it? What a joke.¡± ¡°No matter how good or valuable Jiang Fan¡¯s betrothal gifts are, I don¡¯t care! I don¡¯t care!!¡± Fuming, she passed by Aunt Wang¡¯s room and heard the noise inside. ¡°Xu Zhengyan, it¡¯s all your fault! Why are you so useless, why can¡¯t you make more money?¡± ¡°The Beauty-Restore Pill is right in front of me, but I can¡¯t afford to buy it!¡± ¡°I heard Zhang Yuxiu bought it back and, after taking it, became twenty years younger. She even looks like his sister next to her son now!¡± ¡°Why am I so miserable, delayed by your Xu Family.¡± Xu Yining sighed gently, ¡°Still arguing overnight?¡± Since returning from the auction house, Wang Yingfeng had been relentless. After learning about Zhang Yuxiu¡¯s transformation, she became even more aggressive, quarreling incessantly with Xu Zhengyan. ¡°Father really has it tough. When I marry someone noble in the future, I¡¯ll definitely ask him to get a Beauty-Restore Pill to compensate for mother.¡± Suddenly. The sound of firecrackers erupted. Xu Yining smiled slightly, ¡°Is the Zhu Family¡¯s betrothal procession here?¡± Although she knew clearly that Zhu Jianshen had nearly violated her sister. Marrying him was like a sheep entering a tiger¡¯s den. But she preferred her sister not marry Jiang Fan. Because, if her sister married Jiang Fan and didn¡¯t live well, so be it. If she lived happily, wouldn¡¯t that mean Xu Yining had been short-sighted for giving up Jiang Fan? ¡°Hope Young Master Zhu wins,¡± Xu Yining whispered. In Jiang Fan¡¯s room. Xu Youran had come early and was crying silently in Jiang Fan¡¯s arms. ¡°Fan, can we really be together?¡± Although she initially felt wronged to marry in place of her sister, After spending some time together, she discovered she already liked this childhood friend who had pretended to be mute for many years. She didn¡¯t want to marry anyone else besides Jiang Fan. Jiang Fan gently patted her back and said, ¡°Silly girl, have I ever broken any of my promises to you?¡± ¡°I promised to marry you, and I will definitely marry you.¡± ¡°No one can stop me.¡± Easy to say, but what about reality? Xu Youran¡¯s brows remained furrowed. After the last rush, the Zhu Family must have made more thorough preparations this time. Moreover, in the past few days, Jiang Fan had completely offended Wang Yingfeng, who naturally would support the Zhu Family more. ¡°Fan, why don¡¯t you give some Plant Essence to Aunt Wang to calm her down?¡± ¡°Otherwise, I¡¯m worried she will make things extremely difficult for you.¡± Jiang Fan shook his head, ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard the story of Mr. Dongguo and the Wolf?¡± ¡°You can¡¯t satisfy a wolf. Give it all the meat it wants, and it will still want to eat the meat off your bones.¡± ¡°Wang Yingfeng is the same.¡± ¡°Will she be satisfied with Plant Spirit? No, she will want my 510,000 taels of silver, want you and me to obey her every word, want you to marry into the Zhu Family to gain more benefits.¡± Upon hearing this, Xu Youran knew it was true. But if this wasn¡¯t done, when Wang Yingfeng lost her temper later, not even Xu Zhengyan could stop her! ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the betrothal gifts I prepared will satisfy Wang Yingfeng.¡± ¡°Even if I slapped her, she would still grit her teeth and say she was satisfied.¡± Ah? Xu Youran looked surprised. What kind of betrothal gifts were that exaggerated? Jiang Fan didn¡¯t seem to be joking, which made her even more curious. The sound of drums played, and Xu Youran¡¯s body trembled, holding Jiang Fan even tighter, as if about to lose him. Jiang Fan teased, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, after the betrothal gifts are given, you can hug me however you want.¡± Xu Youran¡¯s face flushed with both embarrassment and anger, ¡°Is this the time to joke around?¡± After cuddling in his arms for a long time, Xu Youran took a deep breath and, with difficulty, followed Jiang Fan to the Xu Family¡¯s main hall. At this time, Xu Zhengyan, Wang Yingfeng, the Xu Family members, and Lu Zheng were already there. Aside from Xu Zhengyan sincerely hoping Jiang Fan would win, the others either watched with glee or had no expectations. Lu Zheng seized the opportunity to mock openly in front of the whole family, ¡°Jiang Fan, don¡¯t feel any pressure. You won¡¯t win anyway.¡± Originally, Jiang Fan didn¡¯t want to respond. But Lu Zheng kept going, sneering, ¡°The woman I can¡¯t have, you won¡¯t get either, right?¡± ¡°If you ask me, you should admit defeat honestly to save face.¡± ¡°Otherwise, the Zhu Family¡¯s betrothal gifts will make you ashamed!¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± A voice of disdain came. It was the usually gentle Xu Youran who scolded Lu Zheng, dissatisfied. ¡°Just because you are useless, don¡¯t think Fan is like you!¡± ¡°Fan is a hundred times better than you!¡± No man wants to be compared, especially in front of the woman he likes. Lu Zheng, embarrassed and angry, said, ¡°How is Jiang Fan better than me¡­¡± He stopped mid-sentence. Recently, in front of Deputy Pavilion Master Chen, he was easily crushed by Jiang Fan, like fighting off a dog. So, Lu Zheng changed his tune, ¡°What has he given you to make you defend him so much?¡± Xu Youran couldn¡¯t bear it anymore. She stood up and slapped Lu Zheng. Lu Zheng, angered, said, ¡°Alright, alright! A woman dares to hit me? Then don¡¯t blame me for being rude!¡± If Xu Yining struck, he could only stand still and take the hit, since she was at the Ninth Layer of Qi Cultivation. But Xu Youran, being only at the Second Layer, dared to lay hands on him? Fine, let him teach Wang Yingfeng¡¯s long-held dislike for Xu Youran a lesson. So, he angrily threw a punch to counter. Smack¡ª But as soon as they collided, Lu Zheng was shocked to find his spiritual power inferior to Xu Youran¡¯s. Her slap deflected his hand and directly slapped his face, knocking him to the ground. Just now, the Xu Family members who had been laughing with Lu Zheng now looked at Xu Youran as if seeing a ghost, shocked. Xu Youran coldly retracted her hand and stared at Lu Zheng in disgust, ¡°Now do you know what Fan has given me?¡± Chapter 32 - Chapter 32: Chapter 32: The Mysterious Betrothal Gift Chapter 32: Chapter 32: The Mysterious Betrothal Gift Chen Silin unconcernedly took all the Qi Cultivation Liquid back to her room. A calm face emerged with lingering fear. ¡°Luckily, Jiang Fan left early, otherwise it would have been troublesome.¡± She patted her chest, her heart pounding wildly, ¡°These two people, are they enemies or friends of Jiang Fan? I can¡¯t confirm it and absolutely can¡¯t let them find Jiang Fan.¡± Slightly biting her finger, she forced herself to calm down, ¡°They definitely haven¡¯t left yet, most likely monitoring me in secret. If I contact Jiang Fan now, they will definitely discover him.¡± ¡°In that case, I can¡¯t go to the day of Jiang Fan¡¯s marriage proposal tomorrow.¡± ¡°Sigh!¡± The next day. It was just dawn. The Xu Family members got up early. Because today was the day of Jiang Fan¡¯s marriage proposal. It was said that the Zhu Family might also come. At that time, both sides would compete openly, and whoever had fewer betrothal gifts would lose face. The Xu Family members were curious about how many betrothal gifts Jiang Fan could provide and whether he could finally win Xu Youran over. ¡°Finish the work quickly so we can also have a look and see who our new son-in-law is.¡± ¡°Is there even a need to say? Of course, it¡¯s Young Master Zhu. He is a disciple of the Green Cloud Sect, and the Zhu Family is one of the most prestigious families.¡± ¡°Not necessarily. I heard yesterday that Jiang Fan only spent ten thousand taels of silver to get several bottles of Plant Essence, each worth hundreds of thousands.¡± ¡°Jiang Fan¡¯s betrothal gifts will definitely not be light.¡± ¡°Who wouldn¡¯t be jealous of the eldest lady, who, though not favored by the master, marries far more grandly than any other lady.¡± ¡°Do you think the second lady regrets it? After all, Jiang Fan originally wanted to marry her.¡± At this moment. Xu Yining emerged from the training ground, hearing the maids gossiping. Her face immediately turned cold, and she scolded, ¡°You all have no work to do?¡± The maids scattered, but her mood remained unsettled for a long time. Gripping her sword hilt tightly, Xu Yining clenched her teeth slightly, ¡°Will I regret it? What a joke.¡± ¡°No matter how good or valuable Jiang Fan¡¯s betrothal gifts are, I don¡¯t care! I don¡¯t care!!¡± Fuming, she passed by Aunt Wang¡¯s room and heard the noise inside. ¡°Xu Zhengyan, it¡¯s all your fault! Why are you so useless, why can¡¯t you make more money?¡± ¡°The Beauty-Restore Pill is right in front of me, but I can¡¯t afford to buy it!¡± ¡°I heard Zhang Yuxiu bought it back and, after taking it, became twenty years younger. She even looks like his sister next to her son now!¡± ¡°Why am I so miserable, delayed by your Xu Family.¡± Xu Yining sighed gently, ¡°Still arguing overnight?¡± Since returning from the auction house, Wang Yingfeng had been relentless. After learning about Zhang Yuxiu¡¯s transformation, she became even more aggressive, quarreling incessantly with Xu Zhengyan. ¡°Father really has it tough. When I marry someone noble in the future, I¡¯ll definitely ask him to get a Beauty-Restore Pill to compensate for mother.¡± Suddenly. The sound of firecrackers erupted. Xu Yining smiled slightly, ¡°Is the Zhu Family¡¯s betrothal procession here?¡± Although she knew clearly that Zhu Jianshen had nearly violated her sister. Marrying him was like a sheep entering a tiger¡¯s den. But she preferred her sister not marry Jiang Fan. Because, if her sister married Jiang Fan and didn¡¯t live well, so be it. If she lived happily, wouldn¡¯t that mean Xu Yining had been short-sighted for giving up Jiang Fan? ¡°Hope Young Master Zhu wins,¡± Xu Yining whispered. In Jiang Fan¡¯s room. Xu Youran had come early and was crying silently in Jiang Fan¡¯s arms. ¡°Fan, can we really be together?¡± Although she initially felt wronged to marry in place of her sister, After spending some time together, she discovered she already liked this childhood friend who had pretended to be mute for many years. She didn¡¯t want to marry anyone else besides Jiang Fan. Jiang Fan gently patted her back and said, ¡°Silly girl, have I ever broken any of my promises to you?¡± ¡°I promised to marry you, and I will definitely marry you.¡± ¡°No one can stop me.¡± Easy to say, but what about reality? Xu Youran¡¯s brows remained furrowed. After the last rush, the Zhu Family must have made more thorough preparations this time. Moreover, in the past few days, Jiang Fan had completely offended Wang Yingfeng, who naturally would support the Zhu Family more. ¡°Fan, why don¡¯t you give some Plant Essence to Aunt Wang to calm her down?¡± ¡°Otherwise, I¡¯m worried she will make things extremely difficult for you.¡± Jiang Fan shook his head, ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard the story of Mr. Dongguo and the Wolf?¡± ¡°You can¡¯t satisfy a wolf. Give it all the meat it wants, and it will still want to eat the meat off your bones.¡± ¡°Wang Yingfeng is the same.¡± ¡°Will she be satisfied with Plant Spirit? No, she will want my 510,000 taels of silver, want you and me to obey her every word, want you to marry into the Zhu Family to gain more benefits.¡± Upon hearing this, Xu Youran knew it was true. But if this wasn¡¯t done, when Wang Yingfeng lost her temper later, not even Xu Zhengyan could stop her! ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the betrothal gifts I prepared will satisfy Wang Yingfeng.¡± ¡°Even if I slapped her, she would still grit her teeth and say she was satisfied.¡± Ah? Xu Youran looked surprised. What kind of betrothal gifts were that exaggerated? Jiang Fan didn¡¯t seem to be joking, which made her even more curious. The sound of drums played, and Xu Youran¡¯s body trembled, holding Jiang Fan even tighter, as if about to lose him. Jiang Fan teased, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, after the betrothal gifts are given, you can hug me however you want.¡± Xu Youran¡¯s face flushed with both embarrassment and anger, ¡°Is this the time to joke around?¡± After cuddling in his arms for a long time, Xu Youran took a deep breath and, with difficulty, followed Jiang Fan to the Xu Family¡¯s main hall. At this time, Xu Zhengyan, Wang Yingfeng, the Xu Family members, and Lu Zheng were already there. Aside from Xu Zhengyan sincerely hoping Jiang Fan would win, the others either watched with glee or had no expectations. Lu Zheng seized the opportunity to mock openly in front of the whole family, ¡°Jiang Fan, don¡¯t feel any pressure. You won¡¯t win anyway.¡± Originally, Jiang Fan didn¡¯t want to respond. But Lu Zheng kept going, sneering, ¡°The woman I can¡¯t have, you won¡¯t get either, right?¡± ¡°If you ask me, you should admit defeat honestly to save face.¡± ¡°Otherwise, the Zhu Family¡¯s betrothal gifts will make you ashamed!¡± ¡°Shut up!¡± A voice of disdain came. It was the usually gentle Xu Youran who scolded Lu Zheng, dissatisfied. ¡°Just because you are useless, don¡¯t think Fan is like you!¡± ¡°Fan is a hundred times better than you!¡± No man wants to be compared, especially in front of the woman he likes. Lu Zheng, embarrassed and angry, said, ¡°How is Jiang Fan better than me¡­¡± He stopped mid-sentence. Recently, in front of Deputy Pavilion Master Chen, he was easily crushed by Jiang Fan, like fighting off a dog. So, Lu Zheng changed his tune, ¡°What has he given you to make you defend him so much?¡± Xu Youran couldn¡¯t bear it anymore. She stood up and slapped Lu Zheng. Lu Zheng, angered, said, ¡°Alright, alright! A woman dares to hit me? Then don¡¯t blame me for being rude!¡± If Xu Yining struck, he could only stand still and take the hit, since she was at the Ninth Layer of Qi Cultivation. But Xu Youran, being only at the Second Layer, dared to lay hands on him? Fine, let him teach Wang Yingfeng¡¯s long-held dislike for Xu Youran a lesson. So, he angrily threw a punch to counter. Smack¡ª But as soon as they collided, Lu Zheng was shocked to find his spiritual power inferior to Xu Youran¡¯s. Her slap deflected his hand and directly slapped his face, knocking him to the ground. Just now, the Xu Family members who had been laughing with Lu Zheng now looked at Xu Youran as if seeing a ghost, shocked. Xu Youran coldly retracted her hand and stared at Lu Zheng in disgust, ¡°Now do you know what Fan has given me?¡± Chapter 33 - Chapter 33: Chapter 33: The Zhu Familys Luxurious Betrothal Gifts Chapter 33: Chapter 33: The Zhu Family¡¯s Luxurious Betrothal Gifts The members of the Xu Family were utterly shocked. ¡°Is she, is she really Xu Youran? Am I not mistaken?¡± ¡°Wasn¡¯t she just at the Second Layer of Qi Cultivation? When did she become a Fifth Layer expert who can defeat Lu Zheng?¡± ¡°These must be what Jiang Fan gave her!¡± ¡°No wonder, no wonder she is so devoted to Jiang Fan. It turns out Jiang Fan secretly gave her so many benefits!¡± ¡°If I were Xu Youran, I would also be willing to marry Jiang Fan!¡± ¡­ Xu Youran returned to Jiang Fan¡¯s side and said softly, ¡°Did I do everything right?¡± Jiang Fan patted her head and wrote, ¡°Why bother with a defeated dog?¡± Xu Youran replied, ¡°When flies buzz around, just take the flyswatter and swat a few times to quiet them down.¡± Lu Zheng, lying on the ground, clutching his burning face, was filled with hatred. ¡°Jiang Fan! Just you wait!¡± Jiang Fan looked over and wrote, ¡°What do you intend to do to me, Lu, the prodigy with a Nine-grade Spiritual Root?¡± Hitting where it hurts most. The misunderstanding about the Nine-grade Spiritual Root was Lu Zheng¡¯s utmost humiliation. Lu Zheng was so angry that his eyes nearly bulged out of his head, his chest heaved violently, and his vision darkened. Bang! ¡°Jiang Fan! Do you even see me?¡± Wang Yingfeng slammed the table, rebuking angrily. She could no longer tolerate Jiang Fan! Jiang Fan earnestly wrote a sentence, ¡°Are you worthy?¡± Just these three words. The disdain was evident on the paper! The Xu Family members were all terrified. Was he actually openly insulting Wang Yingfeng? Xu Youran was so scared that her heart nearly leaped out. She hastily pressed down his note and whispered, ¡°Are you crazy?¡± ¡°At this moment, why provoke her?¡± Xu Yining¡¯s eyes turned cold, glaring fiercely at Jiang Fan. This was already the second time Jiang Fan showed disrespect to her mother! ¡°Jiang Fan! If you become the son-in-law of our Xu Family today, we can let this matter go, considering you as one of us. Apologize to my mother by kowtowing, and this will be over!¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t, I will surely settle this with you to the death!¡± Jiang Fan also looked at Xu Yining and unceremoniously wrote, ¡°Why should I risk my life for a woman like your mother, both malicious and foolish? Is she worthy?¡± What? Jiang Fan was still insulting Wang Yingfeng? The Xu Family members were left in shock and awe. ¡°Jiang Fan has said what we¡¯ve wanted to but dared not to say!¡± ¡°But he¡¯s too impulsive!¡± ¡°He¡¯s still too young to understand patience.¡± Xu Zhengyan felt a headache coming on. He quickly said, ¡°Jiang Fan, stop talking nonsense!¡± He gave Jiang Fan a look, signaling him to endure for now. The marriage between Jiang Fan and Xu Youran was in Wang Yingfeng¡¯s hands. If Wang Yingfeng got too angry, this marriage would certainly be called off. But it was too late to remind him now. Wang Yingfeng, boiling with rage, grabbed a teacup and smashed it to pieces on the ground. The boiling tea splattered onto the surrounding clan members, eliciting cries of pain. ¡°Jiang! Fan!¡± Wang Yingfeng gnashed her teeth, her body shaking as she screamed, ¡°If I let the two of you marry today, I will write my name backwards!¡± The entire hall fell silent; no one had ever seen Wang Yingfeng so furious. They looked at Jiang Fan, all showing expressions of pity. Xu Youran also turned pale. There was no need to compare the betrothal gifts anymore. The Zhu Family would definitely win. Wang Yingfeng had already sworn publicly to write her name backwards. She couldn¡¯t think of any reason that would make Wang Yingfeng change her mind now. Only Jiang Fan remained unconcerned, slowly writing, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you will.¡± Xu Zhengyan wondered if Jiang Fan was insane. He had angered her to the point of making an oath. How could she possibly take back her words and make herself a laughing stock? ¡°Dear in-law, why are you so angry?¡± Zhang Yuxiu, leading Zhu Jianshen, entered the hall with a smile. Their servants carried numerous treasure boxes, filled with dazzling jewels. Much more than last time! Wang Yingfeng almost didn¡¯t recognize Zhang Yuxiu. She was dressed in a purple robe, her skin smooth and rosy, her hair jet-black, and standing next to Zhu Jianshen, she didn¡¯t look much older. Was this the effect of the Beauty-Restore Pill? She had thought it was exaggerated hearsay. Now she saw, Zhang Yuxiu¡¯s transformation was even more remarkable than rumors. Her heart was filled with overwhelming jealousy. One pill could make a woman twenty years younger. To a woman, it was more enticing than any Divine Pill that could enhance strength. Unfortunately, there was only one! She greeted with a complex expression, ¡°Just some small matters, small matters.¡± Zhang Yuxiu, not hiding her pride, said cheerfully, ¡°Dear in-law, cheer up, today is a joyous day for your Xu Family.¡± ¡°Shen, come and pay respects to your future mother-in-law.¡± Zhu Jianshen quickly smiled and said politely, ¡°Your son-in-law, Zhu Jianshen, greets you.¡± Wang Yingfeng¡¯s mood still couldn¡¯t lift, and she forced a smile, ¡°Please, sit, everyone, sit.¡± Returning to her seat, Wang Yingfeng¡¯s mind was elsewhere. Especially when she noticed the Xu Family members all staring at the newly transformed, radiant Zhang Yuxiu, her mood worsened. Xu Zhengyan, with a calm expression, asked, ¡°Mrs. Zhu, what betrothal gifts did you bring today?¡± Looking at the dazzling treasures, he was worried for Jiang Fan. Zhu Jianshen stepped forward and said, ¡°Allow me to introduce.¡± ¡°Gold, silver, and jewels worth one million taels!¡± Sss! The Xu Family members gasped in shock! The previously disheartened Wang Yingfeng suddenly became spirited, one million taels was astronomical! If she had this amount of silver earlier, the Beauty-Restore Pill would have been hers yesterday. Zhu Jianshen, satisfied with their reactions, continued, ¡°Twenty bottles of mid-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, worth two hundred thousand taels.¡± ¡°A Yellow-Level lower technique, worth three hundred thousand taels!¡± ¡°A lower-grade Magic Artifact, worth five hundred thousand taels!¡± At the mention of the Magic Artifact, Xu Yining couldn¡¯t remain seated and exclaimed, ¡°A Magic Artifact?¡± Unlike ordinary weapons, Magic Artifacts contained spiritual power. Using one could greatly amplify the power of swordsmanship. Such high-grade items could only be found in the Green Cloud Sect! And they were very valuable, rewards only given to disciples with significant accomplishments. She couldn¡¯t help but envy Xu Youran, who received such an abundant dowry. Wang Yingfeng¡¯s face lit up with joy. Altogether, it was worth two million taels! ¡°Good son-in-law, our Youran is truly fortunate to have you!¡± Wang Yingfeng couldn¡¯t stop smiling. Zhu Jianshen also felt assured. The deal was done. He turned to look at Jiang Fan, who still looked calm, and taunted, ¡°Jiang Fan! Weren¡¯t you quite arrogant at the auction house yesterday?¡± ¡°Now, can you show the same arrogance with your betrothal gifts today?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s see if your gifts match your arrogance?¡± Jiang Fan slowly opened his eyes. He calmly wrote a line. ¡°Is this all you have?¡± Chapter 34 - Chapter 34: Chapter 34: Please Slap Your Own Face Chapter 34: Chapter 34: Please Slap Your Own Face The entire Xu family stared at these four characters in astonishment. ¡°What does it mean? Do they think the Zhu family¡¯s dowry is too little?¡± ¡°A dowry worth two million! This is the first time since the founding of Lonely Boat City!¡± ¡°Does Jiang Fan look down on such a large dowry?¡± In comparison, Xu Youran revealed a trace of desolation. This is a two million dowry. How could Jiang Fan compete? Even if yesterday¡¯s Plant Essence was sold, it would barely be over one hundred taels. Adding to Jiang Fan¡¯s existing 510,000 taels, it still wouldn¡¯t come close to two million! Zhu Jianshen smirked, ¡°That bottle of Plant Essence, if you hadn¡¯t used it, might barely qualify you to compete with me.¡± ¡°But now you have nothing, so what will you use to compete with me?¡± Lu Zheng finally found his chance for revenge. He sneered, ¡°Young Master Zhu, this guy might be mute, but his stubbornness is unmatched.¡± ¡°Even with a swollen face, his mouth won¡¯t yield.¡± ¡°Only when Xu Youran is in your arms will he be writhing in pain.¡± Wang Yingfeng¡¯s good mood was immediately shattered by Jiang Fan¡¯s single remark. ¡°You even look down on a dowry of two million?¡± ¡°Young Master Jiang, how much can you offer?¡± Xu Zhengyan sighed heavily. There was no need to compare further. Even with the help of a fortune deity, Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t amass such a huge sum of silver. Continuing the comparison would only embarrass Jiang Fan further. ¡°Alright then, since Young Master Zhu has proposed the dowry, the marriage is settled. There¡¯s no need for Jiang Fan to present his.¡± Bang¡ª However, Wang Yingfeng slammed the table and snorted, ¡°Stop shielding this useless person!¡± ¡°Did you forget how he was jumping around just now?¡± ¡°Today, I want to see exactly what he¡¯s capable of!¡± Zhu Jianshen also cupped his hands and said, ¡°Father-in-law, without a comparison, how can we know how much the Zhu family values Youran?¡± ¡°We can¡¯t let outsiders think that the Zhu family bullies others with our power, can we?¡± ¡°Since Jiang Fan is competing with me for a woman, we must distinguish who is superior, clearly and distinctly!¡± Clap¡ªClap¡ª Just as Xu Zhengyan was about to speak, Jiang Fan clapped his hands. He picked up his pen and wrote, ¡°I completely agree with what Young Master Zhu said!¡± ¡°Without comparison, where does the difference come from?¡± Then, He took out stack after stack of silver notes from his chest. Without exception, They were all in denominations of ten thousand taels. Differing from the previous 510,000 taels, This time, the silver notes were so many that they took one¡¯s breath away! Pure white, like paper, piled together casually. ¡°Count them.¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s note broke the dead silence in the hall. Xu Zhengyan was the first to react, quickly gathering up the countless silver notes. Though not yet counted, the amount clearly exceeded two million! His hands trembled as he counted them one by one. Finding the task overwhelming, he eventually had to ask for help, ¡°Yining, what are you standing there for? Quickly help count!¡± Xu Yining walked over dazedly and started helping to count. A blank slate in her mind. Shortly after, she finished counting and said in a tone even she found uncertain, ¡°A total of 2.7 million taels.¡± What did this mean? It was 700,000 taels more than the Zhu family¡¯s dowry, which had cost them everything! The entire room fell silent. Pairs of astonished eyes stared at the 2.7 million taels of silver. Xu Yining looked at Jiang Fan, calm and composed, then at Xu Youran, thrilled beyond measure. Her emotions churned. Lu Zheng was dumbfounded, wanting to say something harsh but unable to form a sentence against such a colossal dowry. Zhu Jianshen also stood frozen, unable to comprehend where Jiang Fan had acquired so much silver. Just two days ago, he only had 510,000 taels. Little did they know, Jiang Fan previously had 1.3 million taels. After selling a Beauty-Restore Pill yesterday, he got another 1.4 million from the Zhu family. Accumulating to a total of 2.7 million taels? Jiang Fan looked at Zhu Jianshen, half smiling, ¡°Young Master Zhu, your Zhu family can continue to add more; I¡¯ll wait for you.¡± The Zhu family had no more wealth to add. Buying a Beauty-Restore Pill yesterday cost 1.4 million, causing them to sell many assets. This two million dowry was all they could scrape together. If they added another 700,000, the Zhu family truly wouldn¡¯t have it. Zhu Jianshen gritted his teeth until they creaked, his fists clenched tightly, glaring at Jiang Fan with hatred. Jiang Fan calmly wrote out, ¡°Does glaring so intensely help?¡± ¡°If you can still add to the dowry, then do so.¡± ¡°If you have no money, then take your dowry and get as far away as you can!¡± Humiliation! A tremendous humiliation! In Zhu Jianshen¡¯s life, had he ever been so insulted? ¡°Jiang Fan! How dare you go too far?¡± Zhu Jianshen shouted. Jiang Fan slowly stood, coldly writing several lines: ¡°Unable to seize another¡¯s wife, yet slandering others for bullying you?¡± ¡°Your Zhu family, has it inscribed shamelessness upon your faces?¡± ¡°You!¡± Zhu Jianshen was furious. He wished to go up and beat Jiang Fan half to death! But in this public setting and with Xu Zhengyan protecting Jiang Fan, he could do nothing. Zhang Yuxiu was also infuriated. She had thought the Zhu family had the upper hand, but they were easily trampled by a mere houseguest. Unable to overshadow them financially, she had nothing to say. She coldly said, ¡°Shen, we are leaving!¡± However, Just when everyone thought the matter was settled, Wang Yingfeng stared at Jiang Fan with hatred, shouting, ¡°Jiang, what are you so smug about? Who told you that you have won?¡± Huh? Members of the Xu family, puzzled, looked over. Was there still a need to compare? 2.7 million taels of ready cash against a dowry discounted to 2 million. Even a fool could see whose dowry was more, right? Xu Zhengyan was dumbfounded, pulling Wang Yingfeng saying, ¡°Don¡¯t be unreasonable.¡± ¡°Since Fan¡¯s dowry is more, Fan has won.¡± Wang Yingfeng pushed him away, roaring, ¡°Get lost!¡± ¡°I will make the decisions about this marriage!¡± Xu Zhengyan¡¯s face turned blue and white! The dignified authority of the family head was shattered by her roar! Wang Yingfeng glared at Jiang Fan with resentment, ¡°Don¡¯t say I am being unreasonable. You remember my words, right?¡± Jiang Fan, seemingly anticipating this, took out a previously prepared note, ¡°A dowry that will satisfy you.¡± Wang Yingfeng was slightly startled. Jiang Fan had foreseen she would dwell on this issue? But it didn¡¯t matter! Even if the sky fell today, she wouldn¡¯t agree to this marriage! ¡°Good!¡± Wang Yingfeng snorted, ¡°Although your dowry is more, I prefer Young Master Zhu¡¯s dowry more!¡± ¡°This doesn¡¯t go against the promise, does it?¡± What? Everyone¡¯s expressions changed. Several family members immediately advised: ¡°Madam, you¡¯re being foolish. Jiang Fan¡¯s is 2.7 million taels!¡± ¡°Not only that, Jiang Fan is one of us. We don¡¯t need to return his dowry. What he gives, it¡¯s ours.¡± ¡°But the Zhu family¡¯s dowry must be paired with a dowry to be returned together!¡± No family would keep the bride price. On the contrary, it would be sent back along with a dowry. And Jiang Fan¡¯s 2.7 million taels could greatly develop Xu Mansion, enhancing the family¡¯s strength! ¡°Everyone shut up!¡± Wang Yingfeng shouted, ¡°I don¡¯t care about the Xu family!¡± ¡°I just want to break up Jiang Fan and Xu Youran!¡± ¡°I want them to never be together!¡± Then she pointed her finger at Jiang Fan, saying, ¡°I¡¯m not satisfied with your dowry!¡± ¡°So, get out of Xu Mansion!¡± ¡°Now! Immediately! Without delay!¡± Jiang Fan smiled without saying anything. He pushed aside the pile of silver notes in front of him and took out another pre-written note. ¡°I have one more item in my dowry.¡± ¡°You will be satisfied.¡± Hahaha! Wang Yingfeng laughed aloud, ¡°Jiang Fan, oh Jiang Fan!¡± ¡°What do you take me for?¡± ¡°We¡¯ve come to this point, and you think I will slap my own face?¡± ¡°Even if you present an Immortal Pill, today, you must leave!¡± Jiang Fan chuckled. Holding a note in his left hand. ¡°I don¡¯t have an Immortal Pill, but I do have this pill.¡± With his right hand, he slowly took out a jade bottle from his chest. Inside was nothing else but, a Beauty-Restore Pill! Chapter 35 - Chapter 35: Chapter 35: Who Said You Can Eat? Chapter 35: Chapter 35: Who Said You Can Eat? This pill appeared. The entire Xu Family exploded like a pot boiling over. ¡°Beauty-Restore Pill! It¡¯s the Beauty-Restore Pill!¡± ¡°Oh my God, it¡¯s the second Beauty-Restore Pill!¡± ¡°Jiang Fan¡¯s true wedding dowry is actually a genuine Beauty-Restore Pill!¡± What? Zhu Jianshen gasped. The smile on his face hadn¡¯t even fully formed before it fell apart, replaced by overwhelming shock. He had personally witnessed how attractive a single Beauty-Restore Pill was! Last time, many wealthy women were ill-prepared and deeply regretted not bidding afterwards. If another one appeared, its value would far exceed 1.4 million! Xu Yining covered her mouth in disbelief! She had fantasized about marrying a powerful true love to get such a wedding dowry; Jiang Fan effortlessly produced one! Xu Zhengyan was equally stunned after a brief pause! This pill, Jiang Fan actually had one! At this moment, no one questioned where the Beauty-Restore Pill came from. All their attention was on the pill and Wang Yingfeng. Yesterday, Wang Yingfeng had caused chaos in the entire Xu Family because she couldn¡¯t get the Beauty-Restore Pill. Now, with a genuine Beauty-Restore Pill in front of her, it was uncertain what she would do. Would she continue to behave unreasonably and break Jiang Fan and Xu Youran apart? Or would she treat her previous words like air? Wang Yingfeng was also stunned, looking at the Beauty-Restore Pill with eyes full of disbelief. This, this was the Beauty-Restore Pill she had dreamed of? But looking at Jiang Fan¡¯s faint smile, she remembered her resolute words and was momentarily indecisive. Jiang Fan smiled slightly and said, ¡°Since you don¡¯t want it, I¡¯ll take it to auction.¡± Saying this, he tucked the Beauty-Restore Pill into his chest. ¡°Wait!¡± Wang Yingfeng panicked, especially when she saw Zhang Yuxiu¡¯s youthful face, she couldn¡¯t resist the temptation. Let it be a slap in the face! She would turn hostile later! ¡°Fine! You win! Your dowry, I¡­ am satisfied!¡± With these words, the entire venue felt like they were dreaming. Jiang Fan had humiliated Wang Yingfeng so much. The vengeful Wang Yingfeng actually agreed to the marriage contract, just as Jiang Fan said. Wang Yingfeng finished speaking, feeling her face burn, and said fiercely, ¡°Can you give it to me now?¡± Jiang Fan produced a pre-prepared contract and placed it before her, along with a note: ¡°Your verbal promise is as good as air.¡± ¡°Better to sign a contract.¡± You! Once again humiliated, Wang Yingfeng was furious. She had planned to go back on her word later, but Jiang Fan saw through her and mocked her! But for the Beauty-Restore Pill, she could only suppress her anger and sign the contract. With the contract signed, Jiang Fan and Xu Youran¡¯s marriage was officially valid. Even if she tried to stop it afterward, the signed contract meant she had no right to interfere. ¡°Now can you give it to me?¡± Wang Yingfeng stared at the Beauty-Restore Pill, her eyes burning with desire. Xu Zhengyan finally relaxed, showing a relieved smile. Seeing Wang Yingfeng¡¯s eagerness, he smiled and said, ¡°Fan, give it to her.¡± ¡°Your mother-in-law can¡¯t wait to become young again.¡± Jiang Fan nodded and wrote, ¡°Of course, since it¡¯s a dowry to your family, how to dispose of it is up to you.¡± ¡°However, let me say this first, before handing over this Beauty-Restore Pill, please verify it carefully.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t get it and then claim it¡¯s fake.¡± Xu Zhengyan wanted to say who would be so low, but looking at Wang Yingfeng, he thought Jiang Fan¡¯s concern wasn¡¯t entirely misplaced. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll verify it.¡± He stepped forward, watching as Jiang Fan opened the bottle cap. A rich fragrance of the pill hit them. ¡°Father-in-law, please look closely,¡± Jiang Fan wrote and directed the bottle mouth towards him. Xu Zhengyan nodded and bent down to inspect it carefully. Suddenly. From Jiang Fan¡¯s palm, a force suddenly emitted, causing the Beauty-Restore Pill to be ejected from the Jade Bottle. It landed right in Xu Zhengyan¡¯s mouth and rolled into his throat. Cough, cough, cough! Xu Zhengyan choked and coughed several times, bewildered: ¡°Did I eat the Beauty-Restore Pill?¡± The unexpected scene made the entire Xu Family explode. Wang Yingfeng couldn¡¯t believe it and screamed: ¡°My Beauty-Restore Pill!¡± ¡°Spit it out! You wretch, spit it out now!¡± Xu Zhengyan also panicked, trying to spit it back out. But the Beauty-Restore Pill dissolved quickly once ingested, melting into liquid and permeating his body. Immediately after. In a series of exclamations, the aged Xu Zhengyan underwent an unbelievable transformation. His gray hair visibly turned black. The wrinkles on his face smoothed out rapidly, and spots disappeared quickly. Even his slightly stooped posture became upright again. In the blink of an eye. He transformed from a middle-aged man to a youth in his early thirties! With a change to younger, more fashionable clothes, he would look barely over twenty. This was the effect of the Top Grade Beauty-Restore Pill. Twice as effective as the Low Grade one, making him twenty years younger! ¡°I¡­ I became young?¡± Xu Zhengyan looked at his new appearance in disbelief, as if dreaming. It was like seeing himself thirty years ago when he first took charge of the Xu Family, full of vigor. Watching the dramatic change in her husband, the middle-aged Wang Yingfeng screamed from the bottom of her heart: ¡°That¡¯s mine! It¡¯s my Beauty-Restore Pill!!!¡± Xu Zhengyan snapped out of it, looking lost: ¡°Dear, I don¡¯t know what happened?¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t eat it on purpose.¡± Wang Yingfeng understood, her eyes filled with immense hatred as she raged at Jiang Fan: ¡°It¡¯s you!¡± ¡°You deliberately gave it to Xu Zhengyan, didn¡¯t you? Didn¡¯t you?¡± Jiang Fan quietly looked at her and wrote without hesitation: ¡°That¡¯s right.¡± ¡°Compared to your pampered life, Uncle Xu needed this Beauty-Restore Pill more.¡± He never intended to give the precious Beauty-Restore Pill to Wang Yingfeng. His plan was to get the contract signed and then have Xu Zhengyan take the Beauty-Restore Pill. Wang Yingfeng went berserk: ¡°You tricked me!¡± Jiang Fan shook his head and wrote, ¡°This is the dowry, it¡¯s for your family, anyone can take it.¡± Wang Yingfeng lost her mind, shouting: ¡°Beat him to death! Beat him to death!!¡± But the Xu family was indifferent. The clan members still had a sense of justice. They also believed that the Beauty-Restore Pill suited the hardworking Xu Zhengyan better. Finding no one would obey her, Wang Yingfeng got even angrier, roaring: ¡°Xu Yining! Where are you?¡± ¡°Can¡¯t you see your mother was deceived?¡± ¡°Kill Jiang Fan immediately! Hurry up!!¡± Xu Yining stood still and did not move. She glanced at Jiang Fan with some resentment and said, ¡°Mother, why don¡¯t I take you to rest?¡± After all, Jiang Fan gave the Beauty-Restore Pill to her father. Seeing her hardworking father become so young made her genuinely happy and excited. So, she didn¡¯t think Jiang Fan did anything wrong. Only her mother couldn¡¯t accept it right away. ¡°Even you betrayed me? I don¡¯t want to live anymore!¡± Wang Yingfeng sat on the ground, kicking and cursing loudly. She was acting like a shrew. Xu Zhengyan and Xu Yining looked embarrassed, helpless in dealing with their kin. The clan members shook their heads. Xu Youran then took Jiang Fan¡¯s arm and said, ¡°Everyone, disperse.¡± ¡°The matter is over.¡± However. At this moment. A paper crane magically flew over, landing in Zhu Jianshen¡¯s hand. ¡°Oh? A message from the sect?¡± He quickly opened it and read the contents, his face growing serious. Then he grinned savagely: ¡°Who told you it was over?¡± ¡°Xu Family, you are facing a catastrophe!¡± Chapter 36 - Chapter 36: Chapter 36 Xu Zhengyan Gets Angry Chapter 36: Chapter 36 Xu Zhengyan Gets Angry The words ¡°family disgrace¡± brought the jubilant members of the Xu Family to a standstill. Xu Zhengyan¡¯s face darkened as he said, ¡°Young Master Zhu, please watch your words!¡± ¡°Our Xu Family has always adhered to the rules. How could there be a family disgrace?¡± However, Zhu Jianshen laughed heartily, his gaze sweeping over the Xu Family members and finally fixating on Lu Zheng. ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask Lu Zheng whether he sold Lonely Boat City¡¯s patrol map to the Blood Bat Palace?¡± What? The Xu Family members were stunned. Blood Bat Palace? That evil force lurking within the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s territory? The Green Cloud Sect had tried multiple times to eradicate it without success and had issued a strict order forbidding any dealings with the Blood Bat Palace. Any such interaction would be deemed collaboration with the Blood Bat Palace. If violated, the punishment would be the extermination of the family! Xu Zhengyan was terrified. He yanked Lu Zheng from the crowd, yelling, ¡°Tell him, did you collude with the Blood Bat Palace?¡± At that moment, Jiang Fan and Xu Youran exchanged a glance, both feeling a pang of anxiety. The other day, Xu Youran had encountered three Blood Bat Palace members on the mountain. They had said that Lu Zheng owed them money. Clearly, Lu Zheng had connections with the Blood Bat Palace. Staring at the ground, Lu Zheng, who had previously been confident, now broke out in a cold sweat, shaking his head vigorously, ¡°No, no, it¡¯s a rumor.¡± Zhu Jianshen smirked coldly, ¡°People from the Green Cloud Sect raided a branch of the Blood Bat Palace and captured several members.¡± ¡°They exposed you and even produced the patrol map you gave them.¡± ¡°With both circumstantial and material evidence, denying it is useless!¡± Wang Yingfeng got up from the ground to defend her nephew, ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± ¡°My nephew will have a promising future. How could he do such a thing?¡± Zhu Jianshen mocked, ¡°Do you think the people from the Green Cloud Sect would deliberately frame an insignificant person?¡± ¡°Lu Zheng, will you confess on your own, or should I use torture?¡± Seeing his actions exposed, Lu Zheng¡¯s face turned deathly pale. He rushed to kneel before Wang Yingfeng, frantically explaining, ¡°Aunt, I was forced, too!¡± ¡°I accidentally owed them money, and they said if I didn¡¯t repay it, they¡¯d kill me.¡± ¡°That¡¯s why I followed their orders and stole the patrol map for them.¡± ¡°Please save me. Save me!¡± The Xu Family members gasped. So it was true! Xu Zhengyan¡¯s vision went black, and he almost collapsed. Fortunately, Xu Youran stepped forward to support him. ¡°Lu Zheng, you beast! How dare you collude with the Blood Bat Palace and sell out Lonely Boat City¡¯s patrol map?¡± The patrol map was the core secret of the officers¡¯ and soldiers¡¯ patrol defense in Lonely Boat City. If the Blood Bat Palace obtained it, infiltrating Lonely Boat City would be a breeze for them! Even Wang Yingfeng was terrified. Though she was a woman, she knew what the patrol map represented! What Lu Zheng committed was no mere mistake but a heinous crime! She trembled and pushed Lu Zheng away, silently retreating, as if treating him like a plague. How could she dare to say another word in his defense? Zhu Jianshen smirked sinisterly, ¡°The Green Cloud Sect has left this matter for me to handle.¡± ¡°In my view, this can be either a big issue or a minor one.¡± ¡°If I show mercy, I can act as if nothing happened. But if I investigate thoroughly, none of you Xu Family members will escape!¡± He took a step forward, raised his hand to lift Xu Youran¡¯s chin, and teased, ¡°You know what I want, don¡¯t you?¡± ¡°Tonight, Xu Youran must serve me well!¡± ¡°The better she serves, the happier I am, and then I might spare your Xu Family!¡± ¡°Otherwise¡­¡± Bang¡ª Suddenly. A tea cup was thrown, hitting Zhu Jianshen¡¯s arm. Zhu Jianshen retracted his hand in pain, angrily glaring at Jiang Fan, who had thrown it. He spitefully said, ¡°I¡¯ll tell you right now, you won¡¯t escape either!¡± Jiang Fan said calmly, ¡°Who gave you the power to exterminate the entire Xu Family?¡± ¡°Lu Zheng is a Lu by name. What does it have to do with the Xu Family?¡± This snapped the Xu Family members out of their shock. Xu Yining also suddenly woke up, and with her sword raised, she shouted, ¡°Zhu Jianshen! If you want to destroy the Xu Family, do you plan to include me?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t forget that I¡¯m the designated True Disciple of the Green Cloud Sect, and my future status will be much higher than yours!¡± Today, if Zhu Jianshen dared to abuse his power to destroy the Xu Family. One day, Xu Yining would surely flatten the Zhu Family! Xu Zhengyan also regained his senses and said quickly, ¡°Yes, yes! Lu Zheng colluded with the Blood Bat Palace. Go after him, but why implicate the Xu Family?¡± The barrage of questions left Zhu Jianshen in an awkward position. He gritted his teeth and argued stubbornly, ¡°Lu Zheng was raised in your Xu Family. He committed the crime, so your Xu Family can¡¯t evade responsibility!¡± Jiang Fan wrote with a flourish, ¡°If that¡¯s your argument, then wouldn¡¯t the Zhu Family also plot rebellion by attempting to marry into the Xu Family? Let¡¯s just wipe them out together!¡± Everyone¡¯s eyes brightened. It had to be admitted that although Jiang Fan was mute, he always hit the mark with his words. Xu Zhengyan promptly announced, ¡°From now on, Lu Zheng is expelled from the Xu Family. He will have no further affiliation with us!¡± ¡°No, aunt, please save me. Give me another chance!¡± Lu Zheng¡¯s face turned ashen as he wept and pleaded. Once he was expelled, execution awaited him! Wang Yingfeng, though unwilling, could not help but feel pity for her nephew. She addressed Xu Zhengyan, ¡°Husband, why not marry Youran to Young Master Zhu? Wouldn¡¯t that be a win-win solution?¡± Slap¡ª In response, she received a resounding slap! Xu Zhengyan, consumed with rage, slapped her face, roaring, ¡°How can you still defend your nephew at such a time?¡± ¡°Do you want to sacrifice my daughter¡¯s happiness to save his wretched life?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve already cut the resources for the Xu Family members to support Lu Zheng¡¯s reckless behavior. You allowed him to rampage within the mansion and even had Jiang Fan use his betrothal gift to settle his debt with the Qin Family Head!¡± ¡°Now, he¡¯s committed an unforgivable crime that threatens the Xu Family¡¯s extermination, and you still want to protect him?¡± ¡°Is it only when the Xu Family is eradicated that you¡¯ll be satisfied? Huh!!!¡± ¡°Get out! You get out too!!!¡± ¡°The Xu Family will be doomed one day if you stay!!!¡± Wang Yingfeng shrank back in fear. After decades of marriage, this was the first time Xu Zhengyan had lost his temper with her. The Xu Family members all showed a sense of relief. It served her right! She deserved a harsh lesson! This woman had always used Xu Zhengyan¡¯s kindness to assert her dominant stance and meddle aggressively in Xu Family affairs. Now, her nephew had brought calamity upon the family, yet she remained unrepentant! Xu Zhengyan, still seething with anger, shouted, ¡°Break Lu Zheng¡¯s legs and throw him onto the street!¡± Several servants who had suffered under Lu Zheng immediately pinned him down and brutally broke his legs. Lu Zheng¡¯s screams were agonizing. Without mercy, they threw him out despite his pleas. Xu Zhengyan then coldly looked at Zhu Jianshen, ¡°The one who colluded with the Blood Bat Palace has been punished by the Xu Family for you.¡± ¡°Next, whether you want to flay him or slice him up is your concern, but it has nothing to do with the Xu Family!¡± Zhu Jianshen, unable to continue his coercion, found himself in a dilemma. He was deeply humiliated and felt it was no longer just about obtaining Xu Youran. It was now about venting his pent-up anger! Suddenly, he glanced back at the content on the paper crane. After reading it, he sneered grimly: ¡°You are celebrating too soon.¡± ¡°The sect¡¯s message also instructed me on another matter!¡± Chapter 37 - Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Making Magic Artifacts Chapter 37: Chapter 37: Making Magic Artifacts Zhu Jianshen sneered: ¡°The Green Cloud Sect ordered me to conscript the experts from each family in Lonely Boat City to eradicate the remnants of the Blood Bat Palace in the vicinity!¡± ¡°I decide how many Blood Bat Palace members each family has to take down!¡± Xu Zhengyan frowned. The people of the Blood Bat Palace were mostly brutal and had considerable strength. Most of them were above the Seventh Layer of Qi Cultivation. The protectors had even reached the Ninth Layer of Qi Cultivation! And the Sub-Altar Master was an expert in the Foundation Establishment Realm! The government had launched multiple sieges against the Blood Bat Palace, all suffering heavy losses. If too many heads were assigned to the Xu Family, the consequences would be¡­ Zhu Jianshen shook the paper crane: ¡°According to the sect¡¯s intelligence, the Sub-Altar Master of the Blood Bat Palace near Lonely Boat City, two protectors, and thirty members are on the run.¡± ¡°If your Xu Family is willing to bow your head and admit your mistake, and hand over Xu Youran to let me have my way, I¡¯ll let the Xu Family off the hook. After all, the Xu Family is just a medium-sized family, and there are plenty of families stronger than yours.¡± ¡°If you refuse, then I¡¯m sorry, the Sub-Altar Master is yours to deal with.¡± What? Xu Zhengyan¡¯s face changed dramatically: ¡°You¡¯re abusing public power for personal gain!¡± Zhu Jianshen shrugged shamelessly: ¡°If you are not satisfied, you can complain to the Green Cloud Sect!¡± ¡°But if you can¡¯t complete the task in ten days, then the Xu Family will face confiscation and imprisonment!¡± Everyone knew that this was not an empty threat. If the assigned task was not completed, the Green Cloud Sect would indeed impose severe punishments. But to ask the Xu Family to wipe out the Sub-Altar Master of the Blood Bat Palace, was this a joke? The strongest person in the Xu Family was Xu Zhengyan, only at the First Layer of Foundation Establishment. That Sub-Altar Master was said to be an expert in the Second Layer of Foundation Establishment. Moreover, the opponent was notoriously ruthless; how could Xu Zhengyan be a match? ¡°Choose!¡± Zhu Jianshen said leisurely. At this moment. Jiang Fan raised a note: ¡°Uncle, leave the Sub-Altar Master to me.¡± He had confidence that within ten days, he could advance to the Foundation Establishment Realm and, with the Dragon Seeking Scripture, his strength would further increase. Facing the Sub-Altar Master would be sufficient. Xu Zhengyan patted him on the shoulder appreciatively: ¡°Indeed, you are the esteemed son-in-law I recognize!¡± ¡°You didn¡¯t let me down!¡± He looked sideways at Zhu Jianshen, contemptuous: ¡°A despicable man like you is also worthy of marrying my daughter?¡± ¡°Our Xu Family needs people like Jiang Fan with backbone.¡± ¡°You¡¯re not even fit to carry Jiang Fan¡¯s shoes!¡± ¡°Get out! Come for the head in ten days!¡± Zhu Jianshen, humiliated and furious, gritted his teeth: ¡°Fine! Xu Zhengyan, you asked for this!¡± ¡°If I don¡¯t see the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s head in ten days, I¡¯ll take yours!¡± ¡°And you, Jiang Fan, when you return empty-handed, I wonder how you¡¯ll face the Xu Family!¡± With that, he stormed off in anger. Jiang Fan clenched his fists. Ten days, the time was indeed tight. At this moment, Xu Zhengyan patted his shoulder again: ¡°Relax, I¡¯ll slay the Sub-Altar Master, you stay home and keep Youran company.¡± It turned out that he had the same thought as Jiang Fan. Even without Jiang Fan speaking up, he would have resolutely refused. Moreover, for such a dangerous task, how could he, as the Family Head, remain indifferent while letting the younger generation handle it? After everyone dispersed. The Xu Family members, feeling the crisis, started diligently practicing their cultivation techniques. Except for Jiang Fan. He had already broken through to the Eighth Layer of Qi Cultivation; further progress would be slow in the short term. To enhance his strength, the only option was attack skills. He took out the high-level Yellow Grade attack cultivation technique, the Seven-star Sword Jue. This was the highest-level swordsmanship in the entire city, exceptionally profound. And what he lacked now was a sword. Thinking of this, he retrieved the Thunderstruck Wood he had obtained from the auction under the bed. ¡°According to the Taiyin Soul Technique, Thunder Pattern Spiritual Wood is excellent material for refining magic artifacts; even without mastering artifact crafting, it can be made into a natural magic artifact.¡± Jiang Fan muttered, carving it bit by bit with a small knife. Half a day later. A crude-looking black wooden sword was held in Jiang Fan¡¯s hand. ¡°Is this a magic artifact?¡± Jiang Fan scratched his head, trying to swing it at the air, but it didn¡¯t resemble a magic artifact. It was said that a magic artifact would unleash special abilities upon activation. This wooden sword showed no reaction. Unwilling to give up, he tried poking his arm lightly with the sword. The result. Upon contact, a thunderbolt surged from the wooden sword, striking Jiang Fan¡¯s arm. Immediately, his entire body went numb from the electric shock. His limbs stiffened, unable to move. After a while, he recovered, his heart pounding wildly from the electric shock, making him gasp heavily. ¡°This¡­ thunderbolt?¡± He finally understood what a natural magic artifact was. Enduring countless lightning strikes, the Thunder Pattern Spiritual Wood contained a trace of thunder power. When attacking, poking the enemy would paralyze their body. This was a lethal weapon for killing enemies! Jiang Fan immediately realized its usefulness and couldn¡¯t help but be overjoyed. He immediately started practicing according to the Seven-star Sword Jue. This sword technique was divided into three levels: upper, middle, and lower. The first level was Lonely Star Points. The second level was Three Stars Illuminating the Moon. The third level was Seven Stars to the North. Each move was more powerful than the last, especially the final move, which unleashed a fatal force that could even cut through black iron. Just like comprehending a mental method, he found no bottlenecks in practicing the sword technique either. Except for the last layer, which required some thought, the whole sword technique was without difficulty. Three days later. He had achieved great success in swordsmanship. Meanwhile, practicing sword techniques by day and mental methods by night, with the help of top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, he had successfully advanced to Eighth Layer Perfection of Qi Cultivation. He only needed a fierce battle to solidify his spiritual power and successfully break through to the Ninth Layer. ¡°Fan, Fan, good news! The Dragon-Rising Path in Lonely Boat City has opened!¡± Xu Youran came joyfully to deliver the news. Dragon-Rising Path? Jiang Fan was slightly surprised. This was a trial ground set up by the Green Cloud Sect in every city. Not only was the spiritual energy inside rich, making it ideal for cultivation, but more importantly, one could fight various projections within it. These projections were the prodigies of the Green Cloud Sect in their youth. The projections would display all kinds of cultivation techniques and their strongest states. Because they were just projections, they wouldn¡¯t harm the trialists but could enhance their combat abilities. It originally opened once every ten years. But this time, due to the imminent eradication of the Blood Bat Palace remnants, it opened exceptionally. ¡°Let¡¯s go quickly,¡± Jiang Fan was most in need of actual combat now. Dragon-Rising Path was a tower. A winding stone staircase extended from the first layer to the top layer. Many were already standing on the stone steps, vigorously displaying martial skills at the air. Xu Youran said: ¡°Fan, each stone step will have a projection; only by defeating it can you move up a level.¡± ¡°It¡¯s said that outstanding performers will be rewarded.¡± Jiang Fan didn¡¯t care about the rewards. He just wanted to engage in a grand fight soon. So, he immediately stepped onto the first layer. Sure enough! As soon as he set his foot, his vision turned black, and he appeared on an open field. A projection of an eighteen-year-old boy slowly appeared. ¡°Li Zijin, Fifth Layer of Qi Cultivation, please instruct me!¡± So the threshold was the Fifth Layer. Jiang Fan nodded and decisively struck, shattering it with a light punch. ¡°No difficulty.¡± Jiang Fan quickly moved to the second step. ¡°Huang Gaihu, Fifth Layer Perfection of Qi Cultivation, please instruct me!¡± Still a punch. ¡°Chen Yuanqing, Sixth Layer of Qi Cultivation, please instruct me!¡± Still a punch. ¡°Yuan Zhongdao, Sixth Layer Perfection of Qi Cultivation, please instruct me!¡± ¡­ Jiang Fan practically defeated each one with a punch, almost without pausing. It was like walking. Only when he defeated the Eighth Layer of Qi Cultivation did his steps slow down. When he looked up, he was stunned. To his surprise, in front of him was Xu Yining. Chapter 38 - Chapter 38: Chapter 38 The Frantic Liu Qingxian Chapter 38: Chapter 38 The Frantic Liu Qingxian She was drenched in sweat, furiously striking at the air, indicating the projection of the eighth layer of Qi Cultivation Perfection had caused her considerable trouble. Thinking about it, it was understandable. These projections were all prodigies of the Green Cloud Sect. The cultivation techniques they practiced were far superior to the lower Yellow Level techniques of the Xu Family. Although Xu Yining had reached the ninth layer of Qi Cultivation, the difference in cultivation techniques became evident when facing the eighth layer of Qi Cultivation Perfection. ¡°Is the eighth layer of Qi Cultivation Perfection really this difficult?¡± Jiang Fan pondered as he stepped forward. Immediately, a tall young girl with an exceptionally beautiful face appeared before him. ¡°Huh? Isn¡¯t this the girl in purple I met at the City Lord Mansion? What¡¯s her name? Liu something Xian?¡± Jiang Fan still remembered that she had given him a purple token. To this day, he still didn¡¯t know what the token was for. However, the projection before him was clearly the girl in purple in her youth, a few years younger. ¡°Liu Qingxian, eighth layer of Qi Cultivation Perfection, please advise.¡± As she finished speaking, she drew a purple sword and performed a brilliant set of swordsmanship. Jiang Fan quickly drew his sword to counter. Although her swordsmanship was extraordinary, his ¡°Seven-star Sword Jue¡± was a notch above. It only took three rounds to knock her long sword away. As the darkness in front of him receded, Jiang Fan had succeeded. Glancing to the side, he saw Xu Yining still gritting his teeth, trapped in a fierce struggle. Next, Jiang Fan stepped onto the ninth layer of the stairs. A handsome young man appeared. ¡°Chen Zhengdao, ninth layer of Qi Cultivation, please advise.¡± Meanwhile¡­ Above the clouds of the Chen Family. Liu Qingxian frowned, ¡°Uncle Chen, are you sure she is really covering for that three-star Soul Master?¡± They had been monitoring her for four days. Chen Silin had only visited various properties of the Chen Family, without contacting any strangers. This made Chen Zhengdao start to doubt his own judgment. ¡°Could it be that I am being paranoid?¡± He touched his nose. Liu Qingxian sighed, ¡°This three-star Soul Master is really hard to find¡­¡± ¡°Huh!¡± Suddenly, Liu Qingxian stood up abruptly, looking surprised towards the Dragon-Rising Path. ¡°Someone broke my projection in the Dragon-Rising Path.¡± Chen Zhengdao laughed, ¡°What¡¯s so surprising about that? It was just a projection of you at eighteen.¡± Liu Qingxian was astonished, ¡°But, this person beat me in only three moves.¡± Oh? Chen Zhengdao showed a look of surprise. Even at eighteen, Liu Qingxian¡¯s strength was not to be underestimated. He pondered for a moment, ¡°Could it be that you sensed it wrong? Even the one with the Nine-grade Spiritual Root in the city is only at the seventh layer of Qi Cultivation, defeating you in three moves is unrealistic.¡± The Dragon-Rising Path was only open to the young. It was unlikely that such a powerful young person existed. Liu Qingxian thought about it and hesitated, ¡°Maybe.¡± After all, it sounded exaggerated for someone of the same age to defeat her, the daughter of the Sect Master, in just three moves. It was likely an illusion. However¡­ Soon after, Chen Zhengdao, who was still monitoring, also stood up abruptly. He looked toward the Dragon-Rising Path with a look of astonishment. ¡°What happened, Uncle Chen?¡± Liu Qingxian was startled by his reaction. Chen Zhengdao showed a look of surprise and doubt, ¡°My projection was also defeated, the opponent only used ten moves!¡± ¡°Huh?¡± Liu Qingxian was even more shocked, ¡°Really? At that time, you were known as the number one prodigy within the Green Cloud Sect and unbeaten in your era!¡± Chen Zhengdao¡¯s Eighth-grade Spiritual Root was no joke. Plus, with the resources of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, at eighteen, he was unbeaten within the Green Cloud Sect. His projection being defeated implied the emergence of an even more extraordinary prodigy. ¡°You stay and continue monitoring, I¡¯ll go see who this is!¡± Chen Zhengdao left Liu Qingxian and hurried over. ¡°I¡¯ll go too! This Lonely Boat City is too strange!¡± Liu Qingxian bit her lip, feeling indignant! It was already surprising when a Nine-grade Spiritual Root emerged in such a remote place, attributing it to immense luck. Now a three-star Soul Master appeared too? Not finding the Soul Master but another world-class prodigy? What was Lonely Boat City up to? Was it aiming for the heavens? She hurriedly rode her blue giant eagle and flew away. At this time, Jiang Fan had already stepped onto the tenth step. ¡°Yun Tianzhou, ninth layer of Qi Cultivation Perfection, please advise!¡± As soon as they clashed, Jiang Fan immediately felt immense pressure. But that was better. He fought with all his might, even using the lightning attribute of his wooden sword. Even so, after hundreds of rounds, he barely succeeded in passing the challenge. Looking at the eleventh layer above, the exhausted Jiang Fan chose to go back the way he came. Beyond that was the Foundation Establishment Realm. He felt pressured facing the ninth layer of Qi Cultivation Perfection, not to mention the Foundation Establishment Realm. There was no need to force it. He now needed to go back and cultivate quietly, taking the opportunity to solidify his spiritual power and break through to the ninth layer of Qi Cultivation in one go. He would come back to try again when the opportunity arose. On his return, he found Xu Yining still entangled with the projection of the eighth layer of Qi Cultivation Perfection, unable to gain an advantage. Meanwhile, Xu Youran had successfully defeated the fifth layer of Qi Cultivation and the fifth layer of Perfection. She was now fiercely battling the sixth layer of Qi Cultivation. Jiang Fan was immensely pleased, choosing not to disturb her and left the Dragon-Rising Path. Instead, he went to the Chen Family. Tonight, he would break through to the ninth layer of Qi Cultivation and should prepare for Foundation Establishment. Any cultivator aiming for Foundation Establishment needed a particular elixir. The Pifu Pill! This was a Second Grade Spirit Pill, currently only the Soul Master from Green Cloud Sect could refine it. It was almost never available on the market. If it was, it circulated on the black market. ¡°Huh? Why are you here?¡± Seeing the heavily robed Jiang Fan, Chen Silin hurriedly pulled him into her boudoir. Looking at the exquisite feminine room, Jiang Fan felt a little unnatural; it was his first time in a woman¡¯s boudoir. However, he was soon alarmed by Chen Silin¡¯s words. ¡°Someone is looking for me?¡± Jiang Fan was shocked. It didn¡¯t matter if the person was good or bad, he couldn¡¯t reveal his identity. For now, he was too weak, without any background, yet possessing abilities that others coveted. If discovered, the consequences would be unimaginable. ¡°In that case, I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be able to supply Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid for a while.¡± Jiang Fan pondered, ¡°But this will affect your Chen Family¡¯s business.¡± He had promised to supply Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid continuously. Chen Silin was anxious, ¡°Why still care about my family¡¯s business? It¡¯s more important for you to protect yourself.¡± ¡°Never come back here again.¡± Seeing her care so much for him, Jiang Fan felt even more guilty. ¡°How about this, does your family have materials for the Pifu Pill? I can refine more now, and the Chen Family can rely on that to attract customers.¡± ¡°Once the situation passes, I¡¯ll continue to refine Top Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid.¡± Pifu Pill? Chen Silin was surprised, ¡°But, only Green Cloud Sect has the pill recipe.¡± Jiang Fan smiled, ¡°What¡¯s so difficult about that?¡± Soon after¡­ The alchemy room of the Chen Family was filled with the fragrance of elixirs. Chen Zhengdao and Liu Qingxian, who had rushed to the Dragon-Rising Path, found nothing. ¡°Too late! This person even defeated Yun Tianzhou, who was the Pavilion Master of our Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion when he was young.¡± Chen Zhengdao was astonished. Liu Qingxian was also stunned. Winning against her and Chen Zhengdao was already impressive, but even Yun Tianzhou had been defeated. Yun Tianzhou was a super-giant on the continent¡¯s top ten experts list! He was defeated. Just who was this challenger? Despite extensive inquiries, they found no answers. Suddenly, Liu Qingxian noticed strange clouds gathering over the Chen Family, ¡°Uncle Chen, what¡¯s that?¡± Chen Zhengdao looked up, showing surprise, ¡°It¡¯s elixir fragrance! High-quality elixir fragrance! Someone is refining elixirs in the Chen Family!¡± They both thought of one person at the same time! The three-star Soul Master! They decisively mounted their giant eagle and rushed over. Chapter 39 - Chapter 39: Chapter 39: The City Lords Daughter Chapter 39: Chapter 39: The City Lord¡¯s Daughter At the same time. Jiang Fan placed twenty low-grade Pifu Pills, which he had just refined, in front of Chen Silin. ¡°I kept some for myself, you take these and sell them.¡± Chen Silin was overjoyed. The Pifu Pills were even more enticing than the top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, after all, many people had cultivated their entire lives and managed to reach the ninth layer of Qi Cultivation, but suffered from the lack of Pifu Pills. Now that there was one lying right in front of them, they were willing to pay any price. Because once one achieved Foundation Establishment, their status would change dramatically. And with a total of twenty pills, selling one a day could easily maintain the Chen family¡¯s reputation. ¡°How should I give you the money then? Also, the Qi Cultivation Liquid from earlier has sold out, and I owe you the money for that too.¡± Chen Silin bent down to get the money. Jiang Fan waved his hand, ¡°No need for now, just keep it with you.¡± Feeling that it was unsafe to stay at the Chen family¡¯s place for too long, he hurriedly took his leave. Chen Silin, however, felt quite delighted inside, gazing at Jiang Fan¡¯s departing figure with a murmured, ¡°So, he trusts me that much, huh.¡± Soon after Jiang Fan left. Chen Zhengdao and Liu Qingxian descended aboard a giant eagle. They did not bother to hide anymore, directly asking, ¡°Where is that three-star Soul Master?¡± Chen Silin answered honestly, ¡°He just left.¡± Chen Zhengdao noticed the Pifu Pills beside her and immediately stepped forward to pick up a vial and smelled it. ¡°Pifu Pills!¡± His pupils contracted, ¡°The quality is excellent, indeed the work of a three-star Soul Master!¡± Liu Qingxian was about to lose her temper, stomping her foot, ¡°How can it be so coincidental?¡± ¡°He came right after we left, and he left just as we arrived?¡± ¡°Who exactly is spying on whom here?¡± With her stomp, the giant eagle underneath felt the pain and turned its head, revealing innocent watery eyes. Why don¡¯t you get mad at that three-star Soul Master? Why are you stomping on me? I am just a passerby bird. Looking at the Green Cloud Sect Master¡¯s daughter, who was angry to the point of losing her cool, Chen Silin couldn¡¯t help but worry for Jiang Fan. Jiang Fan, oh Jiang Fan, don¡¯t get caught by this young miss, or she will surely teach you a lesson. Chen Zhengdao had also run out of patience, saying, ¡°We can only say that our luck is too bad!¡± ¡°We missed the prodigy, and now we missed the three-star Soul Master.¡± ¡°How about this, I¡¯ll stay here, and you go guard the Dragon-Rising Path.¡± ¡°We should be able to catch one of them.¡± Liu Qingxian regretted deeply. If she had stayed just now, she certainly could have caught the three-star Soul Master. So she agreed immediately, and the two of them again flew up into the sky on the giant eagle. Leaving Chen Silin with a sweaty brow. Fine, they¡¯re monitoring us openly now. Back at the Xu Mansion. Jiang Fan, having just experienced a big battle, felt the spiritual power in his body solidifying, quickly swallowed a vial of top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, and began to sit cross-legged in meditation. Soon after. His body shook, and a rich spiritual power overflowed from his body. He had astonishingly achieved the ninth layer of Qi Cultivation! Feeling the spiritual power in his body twice as dense, Jiang Fan felt confident that he could spar a few rounds with a Foundation Establishment projection of the eleventh layer. ¡°Young Master Jiang, Young Master Jiang!¡± Suddenly, there was an urgent knocking on the door from the housekeeper outside. Jiang Fan opened the door curiously, looking at the panting Housekeeper Zhang and writing in surprise, ¡°What happened?¡± Housekeeper Zhang didn¡¯t even catch his breath, saying, ¡°The city lord¡­ the city lord¡¯s daughter, Miss Ye Qingxue, has come for a visit.¡± Ye Qingxue? Wasn¡¯t she Xu Yining¡¯s close friend? Three years ago, she went elsewhere for further studies, and now she suddenly came to the Xu family, she must be looking for Xu Yining. Jiang Fan wrote, ¡°Has Xu Yining not returned yet?¡± Housekeeper Zhang anxiously said, ¡°Not only has the young miss not returned, but the family head and madam, and the clan members have also gone outside to inquire about the Blood Bat Palace, no one is home, so we have to ask you to entertain them.¡± No wonder they found Jiang Fan. Jiang Fan felt a bit unwilling. In his memory, Ye Qingxue, influenced by Xu Yining, didn¡¯t have a good impression of him either. She would always give him a cold shoulder whenever they met, never with a pleasant expression. But the Xu family truly had no one left. No choice, he had to brace himself and go to the main hall. Ye Qingxue, dressed in a silk moon-white long robe, with wide sleeves embroidered with delicate golden-thread butterflies, had her glossy black hair gracefully draped behind her. Her slender and graceful figure, vaguely noticeable under the soft fabric, stirred one¡¯s imagination. A fair and rosy face, cold and noble. When she saw it was Jiang Fan who came, she showed a puzzled expression, ¡°Who are you?¡± After all, she seldom saw Jiang Fan, and she had been away for three years now. Jiang Fan¡¯s appearance had undergone some changes. He picked up the pen and started writing swiftly. Seeing him pick up the pen, Ye Qingxue realized, ¡°No need to write, you¡¯re Jiang Fan, the mute.¡± Although they rarely met, Jiang Fan¡¯s name had appeared in her ears countless times. Almost every time they met, Xu Yining would complain about Jiang Fan, complaining that he was a mute, complaining he had no Spirit Root, complaining he shamelessly wanted to marry her. Ye Qingxue had heard it so much that her ears almost got calluses. She had already formed a pre-existing bad impression of this person she had never encountered. Jiang Fan quickly finished writing a line, ¡°Xu Yining is at the Dragon-Rising Path, and Uncle Xu and Aunt Xu are also busy outside.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll have someone make tea for you.¡± So Xu Yining was not at home, Ye Qingxue felt disappointed, standing up, ¡°There¡¯s no need.¡± ¡°When Xu Yining returns, tell her to come to the City Lord Mansion to find me, I need her help.¡± Jiang Fan nodded. Breathing a slight sigh of relief, he didn¡¯t know how to entertain Xu Yining¡¯s close friend. Being too indifferent or too enthusiastic didn¡¯t seem appropriate. At this moment. Housekeeper Zhang suddenly ran back in a panic, a gash on his forehead, bleeding profusely. ¡°Young Master Jiang, it¡¯s bad! The Qin Family Head brought his clan into our house, beating people and taking things at will!¡± ¡°You should go and take a look!¡± What? Jiang Fan was shocked. The Qin Family Head¡¯s arrival, no doubt, was to demand the thirty thousand taels of silver Lu Zheng owed. But if he wanted money, why would he beat people? He grabbed the wooden sword on the table, bowed to Ye Qingxue, and rushed to the front yard. Ye Qingxue shook her head slightly, ¡°Xu Yining was right, this Jiang Fan is not only mute but also a blockhead, not at all bright.¡± ¡°The Qin family came with their whole clan, what can he do without any cultivation? Just offering himself up?¡± ¡°The immediate priority is to quickly inform the Xu clan members to return.¡± ¡°Or if he was a little smarter, he could have asked me for help.¡± With a sigh, she helplessly moved her lotus-like steps, ¡°Fine, since I¡¯m here, I¡¯ll help Xu Yining this time.¡± Front yard. The Young Master of the Qin family snatched a three-year-old Xu family child from the hands of an old maidservant. Ignoring the child¡¯s terrified flailing and crying, he grabbed one of the child¡¯s legs and dangled him upside down in the air, disdainfully saying, ¡°The scum of the Xu family, all the same, so annoying to look at.¡± Then, he casually threw the child into a corner. And over there, it happened to be where the servants were boiling water! The old maidservant and maids screamed in fright and rushed to save him, but they were too far away and were too late. Jiang Fan arrived just in time to see this scene. His pupils contracted instantly! Chapter 40 - Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Single Combat Against the Qin Family Chapter 40: Chapter 40: Single Combat Against the Qin Family He didn¡¯t hesitate. Kicking off with both legs, he sped over like the wind. Seeing it was still too late, he threw the wooden sword in his hand. The wooden sword precisely pierced through the child¡¯s hood, carrying the child and their clothing to a distant spot. Just barely avoiding a pot of boiling water beneath! He rushed forward to check, confirming the child was unharmed, then drew out the wooden sword and stared coldly at Young Master Qin, writing: ¡°You even target children. Is everyone in the Qin family a beast?¡± Knowing he had almost caused a fatality, Young Master Qin felt a moment of guilt, but recognizing Jiang Fan, anger overtook him again. ¡°So it¡¯s you! My father has been humiliated by you multiple times!¡± ¡°I¡¯ve come for you today!¡± ¡°Everyone, get over here!¡± Several Qin family members immediately surrounded him. Ye Qingxue, who had arrived at the front yard, initially wanted to stop the Qin family¡¯s actions, but seeing Jiang Fan¡¯s earlier sword throw, she was stunned. ¡°Was that strike a mere coincidence?¡± she wondered uncertainly. To hit the child¡¯s hood at such a distance without harming a single hair. That was a feat only a swordsmanship master could achieve, right? But Jiang Fan was clearly a person without cultivation. Had she misunderstood Jiang Fan all along? Intending to step forward, she instead withdrew another step, hiding behind the door, silently observing Jiang Fan. ¡°Young master, such a worthless guy, I can handle him alone!¡± a Qi Cultivation Third Layer Qin family youth brandished his broadsword and charged. ¡°Wait¡­¡± Young Master Qin tried to caution, but it was too late. Jiang Fan bent his knees slightly, and with a casual punch, he struck the youth¡¯s abdomen, instantly breaking several ribs. Behind the door, Ye Qingxue looked shocked: ¡°Didn¡¯t Xu Yining say he had no Spirit Root? Then what was that punch?¡± What shocked her even more was the Qin Family Head¡¯s next words: ¡°Did a donkey kick your head? He defeated Lu Zheng; his cultivation is at least at the Qi Cultivation Sixth Layer!¡± ¡°Attack together.¡± he commanded. Several Qin family members surrounded him, varying in cultivation from the Qi Cultivation Fifth Layer to the Sixth Layer. However, despite their numbers, they couldn¡¯t gain the upper hand; Jiang Fan swiftly knocked them all to the ground. Each was injured to varying degrees, lying on the ground groaning in pain. Young Master Qin was startled: ¡°Have you broken through again?¡± Jiang Fan coldly wrote: ¡°Why don¡¯t you try and find out?¡± He leaped forward, aiming his right fist directly at Young Master Qin¡¯s face. Young Master Qin snorted angrily: ¡°Am I scared of you?¡± He unleashed his Qi Cultivation Seventh Layer realm, his fists attacking like twin dragons. However, upon contact, Young Master Qin felt overwhelming force crashing against him. Ah! Without suspense, he was sent flying backward by a single punch. ¡°Outrageous!¡± Qin Changsheng, who had been looting elsewhere, rushed over in time to catch his son, snorting: ¡°You dare hit my son!¡± Seeing his son covered in blood, the Qin Family Head was furious. Jiang Fan coldly wrote: ¡°You vandalize Xu Mansion and blame others for injuring your son?¡± ¡°You are as shameless as ever!¡± Qin Changsheng righteously declared: ¡°Repaying debts is justified!¡± ¡°The Xu family is about to be confiscated, and I took a bit of property to cover it; what¡¯s wrong with that?¡± Jiang Fan did not speak further. He took out a silver note worth 300,000 taels and threw it on the ground, writing: ¡°Here¡¯s the money.¡± ¡°I pay it for the Xu family!¡± ¡°But anyone who fights in Xu Mansion won¡¯t leave unscathed!¡± Seeing the silver note, Qin Changsheng sighed in relief. But regarding Jiang Fan¡¯s words, he sneered disdainfully: ¡°You think you¡¯re somebody.¡± ¡°My Qin family comes and goes as we please; what can you do?¡± He then picked up the silver note and waved his hand: ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± The Qin family members left in a grand procession. Jiang Fan, expressionless, brandished his wooden sword and charged into the group of Qin family members. Seeing him dare to confront so many Qin family members alone, Qin Changsheng was both humiliated and furious. This was utterly disregarding his Qin family! ¡°Attack together!¡± Even an elephant fears a swarm of ants. Let alone a mere Jiang Fan, they could drown him with a single spit per person. Jiang Fan remained unfazed. The wooden sword swung instantly. ¡°Lonely Star Points!¡± ¡°Three Stars Illuminating the Moon!¡± Each move was more powerful than the previous! Although it was a wooden sword, not sharp, it still drew lines of blood. Ah! Ah!! Screams echoed in the courtyard from the Qin family members. Jiang Fan moved like a tiger among sheep, striking one down with every swing. In just a few breaths, most of the Qin family members had fallen. Qin Changsheng was in a mixture of shock and anger: ¡°Little beast, I won¡¯t spare you!¡± He unleashed his Qi Cultivation Eighth Layer Perfection realm, pushing through the crowd toward Jiang Fan, clutching an iron sword and slashing fiercely. But with just one exchange, Jiang Fan disarmed him and slashed his chest, causing his blood to spurt uncontrollably. ¡°The Family Head is injured! Run! Run!!¡± Panic-stricken, the Qin family members hurriedly carried Qin Changsheng away. Jiang Fan pursued, cutting down all the Qin family members as they retreated from Xu Mansion. Ensuring no Qin family member left unscathed. Seeing his family so miserably beaten, Qin Changsheng¡¯s eyes rolled in fury: ¡°Jiang Fan! Xu family! You will pay, just wait!¡± ¡°The One-star Soul Master of the Qin family will return soon.¡± ¡°Then, it will be your end!¡± A genuine Soul Master, in any city, was a revered figure. Even the City Lord of Lonely Boat City would bow in reverence to a One-star Soul Master. If angered, mountains and rivers would change color, and rivers of blood would flow! One-star Soul Master? Jiang Fan shrugged, let him come! Returning to the courtyard, he ordered the servants to clean up the mess. Those who once scorned Jiang Fan now obeyed him in fear, not daring to breathe loudly. This battle, Jiang Fan single-handedly fought the entire Qin family. What an invincible, unparalleled feat! Hiding behind the door, Ye Qingxue also came out with bright eyes, as if discovering a treasure, exclaiming: ¡°Young Master Jiang, you truly are full of hidden talents!¡± Jiang Fan had only demonstrated his Qi Cultivation Eighth Layer realm earlier. His swordsmanship had yet to reveal its strongest technique. He hadn¡¯t even used his full strength. He calmly wrote: ¡°You overpraise me! I still have to clean up; I cannot entertain you, Miss Ye, please make yourself at home.¡± With that, he joined in cleaning the place. Ye Qingxue was a bit displeased. She, the City Lord¡¯s daughter, spoke to him, and he seemed indifferent? Could he be getting arrogant with a bit of skill? She felt he needed to be taught a lesson in humility. ¡°Young Master Jiang, I see your swordsmanship slightly lacking. Coincidentally, my master is a swordsmanship expert; I can guide you a bit.¡± Guide me? Jiang Fan thought briefly and willingly agreed. Ye Qingxue¡¯s talent wasn¡¯t inferior to Xu Yining¡¯s, and she had trained outside; her skills should be strong. She was a worthy opponent for a full-strength duel. He drew his wooden sword, inviting her to start. Ye Qingxue smirked inwardly: ¡°Prideful boy, watch how I teach you!¡± She said this while drawing her Green Sword and displaying brilliant swordsmanship, revealing her Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer realm. Jiang Fan immediately grew serious, not daring to conceal his strength. He unleashed his Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer realm and used his strongest move, ¡°Seven Stars to the North¡±! At the moment their swords met, Ye Qingxue felt an overwhelmingly powerful strike. Her sword was instantly disarmed and flew out of her hand. Jiang Fan¡¯s sword effortlessly broke through her defense, stopping at her throat. Jiang Fan was stunned. This? Ye Qingxue was also dumbfounded. I lost? In one move? Just one move? Chapter 41 - Chapter 41: Chapter 41: Shadow Guard No. 1 Chapter 41: Chapter 41: Shadow Guard No. 1 ¡°Wait! I-I wasn¡¯t prepared just now, let¡¯s do it again.¡± Ye Qingxue said awkwardly. She felt that she couldn¡¯t have lost so quickly and decisively. With talent no less than Xu Yining¡¯s, and after three years of training with a master, could she be defeated in one move by the Xu Family¡¯s little mute? Who would believe that? It must have been her own carelessness that let Jiang Fan take advantage. Jiang Fan immediately nodded. He also felt that Ye Qingxue lost too quickly. It seemed she wasn¡¯t even as strong as the Eighth Layer Perfection projection of Liu Qingxian. It must be that she didn¡¯t go all out. With the intention of regaining her honor, Ye Qingxue focused entirely, ¡°Watch out!¡± ¡°Star-Chasing Swordsmanship!¡± She flipped her wrist, and her swordsmanship became dazzling, its power more than doubled compared to before. Jiang Fan also gave it his all. ¡°Seven Stars to the North!¡± Clash¡ª The two swords met, and the familiar force returned. Ye Qingxue couldn¡¯t hold onto her sword again, and it flew out of her hand. Immediately, a wooden sword was placed against her throat. Ye Qingxue¡¯s cheeks turned red at a visible speed. One move, another single move! If she could claim carelessness before, what about this time? The result was clear, Jiang Fan¡¯s strength was far above hers! Thinking about how she had boasted to guide him, her face reddened even more. She wished she could find a hole to crawl into. To be a novice defeated in one move, yet claiming to guide a master whose swordsmanship was far superior? Oh gods, how embarrassing. Jiang Fan gradually understood that this was Ye Qingxue¡¯s true strength. He also sensed her embarrassment, so he withdrew his sword and wrote, ¡°I¡¯m a man, so I¡¯m stronger, the match doesn¡¯t count.¡± After saying that, he quietly returned to help the servants with their work. Hearing the excuse Jiang Fan gave her, Ye Qingxue felt unexpectedly warm inside. Recalling the scene where Jiang Fan had risked everything to save the Xu Family¡¯s child, she found his image contrasting sharply with Xu Yining¡¯s descriptions. ¡°He¡¯s clearly a very kind and thoughtful person. Why does Xu Yining always badmouth him?¡± Her impression of Jiang Fan did a complete 180. The real Jiang Fan was a deeply hidden top expert, absolutely one of the top prodigies among his peers in Lonely Boat City. His character wasn¡¯t bad either. Suddenly, she remembered the purpose of her visit to Xu Yining. Her eyes brightened and she said, ¡°Young Master Jiang, the remnants of the Blood Bat Palace are causing trouble. I returned this time to help my father alleviate his worries.¡± ¡°So, I plan to form a Shadow Guard team to respond to the Blood Bat Palace remnants at any time.¡± ¡°Do you want to join?¡± Hearing this, Jiang Fan was intrigued. To kill the Sub-Altar Master of the Blood Bat Palace, strength alone wasn¡¯t enough, he also needed to know the movements of the Blood Bat Palace remnants. Otherwise, if he couldn¡¯t find the Sub-Altar Master, what could he do? And the City Lord Mansion, of course, could gather more information on the Blood Bat Palace than an individual. Seeing Jiang Fan¡¯s silence, Ye Qingxue thought he was weighing the pros and cons and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let you help for nothing.¡± ¡°As long as you make a contribution, you can visit the Book Collection Pavilion in the City Lord Mansion.¡± Books? Jiang Fan was tempted. Although he already had two high-level attack and mental methods, he didn¡¯t have any books on other aspects. And the City Lord Mansion was definitely the place with the richest collection of books in Lonely Boat City. He nodded, ¡°Alright.¡± Ye Qingxue was overjoyed and said, ¡°You are the first Shadow Guard I¡¯ve recruited, so I¡¯ll call you No.1 Shadow Guard!¡± ¡°Dealing with the remnants of the Blood Bat Palace is very likely to invite their retaliation, so wear this mask when you act.¡± She took out a gray mask she had prepared and handed it to Jiang Fan. The mask only revealed the facial features. The forehead was engraved with the number ¡°One.¡± Representing that this was the No.1 Shadow Guard. ¡°Moreover, your identity as No.1 Shadow Guard will only be known to me, I won¡¯t tell anyone.¡± Ye Qingxue added. Jiang Fan felt more at ease, took the mask, and tucked it into his chest. He wrote, ¡°What exactly does the Shadow Guard do?¡± Ye Qingxue said, ¡°Nothing, just wait for the information.¡± ¡°If the Blood Bat Palace remnants are found, there will be a signal smoke in the sky. Just arrive in time.¡± Even better. If it was a patrolling duty, it would be too time-consuming. ¡°Besides, my Shadow Guard team only recruits prodigies, the higher the rank, the stronger the skill, and you are the Shadow Guard I value the most.¡± ¡°Next is Xu Yining. Since you are the No.1 Shadow Guard, this No.2 Shadow Guard mask is for you to pass to her.¡± ¡°You two come to the City Lord Mansion tomorrow because I will recruit several other Shadow Guards to gather and provide you with some resource support.¡± Jiang Fan nodded and accepted the No.2 Shadow Guard mask. Only then did Ye Qingxue leave, satisfied. Just as she left, Xu Yining and Xu Youran returned, supporting each other, exhausted. ¡°Jiang Fan, when did you get back?¡± Xu Yining lay on the stone table, gulping several cups of tea, and reproached, ¡°Such a good opportunity at the Dragon-Rising Path, and you didn¡¯t cherish it.¡± Jiang Fan was taken aback. How did I not cherish it? He wrote, ¡°I challenged to the point where I couldn¡¯t challenge any further, so I had to withdraw.¡± Any higher was the Foundation Establishment Realm. With his Eighth Layer Perfection in Qi Cultivation at that time, it would have been a struggle to go any higher. Xu Yining pursed her lips, ¡°Fight against adversity, don¡¯t you understand?¡± Xu Youran couldn¡¯t help but join in the reproach, ¡°Yes, haven¡¯t I also been stuck at the Eighth Layer for a long time?¡± ¡°But through repeated tempering, I gradually became stronger and finally succeeded in breaking through.¡± ¡°You went up there for such a short time, and you were already gone.¡± Jiang Fan touched his nose. Is it possible that my strength is too high, allowing me to quickly complete the challenges appropriate to my realm? But these didn¡¯t need to be spoken out loud. He took out the No.2 Shadow Guard mask and handed it to Xu Yining, writing, ¡°Miss Ye Qingxue came by and asked me to give this to you.¡± ¡°Shadow Guard? She¡¯s really planning to form it? She talked about it three years ago and said she would definitely invite me to be the No.1 Shadow Guard.¡± Xu Yining happily accepted it, but when she saw that the forehead was engraved with ¡°Two,¡± she was stunned. ¡°Why is it No.2 Shadow Guard? Who did she give No.1 to?¡± ¡°Is there another prodigy in the city more powerful than me? Impossible!¡± She looked at it repeatedly, filled with disbelief. Upon learning that they would meet all the Shadow Guards tomorrow, her phoenix eyes narrowed slightly, ¡°Alright, I want to see why that No.1 is ranked above me!¡± Jiang Fan was speechless. Is it necessary to be so competitive? He shrugged and went back to continue his cultivation. As he was about to leave, Xu Yining¡¯s lips moved as if she wanted to say something. Finally, encouraged by Xu Youran, she said, ¡°Uh¡­ Jiang Fan, could I borrow some money?¡± ¡°I heard the Chen Family recently came out with a new pill called the Pifu Pill, which is for Foundation Establishment.¡± ¡°Only one is auctioned each day, and the price will definitely be very high.¡± ¡°So¡­¡± Without thinking, Jiang Fan directly wrote, ¡°No.¡± Such a straightforward rejection made Xu Yining¡¯s face burn with embarrassment, her lips tightly bitten together. Xu Youran couldn¡¯t help but plead, ¡°Fan, sister wants to break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm before the Green Cloud Sect elders arrive, so they will look favorably on her.¡± ¡°Please help her.¡± Jiang Fan still didn¡¯t hesitate. He directly took out all his silver notes from his chest, writing, ¡°How much do you need?¡± The difference in treatment between the two was oceans apart. This made Xu Yining, who successfully borrowed money, feel anything but happy. Could it be that in Jiang Fan¡¯s mind, she was much less important than Xu Youran? In her stubbornness, she reached into her neckline and took out a thumb-sized jade bead that was still warm. Xu Yining bit her red lips, handed it to Jiang Fan, and said, ¡°Take it! I won¡¯t borrow your money for nothing!¡± Chapter 42 - Chapter 42: Chapter 42: Astonishing Harvest Chapter 42: Chapter 42: Astonishing Harvest Jiang Fan took it in surprise. Feeling its warmth, he couldn¡¯t help but glance at Xu Yining¡¯s ample chest. Then he quickly looked away and feigned indifference as he asked, ¡°What is this?¡± Xu Yining gazed at the jade bead, eyes full of reluctance: ¡°This was given to me at birth by a passing expert who saw my unique bone structure.¡± ¡°He said there was a cultivation technique hidden inside, but we¡¯ve never managed to unlock it.¡± ¡°Now, I¡¯m using it as collateral.¡± ¡°When I repay the money, you can return it to me! Don¡¯t lose it!¡± Oh? Jiang Fan had indeed heard the maids mention it. They said that eighteen years ago, when Xu Yining was born, a rainbow arched over the birthing room. The astonishing phenomenon caught the attention of a passing expert. After investigating, he found Xu Yining to be exceptionally talented. He believed it was destiny and gave them a precious gift as a token. Unexpectedly, Xu Yining used it as collateral with him. After some thought, Jiang Fan returned it, writing: ¡°This item is too precious to you; I can¡¯t bear the responsibility if it¡¯s lost.¡± ¡°No need to pawn it, you can take it back.¡± However, Xu Yining stubbornly said, ¡°The poor do not accept charity; don¡¯t think I owe you a favor! Hmph!¡± She picked out two million from the pile of silver notes and said, ¡°I¡¯ll repay you in the future!¡± Then she stormed off in a huff. Jiang Fan looked bewildered, ¡°How did I offend her?¡± Xu Youran watched his sister¡¯s retreating figure and sighed softly, ¡°It¡¯s not that you offended her.¡± ¡°It¡¯s that she¡­ has started to care about you.¡± This was also Xu Youran¡¯s concern. As Jiang Fan performed increasingly well, would his sister still dislike Jiang Fan as she did before? If one day, she started liking Jiang Fan¡­ What would he do then? After all, this engagement was actually meant for his sister. ¡°You¡¯re overthinking! Someone who only thinks of herself, how could she care about me?¡± Jiang Fan shook his head and, seeing no one around, took out some top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid and handed it to her. ¡°Use it quickly.¡± This time Xu Youran didn¡¯t refuse. The remnants of Blood Bat Palace weighed like a mountain on all Xu Family members. Increasing their strength was a dire need. After sending off Xu Youran, Jiang Fan returned to his room. Taking out the jade bead, he examined it with curiosity. On closer inspection, aside from its excellent quality being a top-grade jade carving, there was nothing special about it. ¡°But, since that expert gifted it, it can¡¯t be just an ordinary jade bead.¡± He tried various methods like holding it over a candle flame, soaking it in water, and even immersing it in Qi Cultivation Liquid. All the methods he¡¯d heard in strange tales for unlocking secrets, he tried them all. Yet the jade bead remained unchanged. ¡°Is it really just an ordinary jade bead?¡± Jiang Fan dejectedly hung it around his neck. Such a precious item, if lost, Xu Yining would probably kill him with a sword, wouldn¡¯t she? ¡°Why do I even need it? It¡¯s just a hot potato with no use,¡± Jiang Fan lay on the bed, lightly patting his chest, muttering. But, with his palm¡¯s gentle pats, a faint trace of soul power emanated from the jade bead. Such faint soul power was imperceptible to ordinary people. But Jiang Fan instantly perked up. In a flash, he hopped up like a carp and pulled out the jade bead, his face full of shock. ¡°Soul power, could it be that it requires soul power like the Taiyin Soul Technique to unlock?¡± Jiang Fan suddenly felt parched. Swallowing hard, he carefully released a wisp of soul power, probing into the jade bead. Immediately. The jade bead responded. It emitted a strong green light beam. Projected into the air, it transformed into a floating text. ¡°Profound Level High Movement Technique: Solitary Wild Goose Shadow!¡± What? Jiang Fan was stunned. It was actually a Profound Level High Cultivation Technique, and a rare movement technique at that! Among all cultivation techniques, movement techniques were the scarcest! Throughout the entire Lonely Boat City, there wasn¡¯t a single movement technique. Not even an inferior one! But this ¡°Solitary Wild Goose Shadow¡± before him, not only was it a movement technique, it was Profound Level High! The expert indeed didn¡¯t fool the Xu Family, he truly left a cultivation technique for Xu Yining, and it was extremely advanced! He immediately noted down the technique keenly. At the end, he found a message from the expert. ¡°Heaven Towards Mountain, Cloud-floating Cave, I have left some items there, hope they will be useful to you.¡± Jiang Fan paused. This was another opportunity the expert left for Xu Yining, right? But, if he remembered correctly, wasn¡¯t this the subbranch of Blood Bat Palace? He showed a bit of doubt. ¡°Forget it, no need to think too much, better practice this movement technique first!¡± Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t wait. ¡°Solitary Wild Goose Shadow¡± was divided into three layers. The First Layer Great Success allowed one to tread waves and boats, walking on walls like flat ground. The Second Layer Great Success allowed one to move through a forest of leaves, gliding a hundred meters in one step. The Third Layer Great Success allowed one to use spiritual energy as wings, flying freely in the air. Just reading the introduction, Jiang Fan¡¯s blood boiled. Of course, the cultivation technique also clearly stated that it was a Profound Level high, and the most difficult movement technique. First Layer Great Success required a diligent effort for one year; one must be neither arrogant nor impatient. ¡°Is it so?¡± Jiang Fan instantly started to comprehend it carefully, and after a moment, he couldn¡¯t help but exclaim, ¡°The First Layer doesn¡¯t seem that hard.¡± Thanks to that green spirit light baptism, so far, all the so-called high-difficulty cultivation techniques weren¡¯t that difficult for him. The next morning. Jiang Fan, in his small room, moved at an incredible speed, bouncing and running back and forth on the walls, ceiling, and floor. With a casual step, he could span several meters. If he went all out, he¡¯d probably crash into the opposite wall from one end of the room. He was drenched in sweat with eyes full of excitement. ¡°Merely Small Success achieves such speed, at Great Success, wouldn¡¯t one be as light as a feather, speeding like the wind?¡± Feeling the brand-new experience brought by the movement technique, Jiang Fan was extremely satisfied. He wanted to keep practicing, but unfortunately, he had to go to the City Lord¡¯s Mansion to meet up. Leaving the Xu Mansion, He quickly arrived at the City Lord Mansion, found a secluded alley, and put on the No.1 mask. Using the movement technique, he easily scaled the ten-foot-high wall. City Lord Mansion, right courtyard. Nine Shadow Guards stood in the courtyard. Ye Qingxue frowned slightly, looking towards the courtyard entrance. Numbers Two to Nine were present. Only Jiang Fan, the No.1 Shadow Guard, hadn¡¯t arrived. Xu Yining, already full of dissatisfaction, said, ¡°Such arrogance, making so many of us wait for one person!¡± ¡°Does he really think he is some kind of prodigy?¡± As she spoke, the other eight Shadow Guards voiced their discontent. All of them were the cream of the crop, handpicked by Ye Qingxue from millions; who would want to lower themselves? Ye Qingxue could only calm them, ¡°Be at ease, I¡¯ve already instructed the gatekeepers to notify me as soon as he arrives.¡± As she spoke, Ye Qingxue glanced at Xu Yining¡¯s side accidentally, her pupils contracted sharply! Because, unbeknownst to her, someone was standing there silently next to Xu Yining! The Shadow Guards noticed the unusual gaze from Ye Qingxue and looked over. What they saw shocked them all. Especially Xu Yining, who, standing close by, shockingly found someone appearing beside her like a ghost, causing her heart to skip a beat. Seeing the mask and the number one engraved on it, she felt relieved. Yet her heart continued to race. If this person were an enemy, she would already be a corpse, right? When did he arrive? How did he silently make his way close by without her noticing? Could it be that he had cultivated some mysterious secret technique? Chapter 43 - Chapter 43: Chapter 43 Blood Bat Palace Appears Chapter 43: Chapter 43 Blood Bat Palace Appears This move thoroughly shocked several Shadow Guards. Those who intended to challenge were now restraining their thoughts. ¡°No wonder he can be the No.1 Shadow Guard.¡± ¡°Such a secretive and unpredictable movement technique, at least I find it hard to counter.¡± ¡°Ye Qingxue¡¯s insight is indeed commendable!¡± Listening to their compliments, Xu Yining became even more dissatisfied. Embarrassed by her poor performance, she stared at Jiang Fan¡¯s mask and said, ¡°To deal with the remnants of the Blood Bat Palace, real strength is required.¡± ¡°Assassination might not be of great use.¡± This statement resonated with some of the experienced Shadow Guards. In the art of assassination, the principle is to strike enemies in the open while staying hidden, thus achieving a deadly blow. However, the remnants of the Blood Bat Palace lurked in the shadows, acted mysteriously, and would not give them the chance for an assassination. So to face the Blood Bat Palace, hard skills were indeed required. Jiang Fan glanced at Xu Yining¡¯s mask and couldn¡¯t help but smile. Even through the mask, he could imagine Xu Yining¡¯s stubborn expression at this moment. Moreover, with the mask, he did not need to write anymore and could speak without any reservations. ¡°Who told you that I¡¯m only skilled in assassination?¡± Xu Yining snorted: ¡°We¡¯ll see the truth on the battlefield!¡± The other Shadow Guards were not surprised by their exchange. They were merely bantering. However, Ye Qingxue was stunned beyond words! Jiang Fan could speak? Wasn¡¯t he mute? For a moment, Ye Qingxue found herself immensely curious about Jiang Fan! Why had he pretended to be mute? Why pretend to be useless? Why humble himself in the Xu Family? All these questions made her briefly lost in thought. Until Xu Yining¡¯s impatient reminder: ¡°Miss Ye, why did you summon us?¡± Ye Qingxue snapped back to reality and clapped her hands with a smile. Several guards came in, carrying various weapons and Low Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid. ¡°Here are all kinds of weapons, forged with black iron, both hard and sharp.¡± ¡°And these are Low Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, each person can take ten bottles.¡± Upon hearing this, the Shadow Guards¡¯ eyes lit up. Low Grade Qi Cultivation Liquid aside, these weapons were all top-grade weapons specifically crafted by the City Lord¡¯s Mansion. Their quality far surpassed those made by ordinary blacksmiths! Xu Yining was delighted. Qi Cultivation Liquid held little allure for her now. But a fine sword was something she urgently needed. The Green Sword in her hand was of medium quality, far inferior to the divine weapons before her. Her eyes landed on a blue-black iron sword. While others were still grabbing Qi Cultivation Liquid, she joyfully ran over. However, just a few steps in, a strong gust of wind swept past her. Soon, the blue sword she had her eyes on was held in the No.1 Shadow Guard¡¯s hand. ¡°A good sword!¡± Jiang Fan weighed it and remarked. Xu Yining snapped: ¡°I saw it first!¡± Jiang Fan retorted without turning his head, ¡°I want all the weapons here, does that mean they¡¯re all mine?¡± Knowing she was at a disadvantage, Xu Yining bit her lip and said nothing. Jiang Fan then noticed a black sword amongst the weapons. Picking it up, he found it heavier, but more suitable for the big and broad moves of the ¡°Seven-star Sword Technique.¡± So he sheathed the black sword on his back in one swift motion. Then he tossed the blue sword to Xu Yining: ¡°Fine, take it.¡± Xu Yining bit her lip and pushed it back: ¡°I don¡¯t want it!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want anything you don¡¯t want!¡± She was in a foul mood. Being pitied by Jiang Fan yesterday and again by the No.1 Shadow Guard today. It was utterly infuriating! Were all the men in Lonely Boat City the same? Jiang Fan was speechless: ¡°Dealing with the Blood Bat Palace remnants is dangerous; that sword you have might not be sufficient.¡± This reminder made Xu Yining even more stubborn: ¡°Mind your own business!¡± Such a mule-headed person! Jiang Fan disregarded her and started swinging the iron sword, finding it increasingly handy. The only regret was, it was not a Magic Artifact. It couldn¡¯t produce unexpected Thunder Strike effects like his wooden sword. Once everyone had chosen their weapons and Qi Cultivation Liquid, Ye Qingxue briefed them on the situation of the remnants. ¡°According to our latest intelligence, though this group of remnants escaped the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s siege, their escape was hasty, and they lacked various resources.¡± ¡°So, it¡¯s likely they have infiltrated Lonely Boat City to seize resources.¡± Upon hearing this, everyone became instantly alert. The Blood Bat Palace remnants had infiltrated Lonely Boat City? Ye Qingxue continued: ¡°Don¡¯t panic. Those who infiltrated should be protectors and members only.¡± ¡°The Sub-Altar Master probably wouldn¡¯t dare to take such a risk.¡± Only then did everyone relax a bit. Facing protectors at the Ninth Layer of Qi Cultivation, they would stand a chance in a fight. But if it were the Sub-Altar Master at the Second Layer of Foundation Establishment, they would be walking into a death trap. After Ye Qingxue briefly analyzed the latest intelligence, she dismissed them: ¡°Just stay alert to alarms in the city¡­¡± But before she finished speaking, from the south of the city, a flare erupted into the sky with a sharp whistle, exploding into a mass of dark red smoke that lingered above. Ye Qingxue was stunned. The Shadow Guards were also stunned. For a moment, they wondered if it was a coincidence. They had just assembled, and the traces of the Blood Bat Palace appeared? Jiang Fan was the first to react, grabbing his iron sword and dashing out of the side yard like a whirlwind. Xu Yining was quick to follow, grabbing her Green Sword and chasing after him. But just after exiting the yard, Jiang Fan was nowhere to be seen. This fueled her determination to compete: ¡°Who¡¯s superior will be revealed on the battlefield!¡± The other Shadow Guards soon snapped out of it. This was no joke. It was indeed the appearance of the Blood Bat Palace remnants. So, they all headed towards the smoke. Ye Qingxue didn¡¯t dare to delay and quickly followed suit. Jiang Fan darted across the rooftops swiftly, moving like a gust of wind. Within half an incense¡¯s time, he crossed half the city and reached the source of the smoke. Standing on the rooftop ridge, he looked down. This place was where the City Lord¡¯s Mansion forged weapons for officials. Several government cavalrymen lay dead on the ground. It was they who sent out the warning signal before their demise. Several members of the Blood Bat Palace were hurriedly moving various weapons and crafting materials. Jiang Fan recognized one of the Blood Bat Palace members. He was one of the three who had previously tried to abduct Xu Youran in Lianyun Mountain. ¡°Who¡¯s there?¡± One Blood Bat Palace member, with a keen sense, suddenly looked up and shouted. He was around sixty, with a hooked nose and sharp eyes, looking extraordinary. At his shout, the other four Blood Bat Palace members also noticed Jiang Fan, including the one who escaped from Jiang Fan before, who recognized him: ¡°That¡¯s the kid who killed our two men!¡± Without further words, he and the three other members immediately climbed onto the rooftop. The two sides wasted no words and started fighting right away. Jiang Fan didn¡¯t hesitate. Before they could steady themselves, he struck first. With a sweep of his black sword, he slashed the neck of the previously escaped member, causing blood to spray as he fell from the rooftop. But as soon as he landed the blow, Jiang Fan felt a tinge of danger. One of the remaining three members turned out to be a protector at the Ninth Layer of Qi Cultivation! With seasoned experience, he used the moment Jiang Fan finished his strike to thrust a short blade toward his ribs. Fortunately, Jiang Fan had just trained in movement techniques. Stomping the ground, he flipped backward, evading the blade that grazed his scalp. The other two members, both at the Eighth Layer of Qi Cultivation, attacked with great precision. They slashed at Jiang Fan from the front and back, aiming to cut him while in mid-air. Jiang Fan felt immense pressure! Despite being at the Eighth Layer of Qi Cultivation, these Blood Bat Palace members were far more formidable than the projections from the Dragon-Rising Path. Every move was lethal, and their combat skills were highly proficient. He dared not hold back any longer. Chapter 44 - Chapter 44: Chapter 44: Be Careful! He is the Sub-Altar Master Chapter 44: Chapter 44: Be Careful! He is the Sub-Altar Master He twisted his wrist. Immediately, he performed a ¡°Lonely Star Points¡±. The Black Iron Sword drew a circular arc of sword qi in mid-air, dispelling the two broadswords. The crisis was temporarily averted. However, his attack did not stop at all. Before his feet hit the ground, he locked onto a Qi Cultivation Eighth Layer member, and a ¡°Three Stars Illuminating the Moon¡± slashed toward him. The latter was greatly shocked and quickly raised his broadsword with both arms, using the back of it to block the sword. ¡°Screech¡ª¡ª¡± The two metals collided, creating sparks. But he clearly underestimated Jiang Fan¡¯s realm and his swordsmanship even more. ¡°Crack¡ª¡ª¡± After a brief standoff, the opponent¡¯s broadsword was split in two. The Black Iron Sword slashed into his scapula, causing him to cry out in pain. ¡°Zhao Ming!¡± The protector wielding a short sword yelled fiercely and stabbed at Jiang Fan¡¯s back. Jiang Fan grasped the sword hilt with both hands and slashed fiercely! The Black Iron Sword slashed down along the scapula, cutting off half of his torso! He couldn¡¯t afford to be concerned about the result of the fight. Using the momentum of this slash, he turned and met the short sword attack of the protector head-on. In a clash of weapons, the brave wins! At this critical moment, Jiang Fan shouted lowly, ¡°Seven Stars to the North!¡± He infused all his Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer spiritual power into the Black Iron Sword for his strongest attack. The powerful sword qi instantly numbed the arch, causing the short sword in the protector¡¯s hand to fall out. Taking advantage of this opportunity, Jiang Fan swept the sword horizontally! The protector was greatly alarmed and quickly retracted his hand, but it was too late. This astounding slash directly severed his fingers and, following through, cut a long wound across his chest. ¡°This¡­ impossible¡­¡± The protector looked down at the bloodline on his chest in disbelief and slowly collapsed to the ground. ¡°Guardian Qiu!¡± The only remaining Qi Cultivation Eighth Layer member, instead of being afraid, became more aggressive. Holding a broadsword, he charged forward with a desperate determination. At this moment. Xu Yining finally arrived. Seeing the two bodies on the rooftop and one on the ground, she was shocked. In just a short time, Jiang Fan had killed three people? She quickly scanned the area. She found an over-sixty-year-old remaining member of the Blood Bat Palace, hurriedly moving weapons, and, with a sharp gaze, rushed over with her Green Sword: ¡°Blood Bat Palace remnant, prepare to die!¡± Seeing this, Jiang Fan, who was entangled in a fight, changed his expression and shouted, ¡°Be careful!¡± ¡°He is not just an ordinary remnant!¡± Even though it was just a glance, he could feel the pressure from this elder was no less than that from the short sword protector! Xu Yining, however, paid no heed. Having lost the advantage to Jiang Fan, who had claimed three heads, she was already at a disadvantage. If she couldn¡¯t even kill this one, how could she save face? ¡°Ah!¡± Xu Yining let out a low shout, her body straightened, and she thrust her sword at the elder. Only then did the elder notice. He had only gone inside briefly, but his men had been slaughtered almost completely. This enraged him. Seeing Xu Yining attacking him, he was filled with fury and roared, ¡°Courting death!¡± His body trembled, and terrifying spiritual power surged out from his body. Xu Yining¡¯s sword had not yet reached, but it was repelled by the oncoming spiritual power. ¡°Foundation Establishment Realm?¡± Xu Yining exclaimed in horror, immediately realizing who he was in front of, and shrieked, ¡°Blood Bat Palace Sub-Altar Master!!!¡± He was audacious enough to sneak into Lonely Boat City! ¡°You brats dare to slaughter the elite of my Blood Bat Palace!¡± The Sub-Altar Master was furious. He roared and charged toward Xu Yining in great strides! On the rooftop, Jiang Fan¡¯s expression changed drastically. With Xu Yining¡¯s strength, she might be killed in one confrontation! He was anxious and glanced at the Qi Cultivation Eighth Layer member who was posturing and continuing his offensive. Suddenly, he used a movement technique to widen the distance between them. Then he decisively used ¡°Seven Stars to the North¡±. A sharp sword light swept across the man¡¯s throat. Without even looking at the result, Jiang Fan immediately leaped down the several-zhang-high wall. The Sub-Altar Master had already closed in on Xu Yining. Xu Yining¡¯s heart pounded, and an overwhelming sense of suffocation enveloped her in despair. She swung her sword with all her strength, trying to force him back. But her swordsmanship could not even penetrate his external spiritual power. ¡°Die!¡± The Sub-Altar Master roared, turning his hand into a claw and tearing toward her throat! This claw was fast and vicious. It could snap Xu Yining¡¯s neck! Xu Yining¡¯s face turned pale, and she was so terrified that she couldn¡¯t breathe, as if she already felt the cold shadow of death over her. She instinctively closed her eyes. ¡°Ding¡ª¡ª¡± But the expected pain did not come; instead, there was a sound of a collision. When she opened her eyes. She saw that it was Jiang Fan standing in front of her, blocking the attack with the Black Iron Sword. ¡°Retreat quickly!¡± Jiang Fan shouted lowly. Facing the power of the Foundation Establishment Second Layer, Jiang Fan felt an immense pressure. Xu Yining was stunned, then quickly reacted and retreated. ¡°None of you will escape!¡± The Sub-Altar Master roared. With a fierce squeeze, his flesh-and-blood claw caused the Black Iron Sword to crack! Jiang Fan¡¯s face changed drastically, but he quickly had an idea. Instead of retreating, he poured more of his strong spiritual power into the Black Iron Sword, pushing with all his might. The consequence was that the Black Iron Sword could not withstand the pressure from both sides. Finally! ¡°Crack¡ª¡ª¡± Amidst a violent shattering sound, the sword body of the Black Iron Sword broke into countless fragments, scattering toward both sides! A sharp fragment struck Jiang Fan¡¯s face. However, the material of his metal mask was extraordinary, leaving only a mark. But the Sub-Altar Master was not as lucky. A thumb-sized fragment struck him in the forehead, embedding deeply. ¡°Hiss!¡± The Sub-Altar Master let out a painful hiss. However. This could not cause him substantial harm! Jiang Fan decisively waved his sleeve, causing all the fragments suspended in mid-air to shoot toward the close Sub-Altar Master! ¡°You dare¡­ ah!!!¡± Most of the fragments missed, but one nail-sized metal fragment pierced his right eye. Blood gushed from his right eye immediately. ¡°My eye!¡± The Sub-Altar Master roared in fury. With his remaining eye, he glared venomously at Jiang Fan, leaping toward him. Jiang Fan was highly alert. He did not dare to confront the berserk Sub-Altar Master head-on. He immediately performed a movement technique to retreat. The Sub-Altar Master, filled with killing intent, pursued him, at a speed not much slower than Jiang Fan¡¯s. The most troublesome part was that before long, Jiang Fan saw the injured Xu Yining, unable to run far. Cursing inwardly, he embraced her slender waist from behind, taking her along as he ran. Xu Yining turned her head in surprise and saw that No.1 Shadow Guard was holding her close, their body heat palpable even through clothes. Her pretty face blushed quickly. Turning back, she saw the blood-covered, blinded Sub-Altar Master and was even more shocked. No.1 Shadow Guard had blinded the Sub-Altar Master? Xu Yining gasped in surprise, how strong was this man? Having experienced the Sub-Altar Master firsthand, she knew his strength. In his presence, she was like a lamb to the slaughter, yet this man had injured him and escaped! Thinking of how she had always been unwilling to accept his position as No.1 Shadow Guard and constantly provoked him, she felt embarrassed. Their chase did not last long. Ye Qingxue arrived with other Shadow Guards and the City Lord Mansion¡¯s cavalry to support them. The Sub-Altar Master, seeing this, could only resentfully jump into an alley. Before leaving, he glared fiercely at Jiang Fan with his remaining eye, ¡°I remember you! Remember you!!!¡± He eyed Jiang Fan¡¯s mask resentfully and disappeared into the alley. Ye Qingxue approached, seeing Xu Yining being held in Jiang Fan¡¯s arms. She had a peculiar expression on her face. If Xu Yining knew that No.1 Shadow Guard was Jiang Fan, she wondered how she would react. ¡°Ahem¡­¡± She cleared her throat and asked, ¡°Was the one who just fled a member of the Blood Bat Palace?¡± ¡°How come the two of you ended up being chased by him?¡± Ye Qingxue¡¯s scrutinizing gaze scanned them. Some ordinary members shouldn¡¯t have been handled so badly, right? If they were really that weak, Ye Qingxue worried that the Shadow Guards she created would become a joke. Chapter 45 - Chapter 45: Chapter 45 The City Lords Shock Chapter 45: Chapter 45 The City Lord¡¯s Shock Xu Yining then realized that she was still clinging to the No.1 Shadow Guard. Her cheeks instantly turned crimson. She hurriedly jumped down and explained, ¡°The one who was running away earlier was not an ordinary member.¡± Oh? Ye Qingxue was taken aback, ¡°Could it be a Protector?¡± ¡°No wonder you were forced to flee!¡± ¡°It¡¯s a blessing you all are safe.¡± The Shadow Guards who had chased after also showed expressions of surprise. ¡°A Protector¡¯s strength is at least at the Ninth Layer of Qi Cultivation, and they are experienced in combat, very fierce!¡± ¡°For both No.1 and No.2 Shadow Guards to return unscathed and even injure the opponent, it¡¯s truly remarkable!¡± ¡°If it were us, facing a Protector, we probably wouldn¡¯t even have the chance to escape, let alone injure them.¡± Listening to their misconceptions. Xu Yining showed a strange expression and said, ¡°Who said the one running away was a Protector?¡± ¡°No.1 Shadow Guard had already slain one Protector and three other members.¡± What? Ye Qingxue¡¯s eyes widened in shock, ¡°No.1 Shadow Guard, you, you actually killed a Protector? And three other members?¡± Wait! She quickly realized the key point. With a look of shock, she said, ¡°Then the one who was chasing you just now was¡­¡± If Jiang Fan could easily slay a Protector, how could he be chased by one? The person capable of chasing them could only be¡­ ¡°It was the Sub-Altar Master!¡± Xu Yining said with lingering fear. Recalling the invincible swordsmanship and Foundation Establishment spiritual pressure of the opponent, she felt suffocated. ¡°The Sub-Altar Master?¡± Ye Qingxue¡¯s voice trembled. Such an existence was far beyond what the Shadow Guard Team she formed could handle. Her original intention was just to clear out some ordinary remnants and ease her father, the City Lord¡¯s, burden. The Sub-Altar Master should be left to her father and other experts to deal with. But No.1 Shadow Guard had confronted the Sub-Altar Master head-on and blinded his right eye, then returned unscathed? She had always thought that listing Jiang Fan as No.1 Shadow Guard was overestimating him. Only now she realized she had underestimated his true strength! The Shadow Guards were also wide-eyed with shock, gazing at the invincible figure of the mysterious No.1 Shadow Guard, they couldn¡¯t help but tremble. Those who had harbored any defiance towards him now felt only reverence. Ye Qingxue was secretly thrilled; bringing Jiang Fan into the Shadow Guard Team was indeed an extremely wise decision. ¡°Let¡¯s go, we¡¯ll check out the remnants¡¯ bodies!¡± Soon. Four corpses were brought before everyone. Seeing the fatal wounds inflicted with a single strike, the group couldn¡¯t help but gasp. Especially the remnant at the Eighth Layer of Qi Cultivation, who was cleaved into two pieces at the chest. Their understanding of Jiang Fan¡¯s strength was once again renewed. ¡°I know this person, he is the Right Protector of the Sub-Altar, named Iron Eagle, the closest confidant of the Sub-Altar Master.¡± Suddenly, a Shadow Guard recognized him and exclaimed, ¡°His strength was second only to the Sub-Altar Master!¡± ¡°He specialized in a short blade, and had killed several Eighth Layer of Qi Cultivation experts in Lonely Boat City, extremely fierce.¡± ¡°Unexpectedly, he was slain by No.1 Shadow Guard¡¯s blade.¡± A few others checked and exclaimed one after another. ¡°And those two remnants at the Eighth Layer of Qi Cultivation, they were also top-notch fighters just below the Protectors, infamous!¡± ¡°Oh, they were all killed by No.1 Shadow Guard!¡± ¡°And judging by the battle traces, the four of them were besieging No.1 Shadow Guard, yet were killed in return!¡± This discovery left them again in astonishment. To face the Sub-Altar¡¯s strongest Protector and two infamous remnants in a siege, yet kill them all in return! Despite having Ninth Layer of Qi Cultivation strength, why did it feel like Foundation Establishment powerfulness? Ye Qingxue was overjoyed, grabbing Jiang Fan¡¯s shoulders, ¡°Let¡¯s go! I¡¯ll take you to the City Lord Mansion right now, I want Father to see how impressive my Shadow Guard Team is!¡± ¡°Others, carry the corpses back to the City Lord Mansion!¡± Xu Yining said, ¡°I¡¯ll stay out of it.¡± She took a deep look at No.1 Shadow Guard and solemnly said, ¡°This time you win.¡± ¡°When I break through to Foundation Establishment, we will compete again.¡± After saying that, she quickly ran off. The Chen Family¡¯s auction for the Pifu Pill was about to begin. No matter what, she had to get it, to break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm in one go! Otherwise, she wasn¡¯t even fit to compare with No.1 Shadow Guard! City Lord Mansion. ¡°What? Qingxue formed a Shadow Guard Team specifically to eradicate the remnants of Blood Bat Palace?¡± Listening to the butler¡¯s report, Ye Jifeng burst into rage. ¡°Isn¡¯t this nonsense? Those remnants who escaped the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s roundup, which one of them isn¡¯t an exceedingly fierce expert?¡± ¡°Sending a group of youngsters with no combat experience to deal with them is courting death!¡± ¡°Bring her back immediately!¡± At this moment. Ye Qingxue came running in joyfully, bringing Jiang Fan with her. ¡°Father! Good news! Good news!¡± Ye Jifeng was just looking for her. He immediately began scolding her, ¡°Nonsense! Who allowed you to form some Shadow Guard Team?¡± ¡°Disband it immediately!¡± Noticing Jiang Fan beside her, with the mask bearing the number one, he felt it even more absurd. ¡°Right away! Now! Go!¡± Ye Qingxue pouted and said, ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate my Shadow Guard Team, they¡¯re quite impressive!¡± Ye Jifeng huffed, ¡°A bunch of youngsters who haven¡¯t even grown up yet, how impressive can they be?¡± ¡°Have them all go back, stay with their families, and seriously cultivate, that¡¯s the proper thing to do!¡± ¡°The task of eradicating Blood Bat Palace isn¡¯t something that a group of kids should worry about!¡± Underestimating my Shadow Guard Team? Ye Qingxue chuckled secretly and clapped her hands, ¡°Bring them in!¡± So, the four corpses were brought before Ye Jifeng. He recognized them immediately. His face changed dramatically, ¡°The Sub-Altar¡¯s Right Protector, Iron Eagle! The Black Blade Brothers, Chen Jue and Chen Leng?¡± Not only did he recognize the Protector, but he also recognized the two remnants at the Eighth Layer of Qi Cultivation. They were infamous experts of Blood Bat Palace! Government experts had suffered considerable losses at their hands. To cope with them, Ye Jifeng had deployed many experts, always on guard. Who would have thought. They were dead! ¡°Qingxue, did you, you do this?¡± Ye Jifeng couldn¡¯t believe it. Ye Qingxue crossed her arms, her chin lifted proudly, ¡°It was my Shadow Guard Team!¡± ¡°But since you don¡¯t think much of them, Father, I¡¯ll just obediently follow your order and disband the Shadow Guard Team.¡± Saying this, she waved her hand to disband Jiang Fan and the others. ¡°Wait! Wait a minute!¡± Ye Jifeng panicked, looking at the Shadow Guards again with deep appreciation, ¡°Young talents, truly young talents!¡± ¡°As the City Lord, I apologize for my previous disrespect to you, young heroes!¡± ¡°Someone, prepare a feast, bring out the City Lord¡¯s best wine!¡± ¡°Tonight, I must properly reward them!¡± Ye Qingxue looked smug. The Shadow Guards also felt exceptionally honored. They exchanged glances and revealed the truth, ¡°To report to the City Lord, we are ashamed.¡± ¡°These four were actually slain by No.1 Shadow Guard alone.¡± Chapter 46 - Chapter 46: Chapter 46 The Unasked Holy Scripture of Medicine Chapter 46: Chapter 46 The Unasked Holy Scripture of Medicine Alone? Ye Jifeng couldn¡¯t help but look at the No.1 Shadow Guard. To be honest, he still had some doubts that the four remnants of the Blood Bat Palace were killed by them. After all, he knew well how powerful the Iron Eagle Guardian and the Black Blade Brothers were. And the so-called Shadow Guard Team was nothing more than a group of inexperienced young prodigies. In terms of strength and experience, they were far inferior to the savage remnants of the Blood Bat Palace. However, for his daughter¡¯s sake, he didn¡¯t want to point it out on the spot. Upon hearing that all the enemies were killed by one person, his suspicion turned into absurdity. Saying that it was the collective work of the Shadow Guards, he could pretend to believe. But to attribute all the credit to one person was too ridiculous! This farce needed to stop. His eyes flashed. Suddenly, he used his finger as a sword, sweeping towards Jiang Fan¡¯s chest. Jiang Fan reflexively used his movement technique, narrowly avoiding the sweep. Ye Jifeng¡¯s nail almost brushed against Jiang Fan¡¯s coat. ¡°Eh?¡± He was slightly surprised and said, ¡°You actually avoided my strike?¡± As soon as he finished speaking, he followed up with a palm strike. Jiang Fan felt an overwhelming pressure, as if facing the Sub-Altar Master again. He didn¡¯t dare to be careless and immediately grabbed an Iron Sword from a Shadow Guard, directly using the Seven Stars to the North. The powerful sword move broke through the palm strike in an instant, bypassing the five fingers and aiming straight for Ye Jifeng¡¯s face. The sudden sword made Ye Jifeng startled. He quickly withdrew his palm and took several steps back. The hall instantly fell silent! The No.1 Shadow Guard actually forced the top expert of Lonely Boat City to retreat? Ye Qingxue and the Shadow Guards were in a daze. Even though they knew from the No.2 Shadow Guard that the Sub-Altar Master was injured by Jiang Fan, seeing it with their own eyes was a different matter! Ye Jifeng looked at his finger, which was cut by the Sword Qi, then looked at the No.1 Shadow Guard, his eyes filled with surprise. ¡°Who are you?¡± ¡°When did my Lonely Boat City have such a prodigy?¡± He gazed at the No.1 Shadow Guard¡¯s mask, extremely eager to know who was behind it! Ye Qingxue reacted and quickly stood in front of Jiang Fan, saying, ¡°Dad! I promised the Shadow Guards that I would not reveal their identities.¡± ¡°You are also not allowed to privately investigate their true faces!¡± Ye Jifeng felt an itch in his heart. But if he forcibly removed the No.1 Shadow Guard¡¯s mask, it would anger his daughter and offend this mysterious prodigy. ¡°Alright!¡± Ye Jifeng gave up, but the astonishment in his eyes did not fade away. Just from that move alone, it was clear that these remnants of the Blood Bat Palace were indeed killed by the No.1 Shadow Guard. ¡°Truly, the waves behind the Yangtze River push the waves ahead!¡± He praised without hesitation: ¡°Your future achievements will far surpass mine!¡± Jiang Fan said, ¡°The City Lord is too kind.¡± Ye Qingxue was full of pride. Today, the No.1 Shadow Guard had really earned her a great deal of face! ¡°Dad, I promised the Shadow Guards that if they made great contributions, they could choose any book from our City Lord Mansion¡¯s Book Collection Pavilion.¡± ¡°The No.1 Shadow Guard has made such a huge contribution, can he go and choose?¡± Upon hearing this. Ye Jifeng frowned slightly: ¡°This¡­ The books in the City Lord Mansion¡¯s collection are not ordinary, some of them are passed down from the Green Cloud Sect.¡± ¡°Just a few remnants of the Blood Bat Palace might not be enough.¡± Not enough? Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t help feeling disappointed. He was hoping to find some treasures in the City Lord Mansion. ¡°Who said it was just those remnants?¡± Ye Qingxue smiled mysteriously and said, ¡°The No.1 Shadow Guard even encountered the Sub-Altar Master!¡± What? Ye Jifeng was moved again, his face filled with even more admiration: ¡°Impressive! Truly impressive! You managed to escape unscathed from the Sub-Altar Master!¡± ¡°I once fought him, his Spiritual Power is even stronger than mine.¡± ¡°You actually escaped from him!¡± Ye Qingxue quipped: ¡°Not only did the No.1 Shadow Guard come out unscathed, he even blinded one of the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s eyes, greatly reducing his combat power.¡± What? Ye Jifeng was genuinely shocked: ¡°Is this true?¡± If it was true, the threat of the Sub-Altar Master would be greatly diminished. Ye Qingxue said, ¡°I witnessed it myself, and so did the Shadow Guards.¡± Learning it was true, Ye Jifeng was overjoyed, patting Jiang Fan¡¯s shoulder and said, ¡°Well done! Well done!¡± ¡°You have made a great contribution!¡± ¡°Qingxue, take him to the Book Collection Pavilion of the City Lord Mansion, let him choose any book he wants!¡± The other Shadow Guards looked extremely envious. The Book Collection Pavilion of the City Lord Mansion was such a treasure trove! In their envious gazes, Ye Qingxue took the No.1 Shadow Guard to the Book Collection Pavilion. The Book Collection Pavilion of the City Lord Mansion was underground. There were three large doors from top to bottom, each layer filled with countless hidden guards and mechanisms. Even the Blood Bat Palace had a hard time breaking in. In the Book Collection Pavilion. Looking at the books tightly sealed in crystal treasure boxes, Jiang Fan eagerly examined each one. Almost all of them were cultivation techniques, and there were also mental methods that were highly sought after outside! However, they were all Yellow Level cultivation techniques. For Jiang Fan, they were no longer useful. At this moment. He noticed a book sealed in a purple crystal, hanging high from the ceiling. ¡°Is there a cultivation technique inside this too?¡± Jiang Fan asked in surprise. Ye Qingxue shook her head: ¡°No, it¡¯s the medical book of the world¡¯s best Divine Doctor, the Undying Doctor.¡± What? Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes widened: ¡°Are you sure?¡± The Undying Doctor, he was the most skilled in medical skills within the entire Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion territory. He treated countless patients in his life, and no one ever died in his hands, hence the name Undying Doctor. Someone of such stature, his medical book would be in a small Lonely Boat City? ¡°I know what you¡¯re thinking, I was even more shocked when I first found out.¡± Ye Qingxue smiled bitterly as she took down the hanging crystal box and said: ¡°This was arranged by the Undying Doctor, he made hundreds of copies of his medical book, placing them in every city.¡± ¡°The purpose was to one day find a fated person to inherit his medical skills.¡± Jiang Fan was incredulous: ¡°Does the Undying Doctor lack heirs?¡± With his supreme medical skills, countless people would eagerly inherit his knowledge. ¡°You¡¯ll understand after you look at it.¡± Ye Qingxue sighed. She opened the crystal box and handed the book named ¡°Undying Medical Book¡± to Jiang Fan. Jiang Fan took it and eagerly opened it, and was stunned. The pages were filled with densely packed needle holes, disordered and without any pattern. It looked like a child¡¯s prank. ¡°Is this the Undying Doctor¡¯s inheritance?¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s forehead furrowed with a big question mark. Ye Qingxue sighed: ¡°So, you can see why it¡¯s been kept here unused?¡± ¡°If it wasn¡¯t arranged by the Undying Doctor, we would have thrown it away long ago.¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s head felt heavy. Was the Undying Doctor playing a prank on everyone? As he thought this, a clear feeling suddenly surged into his mind. The needle holes on the page began to wriggle strangely in his perspective. Chapter 47 - Chapter 47: Chapter 47 The Corpse Has a Pulse Chapter 47: Chapter 47 The Corpse Has a Pulse ¡°Young Master Jiang, why don¡¯t you choose another one? There is actually a Yellow Level mid-grade mental method here.¡± Ye Qingxue suggested thoughtfully. Jiang Fan came to his senses, holding the ¡°Undying Medical Book,¡± and said, ¡°I just want this one.¡± Ah? Ye Qingxue looked astonished. ¡°Why do you want this? No one can fully comprehend it.¡± Suppressing his excitement, Jiang Fan said, ¡°I would like to give it a try.¡± ¡°Could you provide me with a quiet chamber? I want to read it in peace.¡± Seeing that Jiang Fan was not joking. Ye Qingxue could only let out a long sigh. ¡°Alright, it¡¯s such a pity to waste such a great opportunity on a useless medical book.¡± Not long after. Jiang Fan entered Ye Qingxue¡¯s specially used cultivation chamber. He immediately opened the book and began to reread it. As the clear, pure feeling emerged in his mind again. The pinholes on the pages began to twist again. As the pinholes moved, they gradually formed a diagram of a human body¡¯s meridians! Each pinhole represented a special acupuncture point on the human body. Flipping to the second page, the pinholes also started to twist, forming a figure holding a silver needle. On the third page, the pinholes twisted as well. On the fourth page¡­ When Jiang Fan had finished reading all the pages, it was already dark outside. He had concentrated on reading the entire day! And the reward was immense! From the changing arrangement of the pinholes, he had learned astonishingly miraculous medical skills. This was indeed the inheritance of the ¡°Undying Doctor¡±! However, it required an extremely high level of comprehension to learn it. Massaging his sore eyes, Jiang Fan left the chamber. Only to see the mansion in a state of chaos, with many patrolling guards rushing toward the main hall. ¡°Did something happen?¡± Jiang Fan stopped a guard and asked, ¡°Did remnants of the Blood Bat Palace appear?¡± The guard, seeing it was the No. 1 Shadow Guard, immediately stood respectfully and said, ¡°Reporting to you, sir, it¡¯s not the remnants of the Blood Bat Palace.¡± ¡°The head of the Chen Family, Chen Yuqiu, has passed away due to his illness.¡± ¡°The City Lord and the eldest miss are preparing to visit to confirm and are summoning the accompanying guards.¡± The Chen Family? Chen Silin¡¯s father? Jiang Fan then realized why Chen Silin, as a woman, had been taking charge of the situation. It turned out her father had been critically ill for a long time. Thinking of his connection with Chen Silin, Jiang Fan sighed silently. ¡°I should go and take a look too.¡± Soon after. Ye Jifeng led the way. Ye Qingxue and Jiang Fan walked side by side behind him. ¡°What was the Chen Family Master¡¯s illness?¡± Jiang Fan asked. Ye Qingxue sighed lightly. ¡°He was injured by an enemy, causing his heart meridian to break, and has been relying on Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures to sustain his life all these years.¡± ¡°With his passing, the Chen family will likely struggle greatly in the future.¡± ¡°If that enemy learns of his death, they probably won¡¯t spare his wife and daughter.¡± The great enmity and gratitude of the world are inherently cruel. The martial world is especially brutal. If one does not eradicate their enemies today, tomorrow their own family might be destroyed. The Chen Family Master had not died, perhaps making the enemy a bit cautious. Now that he was gone, they certainly would not let his family off. Jiang Fan heard this and silently sighed. He couldn¡¯t help but feel sorry for Chen Silin, a clever and beautiful young lady. While he was in Lonely Boat City, perhaps he could help her. But once he left, it would all depend on her fate. Soon after. The Chen Family. The entrance was already hung with white lanterns and decorated with couplets. In the central courtyard was a black lacquered coffin. Inside lay a middle-aged man with a square face, bleeding from his orifices, and with blackened skin, who was Chen Yuqiu. Chen Silin, dressed in mourning clothes, knelt before the coffin, her eyes full of tears. Her slender body appeared particularly mournful in the sorrowful atmosphere. Besides her, several prominent families were also present. The Chen Family was a notable family in Lonely Boat City. They naturally had many connections with high society families. The Zhu Family was among them. Zhu Jianshen, representing the Zhu Family, knelt before the coffin and feigned sorrow as he said, ¡°Uncle Chen, you died unjustly!¡± ¡°If I had known earlier that it was a heart meridian injury, I would have said anything to go back to the Green Cloud Sect and bring the Golden Silkworm Life Extending Pill to treat you!¡± Hearing this. The Chen Family Matriarch, Liu Qimin, supported him with tears and said, ¡°You have that intention, your Uncle Chen will be satisfied in the afterlife.¡± Jiang Fan, however, shook his head slightly. The Golden Silkworm Life Extending Pill was an exclusive prescription of the ¡°Undying Doctor.¡± Since his death, the pill had long been lost, and the Green Cloud Sect did not have it. Zhu Jianshen was full of lies to gain the Chen Family¡¯s favor. ¡°Let¡¯s also pay our respects.¡± Ye Jifeng led Ye Qingxue forward and bowed to the deceased. After paying their respects, he said, ¡°Stay and talk with Miss Chen for a while. I¡¯ll go back first.¡± After he left. Jiang Fan also knelt and paid his respects, then looked at the tearful Chen Silin and said, ¡°My condolences.¡± Chen Silin was stunned. She felt the voice was very familiar. But at this moment, she was immersed in grief and couldn¡¯t care to think further, merely nodded in response. Jiang Fan sighed silently and was about to stand up. Suddenly, his ears moved, and he looked at the coffin with a hint of surprise. He actually heard some pulse signs! Pulse signs meant someone was alive! Could Chen Yuqiu still be alive? He couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Are you sure the Chen Family Master¡¯s heart meridian is completely gone?¡± The abrupt question made the Chen family¡¯s members feel a bit offended. Liu Qimin questioned, ¡°Young sir, what do you mean by this?¡± Listening to the weak, hair-thin pulse that could stop at any moment, Jiang Fan had no time to explain. He stepped to the body and reached for its pulse, saying, ¡°Let me confirm.¡± ¡°Impudent!¡± ¡°No disrespect!¡± ¡°Stop him!¡± The members of the Chen family shouted angrily and tried to stop Jiang Fan. An elderly man with a white beard even swung a hoe at the back of Jiang Fan¡¯s head. Jiang Fan had no choice but to evade. Liu Qimin¡¯s eyes widened with anger. ¡°Does our Chen Family have a grudge against you? Why are you being disrespectful to my husband¡¯s body?¡± Ye Qingxue¡¯s expression changed slightly, and she hurriedly stepped forward. ¡°Mrs. Chen, please calm down, Chen family¡¯s clansmen, please calm down.¡± ¡°This is my No. 1 Shadow Guard, he means no harm.¡± The white-bearded elder stroked his beard and snorted, ¡°If he means no harm, why is he being disrespectful to our honored family head?¡± This¡­ Ye Qingxue didn¡¯t understand why Jiang Fan was acting so recklessly. Since it concerned a person¡¯s life, and that of Chen Silin¡¯s father, Jiang Fan quickly said: ¡°To be honest, I know a bit about medical skills. Just now, I sensed a thin pulse from the Chen Family Master.¡± ¡°Maybe, he is still alive.¡± What? Chen Silin stood up excitedly, wiping away her tears. ¡°Are you telling the truth?¡± Zhu Jianshen frowned slightly. Who is this guy, stealing my thunder? He said gently, ¡°Siling, how can you believe an outsider¡¯s nonsense over your own family¡¯s esteemed doctors?¡± The white-bearded elder also glared at Jiang Fan. ¡°Boy, what are you implying!¡± ¡°Do you mean to say that I, Chen Wuji, the first divine doctor of Lonely Boat City, cannot tell if a person is dead or alive?¡± The white-bearded elder of the Chen family, Chen Wuji, was a well-known divine doctor. With his medical skills, it was unlikely he could mistake a dead person for a living one. Chen Silin came to her senses, her face filled with grief again, and she knelt down before the coffin. Jiang Fan, anxious, wanted to say more, but Chen Wuji scolded, ¡°Take this troublemaker away!¡± Ye Qingxue could no longer speak up for Jiang Fan. She chided somewhat, ¡°You must be exhausted, go take a rest.¡± Jiang Fan felt helpless. Clearly, Chen Yuqiu was still alive, yet he was powerless to help. At this moment! A loud, crazed laugh came from outside. ¡°Chen Family, it¡¯s time to repay the debt you owe!¡± Chapter 48 - Chapter 48: Chapter 48: Saving Someone from King Yan Chapter 48: Chapter 48: Saving Someone from King Yan At the most sorrowful moment for the Chen Family, someone came to collect a debt. Only an enemy could do such a thing! Everyone followed the sound to its source. A burly man with a face full of jowls, clad in black robes with cultivation at Foundation Establishment First Layer, walked into the mourning hall with a sneer. Seeing the censer placed in front of the coffin, he kicked it over. ¡°A dishonorable person also deserves incense?¡± Chen Silin was caught off guard. Instantly, her furious eyes spit fire as she yelled, ¡°Black-faced Tiger, you¡¯re bullying us too much!¡± Back then, her father was gravely injured by this man. Now, with his corpse not even cold, he came to insult his mourning hall! Truly believing that the Chen Family had no backbone. Zhu Jianshen wanted to play the hero rescuing the beauty and stepped forward with a snort: ¡°Black-faced Tiger, get out of here immediately. This is not a place for you to act wildly!¡± He thought Black-faced Tiger would be wary because he was a disciple of the Green Cloud Sect. Unexpectedly, Black-faced Tiger glanced at him contemptuously and said, ¡°Paying back debts is only right and proper!¡± ¡°Even if the Green Cloud Sect Sect Master came, this money would still have to be paid!¡± ¡°Young Master Zhu, if you want to play the hero, why don¡¯t you pay off the Chen Family¡¯s debt for them?¡± Black-faced Tiger was the underground emperor of Lonely Boat City. Specializing in unsavory dealings. He was a local tyrant and didn¡¯t fear a returning disciple from the Green Cloud Sect at all. Zhu Jianshen gritted his teeth and said: ¡°How much money? I¡¯ll pay for Sister Silin!¡± A few tens of thousands of taels, he could still manage. Black-faced Tiger sneered playfully: ¡°Not much, not much. It¡¯s just five million taels, small change for you.¡± Five¡­million? Zhu Jianshen took a deep breath inwardly! Unless he sold all the Zhu Family assets, it was impossible to raise that much money! Black-faced Tiger laughed coldly, ¡°Got money? If not, step aside. You have no place to play the hero here.¡± Zhu Jianshen¡¯s face alternated between blue and red. He wanted to get angry, but had no outlet for it. He could only snort in silence and retreat to the side. After all, such a huge debt was impossible for him to manage; he believed no one could solve this immense debt for the Chen Family. Ye Qingxue also showed discomfort. Although she was the daughter of the City Lord, she couldn¡¯t interfere with someone collecting debts. All she could do was blame the Chen Family¡¯s excessive debt, which made her powerless to help even if she wanted to. ¡°You¡¯re lying!¡± Chen Silin shouted with tears: ¡°Three years ago, my father clearly only borrowed one million from you!¡± ¡°After repaying you one million, you took the money and still ambushed my father, severely injuring him!¡± ¡°Now my father is dead, and you come asking for five million!¡± The Chen Family couldn¡¯t possibly come up with five million. Even if they could, they wouldn¡¯t allow him to extort their family property wantonly. Black-faced Tiger smirked insidiously: ¡°Your father repaid the money? Where¡¯s the receipt?¡± Chen Silin retorted angrily: ¡°My father was injured by you, he has been unconscious since. If there was a receipt, we would have had it long ago!¡± Upon hearing this, Black-faced Tiger¡¯s eyes darkened, and he raised his hand to slap her: ¡°No receipt, then what nonsense are you talking about?¡± Just as his slap was about to land on Chen Silin¡¯s face, a sharp sword shot past her ear, stabbing from an astute angle. Frightening Black-faced Tiger to quickly withdraw his hand and retreat several steps. He looked at his palm, seeing the skin cut by the keen Sword Qi, and couldn¡¯t help but feel alarmed. Just the Sword Qi almost ruined his hand! When did the Chen Family have such a formidable person? Looking up, a man wearing a unique mask with a ¡°1¡± engraved on it walked slowly from behind Chen Silin. ¡°Touch her again, and I¡¯ll cripple you!¡± Jiang Fan said coldly, pointing the sword at him. Black-faced Tiger showed some fear: ¡°Dare to report your name?¡± In his line of work, he feared no prominent families. Because prominent families have elders and children. If they dared to attack Black-faced Tiger, he could retaliate against their family. He feared people like the masked man in front of him the most. Mysterious identity, powerful strength. If harmed, Black-faced Tiger wouldn¡¯t even know where to seek revenge. Jiang Fan stood in front of Chen Silin and indifferently said four words: ¡°No.1 Shadow Guard.¡± What kind of name is that? Black-faced Tiger was infuriated, but he knew the other party was no na?ve person and probably wouldn¡¯t reveal his identity. He cupped his hands and slightly humbled himself: ¡°This young brother, I am merely here to collect a debt. Please don¡¯t interfere excessively.¡± Jiang Fan frowned slightly. Paying back debts was only right. In a normal debt collection, he indeed shouldn¡¯t interfere excessively. But if it was malicious extortion, that was a different story. He turned his head to Chen Silin: ¡°Is what you said true?¡± Chen Silin looked curiously at this No.1 Shadow Guard. Not understanding why he wanted to protect her. And, she didn¡¯t know such a powerful peer. ¡°Yes, I can swear to it!¡± Chen Silin nodded repeatedly. Black-faced Tiger snorted heavily: ¡°What good is a vow? I need tangible evidence!¡± ¡°Your Chen Family¡¯s IOU is here, with accumulated interest, it¡¯s exactly five million in three years!¡± ¡°If you have a receipt, bring it out now!¡± Listening to the two and considering Chen Yuqiu¡¯s situation, Jiang Fan had a good idea in his heart. He squinted and observed Black-faced Tiger: ¡°Do you assume the dead can¡¯t testify?¡± The reason why he chose this moment to come. Was that he wasn¡¯t sure if Chen Yuqiu had taken his last breath. Now, being completely dead, he dared to fish in troubled waters and extort money. Black-faced Tiger, unafraid of boiling water, dragged a stool, crossed his legs, and sat in the center of the mourning hall: ¡°No matter what you say!¡± ¡°I need to see five million taels of Silver.¡± ¡°Otherwise, Chen Yuqiu is not going to rest in peace!¡± Seeing this, Jiang Fan became more certain of his judgment. He said flatly: ¡°I regret to inform you, the Chen Family Master is not dead yet.¡± Black-faced Tiger was startled, but after secretly checking Chen Yuqiu¡¯s face earlier, seeing it was a dead state, he felt reassured. Smiling sarcastically, he said: ¡°Oh, how impressive. Just moving your lips makes the dead come back to life?¡± Jiang Fan ignored him. He turned to Chen Silin and said: ¡°Your father still has a faint pulse.¡± ¡°If I intervene now, there¡¯s a chance to save him.¡± ¡°Discuss with your clan members. If you agree, I will proceed immediately. If not, I can do nothing more.¡± The righteous family members, who were enraged moments ago, were now all silent. Because currently, the only hope for saving the Chen Family was the resurrection of the Family Master. Only the white-haired old clansman reputed as Chen Wuji once again shouldered his hoe and shouted: ¡°Audacious! As long as I¡¯m here, you won¡¯t touch the Family Head¡­¡± However, He was met with a scolding from Liu Qimin. ¡°Clan Elder! Do you intend to see our Chen Family destroyed?¡± ¡°Whether this young master is right or not, letting him attempt to treat is better than waiting for death!¡± With that, she bowed lowly: ¡°Young Master, please save my husband, save the Chen Family.¡± Chen Silin¡¯s eyes were even more reddened. Previously, she didn¡¯t trust No.1 Shadow Guard, but after the recent incident, she felt this No.1 Shadow Guard was protecting her. Could it be that her father really wasn¡¯t dead and could come back to life? With a thud, she knelt down: ¡°Young Master, if you save my father, I will serve you like a horse or ox, bound to you for life!¡± ¡°You¡¯re too kind.¡± Jiang Fan helped her up and said: ¡°Since you all have no objections, I will start the treatment.¡± He approached Chen Yuqiu¡¯s body and, following the medical skills in the ¡°Undying Medical Book,¡± operated his energy to facilitate respiration for him. At the same time, he successively pressed various major acupoints to reactivate his nearly stagnant organs. After a stick of incense¡¯s time. He was already drenched in sweat, yet Chen Yuqiu showed no sign of returning to life. Black-faced Tiger relaxed, touched his head, and said: ¡°Enough with the trickery?¡± ¡°The money, the Chen Family must repay it!¡± Chen Silin¡¯s eyes, full of hope initially, had now dulled. Her face was full of sorrow. She had been too foolish. To think she really believed the dead could return to life. Zhu Jianshen and Chen Wuji exchanged looks and both showed a hint of mockery. The Chen Family members present were also deeply disappointed. However! Suddenly, a weak groan came from the coffin! Chapter 49 - Chapter 49: Chapter 49: Entertaining the Young Master Tonight Chapter 49: Chapter 49: Entertaining the Young Master Tonight ¡°Black-faced tiger, if you dare, come down and get the money from me!¡± ¡°Bullying the orphans and widows of the Chen Family, what does that make of you?¡± In an instant, Everyone in the hall was so scared that they shivered. Some timid ones even screamed. ¡°Ah! A zombie!¡± The female members of the family were all pale with fright and ran outside in panic. The male members also showed signs of panic. The black-faced tiger was startled into a shiver, his fleshy face trembling uncontrollably. He stammered: ¡°H-Haunted?¡± Only Chen Silin and Liu Qimin, mother and daughter, happily rushed to the coffin. Seeing Chen Yuqiu slowly open his eyes and actually come back to life, they exclaimed in joy. ¡°Father!¡± ¡°Husband!¡± Only then did everyone calm down. They crowd around, looking at Chen Yuqiu who had really come back to life, all were shocked. ¡°The family head has really come back to life!¡± ¡°This No.1 Shadow Guard can actually bring the dead back to life!¡± ¡°Divine Doctor! Truly a Divine Doctor!¡± Ye Qingxue¡¯s pretty face was filled with shock. ¡°No.1 Shadow Guard turns out to be a Divine Doctor?¡± ¡°Wait! Could it be that he really learned something from the ¡®Undying Medical Book¡¯?¡± ¡°Impossible, no one can understand that medical book.¡± But no matter what, the marvelous medical skills of the No.1 Shadow Guard were genuine. She glanced at Zhu Jianshen. Her eyes showed a look of contemplation. With the help of everyone, Chen Yuqiu sat in the Family Head¡¯s seat. He coldly stared at the black-faced tiger and said, ¡°You want the receipt, right?¡± He opened his mouth and forcefully pulled out a false tooth. The tooth was hollow, with a tiny folded paper hidden inside. Unfolding it revealed a receipt signed by the black-faced tiger. ¡°After I returned the one million taels of silver to you, you personally wrote this receipt, you surely recognize it?¡± Chen Yuqiu shouted. The Chen family members were enlightened. No wonder they didn¡¯t find the receipt when they carried Chen Yuqiu back. It turned out he had foreseen the black-faced tiger¡¯s plot and had hidden the receipt in such a secret place. Seeing his scheme exposed, the black-faced tiger guiltily fled. Afraid of being surrounded and unable to escape from the Chen family in his fury. Just when everyone thought the matter was over, Chen Yuqiu suddenly shouted, ¡°Chen Wuji! Get over here!¡± Everyone turned to look. The Divine Doctor, who the Chen family had always been proud of, was sneaking out amidst the crowd. Chen Yuqiu¡¯s eyes were filled with hatred: ¡°I don¡¯t hate Black-faced tiger for hurting me, that¡¯s my incompetence, I accept it!¡± ¡°But you! Eating and drinking from the Chen Family, yet colluding with outsiders to harm me!¡± ¡°You ungrateful traitor! Tie him up and beat him until he confesses who is behind it!¡± What? The Chen family was shocked. It turned out that over the past three years, Chen Yuqiu¡¯s worsening condition was due to Chen Wuji! Several young family members pounced on him, pinning him to the ground and tying him up forcefully. Chen Wuji begged for mercy: ¡°Family Head, spare my life, I was forced into this.¡± Bam¡ª Chen Yuqiu slammed his hand on the table, angrily: ¡°Stop making excuses!¡± ¡°You were forced?¡± ¡°Then why did you go out of your way to prevent this young Divine Doctor from taking my pulse when he determined that I was still alive?¡± What? The Chen family remembered how Chen Wuji had previously obstructed Jiang Fan with a hoe, looking as if they were mortal enemies. And how, led by him, all the Chen family members wanted to drive Jiang Fan away. They were filled with anger and incredible guilt. If not for a stroke of luck, they would have become accomplices to the murder of their Family Head! Enraged family members picked up sticks and beat Chen Wuji to death. After a few strikes, Chen Wuji screamed in agony, spitting blood and dying. His back was struck by a dart, piercing his heart. Clearly, someone silenced him to prevent him from naming the mastermind! Amid the chaos, no one saw who did it! This made Chen Yuqiu furious and anxious, blood seeping from his mouth. Jiang Fan, helpless, said: ¡°Chen Family Head, investigating the mastermind can wait. For now, you should recuperate.¡± The Chen family dared not be negligent. They immediately carried Chen Yuqiu to his room. Jiang Fan took his pulse again and replaced him with a suitable prescription. Shortly after, With a bowl of medicine, Chen Yuqiu vomited several mouthfuls of black blood, instantly feeling much better. ¡°Thank you, Divine Doctor, you have saved me, and saved my Chen Family!¡± Chen Yuqiu struggled to get out of bed to kneel before Jiang Fan. Jiang Fan waved: ¡°No need for such courtesy.¡± ¡°Follow this prescription and take it continuously for a month; most of your old injuries will heal.¡± ¡°I have other matters to attend to, so I must take my leave.¡± Upon hearing this, Chen Yuqiu hurriedly said: ¡°Divine Doctor, hold on!¡± ¡°Siling, quickly fetch one million taels of silver for the Divine Doctor from the treasury.¡± Chen Silin nodded, without any hesitation. Compared to the life-saving grace of No.1 Shadow Guard, the grace of saving the family, one million taels seemed more than worthy. Jiang Fan smiled slightly and said: ¡°No need, I only acted because of your daughter.¡± ¡°Money means nothing to me.¡± Hmm? Chen Silin was puzzled. She didn¡¯t even know this powerful peer with such miraculous skills. Chen Yuqiu¡¯s gaze involuntarily shifted to Chen Silin. After three years of unconsciousness, seeing her now, he could not deny that his daughter had grown into a beautiful young lady admired by all. Jiang Fan¡¯s intention was instantly clear to him. After a moment of pondering, he bit his lip slightly and said: ¡°Siling, let this young master stay in the mansion for the night. ¡°Prepare dinner and entertain him well.¡± Having managed the family¡¯s business for three years, how could Chen Silin not understand the implication? Images of Jiang Fan involuntarily surfaced in her mind. Looking at the masked man in front of her, she felt an intense resistance in her heart. If she gave herself to this masked man, she would no longer be worthy of Jiang Fan, not even as a concubine! ¡°Go!¡± Chen Yuqiu commanded painfully. As someone who had experienced the world, He clearly understood which debts in the world were hardest to repay. Debts of gratitude. The longer it dragged on, the harder it was to repay. He only hoped that this No.1 Shadow Guard was a gentleman and would stop at admiration for his daughter without further action. But such men were extremely rare. Chen Silin bit her lip lightly, her eyes filled with tears, and turned into the kitchen. Jiang Fan was bewildered and couldn¡¯t understand the situation between the father and daughter. Why did Chen Silin cry over preparing dinner? Was his masked appearance that scary? Originally intending to decline the dinner, he felt a bit indignant. He wanted to see why Chen Silin was unhappy with him. ¡°Fine! I¡¯m looking forward to tonight¡¯s dinner!¡± Jiang Fan huffed. Oh no! Chen Yuqiu¡¯s heart sank. His daughter might lose her innocence tonight. If No.1 Shadow Guard were a gentleman, he would certainly find an excuse to avoid it. But he did no such thing, not hiding his intentions at all. His daughter probably couldn¡¯t escape. He sighed heavily, feeling helpless. His family owed a great favor. In the kitchen, Chen Silin dismissed the head chef: ¡°You leave, I¡¯ll cook personally!¡± The head chef was stunned: ¡°Miss, when did you learn to cook?¡± Chen Silin replied coldly: ¡°I know a lot!¡± ¡°Miss, that¡¯s too much salt, way too much! Why are you pouring the whole jar?¡± ¡°I want to salt him to death!¡± ¡°No, Miss, that plate of beef isn¡¯t fully cooked.¡± ¡°I want him to taste the raw meat!¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t he interested in me? Whatever he likes, I¡¯m changing!¡± ¡­ When the moon rose over the willow branches, Under the pear blossom tree, Several black, burnt dishes were placed in front of him, Jiang Fan was stunned. Chapter 50 - Chapter 50: Chapter 50: Chen Silins Misunderstanding Chapter 50: Chapter 50: Chen Silin¡¯s Misunderstanding ¡°What is this? Charred herbs?¡± Jiang Fan asked in surprise. Chen Silin sat opposite him. Different from the usual times, the dignified and graceful demeanor of a noblewoman. She deliberately wore a greasy apron. The normally fair and tender palms of her hands were full of unwashed grease stains. Even her previously stunning face was intentionally disheveled, with messy hair and her face covered in grease and smoke. She looked exactly like a maid doing hard labor. ¡°You must be joking, young master. This is a dish I personally cooked.¡± Chen Silin forced a smile, trying to make herself seem unpleasant: ¡°Though it may look unappealing, it¡¯s actually quite delicious.¡± ¡°Why not give it a try.¡± No way! Jiang Fan looked at the table full of dishes with an expression of speechlessness and sighed, ¡°I have to say, you really have no talent for cooking.¡± ¡°Even kids are probably better than you.¡± He thought Chen Silin would be upset. Unexpectedly, she looked secretly pleased and thought to herself, ¡°Yes, yes, I can¡¯t cook at all, quickly learn to hate me.¡± She concealed her unusual expression and said seriously, ¡°I tried very hard.¡± Jiang Fan didn¡¯t intend to make things difficult for her over the food. He was just curious about why she had been crying so aggrievedly earlier. ¡°Miss Chen, did I offend you at the hall?¡± After thinking about it, he concluded he might have inadvertently offended her. Chen Silin was momentarily stunned. In the mourning hall, Jiang Fan saved her first, then saved her father, and then saved the entire Chen family. She couldn¡¯t even thank him enough. When did he ever offend her? She hurriedly waved her hand, wanting to explain, but then thought, why explain? What she needed to do now was make him dislike her. So, she crossed her arms in front of her chest and raised her chin without saying a word. Her right foot kept tapping against the floor. Stomping her feet in silent anger, let him guess. Jiang Fan waited for a long time and saw this posture, rolling his eyes involuntarily. Who wants to guess? This woman is really hard to please! ¡°Fine, if you don¡¯t want to say it!¡± Jiang Fan pulled a long face, wanting to leave. But then he felt indignant. Why? He had helped the Chen family so much, yet he still had to put up with this? He threw down his chopsticks and said coldly, ¡°My shoulders are sore, give me a massage!¡± Today, he would regain his dignity no matter what. Chen Silin secretly despised him: ¡°See, there it is, the fox¡¯s tail is showing!¡± ¡°He hasn¡¯t even eaten yet, and he wants me to give him a massage!¡± ¡°Everyone knows his ulterior motives!¡± Seeing her sitting as steadily as Mount Tai, Jiang Fan chuckled and said, ¡°Your father expressly told you to take good care of me!¡± ¡°If you find massaging my shoulders so difficult, then don¡¯t blame me for tattling to your father!¡± This bastard! He was truly despicable! She bit her lip and reluctantly came behind Jiang Fan. In her mind, she was viciously gesturing at his head. Then, reluctantly, she reached out her hands to massage his shoulders. Of course, she didn¡¯t do it gently. Every squeeze was with all her strength. Fortunately, Jiang Fan had broken through to the Ninth Layer of Qi Cultivation; his flesh was much tougher than ordinary people¡¯s. So her full strength felt just right to Jiang Fan. ¡°Not bad, your strength is just right. It seems you do have some talent for this kind of work,¡± Jiang Fan complimented. This made Chen Silin anxious. She didn¡¯t want this No.1 Shadow Guard to appreciate her. She wanted him to dislike her. So after just a couple of squeezes, she pretended to be exhausted, panting: ¡°I can¡¯t go on, my hands are too tired. I¡¯m exhausted.¡± Really? She had only squeezed a few times? Even a fool could see that she was deliberately slacking off. Just as he was about to insist she continue. Suddenly, he noticed something. ¡°Hmm, your pulse seems a bit off.¡± Jiang Fan turned around and grabbed her wrist to check her pulse. But Chen Silin quickly withdrew her hand, feeling a surge of disgust in her heart, ¡°You¡¯re getting closer and closer!¡± ¡°First, it was massaging shoulders, now you¡¯re seizing the opportunity to hold my hand.¡± ¡°Next step, you¡¯ll initiate more intimate contact, right?¡± ¡°I can see right through you!¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s image involuntarily floated into her mind. Also a person with great skills. How humble and courteous was Jiang Fan? Every time he was alone with her, Jiang Fan always kept his distance and maintained gentlemanly behavior. Unlike this No.1 Shadow Guard! Looking for ways to take advantage! It was truly repulsive! He couldn¡¯t even compare to one percent of Jiang Fan! ¡°No need, I¡¯m not ill,¡± Chen Silin coldly refused. But Jiang Fan genuinely detected something. He looked at her in surprise, observing her complexion, yet found everything normal. ¡°Neither ill nor healthy, it is indeed strange.¡± ¡°Miss Chen, do not hide your illness out of fear of medicines. I¡¯m not trying to trick you.¡± ¡°Let me check your pulse; one look and I¡¯ll know.¡± Chen Silin sneered inwardly. Failing to take advantage, you resort to scaring me? She wouldn¡¯t fall for it! ¡°No need, I am perfectly fine.¡± She rolled her eyes and pointed to the dinner on the table impolitely: ¡°Young master, you¡¯d better hurry and eat.¡± ¡°After you¡¯re done, I¡¯ll have a maid send you back to your room to rest.¡± She was determined not to let this No.1 Shadow Guard succeed. But Jiang Fan was genuinely worried about her condition. That pulse, it wasn¡¯t just some minor ailment. Considering the time she had helped him hide the whereabouts of the Three-Star Soul Master from an unknown powerful enemy. Jiang Fan stood up and said, ¡°Apologies, Miss Chen!¡± Chen Silin was startled and hurriedly got up, crossing her hands in front of her chest, warily saying, ¡°What are you trying to do?¡± Without saying a word, Jiang Fan took a few quick strides over. He reached out to grab her wrist. ¡°Don¡¯t you dare!¡± Chen Silin exclaimed, retreating in panic. But there was a raised platform behind her. She stumbled and fell backward. It wouldn¡¯t have mattered, but she grabbed Jiang Fan¡¯s hand, pulling him down with her. And so, an embarrassing scene occurred. Jiang Fan landed right on top of Chen Silin, their foreheads pressed together. They could feel each other¡¯s breathing. Just a little closer, and their lips would¡¯ve touched. Even Jiang Fan, despite being a man, blushed instantly and quickly got up, saying, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t do it on purpose.¡± But Chen Silin was trembling with anger. Indeed! Just as she had predicted! This shameless guy would find ways to create intimate contact! The next step would probably be directly advancing! Chen Silin was scared. She stopped hiding her intentions, got up and backed away, saying coldly, ¡°Sir, please have some self-respect!¡± ¡°I already have someone in my heart, I will not accept any other man!¡± ¡°If you dare to come any closer, I would rather die than let you!¡± Huh? Jiang Fan was stunned. Did Chen Silin misunderstand something? ¡°Miss Chen, listen to me, actually¡­¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need to explain!¡± Chen Silin interrupted him loudly. ¡°I know what you¡¯re thinking better than you do!¡± ¡°Yes, you saved my entire Chen family, and we should do everything to thank you.¡± ¡°But I can¡¯t marry you.¡± ¡°I hope you understand!¡± Jiang Fan felt his forehead throbbing with veins. He took off his mask and said, ¡°Chen Silin! What exactly do you have in your head?¡± Chapter 51 - Chapter 51: Chapter 51: You Are Pregnant Chapter 51: Chapter 51: You Are Pregnant ¡°What¡¯s in your head is¡­¡± Chen Silin instinctively retorted but stopped abruptly when she saw the face under the mask. ¡°Jiang¡­ Jiang Fan?¡± She couldn¡¯t believe her eyes. Her mind went blank. ¡°You helped our Chen family, really for my sake!¡± Jiang Fan said angrily, ¡°What else?¡± ¡°What¡¯s in your head? Do you think I¡¯m a lecher?¡± Ah! Chen Silin was completely bewildered. She then thought of her sloppy appearance, the awful dishes she made, and her unpleasant image. Suddenly, she felt a sense of utter despair. She had shown her most embarrassing side in front of the person she liked the most. ¡°I can¡¯t live anymore!¡± She squatted down and covered her face, crying bitterly. Chen Yuqiu arrived upon hearing the commotion. Seeing his daughter squatting on the ground and crying from a distance, he thought she had been bullied. His heart ached and he blamed himself: ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Silin. Father shouldn¡¯t have let you bear this.¡± Then he looked at Jiang Fan and said solemnly, ¡°Please come another day. Even if the Chen family has to go bankrupt, we will repay your kindness.¡± Chen Silin quickly wiped away her tears and explained, ¡°No, no, it¡¯s not like that. I wasn¡¯t bullied.¡± ¡°We misunderstood.¡± After she explained Jiang Fan¡¯s identity, Chen Yuqiu suddenly realized. It turned out he was overthinking! Jiang Fan was indeed the fianc¨¦ of his daughter¡¯s best friend and truly acted on her behalf. ¡°Look at the mess I¡¯ve made.¡± Chen Yuqiu¡¯s face was filled with embarrassment, and he continuously bowed and apologized: ¡°I misunderstood you out of petty thoughts.¡± ¡°I apologize to you.¡± Chen Yuqiu awkwardly took the wine from the table and was about to toast back. Suddenly, he noticed the horrific dishes on the table and became furious: ¡°Which chef made these dishes?¡± ¡°Do you not want to work in my Chen family anymore?¡± Chen Silin covered her face, ¡°Dad, stop it, I made them.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll¡­ I¡¯ll make a new batch.¡± Ah? Chen Yuqiu¡¯s mouth dropped open, feeling awkward, ¡°Let me not embarrass you, I will have Silin redo it.¡± ¡°It¡¯s unnecessary.¡± Jiang Fan waved his hand, ¡°I¡¯m not hungry, let¡¯s first check on Chen Silin¡¯s condition.¡± ¡°This time, can you let me take your pulse?¡± Chen Silin was even more embarrassed to face people. It turned out that Jiang Fan was really trying to diagnose her illness just now, but she misunderstood and thought he was taking advantage of her. She couldn¡¯t help but feel ashamed as she covered her face with her sleeve and stretched out her other hand. Chen Yuqiu was surprised, ¡°Young Master Jiang, my daughter is ill? Is it serious?¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s medical skills had already amazed him as he was close to death before. To say his skills were miraculous was not an exaggeration. His sudden seriousness made Chen Yuqiu¡¯s heart skip a beat. ¡°We¡¯ll know after examining.¡± Jiang Fan placed his hand on Chen Silin¡¯s wrist. After a moment, a peculiar expression appeared on his face. ¡°The pulse is smooth and rhythmic, with alternating waves, this is a sign of a slippery pulse!¡± Chen Silin, with eyes still tinged with shame, asked in confusion, ¡°What is a slippery pulse?¡± Jiang Fan glanced at Chen Silin¡¯s lower abdomen and hesitated, ¡°Pregnancy.¡± Crash¡ª The wine glass in Chen Yuqiu¡¯s hand fell suddenly, shattering into countless pieces on the ground. His eyes were wide with shock as he looked at his daughter. Chen Silin was struck like thunder, ¡°Preg¡­ Pregnancy?¡± Amidst her shock, a great sense of humiliation surged in her heart. Especially since these words came from Jiang Fan¡¯s mouth, she felt even more humiliated, her eyes quickly reddening: ¡°I¡¯m pure, I haven¡¯t even touched a man¡¯s hand!¡± Chen Yuqiu also snapped out of his shock. In front of him was a healer, if it were anyone else, he would have slapped them away. ¡°Young Master Jiang, please diagnose carefully, my daughter is still a virgin, and has kept herself clean, how could she be pregnant?¡± Jiang Fan shook his head, very sure, ¡°It is indeed a slippery pulse, there¡¯s no mistake.¡± ¡°If not pregnancy, there¡¯s only one other possibility.¡± Jiang Fan stared intently at Chen Silin¡¯s lower abdomen, ¡°An Innate Fetus.¡± Chen Yuqiu and Chen Silin both breathed a little easier, but then looked puzzled. Apparently, they hadn¡¯t heard of the so-called Innate Fetus. Jiang Fan explained, ¡°An Innate Fetus is a theoretical physique.¡± ¡°When two fetuses are in the same womb, there¡¯s a tiny probability that one will be absorbed by the other.¡± ¡°Two fetuses sharing one body.¡± ¡°That¡¯s the Innate Fetus.¡± After hearing this. Chen Yuqiu showed a thoughtful look. He recalled, ¡°When my wife was first pregnant, indeed a doctor noted twins, but later there was only one.¡± ¡°We always thought that doctor was incompetent, mistaking the pulse.¡± What? Chen Silin touched her lower abdomen, feeling chills: ¡°Are you saying, there¡¯s another person in my body?¡± Jiang Fan waved his hand and smiled to comfort her, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, being called an Innate Fetus rather than a freak means this physique is highly coveted by many female martial artists.¡± ¡°Most absorbed fetuses are gradually assimilated with the main body as it grows.¡± ¡°At your age, if it still exists, it¡¯s definitely extraordinary.¡± ¡°If it awakens, it will surely display extraordinary abilities, either granting some special power or enhancing the main body, perhaps even containing a strong spirit root.¡± With this explanation, Chen Yuqiu showed a look of joy. ¡°This is actually a good thing? Young Master Jiang, is there a way to activate it?¡± Jiang Fan nodded. He immediately wrote a prescription, listing expensive herbs. Chen Yuqiu couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang of pain, but thinking of his daughter¡¯s potential transformation, he gritted his teeth and ordered the butler to start gathering the materials. Chen Silin bit her lip lightly. She wasn¡¯t afraid anymore, on the contrary, she was a bit eager, hoping for a great change that would narrow the gap between her and Jiang Fan. ¡°Jiang Fan, thank you so much for helping me so much.¡± She didn¡¯t know how to repay him. Her eyes were filled with admiration. As a father, Chen Yuqiu seemed to notice something, and regretted, ¡°It¡¯s a shame Young Master Jiang is already engaged, otherwise, I wouldn¡¯t mind marrying my daughter to you.¡± A divine doctor. The top prodigy of Lonely Boat City. Such a dragon among men, he was more than happy to bring them together. Chen Silin¡¯s heart pounded wildly, her father liked Jiang Fan so much. After some thought, she whispered, ¡°Dad, actually Young Master Jiang has another secret identity, please keep it to yourself.¡± ¡°He¡¯s also a Three-Star Soul Master, our top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid and Pifu Pill were made by him.¡± What? Chen Yuqiu¡¯s pupils contracted sharply, and he instinctively wanted to bow, only to be stopped by Chen Silin: ¡°Dad, he doesn¡¯t know I discovered his Three-Star Soul Master identity.¡± So, he stopped his actions. But his heart was in turmoil. A Three-Star Soul Master, what does that mean? That could make even the Sect Master of Green Cloud Sect kneel. Such a person, even with a marriage already, why not have his daughter as a concubine? He heavily slapped his thigh and sighed, ¡°Ah! If only your mother hadn¡¯t made her own decisions!¡± Chen Silin was surprised, ¡°What happened with mother?¡± Chen Yuqiu said helplessly, ¡°Your mother was worried that after I was gone, the Chen family would have no support, so she decided to connect us with the Zhong Family in Biliu City.¡± ¡°Soon, they will come to propose.¡± What? Chen Silin¡¯s face turned pale as she kept retreating, she also had a marriage arrangement? Then she and Jiang Fan¡­ Thinking of this, her face was filled with bitterness. Chen Yuqiu sighed silently and said to Jiang Fan, ¡°Young Master Jiang has seen the world.¡± ¡°On the day of the proposal, please come to be a witness and help check the person to see if he¡¯s worthy of marrying my daughter.¡± Check? Jiang Fan declined, ¡°Matters between two big families, how can an outsider like me be involved?¡± Chen Yuqiu really valued his identity as a Three-Star Soul Master. Such a person¡¯s judgment is surely not wrong. ¡°Please, Young Master Jiang, help us, so my daughter doesn¡¯t marry the wrong person and regret it for life.¡± Chapter 52 - Chapter 52: Chapter 52: Curing Disease Chapter 52: Chapter 52: Curing Disease Chen Silin¡¯s eyes lit up, and she quickly signaled to Jiang Fan, urging him to agree quickly. Jiang Fan naturally understood her little scheme. She wanted him to help refuse the marriage proposal. Seeing her pleading look, Jiang Fan sighed helplessly and said, ¡°Alright then, I¡¯ll bring Youran along to attend the ceremony.¡± ¡°But I will make a fair judgment.¡± ¡°If the person is truly good, Miss Chen, you should marry him.¡± Chen Silin shot him a resentful look, staring at him intently. Feeling uncomfortable under her gaze, Jiang Fan dared not linger any longer and cupped his hands in farewell. Back at the Xu Family. Even outside the gate, he could hear laughter and chatter, signaling that a night banquet was being held. Jiang Fan stepped through the gate in surprise, and Xu Youran greeted him with a big smile. ¡°Fan, where have you been? Why are you back so late?¡± ¡°Quick, raise a toast to Yining and congratulate her.¡± Congratulate? After a brief thought, Jiang Fan asked in astonishment, ¡°Did she break through to the Foundation Establishment Realm?¡± Just yesterday, she had borrowed money from him to buy a Pifu Pill. Now the Xu Family was hosting an unprecedented night banquet, clearly celebrating Xu Yining¡¯s breakthrough to the Foundation Establishment Realm. Breaking through Foundation Establishment qualified one to stand independently as a martial artist. In Lonely Boat City, that made one a notable figure. Xu Zhengyan had only reached the first layer of Foundation Establishment in his middle age. Xu Yining breaking through at her young age was indeed a significant event in Xu Family history. ¡°I should be the one to toast you.¡± Seeing Jiang Fan return, Xu Yining came over holding two cups of wine and handed him one. ¡°Without your money, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to buy the Pifu Pill.¡± ¡°Thank you.¡± Having broken through to the Foundation Establishment Realm, Xu Yining was more composed than ever. Her eyes shone with confidence. Their relationship seemed to change with the elevation of their realms. This time, she did not avoid the subject, holding the wine cup and saying: ¡°I was willful when I refused the marriage proposal back then.¡± ¡°But I do not regret it.¡± In her mind flashed the figure of the No.1 Shadow Guard, whom she looked up to, and she said: ¡°Between you and me, we are not on the same level; it¡¯s hard to pursue the same goals.¡± ¡°I hope you can let go of this grudge soon and focus on the martial path.¡± ¡°Strive to become even better.¡± Jiang Fan was speechless. Who had a grudge? He wished to marry Xu Youran! Shaking his head, he did not explain further and responded with a light sip of his wine. Invited to celebrate together, Ye Qingxue couldn¡¯t help but feel indignant for Jiang Fan and softly reproached, ¡°Yining, why say such things?¡± ¡°So many people are here; at least give him some face.¡± Xu Yining calmly said, ¡°I just want him to become better.¡± ¡°If he had even half the qualities of the No.1 Shadow Guard, I would have accepted the marriage proposal.¡± Ye Qingxue was visibly taken aback. Jiang Fan was not just half of the No.1 Shadow Guard. He was the No.1 Shadow Guard in person! She opened her mouth but, bound by the promise to keep Jiang Fan¡¯s identity a secret, ultimately said nothing. She merely probed, ¡°Yining, I think Jiang Fan has a lot of potential.¡± ¡°Since he and your sister aren¡¯t formally married yet, why don¡¯t I help bring you two together?¡± At these words, Xu Yining gave a look as if Ye Qingxue had gone mad: ¡°Qingxue, did you take the wrong medicine?¡± ¡°I just escaped from the sea of suffering, and you want me to go back in?¡± Ye Qingxue stammered for a while, finally saying in resignation, ¡°Well! One day, don¡¯t regret it!¡± Xu Yining wore a puzzled expression: ¡°I will regret it? Because of Jiang Fan?¡± She thought her good friend must be drunk. After several rounds of toasts, Jiang Fan left the banquet, intending to return to his training. Today¡¯s encounter with the Sub-Altar Master made him keenly aware of the gap between them; he had to quickly elevate his cultivation another level. Only then could he hope to win. ¡°Jiang Fan, wait!¡± He hadn¡¯t walked far when Ye Qingxue suddenly caught up with him, speaking in a low voice: ¡°Can I ask you to save someone?¡± Jiang Fan looked around to ensure no one was near and asked, ¡°Who?¡± ¡°Zhu Jianshen.¡± Ye Qingxue said, ¡°Zhu Jianshen was poisoned by a sinister toxin while on a mission for the Green Cloud Sect, and he returned to heal.¡± ¡°But his condition is very complex, and no famous doctors from various places could help.¡± ¡°His mother asked our City Lord Mansion to find a more skilled Divine Doctor, so I thought of you.¡± Heh! Jiang Fan didn¡¯t think twice: ¡°Me, save him? Do you know our grudge?¡± He went on to explain their enmity. Upon learning of the feud, Ye Qingxue was astonished. After a moment of thought, she turned to him and said, ¡°I still suggest you give it a try.¡± ¡°The Zhu Family has a thousand-year Fire Well, which produces a few Fire Spirit Pearls every ten years; it is immensely beneficial for those at the Ninth Layer of Qi Cultivation.¡± ¡°If your aptitude is strong, three pearls can help break through to Ninth Layer Perfection in Qi Cultivation.¡± ¡°You could ask the Zhu Family to provide them in exchange for treating Zhu Jianshen.¡± Does the Zhu Family really have such treasures? Jiang Fan felt a stir of excitement. Though he was reluctant to save Zhu Jianshen, the allure of the Fire Spirit Pearls was irresistible. ¡°What are his symptoms?¡± Ye Qingxue then described everything she knew. After listening, Jiang Fan chuckled: ¡°What sinister toxin, it¡¯s corpse poison transmitted from contact with a woman who practices evil cultivation!¡± ¡°Removing this poison is quite an ordeal.¡± ¡°Alright, I agree.¡± Ye Qingxue¡¯s face lit up with joy: ¡°I¡¯ll accompany you tomorrow.¡± After a night of cultivation Jiang Fan drank several bottles of top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, yet his cultivation did not increase a bit. ¡°It gets harder as you go higher.¡± Looking at the sun outside the window, Jiang Fan stood up. The remnants of the Blood Bat Palace could reappear at any moment; he needed to increase his cultivation quickly. The Fire Spirit Pearls from the Zhu Family had to be obtained. Before leaving, he took down the Thunder Pattern Spiritual Wood Sword hanging by his bed and strapped it to his waist. Against a strong opponent like the Sub-Altar Master, ordinary divine weapons were ineffective. Their strong Spiritual Power made it impossible for ordinary blades to get close. Only by catching them off guard with the electrical effect of the wooden sword could he have a chance to win! Leaving the Xu Mansion, he put on the mask of the No.1 Shadow Guard in a small alley. Soon after, he met up with Ye Qingxue. ¡°Aren¡¯t we going to the Zhu Family?¡± Ye Qingxue asked in surprise, noticing they were heading in the opposite direction. Jiang Fan replied, ¡°Removing corpse poison requires a special material.¡± He went to the largest material shop in Lonely Boat City. After some searching, he found a bronze-colored, spiky bramble. ¡°Luckily, they have it here,¡± Jiang Fan said. Ye Qingxue looked curious and reached out to touch it. ¡°Don¡¯t touch it!¡± Jiang Fan stopped her in time. ¡°This is Iron Blood Thorns; you can¡¯t touch it directly with your hands, or it will cut your flesh painfully.¡± Ye Qingxue quickly withdrew her hand: ¡°So magical? What¡¯s the golden one next to it?¡± She pointed to a similar-looking but golden bramble nearby. ¡°That¡¯s the more potent Soul-stealing Thorns; touching it inflicts excruciating pain on the soul, a pain that makes one wish for death.¡± ¡°Only patients with severe conditions need it.¡± The patient, in this case, was clearly Zhu Jianshen. Jiang Fan put on gloves and picked up the bronze Iron Blood Thorns: ¡°This will suffice. The Soul-stealing Thorns could kill Zhu Jianshen.¡± At that moment, Zhu Jianshen walked in with his followers and shouted from a distance, ¡°Shopkeeper, give me another piece of pain-relieving antelope horn.¡± Suddenly, he spotted Jiang Fan and immediately showed a mocking grin. ¡°Well, the No.1 Shadow Guard is here to buy materials? Who are you trying to bring back to life this time?¡± Glancing at the Iron Blood Thorns in Jiang Fan¡¯s hand, he waved grandly and said, ¡°Shopkeeper, I want everything he¡¯s holding.¡± The shopkeeper¡¯s eyes lit up: ¡°Alright, alright! I¡¯ll pack it up for Young Master Zhu.¡± He wants to seize even this? Jiang Fan picked up the Soul-stealing Thorns, and Zhu Jianshen waved his hand again: ¡°I want this too!¡± ¡°I am a major customer here; I have priority for all materials.¡± The shopkeeper immediately complied and took away the Soul-stealing Thorns as well. Jiang Fan showed a peculiar smile. The healing materials bought by the patient himself. What a deal! He said meaningfully, ¡°Young Master Zhu, enjoy.¡± Finished speaking, he left for the Zhu Family with Ye Qingxue ahead of him. Chapter 53 - Chapter 53: Chapter 53: If Youre Sick, Get Treated Chapter 53: Chapter 53: If You¡¯re Sick, Get Treated Zhu Family. Zhang Yuxiu, who had heard the news, had been waiting for some time. However, when she saw that Ye Qingxue had brought a very young masked man, she frowned. ¡°Qingxue, is this the Divine Doctor you mentioned? Isn¡¯t he a bit too young?¡± Such worries were not surprising. Medical expertise required accumulation, and the older one was, the more experienced they tended to be. Ye Qingxue patiently said, ¡°Aunt, wasn¡¯t Young Master Zhu present at the Chen Family yesterday?¡± ¡°The Chen Family Master was already in a coffin, but he was revived by the No.1 Shadow Guard.¡± Zhang Yuxiu frowned and said, ¡°But Shen said that the Chen Family Master wasn¡¯t dead at all, so it doesn¡¯t count as resurrection.¡± Huh? Ye Qingxue and Jiang Fan were both surprised. How did Zhu Jianshen know that the Chen Family Master wasn¡¯t dead? At that time, Zhu Jianshen and Chen Wuji both asserted in unison that the Chen Family Master was dead and even tried to prevent Jiang Fan from checking his pulse. Wait! The two exchanged a glance and saw the suspicion in each other¡¯s eyes. When Chen Wuji died, he was killed by someone behind the scenes. And Zhu Jianshen was also present at the time. As a Foundation Establishment Realm cultivator, he was one of the few people with enough strength to kill without leaving any traces. Connecting the dots, it was almost certain that Zhu Jianshen had conspired with Chen Wuji to kill the Chen Family Master! ¡°Don¡¯t make a fuss.¡± Ye Qingxue lowered her voice to remind. Jiang Fan nodded. They only had suspicions and no evidence. Speaking out rashly might lead to Zhu Jianshen turning the tables on them. However, this did not mean that Jiang Fan would let it go. After all, Chen Yuqiu was Chen Silin¡¯s father. No matter what, he had to seek some compensation for Chen Yuqiu. He looked at Zhang Yuxiu, who was questioning him, and observed her complexion before saying, ¡°Mrs. Zhu, you should stop using the Qi-nourishing and blood-tonifying items you used before.¡± ¡°The Beauty-Restore Pill has already made your body youthful enough; continuing to take your previous medications will be overdoing it.¡± Zhang Yuxiu remained unconvinced: ¡°But I feel quite good.¡± Jiang Fan said indifferently: ¡°Do you also feel good when you get nosebleeds morning and night?¡± What? Zhang Yuxiu was startled: ¡°How did you know I¡¯ve been having nosebleeds lately?¡± Jiang Fan smiled without answering. Ye Qingxue smiled and said, ¡°Mrs. Zhu, do you believe in No.1 Shadow Guard¡¯s medical skills now?¡± ¡°He diagnosed the Chen Family Master¡¯s pulse from a distance.¡± This time, Zhang Yuxiu no longer dared to question the brilliance of the No.1 Shadow Guard¡¯s medical skills. She quickly said, ¡°Quickly, serve the Divine Doctor with the best tea!¡± Once seated. Zhang Yuxiu inquired about Zhu Jianshen¡¯s condition: ¡°Divine Doctor, are you really confident in curing his dark poison?¡± Seeing that she was still playing dumb. Jiang Fan bluntly said, ¡°To be frank, this is not dark poison but corpse poison.¡± ¡°Mrs. Zhu, it would be best if you restrain your son from associating with those demonic women.¡± ¡°This time, he was only infected with corpse poison, which is already fortunate.¡± ¡°Those women often deal with corpse bugs, and they¡¯re full of deadly poisons.¡± Zhang Yuxiu¡¯s complexion immediately became unnatural. It was evident that she also knew the origin of the poison on Zhu Jianshen¡¯s body. Being exposed was quite embarrassing. Yet at the same time, she felt delighted. Other so-called Divine Doctors couldn¡¯t even determine the type of poison with face-to-face diagnosis. This No.1 Shadow Guard, just from a few descriptions of the symptoms, confirmed the accurate poison! If even he couldn¡¯t cure her son¡¯s illness. There would be nobody else in the world who could. ¡°Divine Doctor, my son¡¯s illness is entirely in your hands!¡± Zhang Yuxiu said excitedly. Jiang Fan waved his hand and said, ¡°I can remove the corpse poison.¡± ¡°However, I want your Zhu Family¡¯s Fire Spirit Pearl.¡± What? Zhang Yuxiu hesitated, appearing very troubled. She hesitated for a while and said, ¡°Divine Doctor, can something else replace the Fire Spirit Pearl?¡± ¡°You can freely choose from the Zhu Family¡¯s treasure trove.¡± ¡°The only exception is the Fire Spirit Pearl, which is reserved for the Inner Sect disciples of the Green Cloud Sect.¡± Jiang Fan shook his head, ¡°I only want the Fire Spirit Pearl. I don¡¯t care for anything else.¡± ¡°If your Zhu Family can¡¯t provide it, then I¡¯ll take my leave.¡± After saying that, he immediately stood up without any hesitation. This made Zhang Yuxiu anxious, and she looked at Ye Qingxue for help. Ye Qingxue shrugged helplessly, ¡°What your family can offer, so can the Chen Family, and the Chen Family has given much more out of gratitude for saving their lives.¡± ¡°The No.1 Shadow Guard no longer lacks ordinary things.¡± ¡°If you can¡¯t part with the Fire Spirit Pearl, then consider us never having come here.¡± ¡°From now on, you can contact the No.1 Shadow Guard yourself. I¡¯ve already repaid my favor.¡± If not for the Ye Family owing the Zhu Family a favor. Ye Qingxue would not have bothered to invite the No.1 Shadow Guard especially for Zhu Jianshen¡¯s illness. Now that the favor was repaid. She wouldn¡¯t care in the future. Zhang Yuxiu became anxious immediately. If she let the No.1 Shadow Guard leave, her son¡¯s corpse poison might never be cured. ¡°Fine! I agree!¡± She gritted her teeth and said, ¡°However, in recent years, there have been fewer Fire Spirit Pearls produced in the Fire Well.¡± ¡°I¡¯m not sure how many are left after ten years.¡± ¡°I can only promise to let you go down to collect them once.¡± ¡°Whether or not you find any depends on you.¡± Jiang Fan frowned slightly. Can¡¯t guarantee the quantity? But the opportunity was right in front of him; he couldn¡¯t miss it. After considering for a moment and realizing that someone else was providing the materials for the treatment, he only needed to exert some effort. So he agreed readily. ¡°Okay!¡± ¡°Now start preparing for the treatment according to my instructions.¡± Under his instructions. The Zhu Family¡¯s servants brought over a slaughtering rack. And they prepared ten basins of glowing hot charcoal. Zhang Yuxiu was a bit dumbfounded, ¡°Divine Doctor, is this for treatment?¡± Why did it look like they were about to slaughter a pig? Jiang Fan reminded, ¡°The process of removing corpse poison will be very painful.¡± ¡°Please remain calm, Mrs. Zhu. If you interfere midway, your son¡¯s corpse poison will be totally untreatable.¡± Zhang Yuxiu nodded, ¡°As long as it can cure him, what¡¯s a bit of pain?¡± Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t help but shake his head. She had no idea about the intensity of the pain in removing corpse poison. Not long after. Zhu Jianshen returned. Zhang Yuxiu hurriedly said, ¡°Shen, quickly come and greet the Divine Doctor. He is the great doctor recommended by Miss Ye.¡± He had heard the night before that another Divine Doctor would come to see his illness today. Personally recommended by Ye Qingxue. He had been plagued by corpse poison for half a year, his health was deteriorating, and without timely removal, his life was in danger. He respectfully stepped forward and cupped his hands, ¡°I am Zhu Jianshen, at your¡­ it¡¯s you?¡± Recognizing that the so-called Divine Doctor was the No.1 Shadow Guard, He immediately frowned and said, ¡°Mother, why did you invite him?¡± ¡°Make him leave. I don¡¯t want him to treat me.¡± Zhang Yuxiu reprimanded, ¡°Shut up! How dare you be disrespectful to the Divine Doctor?¡± ¡°No one but him can cure your corpse poison!¡± However Zhu Jianshen looked at the No.1 Shadow Guard, the more annoyed he became. Especially since they had just had an argument, how could he let him treat his illness? He snorted, ¡°Whoever wants to be treated by him can go. I don¡¯t care.¡± After saying that, he lifted his leg to leave. Zhang Yuxiu became angry and said, ¡°Tie him up!¡± A serious illness was no time for such behavior. A few house servants quickly surrounded him. But how could they be a match for Zhu Jianshen? He knocked them down in a few moves. ¡°You dogs dare to lay hands on me?¡± Zhu Jianshen shouted in anger. Just then. His vision blurred, and the No.1 Shadow Guard came toward him with a wooden sword. Furious, Zhu Jianshen laughed, ¡°A mere Foundation Establishment ninth layer, and you dare to challenge me?¡± He reached out to grab the wooden sword. Unbeknownst to him, this wooden sword was absolutely untouchable. Chapter 54 - Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Getting Caught in Ones Own Web Chapter 54: Chapter 54: Getting Caught in One¡¯s Own Web Just as he grabbed the wooden sword, ready to take it away. Jiang Fan suddenly activated the Thunder Strike effect in the wooden sword. A powerful current immediately surged into Zhu Jianshen¡¯s body. He screamed in pain and then went stiff on the spot. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Jiang Fan swept across, kicking him onto the wooden frame and said, ¡°Tie him up!¡± The servants immediately stepped forward, tying him up tightly to the pig slaughtering rack. By the time he regained consciousness, his hands and feet were already immobilized. He could only roar with anger: ¡°Let me down! Let me down now!¡± Jiang Fan ignored him and ordered him to be moved to the stove rack for roasting. The intense heat made him scream incessantly: ¡°What do you intend to do to me?¡± Jiang Fan calmly said, ¡°Of course, it¡¯s to cure you.¡± ¡°However, a key material is still needed.¡± He opened the bundle Zhu Jianshen had brought back and found the golden Soul-stealing Thorns. He couldn¡¯t help but be slightly stunned. ¡°Where are the bronze thorns?¡± A servant said helplessly, ¡°The Young Master found it too cheap, so he threw it away on the way back.¡± Jiang Fan reluctantly picked up the Soul-stealing Thorns and walked up to Zhu Jianshen. ¡°No choice, you threw away the Iron Blood Thorns, so we¡¯ll have to use this to treat you.¡± Seeing this item, Zhu Jianshen was terrified, his face turning ashen. ¡°Wait! You¡¯re going to use Soul-stealing Thorns to treat me? Do you know what this is? It will kill people!¡± Apparently, he recognized the item and knew its terrifying nature. Jiang Fan displayed a playful expression: ¡°Oh? Young Master Zhu, weren¡¯t you competing with me for this? Weren¡¯t you planning to use it to treat yourself?¡± ¡°I thought you knew its medicinal effects.¡± What? Zhu Jianshen¡¯s face turned as red as a pig¡¯s liver. He spent a huge amount of money to grab these thorns, only to find out they were for the No.1 Shadow Guard! This made him feel extremely aggrieved! But what terrified him¡­ ¡­was that this thing was going to be used on him! The worst part¡­ ¡­was that he had thrown away the less painful Iron Blood Thorns and kept only the Soul-stealing Thorns! ¡°No.1 Shadow Guard, I¡¯m warning you, stay away, stay away¡­¡± ¡°Ah!!!¡± As Jiang Fan pressed the Soul-stealing Thorns onto him, he immediately felt spiritual pain. It was as if a sharp knife was wildly stirring in his soul. The pain was ten times worse than a physical knife wound. He instantly let out a pig-like scream, convulsing and twitching violently in extreme agony. Zhang Yuxiu was tormented by the sound, just about to call for a stop, when she noticed black liquid seeping from Zhu Jianshen¡¯s skin. Under the high heat of the stove, it gradually evaporated into black gas and dissipated. This method actually worked! She gritted her teeth and held back her heartbreak, covering her ears and turning her back: ¡°Shen, hold on, it will be over soon!¡± At first, Zhu Jianshen could still scream. But as the treatment progressed, the pain left him unable to even cry out. He kept twitching all over, foaming at the mouth. The pain he had endured in his entire life was nothing compared to this moment! Ye Qingxue looked on, amazed. Even those sentenced to death by lingchi didn¡¯t suffer as much as Zhu Jianshen, right? However, it was deserved. He paid a little bit for plotting against the Chen Family Master. An hour later. Jiang Fan finally stopped as no more black drops seeped from Zhu Jianshen¡¯s body. ¡°Alright, the corpse poison is removed!¡± Zhang Yuxiu hurriedly had someone lower Zhu Jianshen. Watching her son, barely alive and twisted in pain, looking almost unrecognizable, she cried in pain. With trembling fingers, Zhu Jianshen weakly pointed at Jiang Fan and said, ¡°Get¡­ rid¡­ of¡­ him¡­¡± Jiang Fan shrugged and said, ¡°Sorry, Young Master Zhu, but I¡¯m afraid I won¡¯t be leaving anytime soon.¡± ¡°Because I still need to collect Fire Spirit Pearls from your Zhu Family¡¯s thousand-year-old well!¡± What? The Zhu Family was actually giving him Fire Spirit Pearls? Despite torturing me like this, the Zhu Family still intended to gift him Fire Spirit Pearls? ¡°You¡­ you¡­¡± Already mentally scarred, Zhu Jianshen couldn¡¯t handle such a blow and fainted on the spot in anger. The Zhu Family members were thrown into chaos! After checking on him, Zhang Yuxiu sighed in relief, finding no serious issues. She said to Jiang Fan, ¡°Thank you, Divine Doctor. The corpse poison is completely gone. My son will recover soon.¡± ¡°Come with me.¡± Led by her, Jiang Fan came to the forbidden area of the Zhu Family, the Fire Well. The well was very deep. And the bottom was very spacious, not small at all compared to the Zhu Family mansion. ¡°Be careful with your steps when you go down,¡± Zhang Yuxiu reminded, ¡°Every time we collect Fire Spirit Pearls, we lose some manpower.¡± Is that so? Jiang Fan looked down and saw that the bottom of the well seemed very calm. Except for being somewhat warm, there was nothing special. Zhang Yuxiu grabbed a handful of stones and threw them down. One of the stones just landed when a pool of red-hot magma appeared below, instantly swallowing the stone. Jiang Fan¡¯s pupils slightly contracted. Zhang Yuxiu stared at him, ¡°If you¡¯re too afraid to go down, you can wait a few days until our Zhu Family finishes collecting.¡± ¡°If there are any, we can give you one.¡± ¡°If not, we¡¯ll compensate you with something else, how about it?¡± What a calculation, trying to bluff him away. If Jiang Fan wasn¡¯t there, how would he know if the Zhu Family had collected any? If they collected any and hid them, giving him something random, what could he do about it? ¡°No need, I¡¯ll go down myself.¡± Jiang Fan said calmly. With movement techniques, even if he accidentally stepped into the magma, he could quickly dodge. Zhang Yuxiu looked displeased and said, ¡°Then be careful.¡± She didn¡¯t reveal any more details about the Fire Well and went back to check on her son. Ye Qingxue worriedly said, ¡°Young Master Jiang, you must be careful. This Fire Well has indeed claimed many lives.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± Jiang Fan leaped down. Using his movement technique, he began searching at the bottom of the well. The area near the wellhead had been searched countless times by the Zhu Family and was long devoid of Fire Spirit Pearls. To find any, he had to go to the deepest part where the Zhu Family dared not venture. Time ticked by. Jiang Fan still hadn¡¯t come up. Meanwhile, a recuperating Zhu Jianshen began to wake up. After the corpse poison was removed, his body was much better. With a few healing pills, he could get out of bed. But currently, his concern wasn¡¯t for his body. It was whether Jiang Fan had obtained any Fire Spirit Pearls. ¡°Mother, why did you let the No.1 Shadow Guard go to the Fire Well? The three Fire Spirit Pearls this time, I promised them to Senior Brother Zhong from the Inner Sect.¡± ¡°With his care, I can prosper in the Green Cloud Sect.¡± Zhang Yuxiu frowned and said, ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry.¡± ¡°The Fire Well has been harvested over the years, and places that can still produce Fire Spirit Pearls are very few.¡± ¡°The safest place is quite hidden, he may not find it.¡± ¡°As for the deepest part, even your father dared not venture there.¡± ¡°Him going there is asking for death.¡± Zhu Jianshen felt slightly at ease. But he still wasn¡¯t reassured: ¡°Let¡¯s go to the well to keep an eye on things!¡± ¡°Otherwise, he might take out his frustration on the well and ruin our family¡¯s treasure.¡± Zhang Yuxiu was startled: ¡°How did I forget about that? Let¡¯s go and check immediately.¡± Deep in the well. Jiang Fan stood in front of a rock wall, looking intrigued. As he walked, other rock walls were covered with thick magma dust accumulated over the years. But this particular rock wall had noticeably less dust, looking quite out of place. Chapter 55 - Chapter 55: Chapter 55 The Fire Spirit Pearl Was Completely Dug Out Chapter 55: Chapter 55 The Fire Spirit Pearl Was Completely Dug Out ¡°It looks like someone has moved it before.¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes flashed, and he knocked on the stone wall. When he knocked on the central position, a hollow sound came through. ¡°It¡¯s not solid inside!¡± Jiang Fan hesitated no longer, gathering his spiritual power and striking the center of the stone wall with his palm. A bang was heard. The stone wall shattered, revealing a half-person-high hole. The hole was shallow. Like a bird¡¯s nest. Three bright red beads, exuding dense spiritual energy, lay closely together like bird eggs. ¡°Fire Spirit Pearls!¡± Jiang Fan was overjoyed. He immediately tucked all three Fire Spirit Pearls into his pouch. ¡°Still trying to hide them from people?¡± Jiang Fan smiled slightly. The less the Zhu Family wanted to part with the Fire Spirit Pearls, the less he could leave just like that. He glanced deeper into the hole and, smiling, employed his movement technique, exploring the bottom like a dragonfly skimming the water. Every time his foot landed, he floated up as lightly as a feather. Several times he stepped on lava but easily neutralized the danger. The more dangerous the place, the fewer times the Zhu Family came. The more Fire Spirit Pearls there were. He kept collecting Fire Spirit Pearls until he reached the end of the Fire Well, and the Fire Spirit Pearls were gathered cleanly. Looking at the twelve Fire Spirit Pearls he collected, Jiang Fan returned satisfied. Soon after. He returned outside the well. Ye Qingxue, who had been waiting for a long time, asked with concern, ¡°Are you hurt?¡± Upon closer inspection. Not only was Jiang Fan uninjured, but he was also spotless, with no trace of disarray. Zhang Yuxiu and Zhu Jianshen secretly heaved a sigh of relief. Every time someone from the Zhu Family went down, they would come back filthy. The slightest injuries would be burns on the skin. Jiang Fan, with no dust on him, must not have gone deep, and it was impossible he got any Fire Spirit Pearls. Zhu Jianshen said sarcastically, ¡°You made such a fuss about going down, and this is all?¡± ¡°It would have been better if we just gave you something to send you away!¡± Zhang Yuxiu¡¯s eyebrows relaxed, and she said, ¡°Young Master, going down the well was your own choice.¡± ¡°We made it clear beforehand that whether you find anything depends on your own ability.¡± ¡°Now that you¡¯ve found nothing, you can¡¯t blame our Zhu Family.¡± Jiang Fan hadn¡¯t planned to reveal his gains. To avoid stimulating the mother and son. Since they were being so arrogant, Jiang Fan unceremoniously took out six Fire Spirit Pearls and said, ¡°I was quite lucky and found six.¡± Saying this, he split them into two, tossing three to Ye Qingxue. ¡°These three are for you, as a reward for introducing the job.¡± Ye Qingxue instinctively caught them, then showed a surprised expression, ¡°You actually found six? How did you do it?¡± ¡°Every time the Zhu Family goes down, they can only find three!¡± Zhang Yuxiu and Zhu Jianshen¡¯s faces changed dramatically simultaneously. Zhu Jianshen exclaimed, ¡°Six beads? You, how could you take so many? Put them down now!¡± Jiang Fan sneered, ¡°I found them with my own abilities. What, after the illness is cured, the Zhu Family wants to go back on their word?¡± Zhang Yuxiu¡¯s face turned ashen, ¡°Young Master, I wouldn¡¯t mind you taking one or two, but six is too many!¡± ¡°How about this, you take three and leave three, so we can still be friends in the future!¡± Heh heh. Are they that anxious? Had they known Jiang Fan collected the entire Fire Well clean, taking twelve Fire Spirit Pearls, they might have attacked on the spot, right? Jiang Fan said expressionlessly, ¡°Mrs. Zhu, you said earlier that whatever I found was mine by ability.¡± ¡°It can¡¯t be that finding none means I¡¯m not capable, and finding too many means I¡¯m being too ruthless, right?¡± Ye Qingxue, who received three Fire Spirit Pearls, also stood up to defend him, ¡°Auntie, it was for the sake of our two families¡¯ friendship that I brought the Divine Doctor to help.¡± ¡°If you go back on your word, how does that make the Ye Family look?¡± Zhang Yuxiu felt bitter but couldn¡¯t speak out. She never expected Jiang Fan to find six Fire Spirit Pearls. But having promised before and with the City Lord¡¯s daughter on-site, it was hard to go back on her word. She could only say angrily, ¡°Fine, take them, the Zhu Family admits defeat!¡± After Jiang Fan and Ye Qingxue left. Zhu Jianshen grew angrier, clenching his fist and said, ¡°Damn it, he dared to be so ruthless!¡± ¡°However, this also proves there should be more Fire Spirit Pearls in our Fire Well.¡± ¡°Otherwise, how could he have found so many on his first time?¡± Zhang Yuxiu¡¯s eyes lit up at his words. She immediately summoned the clan members to go down and gather more. But after a busy day and night. They returned with nothing but injuries, not one Fire Spirit Pearl. ¡°Reporting to Madam, all the Fire Spirit Pearls in that hidden spot have been taken by that boy.¡± ¡°Moreover, the few Fire Spirit Pearls we saw in the distance are also gone.¡± What! Zhu Jianshen flew into a rage, ¡°He took all the Fire Spirit Pearls? Not leaving a single one?¡± ¡°Bastard! I¡¯ll never forgive you!!¡± Meanwhile, Jiang Fan and Ye Qingxue. The two hurried back to the Xu Family. Ye Qingxue held the three Fire Spirit Pearls, reluctant to part with them. Noticing their color starting to fade, she quickly reminded, ¡°Almost forgot!¡± ¡°Fire Spirit Pearls lose their potency when away from magma, use them quickly!¡± Jiang Fan was surprised. He hurried back to the Xu Family. He called Xu Youran over and handed her three Fire Spirit Pearls, ¡°Quickly take them and cultivate!¡± Xu Youran was confused but immediately followed his instructions. Ye Qingxue was shocked, ¡°How come you have another three?¡± Jiang Fan blinked and took out three more. ¡°Gasp! Twelve beads! Did you empty the Fire Well?¡± Ye Qingxue gasped and then said, ¡°Quick, give them to Xu Yining.¡± ¡°She just broke through the Foundation Establishment Realm, these will still work for her.¡± Jiang Fan pouted. He invited Xu Zhengyan over, handed him three Fire Spirit Pearls, and wrote, ¡°Uncle, swallow them quickly.¡± Xu Zhengyan couldn¡¯t tell what they were but, sensing they were great treasures, swallowed them without a second thought. When Xu Yining arrived after hearing the news. The twelve Fire Spirit Pearls already had their masters. ¡°Fire Spirit Pearls?¡± Looking at the three Fire Spirit Pearls in Ye Qingxue¡¯s hands, Xu Yining exclaimed, ¡°Qingxue, aren¡¯t these from the Zhu Family? Where did you get them?¡± Ye Qingxue pointed at Jiang Fan, ¡°How could I have gotten them, it was him.¡± Jiang Fan got them? What surprised her more was that her father Xu Zhengyan and her sister Xu Youran had already taken the beads and were digesting their medicative powers. Everyone got some, except her? Xu Yining stared at Jiang Fan, signaling for him to make it right. Jiang Fan didn¡¯t bother with her. He swallowed the last three Fire Spirit Pearls in one bite and sat cross-legged to start his cultivation. ¡°You!¡± Xu Yining stomped her foot. Giving Fire Spirit Pearls to Xu Youran was one thing. Giving them to her father Xu Zhengyan, she had no complaints. One was Jiang Fan¡¯s fianc¨¦e, and the other was his elder. But giving them to Ye Qingxue instead of her? Was she not as important as an outsider? Ye Qingxue also felt it was inappropriate to keep the Fire Spirit Pearls and handed them to Xu Yining, ¡°Yining, take these three, they¡¯re yours.¡± Tears welled in Xu Yining¡¯s eyes, and she glared hatefully at Jiang Fan, ¡°I don¡¯t want them!¡± ¡°It¡¯s just Fire Spirit Pearls! I don¡¯t care for them!¡± She ran out with red eyes. Ye Qingxue sighed helplessly, ¡°Why does it have to come to this?¡± ¡°The three Fire Spirit Pearls would¡¯ve been yours entirely.¡± Half a day later. The four people opened their eyes one after another. Xu Zhengyan said excitedly, ¡°I¡¯ve advanced greatly, won¡¯t be long before I break through to the Foundation Establishment Second Layer!¡± The difference between the Foundation Establishment First and Second Layers was huge. The former can hold their own in a confrontation. The latter was considered a top-tier expert in Lonely Boat City. The status of the Xu Family would rise accordingly in the future. Xu Youran said happily, ¡°I broke through to the Seventh Layer of Qi Cultivation.¡± Ever since Jiang Fan gave her the strange liquid and the mental method without a covering. In less than a month, she broke through from the Second to the Seventh Layer of Qi Cultivation. It was truly fantastic when she thought about it. Jiang Fan and Ye Qingxue both were at the Ninth Layer of Qi Cultivation. Under the effect of the Fire Spirit Pearls, they broke through to Ninth Layer Perfection. ¡°Spiritual power increased by fifty percent,¡± Jiang Fan exclaimed slightly. Ninth Layer of Qi Cultivation and the Ninth Layer Perfection were vastly different in spiritual power. He was confident that if he faced the Sub-Altar Master again, he would no longer be unable to break through his spiritual power. As long as he got close, he could unleash his swordsmanship and the Thunder Strike effect of the wooden sword. Suddenly. A piercing, sharp sound shot through the sky. A firecracker rose into the sky and exploded, creating a large smoke cloud. Jiang Fan¡¯s face changed. ¡°The Blood Bat Palace, they are coming!¡± Chapter 56 - Chapter 56: Chapter 56: Make a Feint to the East, Attack in the West Chapter 56: Chapter 56: Make a Feint to the East, Attack in the West Jiang Fan immediately grabbed the wooden sword and shot towards the direction of the smoke like an arrow leaving the bowstring. On the way, he didn¡¯t forget to put on the mask of the No.1 Shadow Guard. Ye Qingxue followed closely behind and said, ¡°Look at the direction of the smoke, it seems to be the Qin family.¡± The Qin family? Jiang Fan thought for a moment and understood, ¡°The Sub-Altar Master is looking for medicine to treat his eyes.¡± ¡°We can¡¯t let his eyes recover!¡± The Sub-Altar Master, who had lost an eye, had his strength reduced by thirty percent. If he recovered, his strength would reach its peak state. At that time. Unless the City Lord took action, it would be very difficult to defeat him. He didn¡¯t dare to linger any longer, immediately utilizing the Surprising Swallow movement technique, turning into a swift shadow and leaving. ¡°I¡¯ll go ahead!¡± Ye Qingxue¡¯s beautiful eyes narrowed, ¡°Movement technique? He actually trained in a movement technique!¡± It was well known that movement techniques were the most scarce and also the most difficult to cultivate. Ordinary people found it extremely hard to obtain one, and even if they were fortunate enough to encounter one, nine times out of ten, they would find it hard to master. However, Jiang Fan secretly possessed a profound movement technique. This was enough to demonstrate his extraordinary comprehension! In her shock, Ye Qingxue couldn¡¯t help but feel much pity for Xu Yining, ¡°Yining, Yining, you¡¯ve missed out on a rare fianc¨¦ in this world!¡± The Xu family was not far from the Qin family. With Jiang Fan¡¯s extraordinary movement technique, it took him less than the time it takes to drink half a cup of tea to arrive. However. Everything inside and outside the Qin family was as usual. The Qin Family Head and several clansmen stood on the roof, looking at the smoke above with puzzled expressions. They seemed not to understand where the smoke came from. Jiang Fan was stunned. Blood Bat Palace hadn¡¯t come? Was it a false alarm? No, Jiang Fan suddenly realized, his face changing, ¡°It¡¯s a diversionary tactic!¡± ¡°Blood Bat Palace deliberately drew the city guards¡¯ attention, but in reality, they¡¯re attacking another place.¡± But where would they choose? Jiang Fan¡¯s mind raced. If the Sub-Altar Master was looking for medicine, not attacking the Qin family, the remaining famous alchemy families¡­ Jiang Fan¡¯s heart sank. ¡°The Chen family!¡± The Chen family was truly Blood Bat Palace¡¯s target! His face changed drastically, stepping on the roof tiles, pushing his movement technique to the limit, and rushing over at high speed. And just as he was about to reach the Chen family. He noticed a figure arriving almost simultaneously, it turned out to be the No.2 Shadow Guard, Xu Yining. She had been outside earlier. Therefore, she arrived at the Qin family ahead of them and, like Jiang Fan, analyzed Blood Bat Palace¡¯s real target. She was just about to take out a smoke bomb to sound the alarm. But saw a smoke bomb being launched from the rooftop ahead of her. Upon a closer look, she immediately showed a look of joy, ¡°No.1 Shadow Guard! You came too!¡± Jiang Fan nodded and looked at the tightly closed front door, frowning, ¡°They might have already been attacked inside!¡± He jumped into the courtyard without making a sound. At the same time. The Chen family¡¯s backyard. Chen Yuqiu¡¯s chest was stained with blood, several of the family¡¯s guards had fallen around him. But he still tightly protected Chen Silin and Liu Qimin behind him. Coldly staring at the one-eyed old man in front of him! ¡°What do you want, just take it, why kill people?¡± Chen Yuqiu was extremely frightened. He had recognized them. The people in front of him were none other than the notorious remnants of the Blood Bat Palace. The leader was the Sub-Altar Master who made countless strong men tremble! The Sub-Altar Master glanced at the last dead protector at his feet. A fierce light gleamed in his eye, ¡°Damn it! The information was wrong! Wasn¡¯t the person named Chen seriously ill and unconscious?¡± The reason for attacking the Chen family. Besides the element of surprise. Was also because the Chen family only had a widowed mother and orphan left, making it easier to succeed. But once inside, they found that Chen Yuqiu was awake. He had been a Second Layer Foundation Establishment master, even though he had been in a coma for many days, his foundation was still there. One of his protectors inadvertently got his heart shattered by a palm strike. ¡°Hmph! Struggling at death¡¯s door, you dare to bargain with me?¡± The Sub-Altar Master snorted coldly, rushing forward with a murderous intent, his fists filled with strong spiritual power, fiercely striking toward the half-exposed Chen Silin. Chen Yuqiu was horrified, gritting his teeth, he threw two punches to block. But his severely injured body was no match for the Sub-Altar Master. Thud¡ª In just a moment, the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s fists shattered Chen Yuqiu¡¯s arm defense and landed directly on his chest. In an instant, Chen Yuqiu spat out a spray of blood, staggering back and pressing Liu Qimin and her daughter who were behind him onto the ground. The Sub-Altar Master smiled coldly, stepping forward to confirm that Chen Yuqiu no longer had any fighting strength. Then cold eyes turned toward Chen Silin, ¡°What a pretty girl!¡± ¡°Since I¡¯m blind in one eye, I need a lady to serve me in the future, and you¡¯ll do!¡± He bent down and grabbed Chen Silin¡¯s shoulder. Chen Yuqiu was in a panic, wanting to stop him, but found that his chest bones were broken, and he couldn¡¯t move. At this critical moment. Suddenly, a scream came. Chen Yuqiu and the Sub-Altar Master looked over. Surprisingly, a nimble figure had silently flipped into the backyard. With one sword, he slashed open the throat of a Blood Bat Palace member guarding the back door! ¡°It¡¯s you!!!¡± The Sub-Altar Master was furious. Upon seeing that mask, with the clear number ¡°one¡± on it. Pure hatred shot from his only remaining eye. During their moment of surprise, Jiang Fan, with astonishing speed, swept over, easily taking down the last Blood Bat Palace member. ¡°It¡¯s your turn!¡± Jiang Fan raised his wooden sword, pointing it at the Sub-Altar Master. The Sub-Altar Master, now isolated, was furious. ¡°Just in time, old and new grudges, I¡¯ll settle them with you today!¡± He rushed at Jiang Fan, the unparalleled spiritual power of the Second Layer Foundation Establishment continuously emanated, stirring up dust beneath his feet. Jiang Fan focused intently. He simultaneously operated his movement technique and cultivation. At the same time, he started with the last move of the ¡°Seven-star Sword Jue.¡± ¡°Seven Stars to the North!¡± The powerful sword force dispersed the spiritual power around him, aiming directly at the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s neck. The Sub-Altar Master¡¯s pupils contracted. His extensive combat experience made him decisively lean back to avoid the sword. ¡°Your cultivation has increased?¡± Last time, Jiang Fan could barely get close, but this time, he almost hit a vital spot! Jiang Fan didn¡¯t get distracted by his words, decisively jumping back with his movement technique. He just managed to leap away when a fierce leg whip came from below, brushing past his nose! Just a little closer, and it would have shattered his jaw! Jiang Fan secretly thought it was close! The Sub-Altar Master¡¯s words just now were obviously intended to distract him, followed by a kick aimed at his vital spot. Fighting with someone who had clawed their way out of a pile of corpses required absolute focus! ¡°Quite cautious, eh!¡± The Sub-Altar Master snorted coldly, ¡°But today, you won¡¯t escape!¡± He charged again. Just as his fists were about to land, a fierce sword qi came from behind. It was Xu Yining, who seized the opportunity, stabbing her sword at his back the moment he exerted force. Now at Foundation Establishment, her sword qi had become extraordinary. It easily broke through the spiritual power that she couldn¡¯t disperse last time, aiming directly for the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s fatal point. Chapter 57 - Chapter 57: Chapter 57: Fierce Battle with the Sub-Altar Master Chapter 57: Chapter 57: Fierce Battle with the Sub-Altar Master The Sub-Altar Master¡¯s face changed slightly. He decisively gave up attacking Jiang Fan, shifted to the side while lunging, and executed a reverse flip kick towards Xu Yining¡¯s wrist with a golden hook. Xu Yining, caught off guard, quickly withdrew her sword to prevent injury to her arm. But this move played right into the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s hands! He supported himself with one hand on the ground, bouncing up into a handstand, and then scissored his legs toward her neck. The switch from defense to offense happened in the blink of an eye. Xu Yining, with her limited combat experience, couldn¡¯t possibly defend against it. Seeing her neck about to be caught and twisted off, suddenly. The Sub-Altar Master let out a sharp cry of pain! Jiang Fan had leaped even higher and struck at a more cunning angle, stabbing his sword into the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s armpit. The intense pain forced the Sub-Altar Master to abandon Xu Yining and turn to defensive tactics. ¡°Boy, you seek death!¡± This minor injury, the Sub-Altar Master didn¡¯t take it seriously, his eyes grew fiercer. Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes flashed coldly: ¡°The one who should die is you!¡± He did not hesitate to activate the Thunder Strike effect of his wooden sword. Crackle¡ª¡ª A powerful sound of electrical discharge. The electric current instantly surged through the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s entire body, rendering him paralyzed. He crashed headfirst into the ground. This sight left Xu Yining dumbfounded. Even Chen Yuqiu was stunned. Jiang Fan, had actually taken down the Sub-Altar Master with a single sword stroke? But Jiang Fan had no intention of stopping. He gripped the sword hilt with both hands, heavily kneeling on the paralyzed Sub-Altar Master. His wooden sword stabbed fiercely into the left part of the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s chest. Immediately. Blood gushed out like a spring, uncontrollably. Xu Yining, witnessing this, showed a look of shock: ¡°You¡­ you killed the Sub-Altar Master?¡± She was in a daze. Could the No.1 Shadow Guard actually kill this person head-on? Jiang Fan nodded slightly. Then his ears twitched, his expression changed! ¡°Get out of the way!¡± He didn¡¯t even dare to pull out the wooden sword, flipping backwards and jumping away. The Sub-Altar Master, who should have had his heart pierced, suddenly sprung up. Chasing the retreating Jiang Fan, his twisted face¡¯s fists came swinging: ¡°You little rat! You should die!!!¡± ¡°If not for my heart being naturally on the right side, I would have fallen to you!!¡± As it turned out, Jiang Fan had heard his heartbeat and sensed something was wrong. His sword should have accurately pierced the opponent¡¯s heart. But his heartbeat remained unaffected! Luckily, he reacted quickly! Otherwise, he would have been in serious trouble just now. However, his sword was gone, rendering his swordsmanship useless! At this moment. Outside the Chen Family residence, loud shouts rang out. ¡°Remnants of the Blood Bat Palace, your death is at hand!¡± The strong, powerful voice, was none other than the first formidable person of Lonely Boat City. The Sub-Altar Master¡¯s expression shifted dramatically. He decisively abandoned Jiang Fan and suddenly attacked Xu Yining. Xu Yining¡¯s expression tightened, she immediately wielded her sword to attack, attempting to hold him off. Waiting for Ye Jifeng to make a move. But how could she match the Sub-Altar Master? After only three to five rounds, he seized an opening, snatched her sword, and pointed it at her neck. He then held her hostage. ¡°Everyone back off, anyone dares to follow, I¡¯ll kill her!¡± Facing Ye Jifeng and other powerful individuals of Lonely Boat City who barged in, the Sub-Altar Master held the cold sword tightly against Xu Yining¡¯s neck. The sharp blade traced a bright red line on her neck. Jiang Fan, considering carefully, did not dare to rush forward. Seeing the No.1 Shadow Guard so anxious, Xu Yining felt ashamed of her own incompetence. Summoning her courage, she grabbed the wooden sword from the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s chest and threw it to Jiang Fan. ¡°No.1 Shadow Guard, don¡¯t worry about me, don¡¯t let him escape!¡± But Ye Jifeng showed apprehension, saying: ¡°We can¡¯t make a move!¡± ¡°Xu Yining is a designated disciple of the Green Cloud Sect; we cannot afford any unwarranted risks.¡± Otherwise, if the Green Cloud Sect held them accountable, he as the City Lord couldn¡¯t bear the responsibility. The Sub-Altar Master sneered coldly, cautiously took Xu Yining hostage, and gradually exited the Chen Family, then mounted a horse, quickly leaving Lonely Boat City, and fled into the deep mountains and forests. Ye Jifeng gnashed his teeth: ¡°Chase! We can¡¯t let anything happen to Xu Yining!¡± Jiang Fan blended in with the crowd. Everyone followed the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s blood trail deep into the mountains. However, in front of a forked path, the group halted. Both paths were rugged mountain roads, making it impossible to determine which way the Sub-Altar Master had gone. Facing such a vicious foe, they didn¡¯t dare to split their forces, fearing being picked off one by one. At this moment, the Cavalry Captain discovered traces of swept pine needles at one of the forks. ¡°City Lord, there are signs here of pine needles being swept.¡±¡® Their eyes brightened. It seemed the Sub-Altar Master had noticed his blood trail might lead to being tracked. Thus, he cunningly covered it up. ¡°Chase!¡± The City Lord¡¯s eyes glowed as he led the group quickly in pursuit. Jiang Fan also ran with them. However. His steps gradually slowed down. From the two encounters with the Sub-Altar Master, Jiang Fan¡¯s deepest impression was on his cunning. Someone like that, if he wanted to cover his tracks, would hardly leave any clues. Unless, he deliberately left some hints to mislead the pursuers. Jiang Fan wanted to call out to the City Lord and the others. Then he reconsidered, what if he was wrong? Splitting forces was acceptable in the end! If they encountered him, with many people, dealing with the Sub-Altar Master would not be difficult. If he encountered him, he could kill him if possible, and if not, he could delay him. Surely the City Lord would soon realize and come to reinforce. Thinking along these lines, he quickly broke away from the group and pursued the other fork. In the group, Zhu Jianshen¡¯s eyes flickered. He silently chose the other fork and followed stealthily. After an hour of chasing. Jiang Fan suddenly noticed a few drops of fresh blood on the leaves by the roadside. His heart pounded; his guess was correct. This was the true path of the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s escape. Moreover, the blood drops increased along the way, and Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes showed a glimmer of excitement. ¡°It seems my sword strike was not as insignificant as the Sub-Altar Master claimed.¡± ¡°Though it didn¡¯t hit the heart, it must have injured a vital organ, otherwise it wouldn¡¯t bleed so profusely.¡± ¡°Currently, his strength should be significantly reduced from earlier.¡± Sure enough! Following the blood trail, he arrived at the entrance of a cave. The entrance had ¡°Cloud-floating Cave¡± engraved conspicuously. Beside the cave, a horse was left abandoned, grazing leisurely on wild grass. ¡°Is this the old lair of the Blood Bat Palace?¡± Jiang Fan was slightly stunned. He recalled the jade bead given to Xu Yining at birth. The master who left the message in the jade bead had left something in the Cloud-floating Cave on the Heaven Towards Mountain. Later, the Cloud-floating Cave became the lair of the Blood Bat Palace. ¡°Could it be a coincidence that the Blood Bat Palace occupied this place?¡± He took a deep breath and cautiously entered the cave. After the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s siege. The cave had been scorched, covered in ashes everywhere. He also heard the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s voice. ¡°Damn it! Why won¡¯t it open?¡± Jiang Fan quietly approached, hiding in the shadows. He focused intently. Within the cave lay a massive square. A statue stood tall there. Xu Yining was tied up nearby, but her life was not in danger. The Sub-Altar Master, bleeding profusely, knelt before the statue, fumbling with the pedestal, trying to unlock something. Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes gleamed. Could it be that beneath the pedestal lay the items left by that master? Was the reason the Blood Bat Palace stayed here to uncover this secret? Suddenly. Brash footsteps suddenly echoed from outside the cave. Alerting the Sub-Altar Master instantly. ¡°Who?¡± Chapter 58 - Chapter 58: Chapter 58 The Secret of Blood Bat Palace Chapter 58: Chapter 58 The Secret of Blood Bat Palace Jiang Fan also frowned and looked back. He saw that the person approaching was Zhu Jianshen! Zhu did not notice Jiang Fan hidden in the dark. Seeing that the Sub-Altar Master was severely injured, he couldn¡¯t help but sneer. ¡°Haha! The mantis stalks the cicada, unaware of the oriole behind!¡± ¡°The Sub-Altar Master¡¯s head is mine!¡± If he brought the head back to the Green Cloud Sect, he would receive countless rewards. ¡°You want my head? Do you think you¡¯re worthy?¡± The Sub-Altar Master looked ferocious and immediately jumped up. Such agility did not resemble someone who was seriously injured! Zhu Jianshen¡¯s eyes trembled. He forced himself to be brave and said, ¡°I am a dignified disciple of the Green Cloud Sect, a Foundation Establishment Cultivator, and I¡¯m supposed to fear an injured remnant of Blood Bat Palace?¡± He drew his sword and charged forward, engaging in a fight with the Sub-Altar Master. But as soon as they crossed swords, Zhu Jianshen realized he had underestimated the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s current strength. Even though the Master was injured, he was still formidable! After ten moves, Zhu Jianshen grew increasingly alarmed. The opponent¡¯s experience was extremely seasoned, and he had narrowly escaped death several times! Jiang Fan watched from the shadows, a trace of delight in his eyes. ¡°The Sub-Altar Master¡¯s power has greatly diminished. Even Zhu Jianshen can last ten rounds against him.¡± If it were his peak condition, his performance wouldn¡¯t be much better than Xu Yining¡¯s. At that moment. The Sub-Altar Master caught Zhu Jianshen¡¯s flaw and struck him hard on the right arm. Crack¡ª Instantly. His arm was shattered by the brutal force, and he flew backward, crashing beside Xu Yining. Xu Yining¡¯s eyes shone with hope as she said, ¡°Young Master Zhu, don¡¯t be afraid. He¡¯s already at the end of his strength!¡± ¡°That was his strongest display. He¡¯ll only weaken from here.¡± Along the way, she had seen the Sub-Altar Master continuously bleeding. His qi and blood had fallen to less than half. Now he was merely holding on with sheer willpower, actually having little combat strength left. But the Sub-Altar Master, eyes full of hostility, charged forward. His appearance terrified Zhu Jianshen, making his scalp tingle. He had no fighting spirit left. He scrambled up and tried to run. But as soon as he turned around, he exposed his back to the Sub-Altar Master. ¡°Die!¡± The Sub-Altar Master sneered dismissively. Realizing the extreme danger, Zhu Jianshen gritted his teeth and made a surprising move! He actually hooked Xu Yining with his toe and lifted her, placing her between himself and the Sub-Altar Master! Without regard for what was behind him. He turned and ran! ¡°You¡­ Ah!¡± Xu Yining only had time to let out a soft cry before the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s terrible force struck her body, causing her to let out a painful scream as she tumbled away. Zhu Jianshen did not care about Xu Yining¡¯s fate at all. He ran for his life in a panic. Just as he reached the square¡¯s edge, a figure darted past him from the darkness like lightning. The figure caught the tumbling Xu Yining in midair. ¡°No.1 Shadow Guard?¡± Zhu Jianshen was startled. Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes also glared coldly at him. Feeling guilty, Zhu Jianshen did not dare linger and immediately ran away at full speed. Soon, the sound of urgent horse hooves retreating quickly could be heard from outside the cave. ¡°What a useless jerk!¡± The one who said this was the Sub-Altar Master, who spat fiercely. When he turned his gaze towards Jiang Fan, although it was filled with hatred, there was no trace of disdain. He clutched the heavily bleeding wound on his chest, his body swaying as he could barely stand. As Xu Yining had said, his qi and blood had fallen to half. There really wasn¡¯t much combat strength left. ¡°I never thought I¡¯d fall into the hands of a kid who hasn¡¯t even grown all his hair yet. It¡¯s really frustrating!¡± He staggered towards the statue, weakly kneeling in front of it. He used his hand to stroke the base. ¡°If¡ªif I can unlock the mechanism here, no one can kill me, not even the Green Cloud Sect Master!¡± Jiang Fan walked over with his wooden sword in hand. He decisively stabbed towards the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s right chest. The Sub-Altar Master tried his best to evade but truly had no strength left. The earlier fight with Zhu Jianshen had already drained his final strength. With a muffled ¡°thud.¡± The Sub-Altar Master viciously attempted to counterattack but didn¡¯t even have the energy to lift his palm, only managing a bitter smile towards the sky: ¡°Fine! I concede, I concede!¡± ¡°But this secret, no one will obtain it, no one!¡± Jiang Fan kicked him aside and looked at the statue¡¯s base. He saw the base had a circular hole in the center. There were many marks around it, evidently left by multiple attempts by Blood Bat Palace to pry it open. After a brief thought, he took out the jade pearl. He compared it and found that the jade pearl was exactly the same size as the circular hole. He attempted to fit the jade pearl into the hole. Immediately. The base of the statue rumbled loudly, activating some kind of mechanism. The entire statue, along with the base, slowly rotated, revealing a small underground chamber three zhang wide. In the center of the chamber, a mysterious sword emitting a purple glow was embedded. ¡°Hiss! A spiritual artifact! It¡¯s actually a top-grade spiritual artifact!¡± The Sub-Altar Master, who had one last breath left, widened his eyes and gasped! Jiang Fan was also astonished. The wooden sword in his hand was merely a lower-tier magic artifact. In Lonely Boat City, it was a unique existence. Even in the Green Cloud Sect, the highest tier was probably just a magic artifact. Now, there was a spiritual artifact, and a top-grade one at that? He couldn¡¯t help but feel his heart race. Next, Jiang Fan spotted two jade boxes lying beside the purple sword. One was filled with liquid, and the other contained two mysterious scarlet pills. As a Soul Master, Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t identify them at that moment. The Sub-Altar Master squinted his pupils and exclaimed, ¡°The legend is true. There¡¯s Rootless Heavenly Water here to enhance the Foundation Establishment Realm!¡± ¡°And¡­ and a divine object that enhances Spirit Root, the Transcend Mortality Pill!¡± ¡°With this pill, I would be a chosen one¡­ a chosen one¡­¡± ¡°It¡¯s mine¡­ all mine¡­¡± He struggled to crawl towards the chamber. But he ultimately died of exhaustion. Unwillingly collapsing at the entrance of the chamber. His eyes were wide open, dying with unfulfilled wishes. The treasure he had pursued all his life was obtained by a mere young man. How could he rest in peace? Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes were ablaze. He was about to leap down to take them. Suddenly, there was a clamor outside the cave. The City Lord had reacted and brought people to support him. He didn¡¯t have time to collect the items. Quickly retrieving the jade pearl. The statue immediately rotated, sealing the chamber again. When Ye Jifeng arrived with his strong followers, all they saw was Jiang Fan¡¯s wooden sword slicing through the air, decapitating the Sub-Altar Master. Many strong individuals were shocked on the spot. ¡°He killed the Sub-Altar Master!¡± ¡°Who exactly is No.1 Shadow Guard?¡± Among the crowd, Zhu Jianshen, who had returned with the main group, regretted to the point of gut-wrenching pain. No.1 Shadow Guard had ended the battle so quickly, proving the Sub-Altar Master was as Xu Yining had said, severely weakened! He had foolishly handed over a great merit to No.1 Shadow Guard! ¡°Damn it!!!¡± But then he realized that since it was No.1 Shadow Guard who killed the Sub-Altar Master. It meant that he failed in the task assigned to the Xu Family. ¡°Hmph, tomorrow I¡¯ll go to the Xu Family to demand heads!¡± ¡°If they can¡¯t produce them, the entire Xu Family can expect to rot in prison!¡± ¡°By then, Xu Youran, wouldn¡¯t she be at my mercy? Haha, hahahaha!¡± Outside the cave, in the sky. On the back of a Blue Eagle. Chen Zhengdao and Liu Qingxian stood side by side, overlooking the scene below. With such tumult in the city, it was hard for them to miss it. ¡°This No.1 Shadow Guard has some skills; he¡¯s not even in the Foundation Establishment Realm but managed to kill a Foundation Establishment Second Layer martial artist!¡± Chen Zhengdao said with an approving tone. Liu Qingxian also looked on with admiration: ¡°Although he relied on a magic artifact, and there was some luck involved, he was excellent in all aspects.¡± ¡°He must be an old martial artist who has trained for many years, displaying outstanding performance.¡± She then thought of Zhu Jianshen, her expression turning to disgust: ¡°By comparison, our Green Cloud Sect¡¯s outer sect disciple is just disgraceful.¡± Chen Zhengdao furrowed his brows and said: ¡°This Zhu Jianshen, fleeing in times of crisis is one thing, but throwing his fellow disciple to the enemy to die.¡± ¡°Such a person will become a disaster in the future. Handle him personally.¡± Liu Qingxian nodded: ¡°Yes, I understand.¡± Chapter 59 - Chapter 59: Chapter 59 Breaking Through Foundation Establishment Chapter 59: Chapter 59 Breaking Through Foundation Establishment The two observed for a while longer. They confirmed that there were no remaining Blood Bat Palace remnants in the area. Chen Zhengdao said, ¡°Let¡¯s go, we should continue to monitor the Three-Star Soul Master and that world-class prodigy from the Dragon-Rising Path.¡± He rode the Blue Eagle, preparing to turn back. Suddenly, the jade pendant at his waist flashed urgently and emitted a buzzing sound. ¡°An emergency message from the Pavilion Master?¡± Chen Zhengdao¡¯s expression changed slightly. The Pavilion Master wouldn¡¯t send an emergency message unless it was something major. He hastily removed the jade pendant and crushed it between his fingers. The resonating buzz condensed into a short message. ¡°Beast tide has suddenly appeared, return immediately!¡± Chen Zhengdao¡¯s face changed drastically: ¡°Beast tide? Hiss! After a hundred years, is it about to appear again?¡± He dared not hesitate and said, ¡°I must return to the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion immediately.¡± ¡°I cannot continue to monitor that Soul Master.¡± ¡°And you, I believe the Green Cloud Sect will soon summon you back as well.¡± Liu Qingxian¡¯s gaze turned grave. A beast tide was an apocalyptic disaster that no force could remain unaffected by. She nodded and said, ¡°Uncle Chen, you go back first. I¡­ I¡¯ll go find that Nine-grade Spiritual Root and return as well.¡± She had already lost hope in waiting for that world-class prodigy from the Dragon-Rising Path. She had no choice but to find the one with the Nine-grade Spiritual Root instead. She had met the person once, and she would definitely recognize them upon meeting again. Chen Zhengdao nodded, took her back to Lonely Boat City, and then flew away on a cloud. The strong individuals of Lonely Boat City returned to the city in high spirits. That evening, City Lord Ye Jifeng announced that the entire Blood Bat Palace sub-altar had been exterminated! And he held a grand banquet. The old monsters who had broken through and emerged to welcome Lu Zheng, this Nine-grade Spiritual Root prodigy, couldn¡¯t help but come out again. They attended the banquet in person. Their purpose was naturally not for food and drink. They were curious about the young prodigy who, with his own strength, had killed the sub-altar master! At the banquet. Xu Yining, who had woken up, looked at the No.1 Shadow Guard beside her, being respectfully toasted by the city¡¯s strong practitioners, and felt a moment of bewilderment. They were people of the same age. Why was there such a vast difference between them? She had thought that breaking through Foundation Establishment would allow her to compete with him. But in the end, she was rescued once more. Before she was knocked unconscious by the sub-altar master, she had seen the figure of the No.1 Shadow Guard rushing towards her. If he hadn¡¯t acted in time, she would have most likely fallen on the steps and died from the impact. Looking at the mask in front of her, she was extremely curious about the face behind it. When did Lonely Boat City have such a prodigy that she could only look up to? Unfortunately, she would never have the chance to know. Because the original purpose of the Shadow Guard Team was to eradicate the remnants of the Blood Bat Palace. Now that the remnants had been cleared. After the banquet, the Shadow Guard Team would disband. Feeling a sense of melancholy, she raised her wine glass and said, ¡°Will we meet again?¡± Jiang Fan slightly curled the corner of his mouth. Weren¡¯t we meeting every day? ¡°Fate shall decide,¡± he replied indifferently. Xu Yining felt even more dispirited, raised her glass and said, ¡°Well, I hope we can continue to cooperate if we are fated to. To you.¡± Jiang Fan drank it all in one go. The Shadow Guard Team disbanded silently after the banquet as expected. Ye Qingxue allowed them to keep their masks as mementos. After all, these masks represented the glory of Lonely Boat City¡¯s young prodigy. Late at night. Jiang Fan deliberately slowed his pace, waiting until Xu Yining returned to the Xu Mansion for a long time before removing his mask in an alley. Casually, he returned to the mansion. Unexpectedly, Xu Yining hadn¡¯t slept and was practicing swordsmanship in the central courtyard with a hint of drunkenness. She seemed to be venting her emotions. Seeing Jiang Fan return, her expression turned slightly cold: ¡°Where did you go? Why are you back so late?¡± Jiang Fan rolled his eyes and wrote: ¡°None of your business.¡± Xu Yining said nothing, but flicked her toe and kicked up an extra sword from the ground, tossing it to Jiang Fan: ¡°Practice swordsmanship with me.¡± Jiang Fan held the sword, looking speechless. Who wants to practice swordsmanship with you? He turned to leave, but Xu Yining didn¡¯t care about his agreement or not, she charged at him with her sword. Jiang Fan was both amused and exasperated. He didn¡¯t know what had gotten into her tonight. She would never have asked him to practice swordsmanship before. Seeing her thrust coming, Jiang Fan instinctively executed a Lonely Star Points move, knocking her sword away. Xu Yining was stunned: ¡°This sword move¡­ why does it look just like No.1 Shadow Guard¡¯s?¡± Uh¡ª Jiang Fan wished he could slap himself. He had forgotten to switch identities! Fortunately, Xu Yining had drunk a lot at the banquet and was clearly tipsy, not thinking clearly. ¡°Mistaken identity. How could I possibly know No.1 Shadow Guard¡¯s sword move?¡± ¡°He¡¯s so strong, and you are just¡­¡± She paused and didn¡¯t continue. Disinterested, she threw down her sword: ¡°Forget it, let¡¯s not practice.¡± Watching her leave. Jiang Fan sighed at the moon, holding his sword, and performed the three moves of the ¡°Seven-star Sword Jue,¡± one after the other. His movements were graceful, and his swordsmanship was as swift as a rainbow. Back in his room. Jiang Fan threw the sub-altar master¡¯s head under his bed. Then he took out a bottle of Pifu Pill. ¡°It¡¯s time to break through Foundation Establishment.¡± Jiang Fan was somewhat excited. Ever since the seed had sprouted, he had dreamed of successfully establishing his foundation. Only by establishing his foundation could he climb the Void Ancient Tree to pick the mysterious fruits. With excitement, he swallowed the Pifu Pill in one gulp. The powerful and fierce medicinal power raged through his body like a flood. It caused him to feel a strong and unbearable sense of expansion and pain. ¡°Hiss! So this is how painful it is to break through Foundation Establishment?¡± Beads of sweat quickly formed on his forehead like beans. But thinking of the benefits after Foundation Establishment, he endured the severe pain. The strong medicinal power lasted until midnight. When his face was pale and his body was drenched, a spring emerged in his Dantian. This was the mark of Foundation Establishment¡ªa Spirit Pond! The spiritual power that was once stored in his meridians all liquefied and gathered in the Spirit Pond. At this moment, his spiritual power was already twice as high as it had been at the Ninth Layer Qi Cultivation Perfection. ¡°If I encounter someone as skilled as the sub-altar master again, I dare not say I could win, but at least it wouldn¡¯t be so difficult.¡± Jiang Fan was filled with confidence. Next, he eagerly used a unique ability that only Foundation Establishment martial artists possessed. Internal sight! As his eyes closed. His awareness gradually penetrated his flesh and reached deep into his internal organs, where he saw a space as black as ink. A spring was gushing water. It was the Foundation Establishment Spirit Pond. Beside the spring, a towering ancient tree pierced the sky and reached into the clouds. He excitedly approached the ancient tree. Looking at the fruit tree close to the ground, which contained the sealed Profound Level High mental method, the Dragon Seeking Scripture, he couldn¡¯t help but feel parched. He attempted to leap up. This time, there was no longer an invisible force suppressing him like before. He jumped lightly and grabbed hold of the fruit. With a strong pull, he plucked it off. ¡°I finally got it!¡± Jiang Fan exclaimed excitedly. He couldn¡¯t imagine how fast his cultivation speed would be with this Profound Level High mental method. But at that moment. He suddenly heard a whooshing sound above his head. As if something was falling! Chapter 60 - Chapter 60: Chapter 60: The Fruit of the Void Chapter 60: Chapter 60: The Fruit of the Void Wang Yingfeng looked up. It turned out that when he broke the branch, another almost identical fruit fell. He instinctively caught it, feeling a bit bewildered. ¡°Pick one, get one free?¡± He looked closely, his pupils contracting. ¡°Profound-Level High Palm Technique ¡®Wandering Dragon Palm¡¯?¡± One Profound-Level Mental Method was already unbelievable, and now there was also a Palm Technique. Even the Green Cloud Sect might not have such high-level Cultivation Techniques! Jiang Fan¡¯s heart pounded fiercely as he couldn¡¯t help but look up again, trying to climb higher to pick more fruits. But after a few steps, he felt that suppressive force once more. ¡°Only Core Formation Realm can continue to pick.¡± A voice reminded him. Jiang Fan was deeply disappointed. He couldn¡¯t help but glance at the nearest fruit. At this glance, he couldn¡¯t look away. ¡°Lower Earth-Level Soul Technique ¡®Soul Cutting Three Forms¡¯!¡± ¡°Hiss! It¡¯s actually a Soul Secret Technique!! And it¡¯s Earth-Level?¡± Jiang Fan gasped. Soul Techniques were undoubtedly the most mysterious and could catch an enemy off guard. They often could kill without a trace. With his exceptional Soul Power, if he cultivated a Soul Secret Technique, wouldn¡¯t that be¡­ Just thinking about it made Jiang Fan¡¯s mouth dry. Unfortunately. He needed to be Core Formation Realm to obtain it. He could only regretfully look away, focusing again on the two fruits in his hand. How to get the Cultivation Technique sealed inside them? Maybe eating them? He tried taking a bite, and a portion of the technique entered his mind. Another bite, and more information followed. Jiang Fan: ¡­ What an un-wasteful way to consume! After finishing both fruits, his consciousness returned to his body. When he opened his eyes, the fruits were gone from his palm. But his mind now held two complete techniques. ¡°Dragon Seeking Scripture, let me see how different Profound-Level High Mental Methods are!¡± He said, cracking his knuckles in anticipation. But at that moment. Urgent knocking sounded from outside the door. ¡°Fan, Zhu Jianshen has come.¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes snapped open, and he had to set aside thoughts of cultivation for the moment. Opening the door, he found Xu Youran holding a bundle. Without waiting for an explanation, she shoved it into Jiang Fan¡¯s arms. ¡°You must leave now! Don¡¯t get dragged into Xu Family¡¯s troubles.¡± Uh¡ª Feeling the heavy bundle and glimpsing the large-denomination silver note peeking out. Jiang Fan felt a warmth in his heart. This isn¡¯t just Xu Youran; it must be Xu Zhengyan¡¯s intention too, right? They gave him all the valuable things of the Xu Family. Wanting him to run away quickly. After all, he wasn¡¯t officially the Xu family¡¯s son-in-law yet, so the Green Cloud Sect wouldn¡¯t hunt him down. ¡°Why should I leave?¡± Jiang Fan smiled faintly: ¡°I just want to settle a score with this Young Master Zhu.¡± A cold light flickered in his eyes. If he hadn¡¯t managed to kill the Sub-Altar Master by chance, what would¡¯ve been the Xu Family¡¯s fate? What would have become of Xu Youran? Such a person deserved a lesson! Ignoring Xu Youran¡¯s pleas. He picked up the bundle from under the bed and made his way to the main hall. By now, the hall was devoid of any Xu family members. Only Xu Zhengyan stood there with his hands behind his back. Preparing to face the great catastrophe alone. Meanwhile, Zhu Jianshen stormed in with his men, brimming with hostility. ¡°Xu Zhengyan, your Xu family fled rather swiftly!¡± Xu Zhengyan remained expressionless, as if seeing through all matters. At dawn, he had already dismissed all Xu family members. Ready to face the calamity alone. ¡°Zhu Jianshen, abusing the power of the Green Cloud Sect will eventually catch up to you!¡± Xu Zhengyan said coldly. Zhu Jianshen showed a mocking smile. ¡°Retribution? At your age, you still believe in such childish notions?¡± ¡°Only useless failures comfort themselves this way!¡± Xu Zhengyan clenched his fists. He wanted to retort. But the fact was undeniable. In this world, was there really retribution? What existed was, good people die young while evil persists through the ages! Zhu Jianshen pulled a chair and sat down, crossing his legs: ¡°Furthermore, I am acting on the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s orders.¡± ¡°No one can say I¡¯m wrong.¡± ¡°Now, it¡¯s time for me to do my duty!¡± ¡°Where is the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s head?¡± Xu Zhengyan¡¯s eyes turned cold: ¡°Not here!¡± How could the Xu Family retrieve the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s head? Not to mention his injuries, even at his peak, Xu Zhengyan couldn¡¯t possibly defeat the Sub-Altar Master. Zhu Jianshen laughed heartily: ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, I can only execute my duties impartially.¡± ¡°The Xu Family failed to complete the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s assigned task on time; thus, according to law, the family must be confiscated and punished!¡± ¡°Go, seal off the Xu Family!¡± Crash¡ª His men immediately charged towards the Xu Mansion like wolves, faces brimming with excitement. Confiscating property was not a frequent opportunity! Xu Zhengyan opened his mouth, but didn¡¯t stop them. After all, the important items had already been taken away by the family members. Zhu Jianshen smirked, his expression both mocking and amused: ¡°Do you think it doesn¡¯t matter since your Xu family members have already escaped with valuables?¡± Hmm? Xu Zhengyan suddenly felt a bad premonition. Zhu Jianshen clapped his hands mockingly: ¡°Bring them in, let Xu Family Master take a look.¡± From outside, another group of people entered. Each one was carrying a prisoner, their faces bruised and swollen, hair disheveled. Among them were Wang Yingfeng. And many Xu family members. All except Xu Yining were present. Xu Zhengyan was shocked: ¡°Why didn¡¯t you escape?¡± Zhu Jianshen laughed heartily: ¡°Escape? I set up an inescapable net outside Xu Mansion long ago!¡± ¡°Apart from Xu Yining, none of you Xu family members can escape!¡± However. It wasn¡¯t long before Zhu Jianshen stopped laughing. His face turned grim as he said: ¡°Where is Jiang Fan? Where is Xu Youran?¡± These two were the real reasons he went to such great lengths to target the Xu family. One was someone he wanted to tear apart! The other, a woman he intended to torment! But they weren¡¯t here! Ah! Suddenly. Several screams rang out in succession. Following this. A figure flew out from the backyard, spewing blood, and landed heavily in front of Zhu Jianshen. Looking up. It was Jiang Fan holding Xu Youran¡¯s hand, walking over unhurriedly. ¡°Zhu Jianshen, were you looking for me?¡± Jiang Fan picked up a note, a sneer curling at the corner of his mouth. The saying ¡°Enemies meeting, eyes blazing¡± came to mind. Zhu Jianshen laughed coldly: ¡°Good! Good! You¡¯ve got guts! You didn¡¯t run!¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll fulfill your wish!¡± ¡°Seize him. If he resists, kill him on the spot!!!¡± No matter what, he wanted Jiang Fan dead! Jiang Fan expressionlessly began to write: ¡°Why are you arresting me?¡± Seeing Jiang Fan still mouthing off at death¡¯s door, Zhu Jianshen sneered: ¡°What, did you obtain the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s head?¡± ¡°If you can¡¯t, you¡¯re defying the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s orders!¡± ¡°If I don¡¯t arrest you, who should I arrest?¡± Xu Zhengyan felt anxious. Why didn¡¯t Jiang Fan leave when he should have? But seeing the family members all captured, he sighed helplessly. Even if Jiang Fan had left, he would have been captured and brought back. The Xu family¡¯s fate was already sealed. But, just when Xu Zhengyan and all the Xu family members felt utterly hopeless. Jiang Fan calmly dropped the bundle in his hand, tossing it in front of Zhu Jianshen. He unfolded a note. ¡°Young Master Zhu, take a look.¡± Chapter 61 - Chapter 61: Chapter 61: Who Says the Xu Family Has No Leader Chapter 61: Chapter 61: Who Says the Xu Family Has No Leader Zhu Jianshen was taken aback. He didn¡¯t understand what Jiang Fan meant. Staring at the slightly blood-stained bundle, he couldn¡¯t help but laugh: ¡°You can¡¯t be saying that this contains the head of the Sub-Altar Master, can you? Hahaha!¡± He had seen with his own eyes as the No.1 Shadow Guard beheaded the Sub-Altar Master. Unless Jiang Fan was the No.1 Shadow Guard. Otherwise, where would the head come from? Jiang Fan leisurely sat down, picked up a bowl of tea, and remained expressionless. The implication was, couldn¡¯t he see for himself? Zhu Jianshen¡¯s smile deepened, laughing heartily: ¡°Alright, since you won¡¯t cry until you see the coffin, let me do you a favor.¡± ¡°Come, let¡¯s take a look at that head.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s see what kind of head Young Master Jiang has prepared to fool us.¡± ¡°Could it be made of mud?¡± Hahaha! His followers couldn¡¯t help but burst into laughter. A confidant immediately stepped forward, unwrapped the bundle, and exclaimed in shock: ¡°Young Master, it¡¯s really a human head.¡± Zhu Jianshen still laughed: ¡°Not bad, at least you used a real human head.¡± ¡°But do you think this will deceive us?¡± ¡°Unfortunately, I have fought with the Sub-Altar Master before; I recognize his face!¡± Upon hearing this. The Xu Family members¡¯ hearts sank. They also thought Jiang Fan was trying to muddle through today¡¯s matter. But they didn¡¯t expect Zhu Jianshen to be so formidable, having personally fought the Sub-Altar Master. Now they were done for. Not only had they failed to deceive, but they also faced the crime of deceiving the Green Cloud Sect. The charges would only be more severe. In a good mood, Zhu Jianshen grabbed the head by its hair and lifted it up playfully: ¡°Let me take a look, is this the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s head?¡± ¡°If not, you would face even more severe punishment¡­¡± However. When the swaying head steadied, revealing itself to Zhu Jianshen. That ferocious, savage face, with eyes that couldn¡¯t rest in death, terrified Zhu Jianshen to the core! In his mind, he immediately recalled the other man¡¯s ravenous look during their duel. ¡°Ah!¡± He screamed in fright and tossed the head away. The sudden action stunned everyone, both the Xu Family members and Zhu Jianshen¡¯s followers. What happened? Hadn¡¯t he seen a head before? Why was he so scared? Jiang Fan calmly sipped his tea, casually picked up a pen, and wrote with a faint smile: ¡°Looks like Young Master Zhu recognizes it.¡± Zhu Jianshen, still traumatized. He looked incredulously at the head again, and no matter how he looked, he could confirm at a glance that it was indeed the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s head. Looking at Jiang Fan¡¯s sarcastic words, his face showed anger, and he said: ¡°This is impossible!¡± ¡°I saw with my own eyes that the head was cut off by the No.1 Shadow Guard!¡± ¡°Why is it in your hands?¡± Everyone was astonished! The head was actually real! But since it was killed by the No.1 Shadow Guard, how did the head end up in Jiang Fan¡¯s hands? Jiang Fan smiled slightly, raised a pen, and wrote: ¡°That¡¯s none of your concern.¡± ¡°The task you gave to the Xu Family was merely to bring the Sub-Altar Master¡¯s head.¡± ¡°How they acquired it is none of your business.¡± Upon hearing this. The Xu Family members were suddenly revitalized. Xu Zhengyan said joyfully: ¡°Yes! As long as the task is completed!¡± ¡°The Green Cloud Sect has always been this way regarding task assignments, they only care about the result, not the process!¡± ¡°Even if we hired the No.1 Shadow Guard, you have no right to ask!¡± ¡°Release my family members immediately, or I will report you to the Green Cloud Sect!¡± Zhu Jianshen¡¯s followers, feeling guilty, immediately released the Xu Family members, not daring to trouble them further. It was indeed the case in the past. Some tasks were extremely difficult, and the families burdened with such tasks had to spend a fortune to hire experts for assistance. The Green Cloud Sect never expressed any objections to this practice. It was considered an unspoken rule. However, Zhu Jianshen couldn¡¯t accept it. He had tried so many times, yet still couldn¡¯t handle the small Xu Family? ¡°Who told you to release them?¡± Zhu Jianshen raised his hand and slapped a follower, sending him flying. His eyes turned slightly red with rage as he glared at Jiang Fan: ¡°I don¡¯t care about the rules of the Green Cloud Sect!¡± ¡°My rules are the rules!¡± ¡°I want the head that the Xu Family personally obtained! I won¡¯t accept any other!¡± ¡°Seize the Xu Family members! Anyone who resists will be killed without mercy!¡± The Xu Family was both furious and terrified. Xu Zhengyan shouted: ¡°Zhu Jianshen! You are outrageous!¡± He never expected Zhu Jianshen to be so audacious, disregarding even the rules of the Green Cloud Sect. Zhu Jianshen kicked the stool he was sitting on. His hair bristled with anger, and he shouted: ¡°So what if I am outrageous? This is Lonely Boat City, and my words are the law!¡± ¡°Even the King of Heaven himself couldn¡¯t change that!¡± With that, he took a step forward and struck fiercely at Xu Zhengyan. Xu Zhengyan was furious and couldn¡¯t hold back any longer, engaging in a fight with him. But Zhu Jianshen, as a disciple of the Green Cloud Sect, had the upper hand, while Xu Zhengyan was still injured. After just three moves, Xu Zhengyan was sent flying several meters away, spitting blood. Zhu Jianshen surveyed everyone with a murderous look: ¡°Who else wants to resist?¡± ¡°Step forward!!!¡± The Xu Family members were scared stiff. Even Xu Zhengyan, the strongest among them, had been injured; what chance did they have? Without hesitation, the followers pounced on the Xu Family members like wolves. Ah! Suddenly. A follower who rushed towards Xu Youran fell back with the sound of bones breaking, screaming in pain. Zhu Jianshen turned his head to see. He found that Jiang Fan had intervened, yet he didn¡¯t get angry; instead, he smiled, revealing a vicious grin. ¡°Good! Very good!¡± ¡°Openly defying the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s order!¡± ¡°Today, I, Zhu Jianshen, will enforce the sect¡¯s rules and sentence you to death!¡± He couldn¡¯t wait for Jiang Fan to make a move. Only then could he kill him with legitimacy! Jiang Fan put down his tea cup, stood up, and looked at him coldly, casually writing on a piece of paper. ¡°You?¡± Zhu Jianshen laughed in anger: ¡°When did a worthless person like you dare to question a Green Cloud Sect disciple like me?¡± ¡°Fine, today I¡¯ll show you the might of Zhu Jianshen!¡± With that. His fist, wrapped in a fierce wind, struck out forcefully. Xu Zhengyan watched in alarm, shouting: ¡°Fan, run quickly!¡± Xu Youran¡¯s face turned pale as she cried out: ¡°Don¡¯t try to be brave, get out of the way!¡± A strike from a Foundation Establishment Realm expert, how could Jiang Fan withstand it? Zhu Jianshen sneered: ¡°Think you can run? Too late!¡± ¡°You were foolish to challenge me, Zhu Jianshen!¡± ¡°Die!¡± Jiang Fan stood still. He didn¡¯t move a muscle. Only when Zhu Jianshen¡¯s fist was three inches from his chest. Jiang Fan raised his palm at a leisurely pace, catching the fist effortlessly. Zhu Jianshen smirked inwardly. Such inexperience. To catch a fist with a palm, expecting not to break fingers? He smiled viciously and suddenly exerted force, intending to make Jiang Fan feel the pain of broken fingers! However. The next moment, his smile vanished. A stream of purer spiritual power surged from Jiang Fan¡¯s palm, flooding into his fingers. As Jiang Fan¡¯s fingers clenched like iron, they gripped his fist tightly. He couldn¡¯t muster any strength. At the same time. Jiang Fan finally looked him in the eye, his gaze cold and detached. As if saying: ¡°Surprised, aren¡¯t you?¡± Chapter 62 - Chapter 62: Chapter 62: Cleaning the House Chapter 62: Chapter 62: Cleaning the House Zhu Jianshen tried to pull back his fist. But to his surprise, he found that his fist, belonging to a Foundation Establishment martial artist, was easily gripped by Jiang Fan! ¡°What, what¡¯s going on with you?¡± He started to panic, only now remembering that he had another fist available, which he swung at Jiang Fan. But it was too late. Jiang Fan exerted force with his arm, causing Zhu Jianshen to lurch forward. Then he delivered a powerful knee strike to Zhu Jianshen¡¯s abdomen. Blergh¡ª In an instant. Zhu Jianshen curled up like a shrimp, retching uncontrollably from the pain. He was enraged. As a disciple of the Qingyun Sect, how could he be easily trounced by someone who was once considered trash? ¡°Enough!¡± He roared, releasing a surge of Foundation Establishment spiritual power: ¡°Star-breaking Finger!¡± He even used his cultivation technique. And it was a Yellow Level mid-tier technique. Jiang Fan remained calm and collected, even leisurely writing a note: ¡°Incompetent fury.¡± After speaking, he casually used his movement technique and, with unexpected speed, closed in on Zhu Jianshen. He slapped Zhu Jianshen across the face. Zhu Jianshen couldn¡¯t believe that even after using his movement technique at his peak state, he was still slapped? The stinging pain fueled his anger. Seething with rage, he screamed: ¡°I¡¯ll kill you!!!¡± Smack¡ª He was met with another resounding slap. Fuming, Zhu Jianshen yelled: ¡°You must die, you have to die today!¡± Smack¡ª It was yet another slap. No matter how Zhu Jianshen deployed his powers with pride. The outcome was always another slap, casually delivered. ¡°Ah!!! Jiang Fan!¡± Smack¡ª ¡°I¡¯ll fight you to the death!!!¡± Smack¡ª ¡°I will kill your entire¡­¡± Smack¡ª ¡°I will¡­¡± Smack¡ª ¡­ The entire Xu Family was dumbfounded. They stared in shock at the bizarre scene unraveling before them. All the retainers around were also frozen, as if they had seen a ghost, no longer daring to apprehend the Xu Family members. In the reflections of their eyes, The once arrogant Zhu Jianshen, a Qingyun Sect disciple with Foundation Establishment cultivation, was getting slapped outside the main hall, step by step, by Jiang Fan. No matter how Zhu Jianshen resisted, he was relentlessly slapped in return. In the end, his cheeks were a bloody mess, his nose bleeding profusely, his entire face unrecognizable. Zhu Jianshen finally realized he was no match for Jiang Fan. He gritted his teeth and ran away with a look of hatred in his eyes. Before leaving the main gate, he glared venomously at Jiang Fan: ¡°Fine! Jiang Fan, you wait for me!¡± ¡°One of us has to die!¡± ¡°Just wait for the Zhu Family¡¯s thunderous wrath!¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes flashed coldly. With a swift step, he leaped to pursue. Leaving the Xu Family, he used his full movement technique with no reservations, and soon, he cornered the menacing Zhu Jianshen in a secluded street. Zhu Jianshen muttered incessantly, ¡°I will kill that guy, I¡¯ll kill him!¡± All his life, he had never suffered such humiliation! But then, a clear voice came from behind. ¡°You¡¯re not getting the chance.¡± Jiang Fan had caught up, speaking with an indifferent expression. Zhu Jianshen turned his head and saw it was Jiang Fan. Realizing something was wrong, he exclaimed in shock: ¡°You¡¯re not mute?¡± With a cold face, Jiang Fan drew his wooden sword, pointing it at him from afar. ¡°Since one of us must die, then you go ahead and die.¡± Seeing the wooden sword, Zhu Jianshen¡¯s face changed dramatically. ¡°Isn¡¯t that the No.1 Shadow Guard¡¯s sword? Why is it with you?¡± Suddenly, a terrifying thought surfaced in his mind. He shivered, stammering: ¡°You¡­you are the No.1 Shadow Guard?¡± But how could this be? One was a widely known former waste. The other was a prodigious warrior of Lonely Boat City, who could slay a Foundation Establishment Second Layer martial artist as a Qi Cultivation Ninth Layer genius! The two were worlds apart. How could they be the same person? Jiang Fan said coldly, ¡°Congratulations, you guessed it.¡± He slowly took out a mask and put it on. The number ¡°one,¡± representing invincibility, made Zhu Jianshen gasp. Shaking in fear, he said: ¡°You, you really are No.1 Shadow Guard!¡± ¡°Impossible, impossible, this can¡¯t be!¡± Unable to accept it. How could the waste he once looked down upon be the No.1 Shadow Guard he could never surpass? Jiang Fan¡¯s voice grew colder: ¡°From the moment you first laid eyes on Xu Youran with ill intent, you were destined to die.¡± ¡°But you didn¡¯t know any limits, repeatedly challenging my bottom line.¡± ¡°Now, no one can save you.¡± With that, he flashed and leaped forward, unhesitatingly initiating his swordsmanship. Zhu Jianshen¡¯s soul nearly fled from terror. Having witnessed the No.1 Shadow Guard¡¯s terrifying skills firsthand, he knew just how formidable his opponent was, and fled in terror. But it was no use. His back was exposed and full of flaws. And this time, he wasn¡¯t so lucky to find anyone to cover for him. Jiang Fan¡¯s sword struck down! However, at that moment. A bird dove down from the sky. Standing atop it was a woman dressed in purple, with an elegant and tall figure, stunningly beautiful. She frowned and said, ¡°Stay your hand!¡± Seeing her, Zhu Jianshen was overjoyed, as if a drowning man grabbing a lifeline. ¡°Senior Sister Liu, save me, this person is rebelling!¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s pupils shrank slightly. This person was Liu Qingxian from the City Lord Mansion? She had even left a projection in the Dragon-Rising Path. She was also from the Qingyun Sect? Could it be, she intended to protect Zhu Jianshen? With this thought, he didn¡¯t stop; instead, he accelerated his strike. Unexpectedly, Liu Qingxian shouted, ¡°How dare you! Stop immediately!¡± The killing intent in Jiang Fan¡¯s chest deepened, with not a hint of hesitation, he resolutely executed Seven Stars to the North. A chill of icy light pierced through Zhu Jianshen¡¯s chest from top to bottom, skewering his heart. Zhu Jianshen staggered forward a few steps due to inertia. With his heart destroyed, his body gradually lost strength and he collapsed to the ground. Gasping for breath, like a fish out of water, he called out in despair: ¡°Senior Sister Liu¡­quick¡­save me¡­¡± Liu Qingxian descended from the bird. She promptly inspected him. Finding that the sword had precisely pierced his heart, she knew he was beyond saving. Her eyes turned cold as she looked at Jiang Fan. ¡°You have quite the audacity to dare kill a Qingyun Sect disciple!¡± Liu Qingxian exuded an overwhelming spiritual power. Zhu Jianshen deserved to die. But he should have died under the Qingyun Sect¡¯s rules. Rather than being casually butchered by an outsider. The nature of the two situations was entirely different. Jiang Fan remained unafraid, coldly saying: ¡°He deserved to die.¡± ¡°I was merely cleaning the house for the Qingyun Sect.¡± Liu Qingxian¡¯s eyes narrowed coldly: ¡°We don¡¯t need your interference. I would¡¯ve dealt with him myself!¡± ¡°You, merely relying on being older and having learned more for decades, dare to wantonly kill a Qingyun Sect disciple!¡± ¡°Considering your merit in killing the Sub-Altar Master, I¡¯ll overlook it this time.¡± ¡°If there is a next time, you will be executed without mercy!¡± Older? Who is she talking about? Me? Jiang Fan rolled his eyes and retorted, ¡°You¡¯re the old one!¡± ¡°Old woman!¡± Liu Qingxian was taken aback: ¡°You¡¯re quite funny.¡± ¡°You¡¯re in your thirties or forties, and you¡¯re calling me, someone in their twenties, an old woman.¡± ¡°How absurd.¡± At this moment. Xu Yining came running over, gasping: ¡°Senior Sister Liu, Senior Sister Liu¡­ Eh, Zhu Jianshen?¡± ¡°Senior Sister, did you execute him yourself?¡± It turned out Liu Qingxian was called by Xu Yining. After she explained the Xu Family¡¯s situation, Liu Qingxian was furious and decisively came to deal with the cancerous Zhu Jianshen. ¡°It was him,¡± Liu Qingxian gestured with her mouth. Xu Yining looked up and was surprised: ¡°No.1 Shadow Guard?¡± She rushed over, eyes sparkling, introduced herself eagerly: ¡°It¡¯s me, No.2 Shadow Guard, I¡¯m Xu Yining.¡± ¡°Sir, what¡¯s your name? Can you tell me your real name?¡± Hm? Liu Qingxian showed a look of surprise: ¡°You call him Sir?¡± Xu Yining was puzzled by the question: ¡°Aren¡¯t we of the same age? Is it wrong to call him Sir?¡± What? Same age? Liu Qingxian looked at Jiang Fan in shock: ¡°Isn¡¯t he a man in his thirties or forties?¡± Chapter 63 - Chapter 63: Chapter 63: You Are the Prodigy I Am Looking For Chapter 63: Chapter 63: You Are the Prodigy I Am Looking For Jiang Fan¡¯s forehead veins were bulging. What eighteen-year-old boy could tolerate being called an uncle? ¡°You¡¯re the one who¡¯s an uncle, you old woman!¡± Xu Yining realized that Liu Qingxian had misunderstood something. She explained: ¡°Senior Sister Liu, our Shadow Guard Team is composed of youth prodigies from Lonely Boat City.¡± ¡°The oldest among us is no more than eighteen years old.¡± Hiss! Liu Qingxian took a breath of cold air and looked at Jiang Fan in disbelief. Eighteen years old, at the Ninth Layer of Qi Cultivation, and he killed a Foundation Establishment Second Layer alone! She couldn¡¯t even come close to that when she was his age! She and Chen Zhengdao had subconsciously thought that No.1 Shadow Guard was so formidable due to years of cultivation and extensive experience. But he was actually just eighteen. Wait! Liu Qingxian suddenly shivered, her eyes burning: ¡°Not long ago, was it you who defeated my, Chen Zhengdao¡¯s, and Yun Tianzhou¡¯s projections on the Dragon-Rising Path?¡± Jiang Fan said calmly: ¡°So what if it was?¡± Liu Qingxian¡¯s heart pounded wildly. It was him! It really was him! The prodigy of the Dragon-Rising Path! She was ecstatic: ¡°What you seek is already in front of you, requiring no effort to find!¡± ¡°You really made me search hard for you!¡± Seeing her alternating between shock and laughter, while muttering incomprehensible words. Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t help but feel uneasy. He glanced at Zhu Jianshen to confirm he was completely dead. Then decisively walked away. ¡°Wait! Don¡¯t go!¡± Liu Qingxian hurriedly chased after him. Her pursuit only made Jiang Fan more anxious. He decisively executed Solitary Wild Goose Shadow to its extreme, jumping onto the rooftop and then flashing through the streets, disappearing without a trace. Liu Qingxian chased for a bit but couldn¡¯t catch up. She couldn¡¯t help but be surprised: ¡°What¡¯s going on? With my cultivation, I couldn¡¯t catch up with him?¡± ¡°Did he use a movement technique?¡± ¡°Movement techniques are extremely difficult to comprehend, and not many in the Green Cloud Sect have succeeded. Could it be that his comprehension is extraordinary?¡± Xu Yining curiously caught up and asked in astonishment: ¡°Senior Sister Liu, why are you chasing him?¡± Liu Qingxian replied: ¡°Deputy Pavilion Master Chen and I have been waiting for him to appear for almost half a month.¡± ¡°His potential could directly elevate him to the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, with future achievements not inferior to my father¡¯s.¡± What? Xu Yining covered her red lips, her beautiful eyes filled with shock. She knew that No.1 Shadow Guard was extraordinarily talented. But hearing Liu Qingxian say it, she realized just how extraordinary he was! The daughter of the Green Cloud Sect Master and the Vice Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion had been waiting for him to appear for half a month. An uncontrollable admiration surged within her. ¡°I must thoroughly investigate who No.1 Shadow Guard really is!¡± Liu Qingxian¡¯s eyes gleamed. For such a prodigy, she was determined to obtain him. Xu Yining was also deeply curious about No.1 Shadow Guard¡¯s true identity: ¡°I will help Senior Sister investigate as well.¡± Soon after. In the Zhu Mansion. Sounds of wailing were everywhere, and Zhang Yuxiu was crying her eyes out. ¡°Shen, my Shen, you died so tragically!¡± Beside her squatted a young man she didn¡¯t know. ¡°Young Master Zhong, you must seek justice for my Shen.¡± Zhang Yuxiu pleaded. ¡°You are an Inner Sect disciple of the Green Cloud Sect, only you can seek justice for us.¡± Just a moment ago. The City Lord Mansion¡¯s soldiers brought back Zhu Jianshen¡¯s body and conveyed the City Lord¡¯s message. Zhu Jianshen deserved to die, and the matter was resolved. But Zhang Yuxiu couldn¡¯t just let it go after her son died inexplicably. It just so happened that the Inner Sect disciple Zhong Qizhen, who had always protected Zhu Jianshen, came to retrieve the Fire Spirit Pearl. Zhong Qizhen, meticulous as ever, inspected Zhu Jianshen¡¯s body with a solemn expression. ¡°This person¡¯s swordsmanship is extremely advanced, swift and precise, killing with one strike. It seems Junior Brother Zhu provoked a formidable opponent.¡± Then he noticed something, Zhu Jianshen¡¯s sleeve had a line of words written in blood. Despite being crooked. Upon close inspection, it was identifiable. ¡°Don¡¯t~ Provoke~ Jiang~ Fan?¡± ¡°Who is Jiang Fan?¡± Zhong Qizhen asked. Zhang Yuxiu quickly looked over, perplexed: ¡°Jiang Fan? Xu Family¡¯s son-in-law, a useless person.¡± ¡°Why would Shen leave a message not to provoke him?¡± She couldn¡¯t believe that Jiang Fan had killed her son. Zhong Qizhen¡¯s eyes flashed with cold light: ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter who he is. Since my Junior Brother mentioned his name before dying, he cannot be unrelated to Junior Brother¡¯s death!¡± ¡°Coincidentally, I have to visit the Xu Family to prepare for my master¡¯s arrival.¡± ¡°I will interrogate this Jiang Fan!¡± As for the message ¡°Don¡¯t provoke Jiang Fan,¡± Zhong Qizhen dismissed it entirely. He was an Inner Sect disciple of the Green Cloud Sect. Zhu Jianshen was merely an Outer Sect disciple. The person Zhu Jianshen couldn¡¯t afford to offend, Zhong Qizhen could! Unaware that he had caught the attention of Zhong Qizhen. After dealing with the Xu Family¡¯s major threat, Jiang Fan returned to his room calmly, eager to practice the Dragon Seeking Scripture. As soon as he started this mental method, he sensed its extraordinary nature. The speed of absorbing Spiritual Energy was more than five times faster than before! The Spiritual Energy within the Xu Family¡¯s range surged towards him, continuously increasing the Spiritual Power in the Spirit Pond. However, in the Foundation Establishment Realm. Advancing in cultivation became much more difficult. Even with such a powerful mental method, a full day of cultivation only yielded a slight improvement. At this rate, it would be hard to break through to the Second Layer of Foundation Establishment within a month. Suddenly, he thought of the Dragon-Rising Path. It was said that performing well would yield rewards. Last time, he stopped at the eleventh level. If he successfully challenged it again, would there be a reward? Filled with anticipation. He once again arrived at the Dragon-Rising Path, donned the No.1 Shadow Guard mask, and began the challenge. First Layer, Second Layer, Third Layer. ¡­ Eighth Layer, Ninth Layer, Tenth Layer. When he defeated Yun Tianzhou at the Tenth Layer, he looked relaxed. Last time, it took hundreds of exchanges. This time, he managed it in just two or three moves. He solemnly stepped into the eleventh layer. The projection was a handsome young man with an elegant demeanor: ¡°Nangong Liuyun, Foundation Establishment First Layer, please instruct me.¡± The two quickly engaged in battle. Jiang Fan immediately felt immense pressure. Both in the Foundation Establishment Realm, he used a Yellow Level high-grade swordsmanship, but even after dozens of moves, they were evenly matched. The opponent¡¯s battle experience was extremely seasoned, not inferior to his own. His moves were orderly, showing no flaws. The cultivation technique practiced was far superior to Jiang Fan¡¯s. Several times Jiang Fan almost lost. Fortunately, he relied on the support from his movement technique to continue the fight. Finally, after two hundred exchanges, he found Nangong Liuyun¡¯s flaw and defeated him with one strike. Whew¡ª Jiang Fan dripped with sweat, utterly exhausted. ¡°What¡¯s going on? The projection at the eleventh layer is ridiculously stronger.¡± He felt that this opponent was even tougher than the Sub-Altar Master at the Second Layer of Foundation Establishment. However, the effort was worth it. As the projection dissipated, a snow-white medicine pill appeared on the ground. ¡°This is¡­ a Low Grade Foundation Establishment Pill?¡± Jiang Fan was overjoyed. This was something unique to the Green Cloud Sect, capable of enhancing the cultivation of martial artists in the Foundation Establishment Realm! It wasn¡¯t available outside at all! He immediately swallowed it and began cultivating on the spot. As the pill entered his stomach, a powerful medicinal force transformed into dense Spiritual Energy, entering the Spirit Pond. The Spiritual Power inside increased at a visible speed. When the effect of the pill wore off, his cultivation level had improved by a whole ten percent. Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t help but marvel: ¡°One Low Grade Foundation Establishment Pill is ten times more effective than a night of hard cultivation.¡± ¡°If it were a top-grade Foundation Establishment Pill, one would be worth a hundred days of cultivation, right?¡± He glanced at the twelfth layer. Without hesitation, he left. The eleventh layer was already so challenging, not to mention the twelfth layer. Coming downstairs, he thought for a moment and murmured: ¡°I¡¯ll prepare some Qi Cultivation Liquid and a mental method for Xu Youran.¡± Just as he left. Liu Qingxian and Xu Yining arrived at the site. Liu Qingxian, feeling her projection break, hurried over. Xu Yining, looking at the departing figure of No.1 Shadow Guard, lamented: ¡°Too late by a step.¡± But Liu Qingxian¡¯s eyes sparkled. ¡°Who is Xu Youran?¡± Chapter 64 - Chapter 64: Chapter 64 The Treasure Under the Statue Chapter 64: Chapter 64 The Treasure Under the Statue She heard it very clearly. No.1 Shadow Guard said he wanted to give Xu Youran Qi Cultivation Liquid and the mental method. What kind of relationship would make someone willing to help Xu Youran? The answer was almost obvious. The question was, to find out who Xu Youran was. Xu Yining was stunned: ¡°Xu Youran is my sister.¡± Liu Qingxian was shocked: ¡°Your sister? Then does she have any young man by her side?¡± Xu Yining looked confused. She didn¡¯t know why Liu Qingxian asked this, but still answered honestly: ¡°My sister maintains herself well, there are no young men by her side.¡± ¡°Only her fianc¨¦, Jiang Fan.¡± Jiang Fan? Liu Qingxian¡¯s eyes lit up: ¡°Then do you think it¡¯s possible that Jiang Fan is No.1 Shadow Guard?¡± Huh? Him? No.1 Shadow Guard? Xu Yining shook her head vigorously, adamantly replied: ¡°Impossible!¡± ¡°If he was No.1 Shadow Guard, I would be the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion Master.¡± Then, she recounted all of Jiang Fan¡¯s experiences from her perspective. After listening, Liu Qingxian was stunned: ¡°So mediocre?¡± ¡°Then he isn¡¯t No.1 Shadow Guard.¡± ¡°However, it does explain why your sister Xu Youran¡¯s cultivation improved rapidly.¡± ¡°It¡¯s because No.1 Shadow Guard is secretly helping her.¡± Hearing this. Xu Yining felt a mix of emotions. Complex because No.1 Shadow Guard favored her sister so much, making her feel a bit envious. Also complex because her sister wasn¡¯t as devoted as it seemed, having such a deep connection with No.1 Shadow Guard behind Jiang Fan¡¯s back. She suddenly felt a bit sorry for Jiang Fan. Liu Qingxian pondered for a while, then said: ¡°Take me to the Xu Mansion.¡± ¡°Call Jiang Fan and your sister out, I will question them in person, maybe I can find some clues about No.1 Shadow Guard.¡± Just then. The jade pendant on her waist also made a sound. After crushing it, it formed into a sentence. ¡°There is an issue at the sect, return immediately.¡± Liu Qingxian¡¯s face turned a bit unpleasant: ¡°Why at this moment?¡± It must be something related to the Beast Tide. Just when they were about to trace No.1 Shadow Guard. But the Beast Tide was a significant matter, she had to leave. While thinking, a method crossed her mind: ¡°Hmm? Why not recruit Xu Youran into the Green Cloud Sect?¡± ¡°With No.1 Shadow Guard favoring Xu Youran so much, he would surely find a way to come to Green Cloud Sect, right?¡± The more she thought about it, the more feasible it seemed. She then asked: ¡°Xu Yining, it is Elder Li Qingfeng coming to take you back to the sect, right?¡± Xu Yining didn¡¯t understand why she suddenly asked this. Feeling proud replied: ¡°Exactly, Elder Li, he will come in a few days.¡± Liu Qingxian nodded, smiled mysteriously. Then she summoned a flying beast and directly soared back. Speaking of Jiang Fan. Returning to Xu Mansion, he found Xu Youran diligently scrubbing the floor. The servants in the mansion were also busy cleaning. Places they usually ignored were spotless. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Jiang Fan asked in a low voice. Xu Youran, brimming with joy, said: ¡°The predetermined elder from Green Cloud Sect for my sister is coming to our home.¡± ¡°My sister is about to enter Green Cloud Sect.¡± Jiang Fan was moved. Having witnessed the difficulty of cultivation in the Foundation Establishment Realm, he realized that for further advancement, Lonely Boat City couldn¡¯t provide the necessary resources. He had to go to Green Cloud Sect for greater development. He wondered if his Foundation Establishment Realm cultivation would catch Elder Li¡¯s eye. But if he left, what about Xu Youran? ¡°Youran, come here.¡± He quietly took out a few bottles of top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid and an unsealed Dragon Seeking Scripture. ¡°For the next few days, don¡¯t do anything else, focus on cultivation.¡± ¡°You should try to see if Elder Li will take you back to Green Cloud Sect as well.¡± Xu Youran felt both like crying and laughing. ¡°Green Cloud Sect values aptitude more, not really the current realm.¡± ¡°With my Second Grade Spirit Root, how could I catch Elder Li¡¯s eye?¡± Nonetheless, seeing Jiang Fan¡¯s sincere expression, she didn¡¯t want to hurt his good intentions. She had to accept, and said: ¡°Then I will go and cultivate now.¡± Watching her get down to cultivation obediently. Jiang Fan didn¡¯t intend to relax either. He remembered the treasure under the stone sculpture in Cloud-floating Cave, and after packing some simple rations, headed into the mountains alone. Half a day later. Jiang Fan successfully opened the statue. Once again, he saw the treasure inside. A sword and two jade boxes. He set aside the sword and the two Transcend Mortality Pills for now. Grabbing the jade box containing Rootless Heavenly Water, he carefully tasted a drop. Instantly, a surge of powerful Spiritual Energy flooded into the Spirit Pond, increasing his cultivation a bit. Jiang Fan was astonished: ¡°Just one drop is equivalent to a whole night of silent cultivation!¡± His eyes filled with anticipation, he immediately started practicing the Dragon Seeking Scripture, coordinating it with the Rootless Heavenly Water as he sat cross-legged. Three days later. The jade box¡¯s Rootless Heavenly Water was completely gone. Jiang Fan had successfully broken through to the Third Layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm. ¡°What amazing stuff, it directly broke through two layers!¡± Jiang Fan exclaimed joyfully. However, theoretically, Rootless Heavenly Water should only allow breaking through one realm. The reason for the extra layer was due to his mysterious Spirit Root and the Dragon Seeking Scripture. They maximized the absorption of all the Spiritual Energy in the Rootless Heavenly Water. Not a single bit was wasted. This is what allowed him to break the limit, gaining an extra layer. He clenched his fists, a strong sense of power surged within him. Then. He looked at the Transcend Mortality Pill and thought: ¡°My Spirit Root is sufficient, I¡¯ll take it back to Youran, see if it can improve her Spirit Root.¡± Lastly, he looked at the top-grade Spiritual Artifact, the Purple Sword. He grabbed it in his hand. Immediately, a heavy pressure made him almost fail to hold the sword. ¡°So heavy?¡± Jiang Fan was quite shocked. If not for breaking through to the Third Layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm, he might not be able to wield it. ¡°I wonder what¡¯s special about this sword.¡± Jiang Fan thought while making a nice sword move towards the statue in front of him. Due to its heaviness, his moves looked clumsy. ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem any special, still not better than the Thunder Pattern Spiritual Wood Sword.¡± Jiang Fan felt disappointed. The wooden sword at least had the effect of electrocuting enemies and was very light. This so-called top-grade Spiritual Artifact was extremely heavy and had no special features. However. Just as he spoke. He felt a shadow pressing down in front of him. Looking up, he was startled. He saw the huge statue inexplicably breaking, crashing down at him. He hurriedly used his movement technique, leaping away swiftly. Rumbling¨C A large pile of rubble hit his back, causing sharp pain. Turning back, he saw the statue had fallen, its head shattered into pieces. ¡°So close!¡± Jiang Fan broke out in a cold sweat. ¡°What happened? Why did the statue suddenly collapse?¡± Getting closer to inspect, his face turned strange. He saw several intricate cuts at the statue¡¯s broken part. They were smooth as a mirror, like tofu being sliced open. And the arcs of those cuts, were exactly like those made by his nice sword move. ¡°No way?¡± Chapter 65 - Chapter 65: Chapter 65 Iron Blood True Scripture Chapter 65: Chapter 65 Iron Blood True Scripture Jiang Fan looked at the shimmering Purple Sword in his hand, unable to believe it. He had only performed a sword flourish in the air just now. He jumped onto the statue. Holding the Purple Sword, he slashed at the statue forcefully. Bang¡ª¡ª A sharp cracking sound suddenly came, and the statue broke into two! Jiang Fan gasped. He looked at the Purple Sword in shock: ¡°Its ability, is to release Sword Qi from a distance?¡± ¡°And such powerful Sword Qi that it can easily cut through stone?¡± For a moment, he was incredibly delighted. With this sword in hand, paired with the ¡°Seven-star Sword Jue,¡± the destructive power would be off the charts. The only flaw was that the sword was too heavy. It was very cumbersome to use. One must have an extremely strong physique to wield it perfectly. ¡°Do I have to do body refinement?¡± Jiang Fan showed a bit of hesitation. ¡°Father once said that the martial path, specifically body techniques, is the most difficult because it requires far more resources than cultivating a technique.¡± ¡°It¡¯s as hard as climbing to the sky to improve body techniques in Lonely Boat City.¡± ¡°I must go to the Green Cloud Sect.¡± Next, he ensured the two Transcend Mortality Pills were secured. The Purple Sword was then wrapped in a cloth to prevent its purple glow from attracting attention. But at this moment. A feeble and elderly cry came from outside the cave. ¡°Is anyone there? Is anyone there? Help me, please help me.¡± Hm? In such a deep mountain forest, and in the heart of the Blood Bat Palace¡¯s lair, how could someone be asking for help? He immediately hid in the shadow of a crevice in the rock. Before long. An old man with disheveled hair and covered in blood ran in, panic-stricken. He scanned his surroundings, found no one, and couldn¡¯t help but sigh to the sky: ¡°I thought the noise in the cave was someone.¡± ¡°My life is over!¡± Moments later. A towering, giant man, like an iron tower, walked into the cave. His naked torso was smeared with strange patterns. As he walked, the ground rumbled under his steps. He looked like a moving mountain. ¡°Can¡¯t run away now, can you?¡± the giant man grinned, revealing a sinister smile: ¡°Steal our Giant Sect¡¯s ¡®Iron Blood True Scripture,¡¯ and even if you run back to the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s territory, you must die!¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s heart trembled. Giant Sect? Isn¡¯t that one of the nine major sects under the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion? It was the most powerful of the nine. And also the farthest from the Green Cloud Sect, separated by several other sects. How had the Giant Sect¡¯s people chased him into Green Cloud Sect territory? The fleeing old man angrily shouted: ¡°Xu Ganglie! You are utterly shameless! The ¡®Iron Blood True Scripture¡¯ was my reward for eighteen years of alchemy for your Giant Sect.¡± ¡°As an Inner Sect disciple of the Giant Sect, a righteous sect, you dare to kill for treasures.¡± The ¡°Iron Blood True Scripture¡± in the Giant Sect was a confidential technique that only elders could view. As an Inner Sect disciple, Xu Ganglie had coveted it for a long time. Upon seeing this old man, who had retired and returned home, receive it as a reward, Xu Ganglie devised his wicked plan. ¡°Heh, what righteous sect? In this world, power is the ultimate principle.¡± Xu Ganglie¡¯s eyes glowed fiercely as he stepped toward the old man. ¡°Now you have two choices, hand over the ¡®Iron Blood True Scripture,¡¯ and I will let you die quickly.¡± ¡°Otherwise, I will torture you until you do.¡± Jiang Fan held his breath, his gaze steady. He had no intention of intervening. The dispute over treasures between these two had nothing to do with him. And this Inner Sect disciple of the Giant Sect was extremely formidable, giving him a sense of oppression many times stronger than that of the Sub-Altar Master. There was no need to take risks. However, Jiang Fan¡¯s heart skipped a beat. He keenly noticed that Xu Ganglie glanced at his hiding spot out of the corner of his eye. He immediately sensed danger! Though Xu Ganglie appeared to be moving toward the old man, he suddenly kicked a fist-sized rock towards Jiang Fan¡¯s direction. He had been discovered! Jiang Fan did not hesitate, swiftly pulling out his wooden sword, and deflecting the incoming rock with a sword move. His palm throbbed with pain. He was shocked. This person¡¯s strength was terrifying. The force in just a rock kicked from afar was this potent. If he were kicked at close range, his bones wouldn¡¯t just break; he could be fatally wounded. ¡°Oh? A bit of skill.¡± Xu Ganglie squinted, coldly looking at Jiang Fan as he slowly walked out of the crevice. ¡°Able to take one of my hits, you¡¯ve got some ability; are you a Green Cloud Sect disciple?¡± Seeing Jiang Fan¡¯s youthful appearance and strength, he guessed his identity. Jiang Fan didn¡¯t want to complicate things: ¡°Yes.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t see anything that happened here.¡± Xu Ganglie smiled and cupped his hands: ¡°Then I thank you. The nine sects are like brothers, we should look out for one another.¡± Though he spoke this way. Jiang Fan remained extremely cautious. He slowly backed away, never letting his guard down. When he reached the edge of the plaza. Xu Ganglie could no longer restrain himself and snorted: ¡°You¡¯re quite shrewd!¡± He had never intended to let Jiang Fan leave! The old man was a Soul Master who had worked for the Giant Sect for many years. If he killed him and stole the ¡°Iron Blood True Scripture,¡± how could he let anyone else know? His solicitous words were meant to lower Jiang Fan¡¯s guard. Then deliver a fatal blow. Unexpectedly, Jiang Fan was so cautious, giving him no opportunity. Seeing him near the edge of his attack range, Xu Ganglie could no longer hold back, revealing his true nature. As he spoke, he delivered a sweeping strike. A large number of rocks shot over like cannonballs. Fortunately, Jiang Fan was prepared. He swung his wooden sword repeatedly, deflecting all the rocks. Taking advantage of this opening, Xu Ganglie, who seemed clumsy, charged with astounding speed, leaping with a long stride and came down with a move like Mount Tai pressing down. Feeling the rapidly pressing shadow above him. Without thinking, he immediately used his movement technique, narrowly dodging it. Rumble¡ª¡ª Where he had stood was crushed a foot deep by Xu Ganglie¡¯s massive body, cracks spreading like spider webs. If he had been hit, he would have died! Jiang Fan was shocked but did not hesitate, turning and stabbing with his sword! ¡°Lonely Star Points!¡± However. The sword only left a white scratch on his skin. Like a scrape! What a hard body! Xu Ganglie laughed heartily: ¡°A broken wooden sword, trying to break through my body?¡± ¡°Then my ten years of ¡®Vajra Invincible¡¯ training would be wasted on a dog!¡± The distant old man also hurriedly reminded: ¡°Young hero, Xu Ganglie practices Body Refining Techniques, be sure not to let him get close.¡± Do you need to say that? Jiang Fan was speechless. He calmly used his movement technique, always keeping his distance, and struck again with his sword. ¡°Three Stars Illuminating the Moon!¡± Swish¡ª¡ª The powerful sword move slashed his arm. Leaving only a whiter scratch. ¡°If that¡¯s all you¡¯ve got, you can die now!¡± Xu Ganglie sneered. Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes flashed, suddenly shouting: ¡°Seven Stars to the North!¡± The third move was the essence of the ¡°Seven-star Sword Jue.¡± The strongest move! Slice¡ª¡ª With a sound of tearing fabric, the wooden sword cut into his chest. Cutting through the tough skin, slashing the flesh. Blood immediately gushed out. ¡°Hiss!¡± Xu Ganglie gasped in pain. Yet, Jiang Fan¡¯s heart sank heavily. Chapter 66 - Chapter 66: Chapter 66 Compensate with the Scripture Chapter 66: Chapter 66 Compensate with the Scripture If it had been an ordinary person, this sword would have disemboweled them long ago, but for Xu Ganglie, it merely cut through a layer of skin. It didn¡¯t even touch the bone! This man¡¯s physique was unbelievably strong! Xu Ganglie wiped the bloodstains on his chest, finally enraged. ¡°You dog, you dare to wound me?¡± With a loud bang. His powerful legs pushed off, and his whole body pounced forward. From a distance, he looked like a giant toad. Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t dodge in time. Yet he remained calm, displaying ¡°Seven Stars to the North¡± once again. Xu Ganglie roared, ¡°Die!¡± Ignoring the pain, he grabbed the wooden sword with both hands. Little did he know, Jiang Fan had been waiting for this moment. Without any hesitation, he suddenly activated the wooden sword¡¯s electric shock effect. Crackling¡ª A continuous current instantly surged into Xu Ganglie¡¯s body. His body twitched violently and fell stiffly from mid-air, lying motionless on the ground. He was truly like a toad. But. What made Jiang Fan¡¯s scalp tingle was. The current that could make an ordinary person stiff for over three breaths. Xu Ganglie had only stiffened for a moment before recovering! He angrily climbed up, forcefully snapped the wooden sword into two pieces, and threw them harshly at Jiang Fan¡¯s feet. ¡°Little bastard, now you should die, right?¡± With that, he transformed into a blur and charged at Jiang Fan. To Jiang Fan, it felt like a mountain was crashing into him! The elder let out a desperate cry, ¡°Dodge quickly!!!¡± He could almost see Jiang Fan¡¯s fate. One collision, and he would surely turn into a blood mist. Jiang Fan also felt a chill in his heart. This was his last chance! He drew the Purple Sword from his back with a reverse grip, not even having time to unravel the cloth wrapping. He slashed towards the charging Xu Ganglie from a distance. The movement was clumsy and slow. It elicited a sneer from Xu Ganglie, ¡°You can¡¯t even hold the sword properly, and you still dare to¡­¡± As he spoke, Xu Ganglie froze. He realized that the distance between him and Jiang Fan had suddenly stopped closing. Moreover, he saw in his line of sight a lower half of a body, with only the legs left, continuing towards Jiang Fan by inertia. Finally, just as it was about to reach Jiang Fan, it fell with a thud. And his own body dropped heavily to the ground. Looking down at his body. His lower half was gone! Immediately, the delayed pain struck so fiercely that he let out a scream of agony: ¡°Ah! Ah!! My body, my body¡­¡± Splurt¡ª He didn¡¯t suffer for long. Jiang Fan unhesitatingly pierced his throat with a sword, ending his life. Until his death, he never understood what had just happened. ¡°That was close.¡± Jiang Fan wiped the sweat from his forehead, showing a look of relief. If it weren¡¯t for obtaining the Purple Sword. He feared he would have met his end here today. ¡°It¡¯s just a pity about the Thunder Pattern Spiritual Wood Sword.¡± He picked up the broken wooden sword, heart aching. It had accompanied him for so long, and had often helped him out of dangerous situations. Today it was caught in the crossfire and met an untimely end. The disheveled elder walked over with an apologetic expression, saying, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, young hero, I didn¡¯t deliberately lead him to you, it was just a survival instinct.¡± ¡°Let me compensate you with some silver.¡± Jiang Fan glared at him coldly, ¡°Who cares about your silver? You almost cost me my life. Do you think a simple apology will suffice?¡± Suddenly, he recalled Xu Ganglie¡¯s mention of the ¡°Iron Blood True Scripture.¡± ¡°Copy the ¡®Iron Blood True Scripture¡¯ for me, and we¡¯ll call it even!¡± The old man¡¯s lips trembled. After a brief thought, he gritted his teeth and said, ¡°Alright, I must repay the favor of saving my life.¡± The reason he hadn¡¯t handed over the ¡°Iron Blood True Scripture¡± to Xu Ganglie was that once he did, he would be killed. But the Jiang Fan before him didn¡¯t seem like a heartless villain. So, he pulled out an iron scroll covered in dense writings, which was a body refinement technique. Jiang Fan glanced at it, his pupils contracting involuntarily, ¡°A Profound Level lower-grade body refining technique?¡± The old man squatted down to copy, speaking with some pride: ¡°This is the Giant Sect¡¯s top-level body refining method, watched only by elders and the sect master, otherwise, why do you think Xu Ganglie chased me into the Green Cloud Sect territory?¡± Jiang Fan, however, caught the implication, ¡°Watched?¡± ¡°What, no one practices this body refining method?¡± ¡°Is there a problem with the technique?¡± Also, he was puzzled. If it was the top-level technique, why was an outsider able to take it away? The elder¡¯s old face stiffened, this kid was really sharp. He had immediately noticed something wrong. So, he sighed helplessly, ¡°There¡¯s no problem with the technique.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just that it requires a lot of resources.¡± ¡°Look for yourself, what it takes to practice the first layer.¡± Jiang Fan looked closer, his face turning peculiar. ¡°Fourth-level Spirit Pills, ten Fierce Tiger Pills.¡± The elder said, ¡°Now you understand why no one practices this technique?¡± ¡°The Fierce Tiger Pills, only a Four-Star Soul Master can refine them!¡± ¡°But where can you find a Four-Star Soul Master? Not to mention the Giant Sect, even the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion doesn¡¯t have one.¡± ¡°So, this technique is as good as useless, just for show!¡± The elder remembered his pursuit ordeal. He felt quite aggrieved, ¡°I must have been out of my mind to think of this as a reward.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t practice it, and it attracted pursuit, I nearly lost my old life.¡± ¡°Young man, you can take it back to read, but don¡¯t practice it. Without the Fierce Tiger Pills, it¡¯s useless even if you try.¡± Jiang Fan rubbed his chin, saying nothing. The Fierce Tiger Pills, others couldn¡¯t refine them. But he could! He could practice this technique without any trouble! Suppressing his excitement, Jiang Fan nonchalantly went to check Xu Ganglie¡¯s body. He found quite a few items. However, Xu Ganglie followed the path of body refinement, so there were no cultivation techniques or Foundation Establishment Pills. But there was a bag of shiny crystal stones that caught his attention. ¡°Hmm! Xu Ganglie was quite wealthy, he actually had a hundred Mid-grade Crystal Stones, which is equivalent to a thousand Low Grade Crystal Stones!¡± The elder glanced over, becoming instantly envious and swallowing hard. Crystal stones? Jiang Fan looked at the elder with surprise, the elder was taken aback: ¡°Young hero, doesn¡¯t the Green Cloud Sect use crystal stones?¡± ¡°In the Nine-Sect, it¡¯s hard to measure various high-value Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures with silver.¡± ¡°Therefore, crystal stones are the standard currency.¡± Jiang Fan let out an ¡°Oh¡± and pocketed the loot. Soon, the elder finished copying the technique, checking to ensure every word was correct, then he put it away. ¡°Farewell.¡± The elder also got up to leave. But suddenly, he swayed and fell to the ground, his vision going black. Jiang Fan paused his steps and said, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± ¡°Ol¡­old problem, nothing serious¡­¡± The elder struggled to breathe, pulling out a bottle of medicine from his bosom, only to find it broken. All the pills inside had been lost during his escape. He was instantly thrown into a panic. Jiang Fan frowned. With the thought of helping to the end, he went over to check the elder¡¯s pulse and smelled the medicine bottle. ¡°So it¡¯s a problem with your meridians.¡± He searched the elder¡¯s belongings, found the necessary materials. A short while later, he had refined a few pills, fed one to the elder, and placed the rest beside him. When the elder woke up, Jiang Fan was already gone. ¡°He saved me? But my spirit pills were all gone, where did he get them?¡± ¡°Spirit Pills can only be refined by Soul Masters.¡± At this moment, he glanced at the spirit pills before him. And his pupils contracted involuntarily! Chapter 67 - Chapter 67: Chapter 67 The Visit of the Elder from Green Cloud Sect Chapter 67: Chapter 67 The Visit of the Elder from Green Cloud Sect ¡°Top-grade Pulse Extending Pill!¡± ¡°This¡­ this can only be refined by at least a Three-star Soul Master!¡± ¡°That young man is actually a Three-star Soul Master?¡± He was utterly shocked. A Three-star Soul Master, that¡¯s a significant figure in the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion! And that young man is one of them? If he had not seen it with his own eyes. He would never have believed that a Three-star Soul Master could be so young! For a long time. He couldn¡¯t calm his shock. Knowing that it was not safe to stay there for long, he quickly left. As he passed by Xu Ganglie¡¯s body, he sighed: ¡°You really didn¡¯t die unjustly!¡± ¡°That was a Three-star Soul Master, often unfathomable at such a level¡± ¡°To think you attacked him, you really must not have valued your life!¡± Not long after. He returned to the Qin family. Qin Changsheng led a group of clansmen, kneeling to welcome him: ¡°We welcome the old master back!¡± It turned out he was the old master of the Qin family, Qin Wenyuan, a genuine One-star Soul Master. There wasn¡¯t the slightest hint of a smile on his face. Instead, his face was stern as he questioned: ¡°Why is business so poor?¡± ¡°What are you doing?¡± Before returning to the mansion, he had specifically checked the various shops of the Qin family, finding their business to be very bad. Far from what it used to be. Qin Changsheng tearfully explained: ¡°Old master, you may not know, but the Chen family invited a powerful Soul Master, who took away more than half of our business.¡± ¡°I heard that Soul Master is also planning to train a group of Soul Master apprentices for the Chen family, specifically to refine Low Grade Foundation Establishment Pills, intending to cut off our Qin family¡¯s livelihood.¡± Upon hearing this, Qin Wenyuan¡¯s face darkened. ¡°Training Soul Master apprentices to cut off our Qin family¡¯s livelihood? Such arrogance!¡± ¡°I must see for myself who this person is!¡± Qin Changsheng was overjoyed and asked: ¡°Old master, how will you deal with him?¡± Qin Wenyuan narrowed his old eyes and said: ¡°Isn¡¯t he recruiting people with qualifications to train Soul Master apprentices?¡± ¡°I will respond to his call and listen to what he is capable of!¡± Xu Mansion. Jiang Fan had just returned and found the mansion renewed. Everyone was busy. Xu Yining had also changed into a brand-new outfit. Usually bare-faced, she had added a touch of makeup to welcome the most important day in her eighteen years of life. Jiang Fan was surprised and wrote: ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± Xu Yining originally didn¡¯t want to pay attention to Jiang Fan, but she couldn¡¯t hold back her great mood. Moreover, she wanted to show off in front of Jiang Fan. ¡°Elder Li is arriving at our Xu family today.¡± Jiang Fan was slightly surprised and wrote: ¡°Wasn¡¯t it a few days later? Why was the time suddenly changed?¡± Xu Yining also showed a puzzled expression. Previously, Li Qingfeng had notified them it would be five days later. But for some reason he suddenly changed the time and rushed to the Xu family. After thinking for a while, she guessed: ¡°It should be because I broke through to the Foundation Establishment Realm, Elder Li is so pleased that he wants to accept me into the Green Cloud Sect ahead of time.¡± This explanation made sense. However, Jiang Fan still felt something was odd. Elders of the Green Cloud Sect, which one of them wasn¡¯t busy with numerous affairs? Many things were arranged in advance, so how could they disrupt the arrangement suddenly? ¡°Fan, you¡¯re back?¡± Xu Youran, holding a rag, was surprised: ¡°Where have you been these past few days?¡± Seeing her doing the servants¡¯ work again, Jiang Fan instantly became furious and wrote: ¡°I told you to cultivate, what are you doing?¡± Xu Youran glanced at Xu Yining beside her and whispered: ¡°I stopped just now to help out.¡± ¡°Fan, be honest with me, what exactly is the liquid you gave me?¡± ¡°And the new mental method, what level is it?¡± ¡°Why did I break through again and am now at the Eighth Layer of Qi Cultivation?¡± Her face showed unease. The cultivation speed was too fast. It was almost like divine assistance. Jiang Fan¡¯s mouth twitched. In the whole world, only this silly girl would worry about cultivating too quickly. With top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid and a high-level Profound mental method, it was hard for Xu Youran not to progress quickly. He didn¡¯t explain, but took out a Transcend Mortality Pill, handed it to her, and wrote: ¡°Swallow it.¡± Xu Yining saw this from the side. Curiously, she asked: ¡°Fan, what good thing are you giving to my sister now?¡± Jiang Fan turned and handed her a note: ¡°Do you want one too?¡± Knowing her limitations, Xu Yining snorted: ¡°Who wants your stuff?¡± ¡°I¡¯m about to become a disciple of the Green Cloud Sect, what doesn¡¯t the Green Cloud Sect have?¡± Jiang Fan wrote: ¡°That¡¯s the best.¡± ¡°I wouldn¡¯t give it to you anyway.¡± Xu Yining was instantly angered, her chest heaving, biting her silver teeth. For some reason, she now cared more and more about Jiang Fan¡¯s attitude. Before, she had treated him like air. Xu Youran said: ¡°Fan, don¡¯t you have another one? Give it to sister.¡± Being given charity by Jiang Fan again? Xu Yining angrily said: ¡°I don¡¯t want it!¡± ¡°It¡¯s definitely not a good thing, sister, you¡¯d better not eat it, be careful it¡¯ll upset your stomach!¡± Xu Youran felt a headache. She didn¡¯t know what was wrong with her sister. Why was she always bickering with Jiang Fan recently? For the past ten years, hadn¡¯t they gotten along well without interfering with each other? Looking at the pill in her palm, she didn¡¯t hesitate and swallowed it. Jiang Fan looked expectantly: ¡°How do you feel, do you notice any changes in your body?¡± Xu Youran shook her head, puzzled: ¡°No.¡± After thinking a bit, Jiang Fan understood. The Transcend Mortality Pill improved the quality of the Spirit Root, not physical changes. Therefore, even if there were changes, the body wouldn¡¯t show it. A treasure that made the Sub-Altar Master die with regrets must be extraordinary. ¡°Are you all ready? My master will be here soon!¡± A clear voice came from outside the door. Zhong Qizhen walked in quickly. Xu Yining¡¯s eyes lit up, and she ran up, respectfully: ¡°Senior Brother Zhong.¡± Zhong Qizhen looked at the beautiful and alluring Xu Yining, and couldn¡¯t help but show a hint of heat. When he followed Li Qingfeng to Lonely Boat City to investigate Xu Youran, he had seen her once. At that time, he was amazed by Xu Yining¡¯s beauty, and it left a deep impression. Half a year had passed. Seeing her again, she still amazed him. ¡°Junior Sister, are you all ready?¡± Xu Yining nodded: ¡°Please, Senior Brother Zhong, point out any deficiencies.¡± Zhong Qizhen glanced around. Slightly nodded: ¡°It looks clean, no issues.¡± At this moment, he noticed Jiang Fan. He couldn¡¯t help but ask: ¡°Who is this?¡± Xu Yining replied unhappily: ¡°My sister¡¯s fianc¨¦, Jiang Fan.¡± So he was Jiang Fan? A trace of hostility grew in his eyes. Before, with Zhu Jianshen¡¯s offerings, he could get a few Fire Spirit Pearls every year; now that Zhu Jianshen was dead, he had nothing. This Jiang Fan must have been involved in Zhu Jianshen¡¯s death. ¡°Junior Sister Yining, our master¡¯s appearance is not for just any random person to see.¡± ¡°This Jiang Fan looks disreputable at a glance; get rid of him.¡± Xu Yining frowned. Although she disliked Jiang Fan, how was he disreputable? But considering Li Qingfeng was coming, she had to let Jiang Fan give in: ¡°Jiang Fan, go to the back courtyard.¡± Don¡¯t come out today. Jiang Fan gave Zhong Qizhen a stare. He left without saying a word. Xu Youran also wanted to go with him, but Xu Yining stopped her: ¡°Sister, you should stay.¡± ¡°What if Elder Li takes a liking to you?¡± Zhong Qizhen sneered, thinking Jiang Fan wasn¡¯t good; neither was his fianc¨¦e. ¡°Let her leave as well!¡± Xu Youran hadn¡¯t planned to stay; she gave Zhong Qizhen a cold look and left holding Jiang Fan¡¯s arm. At this moment, Zhong Qizhen noticed Xu Youran¡¯s stunning beauty. He couldn¡¯t help but regret it. Xu Yining¡¯s sister was even more beautiful than her? What a beauty wasted on this trash! At that moment. A bird swooped down and landed in the middle of the courtyard. Standing atop was a middle-aged man in blue robes, elegant as a celestial being, with a scholarly face. He exuded an awe-inspiring aura. Xu Zhengyan led a group of clansmen to welcome him immediately. ¡°All members of the Xu family welcome Elder Li.¡± Li Qingfeng jumped down, his gaze swept through the Xu family members quickly. When he saw Xu Yining, he paused briefly before looking away. His focus lingered among the female members of the Xu family. After looking around, he frowned and murmured: ¡°Which one is Xu Youran, as mentioned by the Young Sect Leader?¡± Chapter 68 - Chapter 68: Chapter 68: The Different Treatment of the Two Sisters Chapter 68: Chapter 68: The Different Treatment of the Two Sisters A few days ago. Liu Qingxian received a summons and hurriedly returned to the Green Cloud Sect. The first thing she did was not to report to the Sect Master but to find him. Li Qingfeng remembered it clearly; Liu Qingxian was excited and said that the Xu Family in Lonely Boat City had an extremely important woman who must be taken into the Green Cloud Sect. The Sect Master¡¯s daughter had personally issued the order, so how could Li Qingfeng refuse? Thus, he changed his schedule and arrived at the Xu Family ahead of time. Under Xu Zhengyan¡¯s enthusiastic invitation, he sat down in the hall. After a round of pleasantries, he couldn¡¯t help but ask with a smile, ¡°Yining, introduce these clan members of yours.¡± Xu Yining was thrilled, and the Xu Family members all stood tall with quiet excitement. Undoubtedly, Li Qingfeng also wanted to investigate the Xu Family¡¯s other members in passing. If there were any who caught his eye, he would take them back to the Green Cloud Sect as well. Xu Zhengyan was secretly excited and quickly said, ¡°Yining, hurry and introduce them to Elder Li.¡± Xu Yining nodded, ¡°Elder Li, these are my parents.¡± ¡°This is the elder of my family.¡± ¡°This is my cousin, Xu Xiangyang.¡± ¡°This is my younger cousin, Xu Wenqing.¡± ¡°This is¡­¡± She introduced them one by one. Li Qingfeng patiently listened to all the introductions. He couldn¡¯t help but be surprised, ¡°Are all Xu Family members here?¡± Where was Xu Youran? Could it be that there was another Xu Family in Lonely Boat City? Had he come to the wrong place? Xu Yining hesitated and glanced at Zhong Qizhen, saying, ¡°Reporting to Elder Li, I have an older sister named Xu Youran.¡± The stone in Li Qingfeng¡¯s heart fell away, and he asked, ¡°Is she not in the family?¡± The hall suddenly quieted down. Everyone turned to look at Zhong Qizhen. Zhong Qizhen was stunned. No one had expected that the master would care so much about Xu Youran. Under many gazes, Zhong Qizhen dared not lie and had to answer, ¡°Reporting to Elder, I had her avoid the meeting.¡± What? Li Qingfeng abruptly stood up. He had never seen Liu Qingxian care so much about a person in his life. Moreover, Liu Qingxian had said something that shocked him immensely: If he could recruit Xu Youran as a disciple, the Green Cloud Sect would become the number one sect among the Nine-Sect in the future. Such an important disciple, and his foolish apprentice had made her avoid the meeting? If Liu Qingxian found out, she would be thunderously furious, right? He couldn¡¯t help but be angry and slapped him across the face, harshly scolding, ¡°Who gave you permission to send her away?¡± ¡°You fool! Get out of my sight!¡± Zhong Qizhen trembled in fear. In all the years under his master¡¯s tutelage, he had never seen his master this angry. He dared not delay and bent over, hastily retreating from the hall and leaving the Xu Family. The people in the hall didn¡¯t even dare breathe loudly. Xu Zhengyan swallowed nervously and whispered, ¡°Yining, quickly go fetch your sister for Elder Li to meet.¡± Soon after, Xu Youran returned, looking bewildered. Jiang Fan accompanied her by her side. From what Xu Yining said, Jiang Fan was also puzzled, ¡°It seems that Elder Li specifically came to find Xu Youran.¡± ¡°But she has never been in the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s sight, so how does Elder Li know about her existence?¡± ¡°Moreover, her previous strength was quite ordinary, so it should be hard for anyone to notice her.¡± Jiang Fan scratched his head in confusion, then suddenly thought, ¡°Could it be someone was attracted to her beauty?¡± Upon reflection, that seemed most likely. ¡°No, I also need to find a way to enter the Green Cloud Sect,¡± Jiang Fan murmured worriedly. As Xu Youran arrived. Li Qingfeng¡¯s smile grew even warmer and he became exceedingly kind. ¡°Are you Xu Youran?¡± This attitude made Xu Yining feel a bit downcast. Even Li Qingfeng hadn¡¯t been this kind to her. Why did he seem to care so much about her sister? She was the officially designated Inner Sect Disciple, wasn¡¯t she? Xu Youran was so nervous that she didn¡¯t know where to put her hands, stammering, ¡°Yes, I am Xu Youran.¡± Li Qingfeng, with a curious look, gently said, ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous.¡± ¡°I came to accept you as my disciple. Are you willing to join my sect?¡± What? Everyone in the hall, without exception, was utterly surprised! Just seeing her face and asking her name. No testing of her Spirit Root, no probing of her cultivation, and yet he directly accepted her as a disciple? Xu Zhengyan was initially stunned, then became overjoyed and hurriedly said, ¡°Youran, quickly bow to your master!¡± Having two daughters join the Green Cloud Sect, how glorious was that? Xu Yining felt unbalanced within. Why? She was a pride of the heavens, having gone through numerous evaluations to finally gain approval. But her sister, just by showing her face, was directly accepted as a disciple? The obvious disparity made her feel uncomfortable inside. While Xu Youran was at a loss, Jiang Fan patted her shoulder, giving her an encouraging look. He had always worried that Xu Youran wouldn¡¯t make it into the Green Cloud Sect. Unexpectedly, Elder Li accepted her directly. Xu Youran hurriedly knelt down to perform the apprenticeship ceremony. Li Qingfeng, smiling, helped her up gently, saying, ¡°No need for such formalities.¡± ¡°Sincerity is what counts in acknowledging a master; you don¡¯t need all these elaborate rituals.¡± Xu Youran respectfully said, ¡°Li¡­ Master.¡± Li Qingfeng laughed heartily, stroking his beard, and took out a bracelet from his chest, imbued with a faint Spirit Light. It was a Magic Artifact! ¡°A gift for our first meeting; take it.¡± Xu Youran, delighted, accepted it, ¡°Thank you, Master! Thank you, Master!¡± This scene made Xu Yining feel even more bitter. Xu Zhengyan noticed and said, ¡°Elder Li, shouldn¡¯t my younger daughter also formally recognize you as her master?¡± Previously, she was only designated as a disciple. Because it wasn¡¯t yet the day the Green Cloud Sect recruited disciples, she hadn¡¯t officially been accepted yet. Now, it was time. Li Qingfeng seemed to have just remembered Xu Youran and nodded slightly, ¡°Yining, you should also acknowledge me as your master.¡± Xu Yining, joyous, bowed to pay her respects, imitating her sister. Unexpectedly, Li Qingfeng frowned slightly. Noticing this, Xu Zhengyan¡¯s face changed slightly, and he quickly poured a cup of tea to give to Xu Yining, reproaching, ¡°Elder Li¡¯s status is highly noble; quickly kneel down with the tea for the ceremony.¡± But when her sister acknowledged the master, it wasn¡¯t like this! Why was it different for her¡­? She bit her red lips lightly, took the tea, and knelt respectfully on the ground, bowing deeply and offering the tea, ¡°Please, Master, have some tea.¡± Li Qingfeng nodded, took the tea lightly, and said, ¡°From today onwards, you will be my disciple.¡± ¡°Rise.¡± Xu Yining stood up and moved aside, but waited for a long time. She still didn¡¯t receive a gift like her sister did. She felt immensely wronged. Why was this? Li Qingfeng wasn¡¯t specifically here to accept her as a disciple? Why did it seem like he came for her sister, and she was just incidental? Li Qingfeng¡¯s gaze flickered between the two sisters and then said, ¡°My disciples are divided into True Disciples and Inner Sect Disciples.¡± ¡°As the name suggests, True Disciples receive more personal guidance from me.¡± ¡°Inner Sect Disciples will be granted enough resources, but their cultivation will depend more on themselves.¡± ¡°Each year, I can only accept one True Disciple.¡± This made Xu Yining feel somewhat better. After all, she had been designated as a True Disciple from the start. ¡°Therefore¡­¡± Li Qingfeng paused, ¡°This year, I will accept Xu Youran as a True Disciple.¡± ¡°Xu Yining, endure it for now, and next year I will make you a True Disciple.¡± Chapter 69 - Chapter 69: Chapter 69: No Spirit Root Chapter 69: Chapter 69: No Spirit Root What? Xu Yining couldn¡¯t believe her ears: ¡°Master, didn¡¯t you decide long ago that I would be the True Disciple?¡± ¡°Why did it go to my sister?¡± Regarding Liu Qingxian¡¯s words, he couldn¡¯t disclose much and could only say tactfully: ¡°There are some things I can¡¯t explain clearly, I can only tell you that your sister is more suitable to be the True Disciple.¡± Seeing Xu Yining¡¯s eyes redden with grievance, he comforted her: ¡°How about this, you will be an Inner Sect Disciple in name.¡± ¡°In reality, I will treat you like a True Disciple, how about that?¡± ¡°Besides, you two are sisters, not outsiders, why bother about a title?¡± Xu Yining¡¯s eyes reddened even more. If it were before, she could have let it go, since after all, they were sisters. But now¡­ She glanced at Jiang Fan. Though Jiang Fan had no expression on his face, she felt that he must be gloating inside, laughing at her. From the beginning, being a True Disciple was her pride, her glory, her capital to boast in front of Jiang Fan. Now, this honor had been given to someone else. She must be a joke in Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes! She had to take it back! ¡°Master, I do not accept this!¡± Xu Yining gritted her teeth and said: ¡°Why does my sister get to be the True Disciple?¡± ¡°You haven¡¯t even tested her Spirit Root!¡± Xu Youran also felt guilty and quickly said: ¡°Master, let my sister be the True Disciple.¡± ¡°I am not worthy of being a True Disciple.¡± ¡°Being an Inner Sect Disciple is already a great fortune.¡± Li Qingfeng also felt a headache. With Xu Yining¡¯s qualifications, there was no problem in becoming a True Disciple. But Xu Youran was the disciple chosen by the Sect Master¡¯s daughter. How could he neglect her? At this moment. Jiang Fan stepped forward and presented a note to Li Qingfeng: ¡°Elder Li, why not test Xu Youran¡¯s Spirit Root?¡± Xu Youran anxiously tugged at Jiang Fan¡¯s sleeve: ¡°What are you doing? I can¡¯t stand the embarrassment.¡± With her Second Grade Spirit Root, how could she manage? Jiang Fan, however, smiled and picked up a brush: ¡°I believe Youran has the qualifications to be the True Disciple.¡± His words carried a hint of confidence. The Transcend Mortality Pill that the Sub-Altar Master sought for over a decade couldn¡¯t have been for just a single level improvement, right? Xu Youran¡¯s current Spirit Root was at least Fourth Grade, not far from Xu Yining. More than enough to be a True Disciple. Oh? Li Qingfeng looked at Jiang Fan in surprise. Then he looked at Xu Yining¡¯s stubborn face and thought for a moment, saying: ¡°Alright then, Xu Youran¡¯s Spirit Root needs to be tested anyway.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll just test it in public.¡± He took out a palm-sized disc and said: ¡°Xu Youran, place your hand on it, and the Spirit Root level will appear.¡± Xu Youran¡¯s face reddened as she said reluctantly: ¡°Master, my Spirit Root is very low.¡± Li Qingfeng said: ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter, no matter how low, you are still my disciple.¡± Helpless, she could only walk forward with a heavy heart and place her small hand on the disc. Her face was full of dejection; she could already imagine the embarrassing scene when the Second Grade Spirit Root was revealed. Xu Yining stared intently at the disc. She had to see for herself; if Xu Youran was revealed to have a Second Grade Spirit Root, would Li Qingfeng still have the face to let her be the True Disciple? Whirr, whirr, whirr¡ª The disc spun for a while, then stopped. It projected a beam of light, floating in mid-air as clear text. ¡°Seventh Grade Spirit Root.¡± With a sudden move. Li Qingfeng abruptly stood up from his chair, his eyes shining brightly: ¡°Seventh Grade Spirit Root? Xu Youran, you have really surprised your master!¡± He originally thought Xu Youran¡¯s aptitude would definitely be poor. But it turned out to be an existence that even surpassed Xu Yining¡¯s Sixth Grade Spirit Root! The Xu Family was equally shocked. They uttered cries of astonishment. Xu Youran herself was also dumbfounded: ¡°Fan, what is going on?¡± The changes in her must have been brought by Jiang Fan. Was it those mysterious liquids? Or the Spirit Pill she just ate? Step, step, step¡ª Xu Yining staggered backward, her beautiful face turning pale in an instant. She couldn¡¯t accept it and kept shaking her head: ¡°Impossible¡­ Impossible!¡± ¡°This can¡¯t be!¡± ¡°How could you have a Seventh Grade Spirit Root?¡± Xu Youran, a bit scared by her frenzied state, stepped behind Jiang Fan. This caught Xu Yining¡¯s attention to Jiang Fan. Thinking about her sister¡¯s changes, which started ever since she and Jiang Fan were betrothed, she guessed the reason. More than once had she seen Jiang Fan secretly give Xu Youran mysterious liquids. And that Spirit Pill in the jade box just now, obviously very precious. It was Jiang Fan! It must have been Jiang Fan who brought these changes to her sister! Turning her former Second Grade Spirit Root sister into someone superior to her. Understanding everything, Xu Yining broke down, tears that had been welling up in her eyes fell like raindrops: ¡°Jiang Fan! Why did you do this to me?¡± ¡°Why? Why? Why?¡± She asked three times, then ran out crying. Jiang Fan was speechless, muttering: ¡°What did I do to you? This is absurd.¡± Xu Youran, however, looked guilty. She understood her sister¡¯s thoughts, sighed deeply: ¡°She doesn¡¯t blame you.¡± ¡°She blames herself for pushing you to my side.¡± ¡°Everything I have today was supposed to belong to her.¡± Jiang Fan realized. But he shook his head slightly, gently hugging her shoulder: ¡°No need to blame yourself.¡± ¡°Everything was her own choice.¡± Li Qingfeng observed the relationship between the two. He couldn¡¯t help but frown slightly. He said: ¡°Xu Youran, I still have to find that person with the Nine-grade Spirit Root in the city.¡± ¡°In the next few days, prepare well, and when I find this person, you will follow me back to Green Cloud Sect.¡± Xu Youran¡¯s heart tightened. She looked at Jiang Fan beside her and said: ¡°Master, can you also take Jiang Fan as a disciple?¡± Li Qingfeng looked Jiang Fan up and down and said: ¡°Let¡¯s test his qualification first.¡± ¡°If it¡¯s acceptable, I might consider taking him as a disciple.¡± He handed the disc to Jiang Fan. Jiang Fan took it and infused it with Spiritual Power without hesitation. He was a bit worried. This disc was clearly cruder in detecting sensitivity than the bronze ruler. Would it fail the detection again? What he feared came true. Soon, the words ¡°No Spirit Root¡± projected into mid-air. Li Qingfeng shook his head and said: ¡°Unfortunately, even though I am an elder of a sect, I have no right to take someone with no Spirit Root into the sect.¡± Xu Youran anxiously said: ¡°But, but Jiang Fan already has cultivation.¡± Oh? Li Qingfeng¡¯s eyes showed surprise, stroking his beard, he said: ¡°No Spirit Root, yet he has cultivation?¡± ¡°Such a thing? Unheard of.¡± Xu Zhengyan also hurriedly said: ¡°Elder Li, it¡¯s absolutely true.¡± ¡°Jiang Fan not only has cultivation, but it¡¯s quite notable.¡± Notable? Li Qingfeng merely smiled. In his eyes, only cultivation above Foundation Establishment barely counted as a martial artist. Qi Cultivation Realm was merely child¡¯s play. How far could a person with no Spirit Root go? At most, by consuming Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, they might reach the third or fourth layer of Qi Cultivation. However, to convince Xu Youran. He nodded and said: ¡°Then I will give Jiang Fan a chance.¡± ¡°Show me your cultivation.¡± Chapter 70 - Chapter 70: Chapter 70: The Opportunity to Enter the Green Cloud Sect Chapter 70: Chapter 70: The Opportunity to Enter the Green Cloud Sect Xu Zhengyan said excitedly, ¡°Jiang Fan! Give it your all!¡± After going through so much, he had come to fully trust Jiang Fan. He couldn¡¯t feel at ease leaving his daughter with anyone else. Only in entrusting her to Jiang Fan did he feel completely reassured. So if Jiang Fan could join the Green Cloud Sect, that would be the best. Xu Youran was also so nervous that she gripped the hem of her skirt, even more anxious than when she had her own Spirit Root tested. Jiang Fan took a deep breath. He knew that the moment to decide his fate had come. If he couldn¡¯t enter the Green Cloud Sect, it would be very difficult for him to have a great future in this life. Moreover, he wouldn¡¯t be able to move forward together with Xu Youran. Therefore, he held back nothing and publicly unleashed the immense spiritual power of the Foundation Establishment Third Layer. Li Qingfeng sensed it with an expressionless face. In his heart, he already had a draft of how to phrase it to dispel Jiang Fan¡¯s notion of entering the Green Cloud Sect. At the same time, he wanted to make it less upsetting for Xu Youran so that she would willingly follow him back to the Green Cloud Sect. Suddenly! A surge of spiritual power from the Foundation Establishment Realm made his heart jump. Sensing the source of the spiritual power, he couldn¡¯t help but stand up in surprise, ¡°Foundation Establishment Third Layer?¡± A person without a Spirit Root could cultivate to the Foundation Establishment Third Layer? He couldn¡¯t help but suspect that the disc might be broken and had detected the wrong aptitude. Such a young Foundation Establishment Third Layer would be considered a prodigy even in the Green Cloud Sect! He took out a new disc and eagerly said, ¡°Please retest your Spirit Root.¡± Jiang Fan nodded and also expectedly tested again. But the result was still ¡°No Spirit Root¡±. Li Qingfeng stared at those three words in a daze for a long while, unable to understand. How did Jiang Fan break through to such a high realm? Could it be one of those legendary extremely powerful demonic pills or methods that deplete potential? After much thought, that seemed to be the only possibility. Such a life-sacrificing crooked path had very serious drawbacks. He immediately dismissed any notion of accepting Jiang Fan. But Xu Youran pleaded, ¡°Master, Jiang Fan¡¯s kindness to me is as great as a mountain. If he can¡¯t go to the Green Cloud Sect, then I won¡¯t go either.¡± Li Qingfeng felt helpless. After much deliberation, he proposed a compromise, ¡°How about this? I¡¯ll give Jiang Fan another chance.¡± ¡°Before leaving, I¡¯ll have my disciple Zhong Qizhen assess his strength.¡± ¡°If he can withstand ten moves from Zhong Qizhen, then I will acknowledge his ability to enter the Green Cloud Sect. What do you think?¡± Xu Youran couldn¡¯t help but turn pale. Zhong Qizhen was a longtime disciple under Li Qingfeng. His cultivation had reached the Fourth Layer of the Foundation Establishment. The cultivation techniques he practiced were far superior to those at Lonely Boat City of the Yellow Level Medium rank. Jiang Fan¡¯s realm was one level lower, and his cultivation techniques were several levels behind. Even enduring three moves would be extremely difficult, let alone ten moves. Li Qingfeng was clearly not willing to let Jiang Fan enter the Green Cloud Sect. Jiang Fan, however, was delighted. No matter how difficult it was, at least it was a rare opportunity. He quickly wrote, ¡°I accept the challenge.¡± Li Qingfeng nodded with a smile, ¡°Good! If you can¡¯t pass, don¡¯t blame me for not giving you a chance.¡± ¡°Also, I hope you¡¯ll advise Xu Youran not to delay her lifelong cultivation due to a moment of sentiment.¡± Jiang Fan nodded in agreement, writing, ¡°Agreed!¡± After Li Qingfeng left with a smile, searching for Nine-grade Spiritual Root. Xu Youran was anxious and kept pacing, ¡°Fan, how could you agree?¡± ¡°Zhong Qizhen¡¯s cultivation is so deep. How can you withstand his ten moves easily?¡± Jiang Fan thought about the High Palm Technique ¡°Wandering Dragon Palm¡± he hadn¡¯t yet had time to cultivate, confidence flashed in his eyes. ¡°Give me three days, and I will have confidence to battle him.¡± What he said was a battle. Not just enduring ten moves. How could Xu Youran believe it? She sighed, ¡°Then try to build a good relationship with Zhong Qizhen. Hopefully, he will go easier on you during the assessment.¡± Jiang Fan agreed on the surface. As soon as he went out, he prepared to go to the Dragon-Rising Path. The best way to quickly cultivate a technique is through actual combat. Unexpectedly, just as he reached the gate, he saw Zhong Qizhen, still bearing the marks of a slap on his face, looking irate. ¡°Why did you hide Xu Youran¡¯s matters? Making me get slapped by our master?¡± ¡°You did it on purpose, didn¡¯t you?¡± Jiang Fan looked puzzled. He wrote, ¡°Who held their nose in the air and wanted to drive me and my wife out without saying a word?¡± ¡°No one forced you to do that, right?¡± ¡°Got slapped, but instead of reflecting on yourself, you blame others? No wonder your master calls you stupid.¡± Zhong Qizhen clenched his fists in anger, shouting, ¡°Outrageous, how dare you speak to me like that?¡± Jiang Fan was fearless, ¡°Want to fight me? Who¡¯s afraid of whom!¡± Zhong Qizhen really wanted to pin him down and beat him up. But, having just angered his master, he didn¡¯t dare to make a scene outside the Xu Family¡¯s gate. He glared at Jiang Fan with hatred, ¡°After my matchmaking, and I deal with my tasks, I¡¯ll teach you a lesson!¡± Jiang Fan looked thoughtful. Matchmaking? Chen Silin recently also had to go for matchmaking. Chen Yuqiu even asked him to keep an eye on it. So many people are matchmaking recently? Not thinking too much, he turned and headed straight for the Dragon-Rising Path. To avoid trouble. He wore the mask of the No.1 Shadow Guard and rushed in, going all the way up. When he reached the Ninth Floor. Suddenly, he heard strange low cries near his ear. ¡°Jiang Fan, I¡¯ll kill you!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll carve you into pieces!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll cut you to death!¡± Frightened, he quickly retreated from the Illusion Realm. Staring closely. He saw Xu Yining standing on the Ninth Floor with a tear-stricken face, slaughtering Chen Zhengdao¡¯s projection in the Illusion Realm. But she kept muttering Jiang Fan¡¯s name. ¡°She must be insane,¡± Jiang Fan thought, covering his forehead with black lines. Chen Zhengdao¡¯s projection was not something easily broken. Soon, she was defeated and thrown out. Her eyes were red as she prepared to rush back in to continue the battle, but then she noticed someone standing beside her. Turning her head, she saw the mask with the character ¡°One¡± engraved on it. She immediately showed a look of surprise. Then she realized what she had just been muttering and blushed, ¡°Did you hear everything?¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s mouth twitched; he wasn¡¯t deaf. ¡°I won¡¯t interfere with your matters,¡± he said casually. Xu Yining hurriedly explained, ¡°There¡¯s nothing between him and me, don¡¯t misunderstand.¡± She was so nervous that she didn¡¯t know what to say. Being able to meet the No.1 Shadow Guard again was beyond her expectations. But meeting in such a way was truly embarrassing. Looking at her tear-stricken face, Jiang Fan thought deeply, ¡°Do you want to cultivate a movement technique?¡± Since obtaining that jade bead, he had explored its cultivation technique, as well as the astonishing discoveries under the statue. He felt somewhat guilty. These were all actually left by that master for Xu Yining. Yet, he had taken them all. Why not teach her a movement technique to make up for it. Xu Yining¡¯s face turned red in an instant, ¡°You teach me a movement technique? Really?¡± Jiang Fan didn¡¯t say much. He grabbed her hand and closed his eyes. Xu Yining¡¯s heart instantly sped up, her face turning rosy, and her red lips pressed tightly in embarrassment. She also closed her eyes. Both of them entered the Illusion Realm where Chen Zhengdao was. Jiang Fan said, ¡°I want to teach you the ¡®Solitary Wild Goose Shadow¡¯, it¡¯s quite challenging, you should watch and learn carefully.¡± He taught her hand in hand. Xu Yining had good comprehension, and after half a day, she showed progress. ¡°You finish this part. I¡¯ll come back tomorrow to continue teaching you.¡± After saying this, he went to the Twelfth Floor to challenge. The projections here were even stronger, of the same Foundation Establishment Third Layer, they completely overpowered Jiang Fan. After barely over a hundred moves, he was defeated. Of course, this was due to Jiang Fan intentionally not using the Purple Sword or his movement technique. He only used the Wandering Dragon Palm, constantly honing his palm technique. By dusk. He walked back with a tired body. Passing by the Treasure Pavilion, he saw a sign recruiting apprentice Soul Masters, and remembered an important promise he had forgotten. He immediately went to the Chen Family. Of course, he didn¡¯t forget to change his clothes. Soon, at the Chen Family¡¯s backyard. Chen Silin respectfully said, ¡°Senior, all the apprentices we recruited that meet the criteria are here.¡± Jiang Fan looked at each of them one by one. When his eyes fell on an elder with a neat and tidy appearance and a kind face, he paused slightly. He felt that this old man looked somewhat familiar. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± Jiang Fan asked. Qin Wenyuan showed a respectful look and smiled, ¡°Reporting to the lord, my name is Huang Wenyuan.¡± Chapter 71 - Chapter 71: Chapter 71 Offending the Person Who Shouldnt Be Offended Chapter 71: Chapter 71 Offending the Person Who Shouldn¡¯t Be Offended ¡°Huang Wenyuan?¡± Jiang Fan pondered over the name. In his memory, he didn¡¯t know this person. Why did it seem familiar? Never mind, forget it. ¡°Which of these people do you prefer?¡± Jiang Fan asked. Chen Silin pointed at Huang Wenyuan: ¡°This old gentleman once worked for several years as an apprentice to a soul master in another place.¡± ¡°He is very familiar with various materials and also understands the alchemy process well.¡± Jiang Fan nodded. ¡°Alright, you come over here, I¡¯ll teach you first.¡± Huang Wenyuan repeatedly cupped his hands, his face full of joy: ¡°Thank you, sir, thank you, sir.¡± But he was sneering inwardly. He wanted to see what kind of great person the Chen family had invited. Want to cut off the Qin family¡¯s lifeline? He¡¯d first have to see if Qin Wenyuan agreed. Jiang Fan said, ¡°The reason ordinary people can¡¯t become soul masters is that their souls are not strong enough.¡± ¡°But according to my method, you can use weak soul power to crudely purify materials to achieve the purpose of refining low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid.¡± Huang Wenyuan outwardly appeared respectful: ¡°I respectfully listen to the elder¡¯s guidance.¡± Jiang Fan nodded and began teaching Huang Wenyuan using the methods from the Taiyin Soul Technique. Not long after, Jiang Fan was slightly surprised: ¡°You¡¯ve grasped it so quickly?¡± Seeing Huang Wenyuan skillfully refine a bottle of low-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, he couldn¡¯t help but be amazed. ¡°You have a natural talent for alchemy.¡± Huang Wenyuan forced a smile: ¡°My talent is average, it¡¯s just that a soul master apprentice can easily achieve this.¡± ¡°Honestly, what you taught is not as good as what I learned before.¡± As soon as he said this, the other candidates all cast doubtful looks at Jiang Fan. Hmm? Jiang Fan heard the provocation in his words and slightly narrowed his eyes: ¡°It seems you are not very convinced by me.¡± Huang Wenyuan cupped his hands and said: ¡°As the saying goes, seeing is believing.¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t seen your prowess, so how can I be convinced?¡± He found it impossible to believe that a small place like Lonely Boat City would have a Three-Star soul master residing in it. Such a person, wouldn¡¯t they all be influential figures? Why stay in Lonely Boat City and train soul master apprentices for the Chen family? Jiang Fan glanced at him and then at the restless candidates, then said indifferently: ¡°Very well, I shall refine a bottle of Qi Cultivation Liquid.¡± Huang Wenyuan had a smirk on his face. This was the moment he had been waiting for! He intended to use his decades of professional knowledge to find fault with Jiang Fan. If this person was not as good as him, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate to humiliate him, making it impossible for him to continue. If he was slightly better than himself, that was also fine. Every soul master had their own bad habits. He would find faults and criticize the person until the plan to train soul master apprentices fell apart! Jiang Fan didn¡¯t waste words. He proficiently picked up the materials. At his current level, he had reached the pinnacle of skill. He didn¡¯t even need a pill furnace, starting the purification directly in his palm. Seeing this, Huang Wenyuan laughed out loud: ¡°No pill furnace, and you call this alchemy?¡± Alchemy, alchemy, At least you need a vessel for alchemy, right? Refining directly in the palm? This was unheard of. The dust, smells, sweat, and so on from the hands would all affect the effectiveness of the materials, ultimately leading to a downgrade in the Qi Cultivation Liquid¡¯s grade. Possibly resulting in a direct failure. The fact that this person was refining Qi Cultivation Liquid with his hand made Huang Wenyuan relax. What great person? Just a fraud who deceived the world. He knew nothing of alchemy. But gradually, Huang Wenyuan could no longer laugh. He saw the materials in Jiang Fan¡¯s hand gradually become transparent, like an ice sculpture. As the spiritual power in his palm vibrated, the transparent materials shattered into fragments. The juice inside was squeezed out and dripped, while the residue was blown away. Jiang Fan picked up a jade bottle with his other hand, casually and quickly collecting all the juice. In a moment, a bottle of exceptionally clear Qi Cultivation Liquid without any impurities appeared. Huang Wenyuan took a sharp breath: ¡°Top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid?¡± ¡°This can only be refined by a Four-Star soul master!¡± It turned out the person in front of him was not just a Three-Star soul master. He was actually a Four-Star soul master! Only now did he understand. The other person didn¡¯t use a pill furnace, Not because he didn¡¯t know alchemy, But because for low-level liquids like Qi Cultivation Liquid, he didn¡¯t need a pill furnace. Even using his bare hands, it was top-grade! Jiang Fan glanced at him indifferently: ¡°Any more questions?¡± Huang Wenyuan¡¯s body trembled! The person in front of him was a Four-Star soul master, a Four-Star! Such a supreme existence was not even found in the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion! What qualification did he have to encounter such a sacred being? Immediately, he knelt to the ground with a thud: ¡°Junior pays respects to the elder!¡± Jiang Fan then looked at the other candidates: ¡°What about you? Any doubts?¡± With a bottle of top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid in front of them, who dared doubt his ability? Even Chen Silin¡¯s eyes widened in amazement. Jiang Fan had always provided the Chen family with top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, making them think he was a Three-Star soul master. In truth, he had hidden his true strength! This made her even more respectful in her heart. ¡°Youran is truly lucky, by chance she found such a husband.¡± She sighed softly, then thought about her upcoming blind date, her eyes dimmed. From then on, things became much simpler. With his guidance, the candidates quickly got the hang of it. Huang Wenyuan humbly stood aside, serving respectfully as a disciple, assisting Jiang Fan in teaching the other candidates. Unintentionally, Huang Wenyuan noticed a long sword strapped to Jiang Fan¡¯s back. The whole sword was wrapped tightly in cloth strips. Only one section had a gap. He saw a strange purple light emanating from it. A sword with purple light? Bang¡ª¡ª Huang Wenyuan¡¯s mind exploded. He instantly thought of the Three-Star soul master in Cloud-floating Cave who had refined a top-grade Pulse Extending Pill for him! It was him! The person who saved him was the elder in front of him! ¡°I should have figured it out earlier! Lonely Boat City wouldn¡¯t have so many Three-Star and Four-Star soul masters!¡± ¡°They were all the same person!¡± Thinking about Jiang Fan¡¯s eighteen-year-old face, Huang Wenyuan was even more admiring and in awe. At such a young age, he had such great skills. Given time, wouldn¡¯t his achievements be unmatched? By nightfall, Jiang Fan had finished instructing them all and said: ¡°In the future, you will all follow the Chen family¡¯s arrangements. If there¡¯s anything you don¡¯t understand, I¡¯ll come back to guide you.¡± With that, he left in a huff. Huang Wenyuan quickly bent at the waist, serving him until he left the Chen family and disappeared into the vast crowd. This scene, left Qin Changsheng, who had been secretly observing outside the Chen family¡¯s gate, dumbfounded: ¡°Grandpa, what are you doing?¡± Huang Wenyuan. Should be Qin Wenyuan. Then he straightened up and sighed: ¡°Can¡¯t you see? Naturally, I am serving the elder.¡± What? Qin Changsheng was shocked: ¡°Grandpa, weren¡¯t you going to teach this person a lesson?¡± ¡°Why are you now his junior instead?¡± Qin Wenyuan¡¯s old face turned red, then he scolded: ¡°You idiot! I haven¡¯t dealt with you yet!¡± ¡°I just inquired discreetly with the Chen family, this Four-Star soul master supreme helped the Chen family all because you offended him!¡± ¡°So he helped the Chen family to bring down our Qin family!¡± ¡°You wretched fool, I¡¯ve told you to make friends and never offend anyone.¡± ¡°And you, you went and offended the one person you shouldn¡¯t have!¡± ¡°Pack up and move overnight, our Qin family can no longer stay in Lonely Boat City!¡± Thinking about his family offending a Four-Star soul master, he felt nothing but cold all over. Not daring to stay in Lonely Boat City for another moment. Qin Changsheng was at a loss: ¡°I haven¡¯t offended anyone¡­¡± Instantly, he thought of Jiang Fan. But Jiang Fan was just a nobody, not related to a Four-Star soul master. Thinking of him, Qin Changsheng¡¯s eyes turned fierce: ¡°Grandpa, can we teach Jiang Fan a lesson before we leave?¡± He exaggerated the fact that Jiang Fan had injured Qin family members. When he finished, Qin Wenyuan snorted: ¡°Even if our Qin family is in decline, we won¡¯t be bullied by a Xu family¡¯s son-in-law!¡± ¡°First go back and pack up, then we¡¯ll settle accounts with him!¡± Chapter 72 - Chapter 72: Chapter 72: Despicable Chapter 72: Chapter 72: Despicable The next day. Jiang Fan went to the Dragon-Rising Path again to refine his movement technique. Xu Yining had been waiting for a long time, her fair cheeks tinged with a faint blush, her eyes holding a trace of expectation and shyness. ¡°Let¡¯s go in,¡± Jiang Fan said expressionlessly. Continuing to teach her the movement technique within Chen Zhengdao¡¯s projection. After half a day, having guided her for the most part, he entered the twelfth layer to cultivate the Wandering Dragon Palm. After two days of training, his First Layer was approaching perfection. With one more day of refinement, it would be completed. He was eager to see if, upon reaching Great Success, he could have a match with Zhong Qizhen. To see just how powerful the Wandering Dragon Palm truly was. Dragging his exhausted body home, he saw from afar a graceful figure, holding a dim lantern, waiting for his return. ¡°Youran.¡± Jiang Fan looked around to ensure no one was present, then affectionately put his arm around her shoulder. Xu Youran¡¯s expression was complicated as she said: ¡°Chen Silin came by.¡± Jiang Fan let out a sound. She must have come to congratulate Xu Youran on becoming Elder Li Qingfeng¡¯s disciple. ¡°She was looking for you,¡± Xu Youran said, her eyes filled with resentment. Huh? Jiang Fan was taken aback: ¡°Looking for me?¡± Xu Youran replied: ¡°When did you two become so close?¡± ¡°She needed you to vet her suitor?¡± Um¡ª So it was about this matter. Jiang Fan explained, half-true: ¡°It was the Chen Family Master¡¯s request. I once helped him, so he finds me reliable.¡± So it was arranged by Chen Silin¡¯s father? Xu Youran¡¯s mood improved, and she said: ¡°No wonder, you are now at the Third Layer of Foundation Establishment, one of the top experts in Lonely Boat City.¡± ¡°Having you vet someone is reasonable.¡± After a moment of thought, she added: ¡°I¡¯ll go with you tomorrow.¡± ¡°I also want to see what Chen Silin¡¯s fianc¨¦ is like, and if he is more outstanding than you.¡± Um¡ª This needs comparing too? A woman¡¯s competitive spirit knows no bounds. At dawn, Jiang Fan and Xu Youran headed to the Chen Family. On the way, they passed a shop selling high-end gifts. ¡°Since it¡¯s an invitation from the Chen Family Master, it would be impolite to go empty-handed.¡± Xu Youran stopped the carriage: ¡°You wait here in the carriage, I¡¯ll go buy some gifts.¡± She wore a green outfit, simple yet elegant, like a summer lotus leaf, brightening the eyes. Her fair skin and stunning beauty attracted the gazes of the shop¡¯s patrons. ¡°Oh? Junior Sister Youran?¡± Xu Youran looked up and saw it was Li Qingfeng¡¯s disciple, and Jiang Fan¡¯s upcoming challenger, Zhong Qizhen. Jiang Fan¡¯s entry into the Green Cloud Sect depended on their duel. She dared not neglect the matter, and politely greeted: ¡°Senior Brother Zhong.¡± Seeing her gentle demeanor, Zhong Qizhen¡¯s face was full of ardor. He stepped forward and grasped her hand: ¡°Junior Sister Youran, no need for such formality.¡± Startled, Xu Youran quickly pulled away just before he could touch her, a hint of panic on her face: ¡°Senior Brother Zhong, men and women should not touch, and moreover, I am already betrothed.¡± Zhong Qizhen¡¯s expression immediately turned displeased, and he said: ¡°To that Jiang Fan? He¡¯s just useless trash.¡± ¡°Junior Sister, you are so exceptionally beautiful, don¡¯t you feel wronged marrying him?¡± ¡°I heard you were forced?¡± ¡°How about this, I will stand up for you and break the engagement!¡± As he spoke, he approached again. Hearing his insults, Xu Youran felt disgusted but had to endure, as Jiang Fan¡¯s fate depended on this man. Reluctantly holding back her anger, she whispered: ¡°Senior Brother, Jiang Fan and I are truly in love, there¡¯s no talk of wrongs or rights.¡± ¡°Please, don¡¯t say such things again.¡± Zhong Qizhen squinted, becoming somewhat impatient: ¡°Junior Sister, to be honest, I fell in love with you at first sight.¡± ¡°Coincidentally, I need a partner in the sect. Would you be willing?¡± What? Knowing she had a fianc¨¦, he still made such an absurd request? Furious, she turned to leave: ¡°I have matters to attend to, I bid you farewell.¡± Not wanting to spend another moment with Zhong Qizhen. Unexpectedly, Zhong Qizhen coldly threatened: ¡°Do you want Jiang Fan to pass the assessment or not?¡± ¡°His entry to the Green Cloud Sect is entirely in my hands.¡± ¡°If I go easy on him, perhaps he can pass.¡± ¡°If I¡¯m serious, do you think he can survive ten of my moves?¡± This! Xu Youran abruptly stopped, looking at him angrily: ¡°Senior Brother Zhong, what exactly do you want?¡± Zhong Qizhen¡¯s gaze roamed over her captivating figure heatedly: ¡°Come with me now and have some fun.¡± ¡°I promise to go easy on Jiang Fan.¡± He played a word game. He promised to go easy but didn¡¯t guarantee Jiang Fan would pass the assessment. Feeling deeply insulted, Xu Youran wanted to leave. Zhong Qizhen coldly snorted: ¡°Try taking one step out of this shop, and I¡¯ll immediately crush Jiang Fan¡¯s hopes!¡± Xu Youran walked to the shop¡¯s entrance. Yet, she didn¡¯t dare step outside. Seeing the beauty he had frightened into hesitation, Zhong Qizhen¡¯s lustful rage surged. Smiling, he stepped forward, extending his hands to embrace Xu Youran from behind. But suddenly. Xu Youran stumbled forward, his hands grasping at thin air. Upon closer inspection, it turned out Jiang Fan had swiftly pulled Xu Youran into his arms. Simultaneously, he kicked a spiky fruit into Zhong Qizhen¡¯s hands. Ouch! Missing his target, Zhong Qizhen¡¯s hands were pricked, causing him to hiss in pain. ¡°You!¡± Zhong Qizhen angrily pulled out the thorns. The sharp thorns drew several drops of blood. Jiang Fan narrowed his eyes, writing: ¡°I don¡¯t know about your skills, but you certainly are despicable.¡± Zhong Qizhen snorted: ¡°Who do you think you are to judge me?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t forget, your fate is in my hands!¡± ¡°Kneel and apologize now, and I might consider going easy during the duel, or else¡­¡± Jiang Fan was unafraid, writing: ¡°Then don¡¯t go easy.¡± ¡°Winning that way would be meaningless.¡± Zhong Qizhen fumed with anger. Laughing furiously: ¡°Alright! As you say! Don¡¯t blame me for defeating you with one move!¡± Jiang Fan turned his back on him, holding Xu Youran as they left. At the Chen Family. Their arrival was warmly welcomed by Chen Yuqiu. Only Chen Silin remained restless, sighing continuously. Especially seeing Jiang Fan and Xu Youran seated together, a perfect match, she felt even more dejected. Chen Yuqiu, noticing her feelings, said: ¡°Fate brings people together and separates them. Don¡¯t force what isn¡¯t meant to be.¡± ¡°Your other half is not bad either.¡± ¡°A Green Cloud Sect Inner Sect disciple, Elder Li¡¯s cherished student, from a prominent family in Biliu City, well-matched with you.¡± Though these words made sense, Chen Silin felt bitter. She understood she wasn¡¯t a match for Jiang Fan. However, people always compare. If Jiang Fan¡¯s fianc¨¦e were an unparalleled beauty she could admire, she would accept it. But it had to be her good friend, Xu Youran, who once lived a life far less than her own. She could only hope Zhong Qizhen was not too inferior to Jiang Fan. At this moment, the steward led a person in confidently. ¡°Master, Young Master Zhong has arrived.¡± Jiang Fan straightened immediately, curious about the newcomer. The Chen Family had a deep foundation, a vast estate. Chen Silin, pure and outstanding, with a keen business mind, was both beautiful and intelligent. Her fianc¨¦ must be exceptionally brilliant as well. But at first glance, he froze. Beside him, Xu Youran was equally astonished. Chapter 73 - Chapter 73: Chapter 73: I Do Not Agree with This Marriage Chapter 73: Chapter 73: I Do Not Agree with This Marriage But the visitor was none other than¡­ It was Zhong Qizhen! He stepped into the hall with a warm smile, carrying a heavy chest of gifts. ¡°Uncle Chen, Auntie.¡± Seeing the handsome Zhong Qizhen, Chen Yuqiu nodded with satisfaction. Liu Qimin was delighted: ¡°I told you, Young Master Zhong is excellent, didn¡¯t I?¡± ¡°Handsome and courteous, he looks like a gentleman.¡± ¡°And his family background, cultivation, and sect are all top-notch choices.¡± Zhong Qizhen feigned modesty: ¡°Uncle, Auntie, you¡¯re too kind, may I ask which one is Siling?¡± He followed Liu Qimin¡¯s gaze. A beautiful young girl in a pink dress with a pear blossom hairpin, her black hair cascading like a waterfall, appeared before him. Her delicate and beautiful face, her flawless, dewy skin. And the enticing curves that even the dress couldn¡¯t hide. All made Zhong Qizhen¡¯s eyes light up. He had originally been resistant to this marriage proposal. Now, he wished he could accept it right away. Such a beautiful woman was hard to find. Liu Qimin asked expectantly, ¡°Young Master Zhong, what do you think of my daughter?¡± Zhong Qizhen swallowed a breath of saliva and did not spare any praise: ¡°Siling is a beauty, gentle and quiet, I like her very much.¡± In his heart, he didn¡¯t believe the Chen Family was worthy of him. Who was he? A disciple of Green Cloud Peak with endless future potential. Such a humble Chen Family, worthy of marrying me? But if the Chen Family offered such a beautiful daughter for him to have fun with for a few days, why not? Once he was bored, he could just kick her away. What would the Chen Family dare do to him? Hearing such an evaluation, Liu Qimin was secretly pleased. Knowing that the marriage could be settled. As for Chen Siling¡¯s opinion, she ignored it completely. In a large family like the Chen Family, children¡¯s marriages were not up to them. She signaled to Chen Yuqiu to step forward and make the decision. Chen Yuqiu looked at Chen Siling with a guilty expression. Seeing her head lowered, her red lips tightly bitten, unable to make a decision. He turned to Jiang Fan and said, ¡°Young Master Jiang, what do you think?¡± Before making a decision, let¡¯s see what Jiang Fan had to say first. If Jiang Fan acknowledged this person as worthy of a lifetime commitment. Then Chen Siling might give up. Liu Qimin frowned slightly, not understanding why the head of the family had invited Jiang Fan to be a judge. He was just an in-law of the Xu Family, did he have such an important role? She said without expression, ¡°Young Master Jiang, please judge fairly, do not cause trouble because of any personal connection with my daughter.¡± If judged fairly, she was confident that Zhong Qizhen would pass. Such an outstanding person, how could Jiang Fan find any fault? Chen Siling, however, raised her head, biting her red lips slightly, looking at Jiang Fan with pleading eyes. Unfortunately, Jiang Fan disappointed her. He calmly wrote a note: ¡°I will evaluate impartially and objectively.¡± At this moment, Zhong Qizhen finally noticed Jiang Fan and Xu Youran. He was taken aback: ¡°Jiang Fan? Why, why are you here?¡± Chen Yuqiu looked at the two in surprise and asked, ¡°What, does Young Master Zhong know Young Master Jiang?¡± Panicking inside, Zhong Qizhen quickly spoke before Jiang Fan could: ¡°I met him once when I accompanied my master to the Xu Family.¡± He gave Jiang Fan a vicious glare without leaving any trace. Meaning for him to shut up and not say anything. Then he asked with a face of curiosity, ¡°Uncle Chen, isn¡¯t today my and Siling¡¯s matchmaking day?¡± ¡°Why was he invited?¡± Since he asked, Chen Yuqiu did not hide it. ¡°Young Master Jiang, having met countless people, has extraordinary skills, I invited him to judge on Siling¡¯s behalf.¡± ¡°To see if Siling¡¯s matchmaking partner is truly a perfect match.¡± What? Jiang Fan was the judge for this matchmaking? His face turned increasingly panicked, deeply regretting. Had I known this, why did I tease Xu Youran just now and make an enemy of her? Chen Yuqiu, unaware of his changed expression, patted him on the shoulder with a smile: ¡°But you are so outstanding, Young Master Jiang couldn¡¯t praise you enough.¡± ¡°Right, Young Master Jiang?¡± Jiang Fan smiled slightly. He wrote a note: ¡°Appearance, cultivation, family background, sect, all impeccable, all first-class.¡± Seeing such an evaluation, Chen Yuqiu nodded slightly. As expected. Liu Qimin¡¯s face lit up with joy, thinking: ¡°At least this so-called Jiang Fan knew his place, not to spoil the Chen Family¡¯s good fortune.¡± Chen Siling¡¯s delicate body shivered, her rosy cheeks visibly turning ashen, her eyes hollow and vacant. She felt only despair. The only chance of overturning the situation was ruthlessly extinguished by Jiang Fan. This felt like a stab to her heart, unbearably painful. An anxious Zhong Qizhen exhaled a sigh of relief, giving Jiang Fan a contemptuous glance, inwardly saying: ¡°Worthless, I knew you didn¡¯t dare to oppose me!¡± ¡°But if you think I¡¯ll let you off like this!¡± ¡°Unless you sensibly send Xu Youran to my bed, let me have enough fun, otherwise don¡¯t think I¡¯ll go easy on you in the competition!¡± Chen Yuqiu laughed and spoke. ¡°Since Young Master Jiang said¡­¡± But, he suddenly stopped. Because Jiang Fan had produced another note, which left everyone stunned. ¡°However, his character is extremely poor, truly a scumbag!¡± Xu Youran, who had been holding her breath, finally released it. She had truly thought Jiang Fan gave a passing evaluation. As her best friend, she didn¡¯t want to see Chen Siling be harmed by a despicable scum. Chen Siling¡¯s hollow eyes gradually refocused, her face rapidly brightening with joy. She cast Jiang Fan a deeply grateful look. Liu Qimin¡¯s face darkened, saying, ¡°Young Master Jiang, what do you mean by this?¡± Just when things were about to succeed, Jiang Fan suddenly played this card? Jiang Fan expressionlessly wrote: ¡°Exactly as written!¡± ¡°In summary, Zhong Qizhen is impressive on the outside but rotten within!¡± ¡°If you marry Chen Siling to him, it will ruin her life.¡± Chen Yuqiu was stunned. He knew Jiang Fan¡¯s identity. As a distinguished Three-Star Soul Master, his status was assured, he had no reason to slander a stranger. He looked at Zhong Qizhen with a more skeptical gaze. Liu Qimin couldn¡¯t accept it: ¡°You¡¯re lying!¡± ¡°Zhong Qizhen¡¯s reputation in Biliu City is well-known, how could he be so disreputable according to you?¡± ¡°Young Master Jiang, it¡¯s better to destroy ten monasteries than ruin one marriage, don¡¯t slander so casually!¡± Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t help but shake his head and sigh. He wrote: ¡°Slander?¡± ¡°Mrs. Chen, why not ask in a certain shop on the street, how the bridegroom of your eyes teased my wife, insulted my wife.¡± ¡°Even threatening me to force my wife into compliance!¡± ¡°Such a person, would you still want him?¡± What? Chen Yuqiu exclaimed: ¡°Is this true?¡± Xu Youran stood up, her face angry but reverent: ¡°Uncle Chen, if you do not believe Fan, you should believe in my character?¡± ¡°I swear on my honor, everything Fan said is the absolute truth.¡± Now Liu Qimin was shocked too. As her daughter¡¯s only best friend, Liu Qimin knew Xu Youran¡¯s character all too well. Well-educated, gentle and pure, she would never stoop to lying. Never especially on matters concerning one¡¯s integrity and morality! Xu Youran added: ¡°If you still do not trust me, you may summon the shopkeeper and the clerk to form an open confrontation.¡± With words said to this extent, what else could be doubted? Chen Yuqiu was enraged: ¡°Young Master Zhong, while matchmaking you still tease other women?¡± ¡°What do you take my daughter for? What do you take my Chen Family for?¡± ¡°This marriage, let¡¯s drop it!¡± ¡°Show him out!¡± Liu Qimin stared at Zhong Qizhen with disappointment: ¡°You let me down too much, leave and never come back to our Chen Family!¡± Zhong Qizhen could never have imagined. The marriage he had almost secured was destroyed by Jiang Fan! He had intended to block Jiang Fan¡¯s path to joining the Green Cloud Sect. But his own marriage was interrupted by Jiang Fan first! ¡°Wait!¡± Zhong Qizhen suddenly shouted, pushing away approaching servants. He glared at Chen Yuqiu angrily: ¡°It¡¯s not over yet!¡± Chapter 74 - Chapter 74: Chapter 74 Siling, You Play the Baby Chapter 74: Chapter 74 Siling, You Play the Baby Chen Yuqiu said furiously, ¡°Do you still want to act recklessly in my Chen Family?¡± Not driving him away was already being very polite, considering their families¡¯ friendship. ¡°Hmph!¡± Zhong Qizhen snorted through his nostrils, folded his hands behind his back, and said, ¡°Chen Family, have you forgotten my status?¡± ¡°Green Cloud Sect, Inner Sect Disciple!¡± ¡°As long as I spread the word, whoever dares to marry Chen Silin, will be my enemy.¡± ¡°Do you think anyone else would dare to marry your daughter?¡± Chen Yuqiu and Liu Qimin¡¯s faces changed dramatically. The status of an Inner Sect Disciple of the Green Cloud Sect carried significant weight. Even a City Lord dared not offend them. Let alone an ordinary family? If he really spread such a word, who would dare to marry her? Chen Silin would likely be alone for the rest of her life because of this. ¡°You despicable man!¡± Xu Youran exclaimed angrily, ¡°Can¡¯t get it, so you want to destroy it?¡± Zhong Qizhen argued shamelessly, ¡°It was the Chen Family who first insulted me!¡± ¡°They actually handed my marriage over to a worthless person to decide!¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t this slapping my face?¡± He coldly glared at Chen Yuqiu and said, ¡°You have only two choices.¡± ¡°Either let Chen Silin accompany me for a few days, and once I get tired of her, I¡¯ll naturally let her go, and she can marry whoever she wants afterward.¡± ¡°Or, make sure she never gets married for the rest of her life!¡± Xu Youran was trembling with rage. How could there be such a shameless person in this world? She was very grateful that Jiang Fan had ended this engagement, otherwise, Chen Silin¡¯s life would have been ruined. But if Zhong Qizhen really carried this out, Chen Silin¡¯s later life would still be destroyed. At her young and beautiful age, would she really be ruined by someone like Zhong Qizhen? Seeing Chen Silin crying with sorrow but helpless, Xu Youran felt heartbroken. All these years, it was Chen Silin who had been taking care of her. Otherwise, her own situation would have been even more difficult. Suddenly, an idea struck her. She looked at Jiang Fan and then at Chen Silin. After thinking for a moment, she bit her lip slightly and said, ¡°Who said no one dares to marry Silin?¡± Under Chen Silin¡¯s puzzled gaze. Xu Youran grabbed Jiang Fan¡¯s arm and pulled him up, saying, ¡°Jiang Fan, you marry Chen Silin!¡± Ah? Jiang Fan was bewildered and wrote, ¡°Youran, what nonsense are you talking?¡± The abrupt words left him completely at a loss. But Xu Youran bit her red lips slightly, her expression complicated, and said, ¡°It¡¯s not nonsense, I have thought about it seriously for a long time.¡± She looked at Jiang Fan sorrowfully, filled with reluctance. ¡°If I am forced to go to the Green Cloud Sect, and you fail the assessment, someone needs to take care of you.¡± ¡°And it just so happens that Silin has feelings for you, I believe she will treat you well for me.¡± She had thought about it for a long time. When the day came to leave, even if she didn¡¯t want to part with Jiang Fan, she might still be forcibly taken away by Li Qingfeng. If that happened, Jiang Fan would be left alone, lonely. It would be better to take today¡¯s opportunity to fulfill Chen Silin. Jiang Fan wrote in astonishment, ¡°But what if I can also go to the Green Cloud Sect? If we give her a title now, how will she marry someone else in the future?¡± ¡°By doing this, you are still harming her. This won¡¯t do!¡± Xu Youran¡¯s eyebrows slightly arched. From Zhong Qizhen¡¯s malice towards Jiang Fan, it was impossible for him to ease up. The possibility of Jiang Fan passing the assessment was very slim. But even if there was a slim chance, she had to prepare for it, so she looked at Chen Silin with an inquiring gaze and said: ¡°Siling, if Jiang Fan and I got married, would you still be willing¡­¡± She suddenly found it hard to say. To let the only daughter of the Chen Family, such a beautiful and intelligent woman, become Jiang Fan¡¯s concubine? Wasn¡¯t this an insult to her? Not to mention that Chen Silin would never agree. Even the Chen Family head could never agree! ¡°I, I am willing.¡± What stunned Xu Youran was that Chen Silin¡¯s face was as red as the evening glow, and her watery eyes were filled with shy mist. She bashfully turned her face away, her voice as soft as a mosquito¡¯s buzz. Xu Youran was taken aback, ¡°Siling, do you understand what I mean? I am asking you¡­ to be a concubine.¡± Chen Silin¡¯s snowy cheeks turned even redder, and she shamefully said, ¡°I understand, I am willing.¡± Ah? Xu Youran opened her mouth in surprise. Willing to be a concubine? She looked back at Jiang Fan, muttering, ¡°What on earth does Silin see in you? She is even willing to be so aggrieved?¡± She couldn¡¯t understand no matter how much she thought about it. Zhong Qizhen sneered as he heard this, ¡°Junior Sister, you are too naive.¡± ¡°How could a big family like the Chen Family allow their only daughter to be a concubine?¡± ¡°What use is it if you and Chen Silin agree? The head of the Chen Family must agree!¡± ¡°In my opinion, it¡¯s better to honestly let Chen Silin¡­¡± His words were suddenly interrupted. Chen Yuqiu¡¯s eyes lit up, and he said with surprise and delight, ¡°Youran, can you make the decision?¡± Who was Jiang Fan? A Three-Star Soul Master! In the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, he was an extraordinary figure. If the Chen Family¡¯s daughter could become the woman of such a person, that would be a great blessing! No, it¡¯s as if the ancestral tomb is smoking! No, it¡¯s on fire! A fire that couldn¡¯t be put out! He had never even dared to think about it before, but now this great fortune suddenly fell upon him. But he didn¡¯t know Jiang Fan¡¯s attitude. Upon hearing this, Jiang Fan lifted his pen to write something, but Xu Youran snatched the pen away and gently scolded him with her eyes, ¡°Siling is in trouble, why shouldn¡¯t you help?¡± This left Jiang Fan anxious. Xu Youran ignored him and said to Chen Yuqiu, ¡°Uncle Chen, since I will be Jiang Fan¡¯s future wife, the matter of taking a concubine is naturally my decision.¡± ¡°As long as you agree, then there is no problem on my end.¡± According to the custom, the legal wife had the right to decide her husband¡¯s concubine¡¯s matter. Since she agreed, it meant that the matter was settled. Chen Yuqiu was overjoyed and knelt down excitedly, ¡°On behalf of the entire Chen Family, and the ancestors of the Chen Family, I thank Miss Xu for your great kindness!¡± Ah? The grand gesture startled Xu Youran, and she hurriedly helped him up. ¡°Uncle Chen, are you trying to frighten Youran?¡± She was just saving Chen Silin. Was it necessary to involve the ancestors? How could she know that her decision tied the Chen Family to a Three-Star Soul Master! From now on, they would leap through the Dragon Gate and rise to prosperity. Chen Yuqiu remained excited and couldn¡¯t calm down. Next to him, Liu Qimin was filled with mixed feelings and pinched Chen Yuqiu¡¯s waist, complaining. To let their daughter be a concubine, and he was this happy? Even if they had no choice, they couldn¡¯t do this? How could this befit their daughter¡¯s dignity? Chen Yuqiu thought since they were now family with Jiang Fan, he whispered the reason. ¡°Jiang Fan is the Three-Star Soul Master of our Chen Family!¡± ¡°What?¡± Liu Qimin was so shocked she exclaimed, ¡°He is¡­¡± ¡°Shh! It¡¯s a secret.¡± Chen Yuqiu quickly stopped her. Only then did Liu Qimin quickly shut her mouth, looking at Jiang Fan with great joy. She was overjoyed and held Xu Youran¡¯s hand, ¡°Youran, Auntie thanks you, thank you so much.¡± ¡°You are simply a great benefactor of our Chen Family.¡± ¡°Let me also bow to you?¡± Xu Youran hurriedly helped her up, panicking. Her head was filled with question marks. What was wrong with the Chen Family couple? Did she do something incredible? Why were they giving her such a grand gesture? After calming them down, she announced, ¡°Then it¡¯s settled.¡± ¡°From now on, Chen Silin will be my husband Jiang Fan¡¯s concubine.¡± Immediately, she looked at Zhong Qizhen and said, ¡°Can you give up now?¡± Zhong Qizhen¡¯s chest heaved with unbounded anger. He felt deeply humiliated and shouted, ¡°The Chen Family would rather let their daughter become a concubine than fulfill my wish?¡± ¡°In your eyes, am I not even as good as a worthless person?¡± ¡°This is an insult to me and also an insult to the Zhong Family!¡± ¡°You all just wait for my father to come and seek justice!¡± After speaking, he stormed off angrily. Jiang Fan was speechless. Chen Silin went on a blind date, and how did it turn out that she became my concubine? I was just here to oversee it, right? But things had developed to this point, and it could only be settled this way. After thinking for a moment, he took out his last Transcend Mortality Pill, along with some top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid, and that high-level Yellow Grade mental method book. ¡°Since you and I now have a title, these items are for you.¡± ¡°Take them quickly, and then ask Elder Li Qingfeng to test your Spirit Root, to see if you can also enter the Green Cloud Sect.¡± Chen Silin didn¡¯t even look closely at what they were, blushing as she took them. Jiang Fan also felt uneasy. At this time. A servant suddenly reported, ¡°Young Master Jiang! Young Master Jiang! The Xu Family Master asks you to return quickly.¡± ¡°The Qin Family has come calling, demanding an explanation from you.¡± Chapter 75 - Chapter 75: Chapter 75 The Qin Family Finds Trouble Chapter 75: Chapter 75 The Qin Family Finds Trouble Upon hearing this. Chen Yuqiu¡¯s face turned serious, and she said, ¡°Young Master Jiang, I¡¯ll go with you.¡± ¡°I heard that the old master of the Qin family, Qin Wenyuan, has returned.¡± ¡°He¡¯s a ruthless character.¡± Although Jiang Fan was a Three-Star Soul Master, his cultivation might not be as strong as theirs. If they fought head-on, Jiang Fan might suffer a loss. Jiang Fan frowned. Qin Wenyuan? Why is his name so similar to Huang Wenyuan¡¯s? ¡°No need, I can handle it myself.¡± Jiang Fan waved his hand and immediately rushed back to the Xu family with Xu Youran. The Chen family was still unaware that he had broken through to the Foundation Establishment Third Layer. If they knew, they wouldn¡¯t have this worry. Outside the main gate. Xu Yining had been waiting for a long time, and upon seeing Jiang Fan, she wanted to complain a bit. But thinking about it, it was the Qin family who had caused trouble first, and Jiang Fan had injured so many from the Qin family for the sake of the Xu family. She could only look worried: ¡°Old Master Qin Wenyuan is a One-Star Soul Master certified by the Soul Master Association and the Soul Pavilion, even the elders of the Green Cloud Sect have to show him some respect.¡± ¡°Although we were forced to fight back, how could Old Master Qin reason with us?¡± Xu Youran was also worried, her brows furrowed: ¡°If this matter can¡¯t be resolved, how can we peacefully go to the Green Cloud Sect?¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s face couldn¡¯t help but show a chilly expression. A One-Star Soul Master? He lifted his brush and wrote: ¡°I want to see what explanation he wants from me!¡± After saying that, he stepped into the mansion. In the main hall. Xu Zhengyan obediently stood in the hall. Qin Wenyuan sat grandly on the family head¡¯s seat, holding a cup of tea, sipping it slowly. ¡°Jiang Fan isn¡¯t back yet?¡± He asked with an imposing aura. Xu Zhengyan, with a bitter face, replied, ¡°Old Master Qin, all the faults are mine.¡± ¡°If you want to punish, punish me. Please spare Jiang Fan, he¡¯s just a child.¡± Smack¡ª Upon hearing this, Qin Changsheng stepped forward and slapped him across the face. Xu Zhengyan¡¯s cultivation was higher than his, and he could have dodged it. But in front of Qin Wenyuan, he didn¡¯t dare to dodge at all, letting the slap land on his face. ¡°A child?¡± Qin Changsheng furiously pointed to his broken arm: ¡°Did he look like a child when he broke my arm?¡± ¡°I¡¯m telling you, if Jiang Fan doesn¡¯t give the Qin family an explanation today, I will flatten the Xu family!¡± The clan leader being slapped in public. As clan members, who wouldn¡¯t be angry, who wouldn¡¯t hate? But with the formidable presence of Qin Wenyuan, their anger could only be swallowed in silence. Allowing the Qin family to be arrogant. Among the clan members, Wang Yingfeng regretted deeply. What kind of sin did she commit to invite this plague, Lu Zheng, into the Xu family? Bringing destruction upon the Xu family time and time again. If it weren¡¯t for Jiang Fan holding the fort, the Xu family would have been finished long ago. But this time they were facing a Soul Master, how could Jiang Fan withstand the pressure? Chirp¡ª¡ª The sound of a flying bird was heard. Li Qingfeng came asking while riding a flying bird. After all, the Xu family was the family of his two disciples. Since he, the master, was nearby, he couldn¡¯t pretend not to see it. Qin Wenyuan¡¯s grey eyebrows twitched, and he quickly stepped forward. He cupped his hands and said, ¡°Elder Li.¡± Li Qingfeng dismounted and kept a few degrees of courtesy, ¡°Master Qin, no need to be so polite.¡± ¡°Since you have returned in triumph, our Green Cloud Sect should have paid you a visit.¡± The status of a Soul Master far surpassed that of ordinary people. Even a One-Star Soul Master held a transcendent status in the Green Cloud Sect. As an elder, Li Qingfeng was also courteous. Qin Wenyuan knew his intention and said, ¡°Elder Li, you have come to mediate the conflict, haven¡¯t you?¡± Li Qingfeng smiled and said, ¡°It¡¯s better to resolve enmities than to make them. Could you give me some face and let both sides end this matter here?¡± Seeing him arrive. The Xu family members were secretly overjoyed. With Elder Li stepping in, today¡¯s matter was undoubtedly settled. Xu Zhengyan also breathed a sigh of relief. Luckily, Elder Li was in the city. Otherwise, today¡¯s matter would be hard to resolve peacefully. However, Qin Wenyuan¡¯s face showed a hint of annoyance. ¡°Elder Li, it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t give you face, but the Xu family has gone too far!¡± ¡°Back in the days, I made quite a few contributions to Lonely Boat City.¡± ¡°But during my decade-long absence, the Xu family has injured and crippled my Qin family members. If I don¡¯t vent this anger, I would be ashamed to face the ancestors of the Qin family.¡± Seeing Li Qingfeng¡¯s displeasure, he sighed, ¡°However, since it¡¯s Elder Li personally pleading.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll take a step back.¡± ¡°Every debt has a debtor. Since Jiang Fan is the main culprit, we¡¯ll only hold him accountable.¡± ¡°It has nothing to do with the rest of the Xu family.¡± The members of the Xu family were secretly overjoyed. Not implicating the Xu family was already Qin Wenyuan showing great respect. This was the best result. Li Qingfeng showed a faint smile, ¡°Master Qin is benevolent. I thank you on behalf of the Xu family.¡± Only Xu Zhengyan. His heart sank. He said, ¡°Elder Li, could you also help Jiang Fan?¡± The Qin family directing all their rage at Jiang Fan. One could only imagine the price they would demand. Li Qingfeng frowned. He didn¡¯t care about Jiang Fan¡¯s life or death, and if he became crippled, it would be better as he wouldn¡¯t join the Green Cloud Sect. That way, he wouldn¡¯t be a burden to his beloved disciple, Xu Youran. With a serious expression, he said, ¡°Xu Family Master, I have already done my best.¡± ¡°Although Jiang Fan is young, he should bear the consequences of his own actions.¡± ¡°Experiencing this will also make him grow, it might not be a bad thing for him.¡± Qin Wenyuan snorted with an imposing aura, ¡°Xu Zhengyan, you should be content!¡± ¡°If it weren¡¯t for Elder Li, your Xu family wouldn¡¯t escape the crime of harboring a criminal today!¡± Many clan members persuaded Xu Zhengyan not to anger the two important figures anymore. Otherwise, in a fit of rage, if Qin Wenyuan withdrew his promise, the Xu family would be implicated as well. ¡°But Fan¡­¡± Xu Zhengyan couldn¡¯t bear it. Obviously, it was because of the Xu family that they provoked the Qin family. As he was speaking, a tall and straight figure quickly walked in from outside the door. Who else could it be but Jiang Fan? Seeing him, Xu Zhengyan felt deeply guilty, ¡°Fan, our Xu family has wronged you!¡± The other clan members also hung their heads in shame. They dared not look Jiang Fan in the eye. Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes were calm as he glanced around at the Qin family, and with a cold gaze, he lifted his brush and wrote: ¡°Last time I spared you dogs¡¯ lives, this time you¡¯re ignorant of life and death and come seeking death again, aren¡¯t you?¡± As soon as the note was out. The Qin family members were in an uproar. Qin Changsheng laughed angrily, ¡°Bastard! Do you even realize the situation and still dare to spew such nonsense?¡± ¡°I¡¯m telling you, if you don¡¯t give the Qin family a satisfactory explanation today, you won¡¯t leave here alive!¡± Li Qingfeng also frowned slightly. Reading Jiang Fan¡¯s note, he could only shake his head, ¡°Young man, be less arrogant and more humble, and you wouldn¡¯t be in today¡¯s predicament.¡± ¡°Kneel down and apologize to Master Qin quickly, and you might still have some room for negotiation.¡± ¡°Otherwise, even I can¡¯t save you today.¡± Master Qin? Qin Wenyuan? Jiang Fan¡¯s gaze swept over, landing on Qin Wenyuan. This visage, was it not Huang Wenyuan? He didn¡¯t recognize that the person in front of him was the old man with disheveled hair in the Cloud-floating Cave. But, Qin Wenyuan immediately recognized Jiang Fan. Wasn¡¯t this the Three-Star Soul Master who had killed Xu Ganglie with a single sword in the Cloud-floating Cave? No, it should be Four-Star Soul Master? His mouth trembled, ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re Jiang Fan?¡± Chapter 76 - Chapter 76: Chapter 76: Xu Yinings Request Chapter 76: Chapter 76: Xu Yining¡¯s Request He never dreamed. To avoid that Four-star Soul Master, he decided to move his entire family out of Lonely Boat City, far away to other places. Before leaving, to salvage some dignity for his clan, he came to find Jiang Fan to demand a price. Who could have imagined. The Jiang Fan he came to trouble was actually that Four-star Soul Master! This discovery made him feel as if he had stepped on empty air and fallen into a bottomless abyss. Boundless fear engulfed his heart. He was petrified on the spot. Qin Changsheng did not notice the old man¡¯s abnormality. He sneered arrogantly: ¡°Old Master of the Qin family, why aren¡¯t you kneeling yet?¡± ¡°This way the old man might consider showing mercy.¡± Xu Zhengyan was also full of shame. He gritted his teeth slightly, then knelt in front of Qin Wenyuan with a thud and said: ¡°Elder Qin.¡± ¡°I kneel on behalf of Jiang Fan. Whatever you want to do to him next, I will bear it for him!¡± No matter what, Jiang Fan fell into such trouble for the Qin family. How could he bear to let Jiang Fan alone face it? Qin Changsheng was furious, and he kicked him to the ground. ¡°Xu Zhengyan, who the hell do you think you are?¡± ¡°Who gave you the face to take punishment for Jiang Fan?¡± ¡°Get lost! Today, no one can save this little bastard!¡± Jiang Fan, seeing this, his eyes turned cold. He helped Xu Zhengyan up with one hand, and with a piercing gaze, he walked toward Qin Changsheng. The Qin family, they really went too far! Qin Changsheng wasn¡¯t angry but laughed: ¡°Old man, look! Look at this! How arrogant and rampant this little bastard is?¡± ¡°In front of you, he still wants to act violently!¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t let him go, don¡¯t ever let¡­¡± Slap¡ª¡ª Suddenly. A black shadow flashed by, and Qin Changsheng received a solid slap in the face. He looked in the direction of the hand, his face bewildered: ¡°Old, Old man? Why did you hit me?¡± Shouldn¡¯t the one being hit be Jiang Fan? But when he saw the old man¡¯s face, he swallowed hard. At this moment, the old man¡¯s eyebrows were bristling, his features twisted with anger, his eyes spouting furious flames. Then his mouth erupted with an unprecedented roar of rage. ¡°Wretched creature! I, Qin Wenyuan, must have had eight lifetimes full of bad luck to raise such a prodigal son like you!¡± His whole body shook with anger, looking as if he would eat someone alive. Qin Changsheng, holding his fiery cheek: ¡°Old man, what is wrong with you?¡± It wasn¡¯t just him who was bewildered. Xu Zhengyan and many members of the Xu family were also bewildered. Li Qingfeng likewise felt confused and puzzled. Next, wasn¡¯t Qin Wenyuan supposed to punish Jiang Fan severely to restore some dignity for his clan? Why did he suddenly slap Qin Changsheng? Seeing his aggrieved look, Qin Wenyuan got even angrier and slapped him to the ground again. ¡°Beast! You still have the nerve to feel wronged! I ask you, why did you break into the Xu family and smash things?¡± Xu Zhengyan¡¯s heart jolted, and he immediately explained the cause and effect of the matter. After listening, Qin Wenyuan was even more furious! No wonder! No wonder Jiang Fan wanted to support the Chen family and bring down the Qin family! You helped Lu Zheng to snatch his wife, that is an enmity that cannot be reconciled! And he dared to say he didn¡¯t offend anyone! ¡°I¡¯ll kill you, you unfilial son!¡± Qin Wenyuan roared, raising his palm to slap him to death, to give an explanation to Jiang Fan. Xu Zhengyan was startled and said: ¡°Elder Qin, please show mercy.¡± Although he didn¡¯t understand why Qin Wenyuan suddenly decided this way, if Qin Changsheng really died in the Xu family, it would invite public criticism. The Xu family still had to make a living in Lonely Boat City in the future. Qin Wenyuan forcibly restrained his anger and withdrew his hand, but he looked at Jiang Fan: ¡°Young Master Jiang, I have failed in my discipline, letting my son commit such an atrocious act.¡± ¡°How you want to deal with him is up to you!¡± Hmm? Everyone in the hall was astonished. Qin Wenyuan actually asked Jiang Fan¡¯s opinion? Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes flickered, and seeing Qin Wenyuan¡¯s change of attitude, knew that he must have recognized his identity as a Soul Master. If so, it made sense. He glanced at Qin Changsheng, then at Xu Zhengyan¡¯s bleeding mouth and the footprint on his chest. He said indifferently: ¡°If it was offending me, I can overlook it.¡± ¡°But, raising a hand against my Uncle Xu, I cannot forgive!¡± ¡°Wherever he hit Uncle Xu, break that part of him!¡± Qin Changsheng was so scared that his face turned pale, begging Qin Wenyuan for help: ¡°Old man, old man, please don¡¯t listen to him.¡± Li Qingfeng also frowned slightly. This boy was young, but his temperament was ruthless and decisive, quite suitable for the Martial Path. What a pity he had no Spirit Root. However. In Qin Wenyuan¡¯s eyes, this was benevolence from heaven and earth. He felt like he had been granted amnesty and without hesitation, broke the hand that had slapped Xu Zhengyan¡¯s face, and also broke the leg that had kicked Xu Zhengyan¡¯s chest. The continuous pain caused Qin Changsheng to scream a few times before he fainted on the spot. Qin Wenyuan looked cautiously at Jiang Fan. Seeing no change in his expression, he finally breathed a sigh of relief and quickly cupped his hands: ¡°In that case, I will take my leave.¡± ¡°From today, our Qin family will leave Lonely Boat City.¡± ¡°Farewell!¡± He was telling Jiang Fan that the Qin family would completely leave Lonely Boat City. He asked for mercy. Jiang Fan gave a slight nod. Qin Wenyuan was completely at ease, leading the Qin family people away grandly. Leaving behind a hall full of puzzled people. They still didn¡¯t understand why the Qin family suddenly changed their attitude. And standing outside the door, witnessing the whole process, Xu Yining bit her lip. An outsider sees the situation clearly. She clearly noticed that Qin Wenyuan¡¯s attitude changed after recognizing Jiang Fan. ¡°Sister, why do I feel like Qin Wenyuan seems to fear Jiang Fan?¡± Xu Youran said in surprise, suspecting if it was his illusion. Xu Yining felt inexplicably irritable: ¡°No need for you to remind me.¡± She took up her sword and ran away quickly. With the matter here resolved, Li Qingfeng also got up to leave. Before leaving, he said: ¡°Jiang Fan, the day after tomorrow I will be leaving this place, you have only one last day to prepare.¡± He had been exploring around, looking for that person with the Nine-grade Spirit Root. But it was like looking for a needle in a haystack; he couldn¡¯t find them. He could only return to the sect to report to Liu Qingxian. Jiang Fan felt a tension in his heart. The next day. Before dawn, he rushed to the Dragon-Rising Path urgently. He went straight to the Twelfth Floor and began a fierce battle with Nangong Liuyun. After more than a hundred rounds, Jiang Fan shouted: ¡°Shocking Dragon Palm!¡± He struck with his palm, powerful spiritual power bursting out, producing a sound similar to a dragon¡¯s roar. The spiritual power took the shape of a dragon, fiercely penetrating Nangong Liuyun¡¯s projection. ¡°I lost.¡± The projection cupped his hands and slowly dissipated. Leaving a green jade key at the spot. ¡°Green Cloud Sect Medicine Garden Lower Key.¡± Jiang Fan read out the letters on the key, his eyes showing a hint of brightness. Did it mean he could use this key to enter the Medicine Garden and pick herbs? Herbs personally grown by the Green Cloud Sect, how could they be ordinary? He carefully put the key away. He had no desire to challenge the Thirteenth Floor. He turned and prepared to leave. Only to find that at some point Xu Yining had appeared on the Ninth Floor again. Tears flowed down her face as she immersed herself in slashing. When she failed and withdrew, she noticed the No.1 Shadow Guard present. She hurriedly wiped the tears away in embarrassment. ¡°What is this about?¡± Jiang Fan asked, bewildered. This person, who was more arrogant than a peacock, actually cried? Xu Yining didn¡¯t answer, and Jiang Fan, not wanting to ask further, took her into the projection and thoroughly taught her the movement technique of the First Layer. However, her comprehension was eventually a bit inferior to Jiang Fan¡¯s. So her movement technique, when executed, wasn¡¯t half as effective as Jiang Fan¡¯s. But this already made Xu Yining extremely happy. ¡°Alright, our interaction ends here.¡± After teaching these, Jiang Fan considered it a closure of a matter of concern. There shouldn¡¯t be any further contact with Xu Yining in the future. ¡°Wait!¡± Xu Yining stopped him, hesitated for a long time, then with a red face said: ¡°Can you do me a favor?¡± ¡°I want to ask you to pretend to be my lover.¡± Jiang Fan flatly refused: ¡°Absurd!¡± Xu Yining wasn¡¯t surprised, bowed her head, and said: ¡°Just once.¡± ¡°There is someone I hate, he has almost become my heart¡¯s demon.¡± ¡°I just want to prove in front of him that my original decision wasn¡¯t wrong.¡± Seeing Jiang Fan still unmoved, she knelt down, pleading: ¡°I¡¯m begging you!¡± Jiang Fan quickly helped her up. This annoying person, couldn¡¯t it be me? Chapter 77 - Chapter 77: Chapter 77 Zhong Familys Provocation Chapter 77: Chapter 77 Zhong Family¡¯s Provocation But looking at Xu Yining¡¯s tearful eyes. Thinking again, since he had taken her chance, he scratched his head and reluctantly agreed. ¡°Fine, just on the surface, you can¡¯t really cross the line.¡± Xu Yining¡¯s face lit up with joy, nodding heavily. She secretly clenched her fists, gritting her teeth: ¡°Jiang Fan!¡± ¡°Do you think now that you¡¯ve become excellent, I will regret it?¡± ¡°Let me tell you, I won¡¯t!¡± ¡°My destined one is like No.1 Shadow Guard, someone you will look up to for a lifetime!¡± After that. The two of them agreed on a time and then parted ways. Jiang Fan passed by the Chen Mansion and unexpectedly found several luxurious carriages parked at the entrance. On the curtain, there were the patterns of Biliu City. Also embroidered with the character ¡°Zhong¡±. He remembered the harsh words Zhong Qizhen left behind yesterday before he left. He couldn¡¯t help frowning, stepping into the Chen Mansion. Chen Family Living Room. ¡°Your Chen family bullies too much! My son is such a talented person, yet your Chen family treated him worse than waste!¡± A middle-aged man with a square face, full of dignity, clapped the table and shouted. The teacups on the tea table were overturned and shattered on the ground. Liu Qimin shrunk her neck, hiding behind Chen Yuqiu, not daring to say a word. The person in front of her is the Zhong Family Master, Zhong Liangpeng. He was the head of one of the leading families in Biliu City. He rushed to the Chen family overnight to seek justice for his son. ¡°Hmph!¡± Chen Yuqiu retorted with a stern face, ¡°It¡¯s our Chen family¡¯s business who my daughter marries, whether as a wife or a concubine!¡± ¡°Your son¡¯s conduct is indecent, I disagree with the marriage, and you still want to force it?¡± ¡°Coming to my Chen family, clapping the table and smashing teacups, who exactly is bullying too much?¡± He was equally imposing. This made Zhong Liangpeng restrain himself a bit, gritting his teeth: ¡°I don¡¯t care!¡± ¡°I only know that your Chen family would rather marry your daughter to a waste as a concubine than agree to my Zhong family¡¯s young master.¡± ¡°This is an insult to my Zhong family!¡± Upon hearing this. Chen Yuqiu snorted coldly, disdainfully saying: ¡°Always calling him waste.¡± ¡°In my opinion, your son can¡¯t compare to even a single toe of Jiang Fan!¡± ¡°Competing with Jiang Fan for a woman, does your son deserve it?¡± This blunt evaluation made Zhong Qizhen, who was also present, burn with rage. He roared: ¡°You say I¡¯m not even as good as waste?¡± ¡°My Zhong family is a prestigious family in Biliu City, what about Jiang Fan?¡± ¡°I am an inner sect disciple of the Green Cloud Sect, what about Jiang Fan?¡± ¡°I am powerful, what about Jiang Fan?¡± ¡°Comparing him to me is an insult to me, saying I¡¯m inferior to him is an insult to my Zhong family!¡± When Chen Yuqiu was about to say something. He noticed Jiang Fan with his hands behind his back, leisurely approaching. His eyes lit up, and a broad smile immediately appeared on his face: ¡°Young Master Jiang¡­ no, son-in-law, what brings you here?¡± Liu Qimin also immediately showed a face full of joy, smiling as she greeted him, holding his hand: ¡°Why didn¡¯t you let the servants know you were coming?¡± ¡°Quick, have a seat, have a seat!¡± ¡°Go, quickly get the good tea from the master¡¯s study.¡± She sat Jiang Fan down. That gaze was even more amicable than toward her own son. Chen Silin¡¯s gloomy expression turned rosy upon Jiang Fan¡¯s arrival, sitting shyly beside him. She bashfully picked up a spirit fruit and handed it to Jiang Fan: ¡°Here, this is for you.¡± When Zhong Qizhen and his father arrived. The three members of the Chen family didn¡¯t give them any good faces. But as soon as Jiang Fan arrived, the three of them showed this extremely welcoming attitude. The stark contrast made Zhong Qizhen unable to accept it, trembling with anger: ¡°Jiang Fan¡­ what on earth did Jiang Fan give you?¡± He didn¡¯t understand, he really couldn¡¯t understand! A waste whose fate of entering the Green Cloud Sect was in his hands. Why was he being treated so grandly by the Chen family? Zhong Liangpeng, also stimulated by the sharp contrast, laughed angrily: ¡°Originally, after the marriage alliance between our families, if your daughter performed well, a year later, I could consider using my connections to get her into the Green Cloud Sect as an outer sect disciple!¡± ¡°Do you know what that means? It means your daughter will leap over the dragon gate, no longer ordinary, and your Chen family will rise to glory, becoming illustrious ever after.¡± ¡°But all of this, destroyed by your ignorance!¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s ears were buzzing from the father and son. He dug his ears, picked up a pen, and wrote on a piece of paper: ¡°Show you what I gave the Chen family, and you will shut up, right?¡± Zhong Qizhen crossed his arms, sneering: ¡°A spineless trash as a son-in-law, what can he give?¡± ¡°Nothing but worthless garbage.¡± Jiang Fan said no more. He picked up the pen and said to Chen Silin: ¡°Does the Chen family have a magic artifact for detecting spirit roots? Show it to the Zhong family father and son and shut them up.¡± Chen Silin hesitated: ¡°Such an artifact, the Chen family naturally has, but detecting my spirit root?¡± She had no remarkable spirit root at all. Frankly speaking, it was only a First Grade spirit root, not even as good as Xu Youran¡¯s. Otherwise, she wouldn¡¯t have focused on business ventures. On the martial path, her talent was really poor. Detecting her spirit root would be a public embarrassment, wouldn¡¯t it? Chen Yuqiu reminded: ¡°Son-in-law, Silin¡¯s spirit root, is not very excellent.¡± Testing it in front of the Zhong family father and son wouldn¡¯t it be humiliating? Jiang Fan calmly said: ¡°Never mind, just test it.¡± This¡­ Chen Yuqiu and Chen Silin exchanged a glance. They were utterly confused by Jiang Fan¡¯s intention. But unable to resist Jiang Fan¡¯s request, Chen Silin could only brace herself, picking up a crude magic artifact for detection. She embarrassedly infused her pitifully weak spiritual power into it. Soon, the center of the artifact projected a beam of light. Which condensed into a line of words above the disc. Zhong Qizhen sneered: ¡°I don¡¯t know what this waste wants to show me?¡± ¡°To see how low Chen Silin¡¯s spirit root is¡­¡± The last ¡°is¡± word he couldn¡¯t say out loud. His eyes gradually widened in shock, his face horrified as if seeing a ghost. Zhong Liangpeng was also greatly shocked: ¡°Sixth Grade Spirit Root? How, how could this be?¡± Chen Silin was clearly a First Grade spirit root. How could it suddenly become a Sixth Grade spirit root? Chen Yuqiu, Chen Silin, and Liu Qimin were all astonished on the spot. Chen Silin couldn¡¯t believe it and tested again. The result, still Sixth Grade Spirit Root. ¡°Father, do I, do I have a Sixth Grade Spirit Root? Just like Xu Yining, the top prodigy of Lonely Boat City!¡± Chen Yuqiu¡¯s beard quivered with excitement: ¡°Is this the ancestors showing their spirit?¡± Liu Qimin was so happy that tears streamed down: ¡°Heaven has eyes, heaven has eyes, our Chen family now has a martial path prodigy.¡± Faced with their shock. Jiang Fan merely smiled faintly, picking up the pen: ¡°Now, do you know what I gave Chen Silin?¡± Seeing this note. Everyone looked at Jiang Fan in astonishment. Zhong Qizhen refused to accept it: ¡°Speaking as if it was your doing to change her aptitude, if you were that powerful, why don¡¯t you have a spirit root yourself?¡± But, the three members of the Chen family immediately reacted. What ancestors showing their spirit, what heaven has eyes? It was clearly Jiang Fan¡¯s help! Chen Silin suddenly remembered the pill in the jade box Jiang Fan gave her yesterday, and he specifically told her to consume it. ¡°Was it that pill from yesterday?¡± Chapter 78 - Chapter 78: Chapter 78: Zhong Familys Assistant Chapter 78: Chapter 78: Zhong Family¡¯s Assistant Jiang Fan slightly nodded. Otherwise, would Spirit Roots grow on their own like chives? This confirmed that the pill truly belonged to Jiang Fan. Chen Silin was so moved her eyes reddened, ¡°Why are you so kind to me?¡± A pill that could change Spirit Roots, without thinking, one could tell it was an existence that could defy the heavens and alter fate. Its value was immeasurable! No amount of money could buy it. She and Jiang Fan hadn¡¯t even had an intimate relationship, yet he just gave it to her. Jiang Fan picked up the writing brush and said, ¡°Since you and I have a formal status together, isn¡¯t it reasonable to give it to you?¡± But I am just a concubine. Feeling Jiang Fan¡¯s deep regard for her, Chen Silin was even more touched. She threw herself into his arms and said, ¡°Thank you, Jiang Fan.¡± ¡°In this life, Silin will never forget your kindness and will be loyal to you alone.¡± A man who could change her fate. No matter how she repaid him, it wouldn¡¯t be excessive. Feeling the soft warmth in his arms, Jiang Fan¡¯s face reddened, and he was at a loss for what to do. Chen Yuqiu, however, was overjoyed, glancing at the ugly faces of Zhong Liangpeng and his son. ¡°What now? Are you convinced yet?¡± ¡°One more year, if she performs well, I might consider helping my daughter become an Outer Sect disciple of the Green Cloud Sect.¡± ¡°Sorry, you Zhong Family can keep this so-called opportunity for yourselves.¡± ¡°With Jiang Fan here, my daughter can directly enter the Inner Sect of the Green Cloud Sect.¡± After spitting out these words, the stifling breath in Chen Yuqiu¡¯s chest finally dissipated. But it left Zhong Liangpeng humiliated beyond measure. He clenched his fists tightly, his eyes glaring with rage, ¡°Chen Yuqiu! You repeatedly insult my Zhong Family, do you really think I can¡¯t do anything to you?¡± Just at that moment. The sound of a galloping horse rushed directly into the mansion. A graceful figure dismounted swiftly. It was Ye Qingxue. Seeing there were no signs of fighting in the hall, she breathed a sigh of relief. ¡°Fortunately, I arrived in time,¡± Ye Qingxue said. Zhong Liangpeng said, ¡°Niece, you came at just the right time!¡± ¡°This Chen Family is simply lawless, not putting your uncle¡¯s family in their eyes at all.¡± What? The City Lord¡¯s Ye Family and Zhong Family had such a hidden relationship? Zhong Qizhen sneered, ¡°Did you think my family and theirs are cousins?¡± ¡°Otherwise, why do you think my master brought me here to Lonely Boat City instead of bringing other disciples?¡± ¡°Of course, it¡¯s because of my identity, making it easier to act in Lonely Boat City.¡± Ye Qingxue furrowed her brows slightly and said, ¡°Uncle, is there some misunderstanding between you and the Chen Family Master?¡± Although she was young, she understood great principles well. She didn¡¯t choose to take sides just because of her uncle¡¯s words. Zhong Liangpeng said, ¡°Misunderstanding? That old fellow Chen Yuqiu would rather marry his daughter to a useless wastrel as a concubine than to my son. Isn¡¯t that an insult?¡± ¡°I came to seek an explanation, but he continued to insult me with that wastrel!¡± Wastrel? Ye Qingxue looked puzzled. Even though the Chen Family had been a prominent family for generations, why would they marry their only daughter to someone as a concubine? She raised her eyes to see. She saw Chen Silin sitting in someone¡¯s arms, just enough to block his face. She couldn¡¯t help but mumble, ¡°In broad daylight, not even avoiding public eyes.¡± She looked at Chen Yuqiu, clasped her hands, and said, ¡°Uncle Chen, what do you say?¡± No matter how prominent the Chen Family might be, they were one of the top-ranked prominent families in Lonely Boat City. Recently, they were rising rapidly, with a strong momentum. They were expected to become one of the top families. The City Lord Mansion still had to show the respect it deserved. Chen Yuqiu snorted, ¡°I have nothing more to say, just one sentence!¡± ¡°It is none of your business whom the Chen Family marries their daughters to!¡± This¡­ indeed. Why should you care whom the Chen Family marries their daughter to? Even if she married a beggar on the roadside, it would still be the Chen Family¡¯s freedom. If she didn¡¯t marry into the Zhong Family, does that mean she¡¯s insulting the Zhong Family? The uncle coming specifically to demand reparation for this was rather overbearing. Most likely it was to vent Zhong Qizhen¡¯s anger? Ye Qingxue glanced at Zhong Qizhen with a trace of disgust. Not winning the heart of a woman and then calling for adults to intervene, really had some nerve. However, she couldn¡¯t disregard her uncle¡¯s pride either. She had to mildly rebuke, ¡°Chen Family Master, my uncle¡¯s family has been a prestigious family for generations, with honor above all.¡± ¡°When arranging your daughter¡¯s marriage, you should indeed consider the Zhong Family¡¯s feelings.¡± ¡°If the person your daughter married was truly too inferior, you should leave the Zhong Family some leeway.¡± This mild rebuke was to give her uncle some face. Then both sides would put the matter to rest. This was the best way to handle it. Chen Yuqiu snorted and chose not to respond further. He also caught onto Ye Qingxue¡¯s intentions. If the matter could end like this, it wouldn¡¯t matter even if Ye Qingxue rebuked him. Only. Jiang Fan wasn¡¯t pleased with this. He gently patted Chen Silin¡¯s shoulder, and she shyly stood up with a blushing face. Revealing Jiang Fan¡¯s face. He picked up the writing brush and wrote, ¡°Miss Ye, is it truly such a grievance for Silin to marry me?¡± Ye Qingxue was astonished to see Jiang Fan¡¯s true face. In surprise, she said, ¡°Jiang Fan? Is it you? You¡­ you took Chen Silin as a concubine?¡± She almost couldn¡¯t believe her eyes, ¡°Does Xu Youran know about this?¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s mouth twitched slightly as he wrote, ¡°It was her decision!¡± This¡­ Ye Qingxue was stunned, momentarily speechless. She could only sigh, realizing that Xu Youran was indeed generous! Before they even married officially, she had already helped Jiang Fan take a concubine. Then, she realized she had said something inappropriate and exclaimed, ¡°So you are the son-in-law of the Chen Family!¡± ¡°Well, that explains it.¡± Jiang Fan was famously No.1 Shadow Guard, not only highly skilled but also of significant status. In this regard, Zhong Qizhen could never compare. She couldn¡¯t help but smile wryly, ¡°Uncle, Chen Family marrying their daughter to Jiang Fan as a concubine is not an insult to you.¡± ¡°I speak the truth, cousin¡¯s martial potential is indeed inferior to Jiang Fan¡¯s. His loss is not without reason.¡± What? This infuriated Zhong Qizhen, causing his eyebrows to raise angrily. ¡°Cousin, are your eyes malfunctioning? How am I inferior to him?¡± Ye Qingxue nodded, ¡°Cousin, my judgment of people is still accurate.¡± ¡°You are indeed not as good as Jiang Fan.¡± Zhong Liangpeng, enraged, said, ¡°Why are you speaking for an outsider?¡± ¡°Did you also receive a Spirit Root enhancing pill from this young man?¡± He had called Ye Qingxue to support him and his son. Yet, she turned the tables, insisting his son was inferior to Jiang Fan. ¡°A pill that enhances Spirit Root?¡± Ye Qingxue looked bewildered. Were there such heaven-defying Spirit Pills in the world? Chen Silin, in defense of Jiang Fan. Took up the testing magic artifact with a cheerful smile, ¡°Miss Ye, look.¡± As the light projected into the air, Ye Qingxue¡¯s beautiful eyes widened in shock, ¡°Sixth Grade Spirit Root?¡± Before this. The only Sixth Grade Spirit Root in Lonely Boat City was Xu Yining¡¯s, the highest in the city. Now, Chen Silin also tested as a Sixth Grade Spirit Root. No, if she had such a Spirit Root, it would¡¯ve been known by everyone long ago. Wait! A pill that enhances Spirit Root? Her eyes shot towards Jiang Fan, her gaze filled with desire as she lightly swallowed. Chapter 79 - Chapter 79: Chapter 79: The City Lord Arrives Chapter 79: Chapter 79: The City Lord Arrives Jiang Fan shook his head without hesitation and wrote: ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it, there are only two pills.¡± ¡°One was given to Youran, and one was given to Siling.¡± Upon hearing this, Ye Qingxue was greatly disappointed! Being able to turn two people with inferior Spirit Roots into celestial prodigies. If she got one, wouldn¡¯t she have a chance to become an Eighth Grade, or even the legendary Ninth Grade? She hurriedly concealed her lapse, clearing her throat and said: ¡°You misunderstood, I¡­I asked on behalf of my friend.¡± ¡°By the way, this friend is Xu Yining.¡± Yes, it¡¯s Xu Yining! Thinking of her, Ye Qingxue again felt a pang of sorrow for Xu Yining. ¡°Yining, Yining, do you know what a ridiculous choice you made?¡± Not to mention the past, this kind of destiny-changing Immortal Pill originally could have belonged to Xu Yining. Her potential would have skyrocketed, becoming a unique existence in the world. But now, it has benefited Xu Youran and her good sister instead. Unfortunately, it¡¯s too late for regrets. When she looked up at Zhong Qizhen again, she said speechlessly: ¡°Cousin, just based on this, how can you compete with Jiang Fan?¡± ¡°When I said you were no match for him, it¡¯s not without reason.¡± However. How could Zhong Qizhen admit it? He clenched his fists and shouted: ¡°Cousin, you must be blind!¡± ¡°There¡¯s no such thing as a Spirit Pill that can enhance Spirit Roots! Obviously, Chen Silin has a Sixth Grade Spirit Root herself!¡± Zhong Liangpeng also disregarded the truth and said angrily: ¡°Qingxue, you have disappointed your uncle greatly.¡± ¡°To help an outsider, you even disregarded your uncle¡¯s dignity!¡± ¡°Fortunately, I didn¡¯t expect anything from you; I already notified your father.¡± Hmm? Chen Yuqiu¡¯s expression shifted. Chen Silin¡¯s presence didn¡¯t matter much, as she was merely the daughter of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion and did not represent it. Moreover, Ye Qingxue was always known for her sense and judgment. But Ye Jifeng was different. He was a City Lord, with the authority to decide if the Chen family could continue to stay in the city! What made Chen Yuqiu even more uneasy was. As the head of the Ye family, Ye Jifeng would certainly prioritize benefits. Not fairness or injustice. For the Ye family, maintaining kinship with the Zhong family was of the greatest benefit. One could imagine what the situation would be like once Ye Jifeng arrived. Ye Qingxue couldn¡¯t help but get angry: ¡°You called my father here over this?¡± She was also worried for the Chen family, and even more so for Jiang Fan. The identity of the No.1 Shadow Guard was crucial in her eyes. But it might not be for her father, the City Lord. Zhong Liangpeng reprimanded: ¡°If you had any sense, would I have needed to call your father?¡± ¡°Besides, it¡¯s not just the Chen family; your father needs to teach you how to behave!¡± ¡°Such a grown person, yet so clueless! Hmph!¡± Clop-clop¡ª¡ª A series of rapid hoofbeats approached. Ye Jifeng, surrounded by the Guard Captain and several guards, stormed into the Chen family with great momentum. How could Chen Yuqiu dare to neglect? He immediately stepped forward to greet: ¡°Chen Yuqiu, welcomes the City Lord.¡± Ye Jifeng glanced at him, with his hands behind his back, standing firmly in the hall¡¯s center, exuding a deep sense of oppression: ¡°I can¡¯t bear such courtesy from the Chen Family Master.¡± Chen Yuqiu felt a bitter taste in his mouth and quickly said: ¡°City Lord, please let me report the details¡­¡± Who knew. Ye Jifeng didn¡¯t listen at all. He waved his hand and snorted: ¡°I already know, no need for you to repeat it.¡± He was openly supporting the Zhong family. Ye Qingxue couldn¡¯t stand it and said: ¡°Father, things are not as Uncle said.¡± ¡°Actually, Cousin was not as skilled as others and couldn¡¯t accept his loss.¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t get involved, lest we embarrass the City Lord¡¯s Mansion.¡± Ye Jifeng snorted heavily and shouted: ¡°Shut up and stand aside!¡± He sighed silently in his heart. How could he not know the Zhong family¡¯s character? They were notorious troublemakers in Biliu City. However, his daughter was still young. As a major family, justice was not the priority. It was the core interest of the family. So, even if he knew the Chen family was wronged, he had to support the Zhong family. ¡°Chen Yuqiu, you insulted the Zhong family, and you must account for this!¡± Ye Jifeng unreasonable and overbearing: ¡°I give you two choices.¡± ¡°First, the Chen family leaves Lonely Boat City!¡± ¡°Second, marry your daughter Chen Silin to the Zhong family.¡± ¡°Choose one, and this matter will be settled, otherwise, you should understand the means of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion.¡± Chen Yuqiu¡¯s expression was extremely unsightly. With the means of the City Lord¡¯s Mansion, they could easily bring the Chen family to ruin. Liu Qimin¡¯s face also turned pale. However, the couple didn¡¯t despair. The Chen family had finally had good luck, aligning themselves with a Three-Star Soul Master. Would they give up this immense opportunity? Dream on! As for leaving Lonely Boat City, so be it! With the backing of a Three-Star Soul Master, the Chen family¡¯s future status couldn¡¯t be confined to a small Lonely Boat City. If they didn¡¯t move now, they¡¯d move later anyway. So, with almost no hesitation. Chen Yuqiu decisively said: ¡°Thank you, City Lord, for allowing us! Our Chen family will leave Lonely Boat City overnight!¡± ¡°As for marrying my daughter to the Zhong family!¡± ¡°Forgive my bluntness! They are unworthy!¡± ¡°My daughter will only marry Jiang Fan in this life. Even if she¡¯s a concubine, she won¡¯t deign to be the main wife of the Zhong family!¡± This bold and decisive attitude. Directly made the Zhong family father and son stomp in anger. They called the City Lord to suppress the Chen family heavily, but it backfired, and the Chen family, for some reason, showed such a hard spine. Rather move the whole family than bow down! This also put Ye Jifeng in a tough spot. The Lonely Boat City¡¯s two alchemy families, the Qin family had already left. If the Chen family also left, who would provide the pills in the future? But asking them to stay would be a huge loss of face. Just at this moment, Jiang Fan picked up a note to comfort Chen Yuqiu. ¡°Moving to a bigger city is better anyway. Lonely Boat City is too small.¡± Since the Chen family had a marriage alliance with him, he would naturally provide more support in the future. All kinds of high-tier pills would be given to the Chen family to sell. The demand for high-tier pills in Lonely Boat City was obviously less than in big cities. Ye Jifeng, who was already in a dilemma, saw Jiang Fan speak up and immediately aimed his anger at him, snorting heavily: ¡°Are you Jiang Fan? The one causing trouble?¡± ¡°Take him! Interrogate him properly on why he¡¯s causing trouble and sabotaging the marriage alliance of two major families!¡± By capturing Jiang Fan, he could appease the Zhong family¡¯s anger and prevent the Chen family from acting recklessly. Two birds with one stone. The Guard Captain beside him immediately drew his Mysterious Iron Blade and walked towards Jiang Fan with big steps. Without even looking closely, he grabbed his shoulder: ¡°Boy, kneel down and submit!¡± Jiang Fan was no longer his past self. With Foundation Establishment Third Layer, he could ignore such authority. He shook his body slightly, and the sheer force of his spiritual power knocked the Guard Captain back. The Guard Captain glared at him angrily: ¡°You have the guts to defy¡­ defy¡­¡± As he got a closer look at Jiang Fan¡¯s face, his eyes widened. From the moment he entered, he found Jiang Fan¡¯s face familiar. Taking a closer look, he suddenly remembered who he was. Wasn¡¯t this the one, who, after killing members of the Blood Bat Palace, came to the City Lord Mansion¡¯s Spirit Pond to cultivate for a two-hour with a Ninth Grade Spiritual Root? Liu Qingxian had searched the city for him multiple times. Before leaving, she had specifically instructed the City Lord Mansion to keep a close watch on the movements of the person with the Ninth Grade Spiritual Root, and if found, to report to the Ye family for great merit! Because of this, the City Lord had mobilized all the city¡¯s soldiers, searching everywhere. But it was like finding a needle in a haystack, and they never found him. Little did he know, this Ninth Grade Spiritual Root was right in front of him! Chapter 80 - Chapter 80: Chapter 80: Dad! You Are So Strange Chapter 80: Chapter 80: Dad! You Are So Strange The Guard Captain stood still in shock. Ye Jifeng¡¯s face darkened, ¡°What, are you scared out of your wits? Can¡¯t even catch a person?¡± The Guard Captain was in immense shock. Still unable to snap out of it. Ye Jifeng got angry, strode over, and pushed the Guard Captain aside, ¡°Useless waste!¡± He personally reached out to grab Jiang Fan. The Guard Captain finally snapped out of it and, seeing Ye Jifeng¡¯s rough actions, was scared out of his wits. This was the Ninth Grade Spiritual Root Liu Qingxian had been desperately searching for! If even a hair was harmed, Liu Qingxian wouldn¡¯t spare Ye Jifeng, nor the Ye family. He hurriedly grabbed Ye Jifeng¡¯s arm, holding him back, and urgently cried, ¡°City Lord, no, he is¡­¡± Just as he was about to reveal it, he realized the identity of the Ninth Grade Spiritual Root was a top secret and must not be leaked. Ye Jifeng was furious. He slapped the Guard Captain so hard he flew to the ground, shouting, ¡°What¡¯s gotten into you today? Taken the wrong medicine?¡± Blood appeared at the corner of the Guard Captain¡¯s mouth. But he didn¡¯t care about the pain, hurriedly got up, ran to him, and whispered, ¡°City Lord, he is the boy who took the Blood Bat Palace reward that day.¡± Ye Jifeng frowned, ¡°What Blood Bat Palace reward¡­ wait!¡± Hiss! He suddenly took a sharp breath, shocked, ¡°Are you saying he is that Nine¡­¡± Realizing he almost exposed the secret, he quickly shut his mouth, lowered his voice and, with a slight tremor, asked, ¡°Are you sure you didn¡¯t mistake him for someone else?¡± The Guard Captain said, ¡°If I am wrong, City Lord, you can gouge out my eyes!¡± It really was him! Ye Jifeng was overjoyed! This was the person Liu Qingxian had been looking for. Before she left, she had instructed Ye Jifeng to find the Ninth Grade Spiritual Root at all costs. If found, the Ye family would get a spot for an Inner Sect Disciple of the Green Cloud Sect! When he looked at Jiang Fan again, there was no trace of his previous ferocity. His rough hands rubbed together as he smiled, ¡°Young Master Jiang, you are truly talented. I have long admired you. Today, seeing you in person, your reputation is really well deserved.¡± The hall fell into sudden silence. The Guard Captain¡¯s eyes were wide open. He had always thought that flattering was his strong suit. But seeing the City Lord¡¯s change of face, he realized he still had much to learn. Ye Qingxue¡¯s beautiful eyes also widened, her head full of questions. Seeing her usually dignified and stern father suddenly flatter someone, she couldn¡¯t help but murmur: ¡°Father, you feel so strange to me.¡± Zhong Liangpeng and Zhong Qizhen¡¯s father and son, their mocking expressions suddenly froze, staring unblinkingly at the sudden shift in the atmosphere. Chen Yuqiu and Liu Qimin exchanged a look, finding it absurd. Why did the City Lord¡¯s fierce attitude suddenly make such a dramatic turn? Even Jiang Fan, the person involved, couldn¡¯t help but touch his nose, wondering if the City Lord had some split personality. ¡°City Lord, what is this?¡± Ye Jifeng didn¡¯t feel awkward at all, clasping his hands, ¡°It was all a misunderstanding, a misunderstanding!¡± ¡°Since you married the Chen family¡¯s daughter as a concubine, then it¡¯s nothing.¡± As he spoke, he felt around his pockets. After much difficulty, he finally pulled out a jade pendant he always carried. He shoved it into Chen Silin¡¯s hand, extremely polite, ¡°Siling, uncle came in a rush and didn¡¯t bring anything good.¡± ¡°Take this jade pendant as a gift from uncle.¡± Ah? Ye Qingxue opened her mouth wide. This was not just an ordinary jade pendant but the City Lord¡¯s jade talisman. Ordinary people or soldiers, upon seeing this jade talisman, it was as if they were seeing the City Lord. Normally, even she was scolded by her father for just wanting to touch it. He was actually giving it directly to Chen Silin! Chen Silin also recognized the significance of the jade pendant, scared and quickly refused, ¡°City Lord, I cannot accept it. How can I take this?¡± Ye Jifeng¡¯s face stern, displeased, ¡°I and your father are like brothers, so you are half my daughter. What can¡¯t you take!¡± ¡°I told you to take it, so take it!¡± He said, shoving it unceremoniously into her palm. Chen Yuqiu was dumbfounded. Who is like brothers with you? We don¡¯t even know each other that well usually. However, seeing the City Lord stand on his side, he reluctantly agreed, ¡°Siling, just accept it.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t take it out or lose it.¡± Chen Silin reluctantly accepted, ¡°Thank you, City Lord.¡± ¡°What City Lord? Call me foster father! From today on, I will take you as my goddaughter.¡± Ye Jifeng wanted to climb the ranks, saying, ¡°Whoever bullies you and the Chen family from now on, is going against my Ye family!¡± F-foster father? Chen Yuqiu rolled his eyes. You really know how to take advantage of the situation. Jiang Fan was a Three-Star Soul Master. Even having a slight connection with him in the future would ensure prosperity. Considering Jiang Fan had not yet grown up, having a powerful ally wasn¡¯t bad, he nodded, ¡°Siling, the City Lord is taking you as his god daughter, shouldn¡¯t you give him thanks?¡± Ah? Chen Silin, confused, knelt and bowed, ¡°Siling greets foster father.¡± Ye Jifeng was delighted, helping her up, ¡°Good, good. From now on, we are one family.¡± Seeing Ye Jifeng¡¯s affection towards Chen Silin, Ye Qingxue suddenly felt like a stranger, with a sudden feeling of losing her family. Why was this happening? Even if her father discovered Jiang Fan¡¯s biggest secret, the No.1 Shadow Guard, It shouldn¡¯t have prompted giving away the jade talisman or taking her as a goddaughter, right? Could it be that the No.1 Shadow Guard was just one of Jiang Fan¡¯s secrets? And there were secrets they didn¡¯t know about? She couldn¡¯t help but look at Jiang Fan, suspicious, ¡°Jiang Fan, are you hiding something from me?¡± This startled both Ye Jifeng and Chen Yuqiu. Ye Jifeng thought, could the identity of the Ninth Grade Spiritual Root be revealed? Chen Yuqiu thought, could the identity of the Three-Star Soul Master be exposed? Both glared at Ye Qingxue, scaring her into silence, not daring to ask further. Seeing Ye Jifeng getting along harmoniously with the Chen family, becoming a family. Zhong Liangpeng couldn¡¯t believe his eyes, ¡°Big Brother Ye, how can you help outsiders?¡± Ye Jifeng then realized the Zhong family was still there. He impatiently waved, ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear? The Chen family and my Ye family are one family now, you better return to Biliu City.¡± ¡°Do not cause trouble at the Chen family, disturbing their peace.¡± Zhong Liangpeng was furious, ¡°What do you mean? The Chen family bullied us, and you call it causing trouble?¡± ¡°Do you still consider us relatives?¡± Ye Jifeng looked at Jiang Fan and then at Zhong Qizhen. One was a Ninth Grade Spiritual Root, the other was only a Fourth Grade Spiritual Root. And their conflicts were nearly irreconcilable. Given that, was there any need to choose? ¡°What if we¡¯re not relatives?¡± Ye Jifeng said without hesitation, ¡°From now on, the Ye family and the Zhong family have no relations!¡± ¡°Do as you please!¡± ¡°But don¡¯t cause trouble in Lonely Boat City, or you and your son won¡¯t leave easily!¡± This made Zhong Qizhen furious. ¡°Fine, fine! Do all of you see Jiang Fan as a treasure?¡± ¡°Tomorrow, tomorrow I¡¯ll let you see how I beat him like a dog, too disgraceful to even enter the Green Cloud Sect!¡± He roared in anger and left. Zhong Liangpeng also gritted his teeth, ¡°Ye Jifeng, I¡¯ll see how your favored Jiang Fan embarrasses himself tomorrow!¡± Chapter 81 - Chapter 81: Chapter 81: Pretending to Be Xu Yinings Lover Chapter 81: Chapter 81: Pretending to Be Xu Yining¡¯s Lover Ye Jifeng furrowed his brows. With the talent of a Ninth-grade Spirit Root, entry into the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion would be more than enough. Entering the Green Cloud Sect would naturally pose no problem. The issue was, Elder Li Qingfeng seemed unappreciative. He actually dispatched senior disciple Zhong Qizhen to test Jiang Fan. One had been cultivated in the Green Cloud Sect for years, while the other had just made an emerging mark. The outcome of the contest was predictable. He said, ¡°Young Master Jiang, do you need my assistance?¡± If necessary, he would personally visit the Green Cloud Sect and report the news of the Ninth-grade Spirit Root to Liu Qingxian face-to-face. But going back and forth would waste a lot of time. ¡°Thank you for your kind offer, City Lord, but I¡¯d like to try it myself.¡± Having achieved the First Layer of the Wandering Dragon Palm, he was filled with confidence. Everyone gradually dispersed. On the way back to the mansion with her father, Ye Qingxue noticed he was continually sighing. Ye Qingxue asked in confusion, ¡°Father, do you have something on your mind? Is it about the Zhong Family?¡± Ye Jifeng glanced at her, then sighed deeply again: ¡°It¡¯s about you!¡± Me? Ye Qingxue was bewildered. She had been independent since childhood, and though not exceptionally top-level, her performance had been excellent, right? What was there for her father to worry about? ¡°What¡¯s wrong with me?¡± Ye Qingxue asked, perplexed. Ye Jifeng pulled the reins, gazing fixedly at Ye Qingxue¡¯s face and figure, sighing more heavily: ¡°Are you any worse than Chen Silin?¡± ¡°You have the looks, the figure, the status; your personality, speech, and knowledge are not inferior to Chen Silin¡¯s.¡± ¡°But the concubine Jiang Fan accepted is Chen Silin, not you!¡± ¡°If it were you, how great that would be!¡± Although he had taken Chen Silin as a foster daughter. It couldn¡¯t compare to being a real father-in-law. Back when Chen Zhengdao, an Eighth-grade Spirit Root from Biliu City, ended up becoming the Vice Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion. With Jiang Fan¡¯s Ninth-grade Spirit Root, how could he fare any worse? This was a chance to rise to the top in one leap! Unfortunately, his daughter did not have this fortune. Ye Qingxue widened her charming eyes in shame and anger: ¡°Father! What nonsense are you talking about? How could I marry Jiang Fan and become a concubine?¡± Not to mention, she only admired Jiang Fan without any romantic feelings. Even if there were, it would need careful consideration. After all, becoming a concubine required great courage. Seeing her reaction, Ye Jifeng checked that no one was around, then lowered his voice to reveal the truth: ¡°Jiang Fan is the Ninth-grade Spirit Root that Liu Qingxian has been searching for!¡± What? Ye Qingxue was so shocked she almost fell off her horse, exclaiming in astonishment: ¡°Father, don¡¯t say something so rash!¡± ¡°How could the Ninth-grade Spirit Root possibly be Jiang Fan?¡± That was a prodigy the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion had been searching for throughout the ages. Previously, Lu Zheng had already caused a tremendous blunder. They couldn¡¯t afford another joke like that. Ye Jifeng said, ¡°It¡¯s the absolute truth! Otherwise, do you think the Chen Family gave up their century-old foundation in Lonely Boat City to marry their daughter to him as a concubine?¡± ¡°Would I throw away my dignity to flatter Jiang Fan and take Chen Silin as a foster daughter?¡± One puzzling matter after another was instantly resolved. She gasped, her heart filled with astonishment. To marry such a person as a concubine, the Chen Family was definitely aiming high! Suddenly, she thought of Xu Yining and couldn¡¯t help but sigh heavily: ¡°Xu Yining, you¡­¡± She didn¡¯t know what to say. A husband with a Ninth-grade Spirit Root, given to her sister. If she knew the truth, she would regret it to the point of suicide, wouldn¡¯t she? Suddenly, she remembered: ¡°Oh no, I almost forgot.¡± ¡°Xu Yining has arranged to meet with No.1 Shadow Guard and Jiang Fan.¡± She turned her horse around and rushed to the Xu Family. Ye Jifeng frowned: ¡°Keep an eye on them, both are Lonely Boat City¡¯s pride; don¡¯t let them fight. Losing either would be a loss for Lonely Boat City.¡± Ye Qingxue twitched her lips, thinking that Jiang Fan was about to leave Lonely Boat City, there was no need to hide it any longer. Without looking back, she said, ¡°Jiang Fan is No.1 Shadow Guard!¡± What? Ye Jifeng was dumbfounded. The renowned No.1 Shadow Guard was actually Jiang Fan himself. But upon further thought, it made sense. How else could such an impressive figure suddenly emerge? Xu Family. Jiang Fan had just returned when he saw Xu Youran looking for him everywhere. ¡°Where have you been? My sister has been looking for you for ages.¡± Jiang Fan questioned in surprise: ¡°Looking for me?¡± Xu Youran said: ¡°Yes, she even wants me to go together. She seems pretty anxious, but I don¡¯t know why.¡± Uh¡ª Only then did Jiang Fan remember. That morning, on Dragon-Rising Path, Xu Yining asked No.1 Shadow Guard¡ªhimself¡ªto come to the Xu Family¡¯s backyard. The time was now. She said it was to prove something to someone she disliked. Now, she was so anxiously searching for him. This made Jiang Fan¡¯s forehead throb: ¡°What¡¯s with this woman? Have I offended her somehow?¡± ¡°Hasn¡¯t she always been the one rejecting me over the years?¡± ¡°I haven¡¯t even disliked her, yet she starts disliking me first.¡± ¡°Utterly baffling.¡± Xu Youran urged: ¡°Stop asking. Change into something nicer and hurry up.¡± Jiang Fan nodded. He went into the house, changed his outfit, put on No.1 Shadow Guard¡¯s mask, and quietly went ahead alone. He would not give Xu Yining the chance to strut proudly with her head held high. Having waited for long, Xu Youran, not seeing Jiang Fan, could only stamp her feet and went ahead herself. Xu Family¡¯s backyard. By the pond, under the willow tree. Ye Qingxue, who had arrived in time, persuaded: ¡°Yining, stop this, or else¡­¡± Xu Yining looked at her strangely: ¡°Or what? Or Jiang Fan would be embarrassed, right?¡± ¡°I noticed you started thinking of Jiang Fan?¡± ¡°Could it be that you, like my sister, have fallen in love with him?¡± Ye Qingxue was speechless. She wanted to prevent her from being embarrassed. Because No.1 Shadow Guard was Jiang Fan! But it was too late. Jiang Fan, as No.1 Shadow Guard, had already arrived. Seeing him, Xu Yining couldn¡¯t help but get nervous: ¡°You, you¡¯ve arrived.¡± Jiang Fan nodded slightly, standing nonchalantly by the side. After a while. Xu Youran came running, out of breath, and apologized: ¡°Sister, Jiang Fan¡­ hasn¡¯t returned yet.¡± She could only find an excuse for Jiang Fan. Xu Yining was greatly disappointed. She needed to show off her relationship with No.1 Shadow Guard in front of Jiang Fan to satisfy herself. ¡°Sister, who is this gentleman?¡± Xu Youran asked in surprise, looking at No.1 Shadow Guard with a strange mask. Xu Yining perked up. Jiang Fan not coming was fine. She would let Xu Youran relay the message. Xu Yining walked next to No.1 Shadow Guard, holding his arm and snuggling against his shoulder: ¡°Sister, let me introduce you.¡± ¡°This is No.1 Shadow Guard, and you¡¯ve seen our relationship.¡± Xu Youran was shocked and moved: ¡°He is the famous No.1 Shadow Guard?¡± Then she showed genuine admiration: ¡°Sister, you are so fortunate to be connected with such an excellent prodigy.¡± ¡°With him, I am relieved.¡± Xu Yining said proudly: ¡°Naturally, I am so outstanding, my other half certainly won¡¯t be lacking.¡± ¡°So, make sure you tell Jiang Fan not to harbor any grievances.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not because I looked down on him, but he truly isn¡¯t a match for me.¡± No.1 Shadow Guard Jiang Fan was speechless. Who harbored grievances? He didn¡¯t care at all, did he? Ye Qingxue discreetly glanced at Jiang Fan, embarrassed for Xu Yining: ¡°Hugging Jiang Fan¡¯s arm and saying Jiang Fan isn¡¯t a match for herself?¡± ¡°Oh heavens, if the truth comes out, you¡¯ll be so ashamed you¡¯d want to die.¡± ¡°And besides, Jiang Fan has a Ninth-grade Spirit Root. Who really isn¡¯t a match for whom?¡± Xu Youran now understood that Xu Yining was showing off to Jiang Fan. She thought to herself, thank goodness Jiang Fan didn¡¯t come. Otherwise, this situation would deeply hurt him, right? A scene of ¡°rival meeting¡± ended hastily because Jiang Fan did not show up. Xu Yining felt like she had punched a pillow of cotton. She tossed and turned all night, unable to sleep. Until the next day, a bird flew through the morning mist to the Xu Family. Everyone was startled awake and got up promptly. They knew. The day that would decide Jiang Fan¡¯s fate had come! Chapter 82 - Chapter 82: Chapter 82 Sparring Chapter 82: Chapter 82 Sparring An entire sleepless night for Jiang Fan. He turned over and got out of bed. After a simple wash-up, he calmly went to the main hall. The main family members like Xu Zhengyan, Xu Yining, and Xu Youran were all present. Li Qingfeng sat with a tired expression. After days of searching for a Nine-grade Spiritual Root without success, he had no choice but to bring Xu Youran and Xu Yining back to the Green Cloud Sect. Of course, he had not forgotten the promise he made to Jiang Fan. Today, he would give Jiang Fan a chance. As long as Jiang Fan could withstand ten moves from Zhong Qizhen, whom Li Qingfeng had personally trained, he would take him back to the sect. Seeing the calm demeanor of Jiang Fan, he took a sip of tea and said, ¡°Do you have confidence?¡± ¡°If not, there is still time to give up now.¡± ¡°Fists and kicks are blind. It¡¯s hard to guarantee Zhong Qizhen will not injure you during sparring.¡± Jiang Fan glanced at Zhong Qizhen beside Li Qingfeng, whose eyes were sharp. Calmly, he wrote, ¡°Reporting to Elder Li, this junior has confidence.¡± Such was his reply. Li Qingfeng was not surprised and sighed softly. Zhong Qizhen was trained by him personally, so he knew Zhong Qizhen¡¯s strength better than anyone else. Although both were at the Foundation Establishment Fourth Layer, the experience and techniques derived by oneself could never surpass those taught by an elder-level figure like him. Moreover, Jiang Fan was only at the Foundation Establishment Third Layer. In the Foundation Establishment realm, even one level of difference was significant. He couldn¡¯t understand what chance Jiang Fan had to win. But since Jiang Fan wasn¡¯t willing to give up, letting him try might be better. It¡¯s just ten moves at most, after all. ¡°Since that¡¯s the case, you two prepare yourselves.¡± Zhong Qizhen had been waiting for this moment and stepped forward to the center of the hall. With a mocking glint in his eyes, he said, ¡°You¡¯ve been jumping around these days. Did you ever think of today?¡± ¡°Show all your strength later.¡± ¡°Otherwise, I worry that you won¡¯t even withstand one move!¡± Hearing these words, Xu Youran¡¯s heart leaped into her throat. Her stunning face showed deep worry and a hint of regret. Why hadn¡¯t she persuaded Zhong Qizhen better at the shop that day? Maybe he would have given Jiang Fan a bit of hope for the sake of their brother-sister relationship. Now, it was impossible for Zhong Qizhen to let Jiang Fan pass. No, the worry should be, would Zhong Qizhen seize this chance to be ruthless? Xu Zhengyan was also filled with anxiety. He had heard about Jiang Fan taking a concubine from Xu Youran. The conflict between the two had reached an irreconcilable point, hoping Zhong Qizhen would spare Jiang Fan seemed futile. They could only pray for Jiang Fan¡¯s safety. As for winning or losing, it was left to fate. Jiang Fan remained composed, silently writing, ¡°You should worry about yourself instead.¡± ¡°If you lose to me, you won¡¯t just lose face. Elder Li¡¯s reputation is at stake too.¡± Seeing these words, Li Qingfeng raised an eyebrow and commanded sternly, ¡°Zhong Qizhen, what have I taught you!¡± ¡°Never underestimate any opponent; stay humble and cautious!¡± ¡°Copy the insights I taught you ten times when we return!¡± Zhong Qizhen shivered, immediately bowing, ¡°Yes, Master!¡± When he lifted his head again, his gaze towards Jiang Fan was full of intense anger. He gritted his teeth, wishing to slap Jiang Fan to the ground and stomp on his face! Li Qingfeng saw that the atmosphere was tense, and the sparring mood was set, so he nodded and declared, ¡°Sparring¡­ begins!¡± As his final word fell, Zhong Qizhen struck first. Utilizing the full Fourth Layer cultivation of Foundation Establishment, he performed the High Blade Technique at Yellow Level, taught personally by Elder Li. ¡°Five Tigers Soul-breaking Blade!¡± With the support of his Spiritual Power, the surface of the golden blade emitted visible sword Qi. An immense power capable of cutting gold and breaking stones. Even from a distance, Xu Zhengyan felt a chill from the blade Qi. Nervousness welled up within him. He feared Jiang Fan would not be able to withstand that blade. Xu Youran¡¯s tiny hands were tightly clasped together. Her knuckles turned white from exertion, and her rosy lips were clenched in extreme worry. Li Qingfeng nodded slightly, pleased with Zhong Qizhen¡¯s move. This was Zhong Qizhen¡¯s full-strength move. It seemed he didn¡¯t intend to give Jiang Fan any chance to pass the assessment. If Jiang Fan failed at the first move, it implied he couldn¡¯t even speak of entering the Green Cloud Sect, right? Zhong Qizhen also smiled coldly. ¡°Jiang Fan, why are you just standing there and not moving? Are you scared?¡± He noticed Jiang Fan had no intention of countering. Instead, Jiang Fan still kept his hands behind his back, looking very calm. He even had the time to write another note: ¡°Is this your full-strength strike?¡± ¡°Much weaker than I expected.¡± In Jiang Fan¡¯s view, the full-strength strike of a Green Cloud Peak disciple should be overwhelmingly strong. But in comparison, it wasn¡¯t even as strong as Nangong Liuyun of the Dragon-Rising Path. Nangong Liuyun was only at the Foundation Establishment Third Layer. Zhong Qizhen laughed in fury, ¡°Blabbering nonsense. Take my blade before talking big!¡± Jiang Fan shook his head. With no hesitation, he drew a rusty iron sword prepared temporarily. Advancing without fear, he met the attack head-on. ¡°Seven Stars to the North!¡± He thought, using the Wandering Dragon Palm against such strength would be a waste. Clang¡ª As the two weapons clashed, one retreated several steps. Seeing who it was, everyone could not believe their eyes. Amazingly, it was Zhong Qizhen who staggered back, unsteady. Xu Zhengyan and Xu Youran were both shocked, then looked delighted. Even Xu Yining was astonished, murmuring, ¡°How is this possible?¡± ¡°A Foundation Establishment Third Layer, forcing back a Fourth Layer?¡± Li Qingfeng also looked surprised. His face darkened as he shouted, ¡°Zhong Qizhen, get your act together!¡± If he truly lost to Jiang Fan, it would not bode well for him as the master either! Zhong Qizhen was stunned for a moment, then gritted his teeth, roaring, ¡°I was just careless!¡± ¡°Do you really think you¡¯re strong?¡± As he said this, he swung the golden blade again. Jiang Fan calmly wielded his sword to meet the attack. His refined swordsmanship displayed the maximum power of the Seven-star Sword Jue. In contrast, Zhong Qizhen clearly hadn¡¯t fully grasped the Five Tigers Soul-breaking Blade. To Jiang Fan, it was full of flaws. After another exchange, he forced Zhong Qizhen to retreat once more. Seeing him so feeble, Jiang Fan even had one hand free to write. Ink formed a line of characters on the ground. ¡°Blade technique lacks precision.¡± With that, another thrust made Zhong Qizhen dodge frantically. At the same time, Jiang Fan flicked his brush again. ¡°Movements are too slow!¡± ¡°Insufficient power!¡± ¡°Unstable foundation!¡± ¡­ An astounding sparring session played out, leaving everyone dumbfounded. Jiang Fan wielded his sword with ease, pushing Zhong Qizhen back continuously. Meanwhile, his other hand occasionally made critiques! Like a master in a high position, instructing a disciple. Who was assessing whom? Everyone felt a strange sense of absurdity. Chapter 83 - Chapter 83: Chapter 83: Liu Qingxians Frustration Chapter 83: Chapter 83: Liu Qingxian¡¯s Frustration For the tenth move. Jiang Fan casually thrust his sword, aiming at Zhong Qizhen¡¯s throat. The sharp sword tip pierced his skin, revealing a trace of crimson. He shook his head and indifferently wrote down the final comment: ¡°In summary, it¡¯s just a facade. Disappointing.¡± What he thought would be a trial and duel for himself. Ended up being less intense than the pressure the Sub-Altar Master gave him initially. The entire crowd was dead silent. Staring blankly at the eight characters on the ground, they couldn¡¯t help but swallow nervously. They agreed Jiang Fan would withstand Zhong Qizhen¡¯s ten moves. But in the end, it was Zhong Qizhen who barely withstood Jiang Fan¡¯s ten moves, and he was in disgrace! No, it was evident that Jiang Fan held back; otherwise, Zhong Qizhen would¡¯ve lost within ten moves. Xu Youran cried with joy and rushed into his arms: ¡°Fan! You did it! You did it! You can also join the Green Cloud Sect now!¡± The burden that suffocated her had finally lifted. Xu Yining stood in a daze: ¡°Jiang Fan¡­ Jiang Fan is this powerful?¡± Could he easily defeat Senior Brother Zhong Qizhen? Zhong Qizhen couldn¡¯t believe it either. He stared, eyes vacant, at the blood drop falling from his neck. He lost!? Lost to someone he considered trash? Impossible! This can¡¯t be possible! How could he lose? As Jiang Fan turned his back on him, rage filled his heart, casting fear aside. Suddenly he raised the Golden Blade, viciously slashing at Jiang Fan¡¯s back, shouting, ¡°You little beast, I didn¡¯t lose!¡± But Jiang Fan had already anticipated this. A despicable coward like him wouldn¡¯t surrender so easily. He had been secretly preparing his movement technique and immediately utilized it upon hearing the blade¡¯s whoosh. Holding Xu Youran, he easily dodged the slash with a sideways move. At the same time, he instantly kicked him in the face without hesitation. BANG¡ª¡ª Zhong Qizhen¡¯s would-be fatal blow missed, how could he fend off this kick? He was kicked, tumbling back, and smashed heavily to the ground. Blood flowed from his mouth. Xu Zhengyan furiously witnessed the scene, angrily scolding, ¡°Zhong Qizhen! You, an Inner Sect Disciple, couldn¡¯t accept defeat and resorted to a sneak attack!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t you have any shame?¡± Li Qingfeng, too, felt deeply humiliated. He kicked Zhong Qizhen off the ground, sending him flying to the rooftop, only to fall heavily back down, writhing in pain. His face turned fearfully grim: ¡°You useless thing!¡± Losing was already shameful enough! Not being able to accept defeat and attempting a sneak attack was even worse! Even worse was getting beaten down after the sneak attack! How did I teach such a disgraceful disciple? ¡°Xu Youran! Xu Yining! Pack your things and come with me now!¡± He couldn¡¯t bear to stay there any longer. Xu Youran saw his unpleasant expression and timidly asked: ¡°Master, what about Fan¡­¡± Li Qingfeng angrily glanced at Jiang Fan. His original intention was to let his disciple make Jiang Fan retreat after realizing the difficulty. Instead, it ended up embarrassing him as the master. How could he have any good feelings towards Jiang Fan? But as a dignified elder, having made a promise, how could he not honor it? After a brief consideration, he responded, ¡°Although his strength is high, it¡¯s ultimately through dubious means that he overextended his potential.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t take him as a disciple, but I¡¯ll bring him back to the Green Cloud Sect.¡± ¡°If an elder there takes a liking to him, he can become an Inner Sect Disciple.¡± ¡°If no one does, he¡¯ll be an Outer Sect Disciple.¡± Disciples of the Green Cloud Sect can be roughly divided into three categories. True Inheritors, Inner Sect, and Outer Sect. The first two are the sect¡¯s elite, the true disciples. The latter, although also called ¡°disciples,¡± are essentially laborers. As long as you¡¯re willing to spend money or pull some strings, you can get an Outer Sect Disciple identity. Outer Sect Disciples don¡¯t have access to the sect¡¯s core resources. They¡¯re just there to do free labor for the Green Cloud Sect. Xu Youran¡¯s face changed but, recalling Li Qingfeng¡¯s previous promise, she realized it was only an opportunity for Jiang Fan to join the Green Cloud Sect. No promise to accept him as a disciple was made. So she had no further objections. Jiang Fan, however, was delighted. Regardless, entering the Green Cloud Sect would give him a chance to access resources. Not entering meant no chance at all. ¡°Thank you, Elder Li!¡± Li Qingfeng nodded: ¡°You go pack your things too. We¡¯ll depart soon.¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes darted around and he said, ¡°I heard that the Chen Family¡¯s daughter, Chen Silin, has a Sixth Grade Spirit Root.¡± ¡°Elder Li, are you interested in taking her as a disciple?¡± Sixth Grade? Li Qingfeng was taken aback: ¡°A small city like Lonely Boat City, how could there be so many high-tier spirit roots?¡± In small, remote cities like Lonely Boat City, finding a single Sixth Grade Spirit Root was considered extremely fortunate. Now, several appeared in succession. Jiang Fan said, ¡°Elder Li, you can ask your disciple Zhong Qizhen about it.¡± Li Qingfeng immediately looked at him. Zhong Qizhen, not daring to conceal anything, nodded in pain: ¡°Yes, yes, it is a Sixth Grade Spirit Root.¡± ¡°But this has nothing to do with Jiang Fan.¡± He hurriedly added, fearing that Jiang Fan would gain any advantage from it. ¡°Nonsense, could Jiang Fan give her a spirit root?¡± Li Qingfeng glared at him and excitedly flew on the White Crane to the Chen Family. Jiang Fan also gave Zhong Qizhen a cold look. As long as Chen Silin could also go to the Green Cloud Sect, he didn¡¯t care about any advantage or disadvantage. Seizing the moment when Li Qingfeng left, Zhong Qizhen¡¯s face twisted in hatred, gritting his teeth: ¡°Jiang Fan!¡± ¡°Today¡¯s humiliation, I will repay a hundredfold at the Green Cloud Sect!¡± ¡°In the Green Cloud Sect, as an Outer Sect disciple, you¡¯ll be at my mercy, an Inner Sect disciple!¡± Jiang Fan responded indifferently, ¡°We¡¯ll see when we get there!¡± He didn¡¯t believe at all. That he didn¡¯t really have a spirit root. Even more, he didn¡¯t believe that among the many elders in the Green Cloud Sect, not one would recognize his worth. Shortly after, Li Qingfeng returned with Chen Silin, full of laughter: ¡°Haha, although we didn¡¯t find a Ninth Grade Spirit Root this time, the gains are immense!¡± ¡°Two Sixth Grade Spirit Roots and one Seventh Grade Spirit Root, the old fellows at the sect will be green with envy!¡± ¡°Hahaha!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡± Everyone followed him, jumping onto the flying beast and soaring into the sky! Meanwhile, at the Green Cloud Sect. At the Sect Master Peak, in the great hall. Liu Qingxian looked downcast, listening to her father, the Sect Master, scold her. ¡°It¡¯s one thing not to find a Three-Star Soul Master! Such an existence likely wouldn¡¯t come to our Green Cloud Sect! Even if found, it would be useless.¡± ¡°But you couldn¡¯t even find that supreme prodigy from Dragon-Rising Path! He has already defeated Nangong Liuyun; do you not know what that means?¡± ¡°Alright! It¡¯s fine if you couldn¡¯t find that supreme prodigy, but how could you not find the Nine-Grade Spiritual Root you once met?¡± The Green Cloud Sect Master was so furious his chest heaved. Poking her forehead, he lamented: ¡°You missed all these great opportunities for our Green Cloud Sect!¡± ¡°Have you grown too accustomed to comfort?¡± ¡°Go! Greet the new disciples at the square; you¡¯ll handle this task!¡± Liu Qingxian, with reddened eyes, left the great hall. Feeling extremely aggrieved. She had tried her best to search, but the Nine-Grade Spiritual Root seemed to be playing hide-and-seek, impossible to find. Because of this, she was being punished, tasked with the hard work of welcoming new disciples. ¡°Damn Nine-Grade Spiritual Root!¡± She bit her teeth: ¡°It¡¯s all your fault!¡± ¡°If it weren¡¯t for searching for you, I wouldn¡¯t have gone to Lonely Boat City again, wouldn¡¯t have missed the Three-Star Soul Master and the supreme prodigy, wouldn¡¯t be scolded, wouldn¡¯t be punished!¡± ¡°You better pray I never meet you; otherwise, you¡¯ll regret it!¡± After speaking, she couldn¡¯t help but mock herself with a smile. ¡°Such existence must have gone to the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion.¡± ¡°Why would he come to the Green Cloud Sect?¡± ¡°If he did come, I¡¯d even be willing to be his wife!¡± Chapter 84 - Chapter 84: Chapter 84: Nine-grade Spiritual Root and Liu Qingxian Chapter 84: Chapter 84: Nine-grade Spiritual Root and Liu Qingxian Two days later. A magnificent, enormous city lay like a giant beast in the wilderness, lying on the horizon. Its size was a hundred times that of Lonely Boat City. Within the city, ten towering mountains rose straight into the clouds like sharp swords. That was the Green Cloud Sect. The grand city at the foot of the mountains depended on the Green Cloud Sect for survival. Surrounding the Green Cloud Sect were swirling clouds of spiritual energy and singing white birds, making it seem like a celestial haven. Li Qingfeng rode on a flying bird, carrying them down to the foothills among the Nine Peaks. This place was a grand plaza, bustling with disciples coming and going. As the bird landed. An Outer Sect disciple ran over to hold the bird, bowing respectfully: ¡°Welcome back, Elder Li.¡± Li Qingfeng had no intention of getting off the bird. He only waved to Jiang Fan: ¡°I¡¯ve brought you back to the sect, the rest is up to you.¡± ¡°Go on.¡± Xu Youran looked reluctant, holding onto Jiang Fan¡¯s sleeve, unwilling to let him leave. Li Qingfeng helplessly comforted her: ¡°Youran, tomorrow the elders from each peak will be selecting Inner Sect disciples from the new disciples.¡± ¡°He still has a chance to become an Inner Sect disciple.¡± On the way, Jiang Fan had already learned a lot about the sect from Li Qingfeng. He patted her hand, then wrote: ¡°Youran, don¡¯t worry, I will become an Inner Sect disciple.¡± Beside him, Zhong Qizhen sneered: ¡°A waste with no Spirit Root, and an elder would want you?¡± ¡°Daydreaming.¡± Jiang Fan glanced at him, then wrote in bold strokes: ¡°What does that make you, someone even worse than a waste?¡± Zhong Qizhen was furiously vexed upon hearing these words. He glared hatefully at Jiang Fan, wanting to tear him apart to erase this great humiliation. At this moment. He noticed that the Outer Sect disciple holding the reins was someone who, like Zhu Jianshen, had always been giving him offerings. He smirked secretly, giving him a subtle look. The disciple had listened to their conversation and immediately understood Zhong Qizhen¡¯s intention, nodding slightly without changing his expression. When Jiang Fan jumped off the bird and Elder Li and the others flew away. The Outer Sect disciple immediately approached eagerly, cupping his hands: ¡°Junior Brother, I am Liu Yong, an Outer Sect disciple here at the plaza.¡± ¡°By the order of Senior Sister Liu, I am here to welcome new disciples.¡± Liu Qingxian could not bear to come herself to serve the newcomers. She randomly assigned a few Outer Sect disciples to do the job. Jiang Fan understood and wrote: ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother.¡± Liu Yong said: ¡°Come, I¡¯ll show you around the Green Cloud Sect and introduce you to it.¡± He explained everything in great detail, giving Jiang Fan a clearer understanding of the Green Cloud Sect. The Green Cloud Sect had ten main peaks. The main peak was Sect Master Peak, controlled by the Sect Master of the Green Cloud Sect. The other nine peaks were controlled by the nine elders. Elder Li Qingfeng controlled Heavenly Sword Peak, where the disciples¡¯ overall strength ranked fifth in the sect, neither at the top nor the bottom. Among the nine elders, the most powerful was the Great Elder. His strength was close to that of the Sect Master, and the disciples he trained were exceptionally talented, almost surpassing those of the Sect Master. Thus, the Sect Master was constantly seeking powerful disciples to reestablish the absolute prestige of Sect Master Peak. As they talked, they arrived at a remote corner of the back mountain. Few people came here. ¡°Junior Brother, there¡¯s a Spirit Pond for new disciples to bathe.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re tired, you can bathe and then find a place to sit cross-legged overnight.¡± ¡°Just wait for the elders to select disciples tomorrow.¡± Really? Jiang Fan smelled himself. After sitting on the bird for two days without bathing or changing clothes, he indeed had a bit of an odor. ¡°Thank you for your efforts, Senior Brother.¡± Liu Yong smiled: ¡°It¡¯s my duty.¡± With that, he left. Not far away. He encountered the approaching Zhong Qizhen. ¡°Where is he?¡± Zhong Qizhen had just returned to Heavenly Sword Peak and hurried down the mountain. He intended to severely deal with Jiang Fan. For this, he brought several Outer Sect disciples with him. No matter how strong Jiang Fan was, could two fists fight against four hands? Liu Yong pointed inside, speaking cruelly: ¡°Senior Brother Zhong, you brought people to teach him a lesson?¡± ¡°You underestimate me. Handling such a new disciple is a piece of cake for me.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve already made sure he¡¯s beyond redemption.¡± Zhong Qizhen frowned in confusion. Liu Yong snickered, lowering his voice: ¡°I tricked him into thinking it was a Spirit Pond for new disciples to bathe. He believed it.¡± ¡°But it¡¯s a Spirit Pond exclusively for female disciples, forbidden to men!¡± Zhong Qizhen snorted: ¡°So what? At most, he¡¯ll be beaten out. That won¡¯t relieve my anger.¡± Liu Yong chuckled: ¡°I haven¡¯t finished yet!¡± ¡°Do you know who¡¯s in there now?¡± Zhong Qizhen kicked him: ¡°I don¡¯t care, that¡¯s too lenient, let¡¯s go¡­¡± Liu Yong hurriedly stopped him: ¡°Stop! You must stop! Liu Qingxian is bathing in there.¡± Who? Zhong Qizhen shivered, sucking in a cold breath: ¡°The Sect Master¡¯s daughter?¡± He couldn¡¯t offend such a person. If he accidentally offended her while bathing, he would be immediately expelled from the sect. He might even have his entire cultivation crippled! He quickly realized. If Jiang Fan offended her, he would likely be beaten to a pulp on the spot. If he saw something he shouldn¡¯t. Even if Liu Qingxian showed mercy, the Sect Master would not let him live to protect his daughter¡¯s honor! Jiang Fan was truly beyond redemption! Zhong Qizhen grabbed Liu Yong¡¯s face: ¡°Nice, kid, you¡¯re more ruthless than me!¡± ¡°Alright, let¡¯s wait outside and see how Jiang Fan comes out.¡± ¡°If he¡¯s carried out, I¡¯ll reward you with a Foundation Establishment Pill.¡± The Foundation Establishment Pill was a pill exclusive to the Green Cloud Sect, unavailable outside. One pill was worth a hundred crystal stones. It was a tremendous fortune! Liu Yong was ecstatic: ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother, thank you!¡± The group immediately hid by the roadside, secretly waiting. Speaking of Jiang Fan. Following Liu Yong¡¯s instructions, he walked to the end of the path. He saw a Spirit Pond about an acre in size. Steam rose from the pond, shrouded in mist. ¡°Such rich spiritual energy.¡± Jiang Fan silently marveled. The spiritual energy here was almost comparable to the Spirit Pond at the City Lord Mansion. It was hard to believe this was an ordinary pond for Outer Sect disciples to bathe in. Without further hesitation. He removed his clothes and slowly entered the water. While cleansing his body, he also absorbed the spiritual energy, silently cultivating. Suddenly. He noticed a figure in the center of the pond through the mist. Sitting cross-legged in the water. Probably another new disciple, like himself? Jiang Fan thought. At that moment, he noticed the figure turning to look at him, so he spoke: ¡°Sorry to disturb your cultivation.¡± ? ?? ??? This was the state of Liu Qingxian¡¯s mind at that moment. Questions. All questions. She almost doubted her hearing. Was that a man¡¯s voice? In a Spirit Pond for female disciples? While she was bathing and cultivating? Chapter 85 - Chapter 85: Chapter 85: Not Just Nine-grade Spiritual Root Chapter 85: Chapter 85: Not Just Nine-grade Spiritual Root ¡°No way!¡± Liu Qingxian blinked her beautiful eyes. How could any male disciple dare to come here? Even a newcomer, the first thing they would be told upon arriving at the Green Cloud Sect is that this place is forbidden for male disciples. Anyone who trespasses will be severely punished. Older disciples wouldn¡¯t dare to come either. Could it be that this is a female disciple, just with a more masculine voice? She tried to speak out, ¡°Junior Sister, which peak do you belong to?¡± Suddenly receiving a response. Jiang Fan was stunned, scratched his head, and said, ¡°I just arrived, and I¡¯m not a junior sister.¡± ¡°But Senior Brother, your voice¡­¡± Could it be that practicing some weird cultivation technique has made them neither male nor female? He couldn¡¯t help but shiver. And that was all he did, just shiver. Liu Qingxian, on the other hand, was completely shaken, her eyes widened. A man! It was indeed a man! She immediately felt immense shame and anger, telekinetically pulling her clothes from the shore and hurriedly putting them on. Then, with her eyes blazing with fury, she harshly said, ¡°You¡¯ve got some nerve!¡± Uh¡ª Jiang Fan was a bit confused. He rubbed his nose, ¡°Senior Brother, what have I done?¡± Liu Qingxian was furious, ¡°Who allowed you to come here? This is the Spirit Pond exclusively for female disciples!¡± What? Jiang Fan was shocked, hastily stood up and backed towards the shore, saying, ¡°Senior Sister, I was told this place is for male disciples. I mean no offense.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll leave right now!¡± He never would have thought. All his life, he had never walked into the wrong restroom. But today, he had walked into a women¡¯s bathing pool! ¡°Leave? Do you think you can just leave?¡± Liu Qingxian was trembling with rage. She had just been scolded, was in a bad mood, and wanted to take a bath here to calm herself down. But then. A male disciple barged in and bathed with her. If word of this got out, how could Liu Qingxian live? Jiang Fan said helplessly, ¡°I was tricked¡­¡± Liu Qingxian, still angry, said, ¡°I don¡¯t care how you got here!¡± ¡°Since you¡¯ve seen me bathing, you don¡¯t deserve to keep these eyes!¡± With that, she clapped her hands on the Spirit Pond. Her whole body lifted into the air, diving towards Jiang Fan like a large bird spreading its wings. Jiang Fan¡¯s expression slightly changed. The moment she made a move, he felt an overwhelming power. Stronger than anyone he had ever encountered! But he was also annoyed. With the mist in the way, he hadn¡¯t seen anything, and he had been tricked into coming here. This woman was being completely unreasonable! He used his movement technique, employing ¡°Solitary Wild Goose Shadow.¡± Despite being in water, which slowed his movements, he still remained agile. Easily dodging the powerful kick. Liu Qingxian, who missed her kick, became even more annoyed, ¡°You dare to dodge?¡± She immediately turned and threw a punch towards Jiang Fan¡¯s side. Continuous attacks made Jiang Fan equally angry. ¡°You think you can bully a newcomer?¡± Without a second thought, he unleashed the first form of ¡°Wandering Dragon Palm.¡± ¡°Shocking Dragon!¡± His right fist surged forward, carried by a strong current of air, emitting dragon roars. The spiritual power surrounding his fist looked like a majestic dragon¡¯s head. The two forces collided in mid-air. Swish, swish, swish¡ª Jiang Fan felt an unstoppable force sweep over him, sending him retreating several steps. He was secretly stunned. Was this an Inner Sect Disciple of the Green Cloud Sect? Her strength was worlds apart from Zhong Qizhen¡¯s. Liu Qingxian also staggered, nearly falling into the water; her face showed surprise, ¡°You¡¯re a newcomer? You lie without hesitation!¡± That previous attack had surpassed many Inner Sect disciples who had cultivated for years! How could a newcomer have such power? Undoubtedly, this was an older disciple trying to assault her. Upon getting caught, he pretended to be a newcomer, trying to get away with it. Thinking of this, her anger overflowed, her spiritual power surging like a tsunami, sweeping around her. The mist above the Spirit Pond was dispersed by her terrifying spiritual power. ¡°I was going to just take your eyes, but now I¡¯ve changed my mind!¡± ¡°You will die¡­¡± Liu Qingxian said coldly, her eyes full of icy fury. But just as she was about to strike, as the mist dissipated. Their figures became completely clear. Both froze simultaneously. ¡°It¡¯s you?¡± Jiang Fan looked puzzled, ¡°Aren¡¯t you that Liu something Xian from the City Lord Mansion?¡± Thinking for a moment, he even took out a purple jade pendant. Liu Qingxian was also stunned. She stared intently at Jiang Fan, doubting whether her anger had made her hallucinate. Nine-grade Spiritual Root? The one whose cultivation speed was so astonishing it made her cry, the Nine-grade Spiritual Root? The one she searched for countless times, never finding any trace, the Nine-grade Spiritual Root? She had even given up hope of finding the Nine-grade Spiritual Root? And yet, here he was, right in front of her? Rubbing her eyes, she still saw Jiang Fan and the jade pendant in his hand. No mistake! It was him! It was that Nine-grade Spiritual Root! He had delivered himself to her! Her beautiful eyes widened, her delicate body trembling continuously, looking at Jiang Fan as if sparks were flying from her gaze. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Jiang Fan felt uneasy under her stare and instinctively hugged himself. He had heard people say. Young boys must learn to protect themselves when out and about. Just as he said that, Liu Qingxian suddenly lunged at him. Her hands grasped his shoulders, her bright eyes fixed on him as if she wanted to devour him. She was muttering things that made Jiang Fan feel utterly confused. ¡°I found you! Finally found you!¡± ¡°Heavens, you¡¯ve finally opened your eyes!¡± Jiang Fan was a bit scared of this woman. He remembered that the last time they met, when he was in his No.1 Shadow Guard identity, she was equally excited. He hurriedly pushed her away and started running towards the shore. Liu Qingxian, snapping back to her senses, eyes filled with excitement, laughed while grabbing him back. Looking at the person who caused her so much trouble, who she both loved and hated. She gritted her teeth, ¡°You really made it hard to find you!¡± ¡°Do you know how much I¡¯ve suffered because of you? Huh?¡± ¡°Now that you¡¯ve delivered yourself, you think you can run?¡± ¡°Get back here!¡± She threw Jiang Fan back into the center of the pond. Jiang Fan was on the brink of tears. What exactly did he do to provoke this outrageously powerful young lady? ¡°Miss Liu, can¡¯t you speak nicely? You¡¯re scaring me.¡± Liu Qingxian snorted, ¡°Talk! Where have you been all this time? Why couldn¡¯t I find you?¡± Jiang Fan said helplessly, ¡°I was in Lonely Boat City all along!¡± Always in Lonely Boat City? Liu Qingxian swayed, feeling like she might vomit blood. She had almost checked every potential family in Lonely Boat City, any martial path family that might produce a Nine-grade Spiritual Root. She had almost dug up the entire city. But there was no trace of any Nine-grade Spiritual Root. ¡°Where in Lonely Boat City? Be clear!¡± Liu Qingxian found it hard to believe. That she had missed something in such a thorough search. ¡°The Xu Family, Xu Yining and Xu Youran¡¯s family.¡± Jiang Fan said truthfully. The Xu Family? Liu Qingxian clapped her forehead, ¡°How could I have overlooked the Xu Family?¡± Because there was Junior Sister Xu Youran in the Xu Family, she assumed that there couldn¡¯t be a Nine-grade Spiritual Root in the Xu Family without Xu Yining knowing. And Xu Yining would definitely tell her. Yet? The Nine-grade Spiritual Root was in the one family she had overlooked. She wanted to slap herself. So careful, yet still so careless. Truly a lapse in thoroughness! Wait! Liu Qingxian suddenly recalled something, suspiciously asking, ¡°You¡­you wouldn¡¯t happen to be named Jiang Fan, would you?¡± She remembered, when she investigated the Dragon-Rising Path prodigy. One person had entered her vision. It was Xu Youran¡¯s fianc¨¦, Jiang Fan. But Xu Yining¡¯s assessment of him was that he was ordinary, so she lost interest. Could it be that the person before her was Jiang Fan? That he wasn¡¯t just the Nine-grade Spiritual Root? But also the prodigy she had been desperately searching for? Chapter 86 - Chapter 86: Chapter 86 The Girl in the Medicine Garden Chapter 86: Chapter 86 The Girl in the Medicine Garden Jiang Fan blinked: ¡°Huh? How do you know my name?¡± He remembered, the two of them had only met once. He had not told her his name. Liu Qingxian¡¯s beautiful eyes widened again. And then, she rushed over, grabbing Jiang Fan by the shoulders, her eyes radiating a shocked light: ¡°So you are the one on the Dragon-Rising Path who defeated Nangong Liuyun?¡± How did you know this? Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes flickered, he didn¡¯t answer. But this silent admission let Liu Qingxian confirm it. The peerless prodigy she had been searching for was the Ninth-grade Spirit Root! Recalling the astonishing strength Jiang Fan had just shown, she was even more convinced that the person who defeated Nangong Liuyun was Jiang Fan! ¡°It really is you! It really is you!¡± She suddenly understood why Jiang Fan¡¯s Ninth-grade Spirit Root outshone her Seventh-grade Spirit Root so much at the City Lord Mansion. The reason was. Jiang Fan¡¯s Spirit Root was probably not just simply a Ninth Grade. That was why both she and Chen Zhengdao misunderstood, thinking that the Ninth-grade Spirit Root and the peerless prodigy were two different people. The truth was revealed. Her delight was indescribable; she joyously held this precious treasure, regaining it and cradling it in her arms. Fearing that he would run away in the next moment. ¡°Great, our Sect Master Peak has hope, father will no longer need to worry.¡± Jiang Fan was buried in her chest. He couldn¡¯t help widening his eyes and hurriedly pushed her away, saying: ¡°What are you doing?¡± ¡°Men and women shouldn¡¯t touch, Senior Sister Liu, please show some respect!¡± Uh¡ª Liu Qingxian realized the situation she was in. Her pristine and flawless face suddenly turned bright red. What was I doing? But seeing Jiang Fan¡¯s seemingly disadvantaged look, she got angry: ¡°Taking advantage and still feeling wronged!¡± She, Liu Qingxian, wasn¡¯t bad, right? In terms of looks, she could rank among the top few in the Nine-Sect. How many sect¡¯s young masters and successors had yearned to kiss her? Giving Jiang Fan the chance, he actually disliked it! Jiang Fan didn¡¯t want to argue with her, saying: ¡°Can I leave now?¡± ¡°If I don¡¯t go and other female disciples come, it won¡¯t be easy to explain our situation.¡± Liu Qingxian thought the same. She said: ¡°Go, but no matter which elder chooses you as an Inner Sect Disciple tomorrow, do not agree!¡± ¡°I¡¯ll get my father to take you in.¡± Jiang Fan laughed: ¡°You think you can control me?¡± Liu Qingxian grinned maliciously: ¡°What, you want the whole sect to know that you came to the female disciples¡¯ Spirit Pond?¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s face went pale, gritting his teeth: ¡°You win!¡± ¡°Turn around!¡± Liu Qingxian mocked him: ¡°You think you can control me?¡± Without a word, Jiang Fan stood up, baring his naked body in front of her. ¡°Ah! Scoundrel!¡± Liu Qingxian screamed, hurriedly covering her face and crouching in the water. Jiang Fan smirked. So what if you¡¯re powerful? Still easily dealt with right? He jumped ashore, quickly got dressed. Taking advantage of the fact that no one else was around, he hurriedly escaped. After a long time, Liu Qingxian dared to get up, her peerlessly beautiful face still flushed like the evening sky. She bit her rose-petal-like red lips, half-laughing, half-angry: ¡°Little rascal!¡± ¡°No one has ever made me this angry in my life!¡± ¡°Once you enter my father¡¯s sect, you¡¯ll be my Junior Brother!¡± ¡°In the future, I¡¯ll see how I deal with you!¡± Meanwhile, Jiang Fan. Feeling light-hearted, he walked briskly along the path away from the back mountain. Hidden in the dark, Zhong Qizhen and the others, who were waiting to see Jiang Fan being carried out, couldn¡¯t believe their eyes. How did he look like he had been punished? He was lively and jumping! Zhong Qizhen angrily punched Liu Yong¡¯s chest, shouting: ¡°Is this what you call condemnation?¡± Liu Yong also felt full of questions: ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be like this, Liu Qingxian was clearly inside bathing.¡± ¡°Senior Brother Zhong, let me go inside and check the situation.¡± He couldn¡¯t believe it. Could it be that Liu Qingxian had already finished her bath? And by sheer luck, this kid wasn¡¯t discovered by Liu Qingxian? He stepped inside. Soon after. Coming close to the Spirit Pond, he peeked inside and was stunned. He saw Liu Qingxian by the shore, combing her wet hair. This proved that Liu Qingxian had been inside all along. So that would mean the two had shared the bath together? Liu Yong was horrified. He realized he had discovered something he shouldn¡¯t have! Terrified, he crawled away on all fours. Unexpectedly, Liu Qingxian turned around, cold as ice: ¡°You were the one who tricked Jiang Fan into coming here, right?¡± She looked at him coldly. Liu Yong broke into a cold sweat, feeling as if the sky had fallen, immediately kneeling and kowtowing: ¡°I was wrong, I was wrong! Please spare me, Fairy!¡± Liu Qingxian¡¯s eyes grew colder: ¡°Do you know what a great disaster you¡¯ve caused?¡± Liu Yong was scared to death: ¡°I almost ruined Fairy¡¯s purity, I have sinned, I have committed a grave crime!¡± BANG¡ª Liu Qingxian flew over, smashing the green stone steps in front of him with her foot. ¡°Ruining my purity is secondary! You almost made me kill a peerless prodigy!¡± ¡°Your sin is unforgivable!¡± After saying that, she shattered his Dantian with a single palm strike, crippling his cultivation: ¡°Leave Green Cloud Sect now, never return!¡± ¡°Also, if you dare to reveal a word about what happened here, you¡¯ll die!¡± Liu Yong clutched his abdomen in pain, fleeing in panic. When he made it outside. Zhong Qizhen looked at him in astonishment: ¡°What happened? What¡¯s with you?¡± Liu Yong tried to open his mouth but quickly shut it again. His face was full of bitterness as he cautioned: ¡°Senior Brother Zhong, thinking of how you¡¯ve taken care of me over the years, let me remind you.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t fight with Jiang Fan.¡± Finished speaking, he walked towards the mountain gate in pain and regret. Zhong Qizhen was stunned for a long time. Then he clenched his fists tightly: ¡°You want me not to fight with Jiang Fan?¡± ¡°He took my woman and shamed me, how can I endure that?¡± ¡°In Green Cloud Sect, it¡¯s either him or me!¡± Jiang Fan knew none of this. Holding the key obtained from Dragon-Rising Path, he arrived at the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s Medicine Garden. There was a huge array around the Medicine Garden to isolate it. The only entrance was guarded by a Deacon and several Outer Sect disciples. ¡°The key is genuine.¡± The Deacon guarding there looked at Jiang Fan strangely. The qualification to enter and exit the Medicine Garden was very rare. Only a few True Disciples who had made great contributions to the sect had the chance to get in once. But when did Green Cloud Sect have such a young, unfamiliar True Disciple? Regardless, since the key was real, he had no right to interfere: ¡°A lower-grade key only allows you to pick herbs in the lower Medicine Garden, with a total weight not exceeding ten pounds.¡± The ingredients for Fierce Tiger Pills weren¡¯t extraordinarily rare. The lower Medicine Garden might have them. ¡°Understood, senior!¡± Holding the key, he went inside. Immediately, the fragrance of countless herbs hit him. A huge Medicine Garden of hundreds of acres came into view, filled with countless herbs. Each one rare and hard to find outside! Then. He found the main ingredient he needed, the White Tiger Rose. However, in front of the White Tiger Roses, a pretty-faced female disciple was picking them. Seeing her taking them with her bare hands, Jiang Fan¡¯s face changed, he quickly shouted: ¡°Stop!¡± Chapter 87 - Chapter 87: Chapter 87: Whose Elders Disciple Are You? Chapter 87: Chapter 87: Whose Elder¡¯s Disciple Are You? The female disciple was startled by the sudden shout. She lost her balance and sat down unsteadily in the muddy medicine garden. She quickly got up and looked at the dirt on her backside. Annoyed, she looked at Jiang Fan and said, ¡°Why did you shout?¡± Jiang Fan exhaled slightly and walked over, pointing at the dangerous rose. ¡°Is this your first time encountering such a rose?¡± A hint of nervousness flashed across the female disciple¡¯s delicate face, but she stubbornly said, ¡°Who said that? I have this kind in my backyard.¡± Jiang Fan smiled but said nothing. He picked up a dead branch from the ground and carefully poked the rose. The result. The apparently pink rose with white stripes, which looked quite beautiful, suddenly contracted its petals and wrapped them around the tip of the branch. It was like a sudden attack by a fierce tiger, biting down hard on its prey. With a snap. The tip of the branch broke off. Seeing this scene, the female disciple covered her mouth in astonishment. If she had touched it with her finger just now, she could imagine the result. Even if it wasn¡¯t bitten off, it would have been lacerated. She blushed, bowed slightly, and said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for misunderstanding you, and thank you.¡± Jiang Fan didn¡¯t mind and said, ¡°It¡¯s okay.¡± He then took out a prepared jade box and a jade knife and skillfully began cutting the rose. In no time, he filled the entire box. Roughly estimated, it was about three pounds. Sufficient to concoct enough Fierce Tiger Pills for someone who just finished the first layer of the Iron Blood True Scripture. Plus, he could take away seven pounds of herbs. No need to think, he should know what to take. The main ingredients for the Foundation Establishment Pill, Land Coral, and Black-striped Ganoderma. Luckily, both ingredients were in the lower medicine garden and not far away. He took out a professional container and separately harvested three and a half pounds of both ingredients. The delicate-faced girl watched Jiang Fan¡¯s practiced movements and couldn¡¯t help but be amazed. ¡°This¡­ Junior Brother, may I ask which peak you are an outstanding disciple of?¡± ¡°I am Su Qiuning of Medicine Peak. Junior Brother, the ingredients you just harvested seem to be for the Foundation Establishment Pill.¡± ¡°Are you perhaps a disciple of Pill Peak?¡± She was very puzzled. The materials for the Foundation Establishment Pill were only needed by Pill Peak. Why would disciples of other peaks need them? Which peak¡¯s disciple? It¡¯s hard to say if he could even become a peak disciple. He coughed lightly and said, ¡°I¡¯m just curious about herbs. I¡¯m not a disciple of Pill Peak.¡± On the first day he joined the sect, he got tricked into going to the female disciple¡¯s Spirit Pond. He didn¡¯t dare to tell the truth to anyone anymore. The identity of a Soul Master was something he would never reveal, not even under torture. ¡°Oh.¡± Seeing that he didn¡¯t want to say more, Su Qiuning didn¡¯t inquire further. At this moment. A voice came from the gate of the medicine garden: ¡°Su Qiuning, you have fifteen minutes left. Pick the herbs quickly and come out without delay.¡± Upon hearing this, Su Qiuning¡¯s face tightened. She pulled out a prescription from her pocket, looking at the several herbs she hadn¡¯t found yet and couldn¡¯t help but furrow her brows. ¡°What to do, there are still five kinds I haven¡¯t picked.¡± ¡°Let alone concoct the medicine.¡± ¡°This is the last task my master has arranged for me. If I fail the examination, I will be punished with a year of closed-door cultivation.¡± Thinking about the year-long penalty, like imprisonment. Her face turned pale. Suddenly, Jiang Fan¡¯s figure passed in front of her eyes, and she couldn¡¯t help but brighten up. Pressing her lips together, blushing, she said, ¡°Junior Brother, can you help me with something?¡± ¡°Can you help me find all the herbs on this prescription?¡± Finding herbs? How difficult must a prescription be that she couldn¡¯t even find the herbs? He took the prescription and looked at it, and couldn¡¯t help but be surprised. Wasn¡¯t this the ¡°Black Soul Bone Healing Ointment¡± from the Undying Medical Book? The herbs required for it were all unique in this world. At least, his lower-level key wasn¡¯t sufficient to access these herbs. No wonder she couldn¡¯t gather all the herbs. These herbs weren¡¯t just rare; they were also odd and difficult for anyone without experience to find quickly. Fortunately, all the details were recorded in the Undying Medical Book. ¡°Please, Junior Brother.¡± Seeing the time pass, Su Qiuning clasped her hands in a pleading gesture. ¡°If you can find them, I only need one portion. The rest will be yours!¡± What? One portion of herbs, at most a pound. The remaining nine pounds would all go to Jiang Fan? However, he confirmed by asking, ¡°Do you have the key to the high-level medicine garden?¡± ¡°The herbs on this prescription, ninety percent are in the high-level garden.¡± Seeing that Jiang Fan accurately named the herb levels, Su Qiuning felt hopeful. She nodded repeatedly, ¡°Yes, I can freely pick ten pounds from low, medium, and high-level gardens here.¡± Jiang Fan felt completely relieved, saying, ¡°Good, that¡¯s settled!¡± He checked what Su Qiuning had already harvested and quickly entered the high-level medicine garden. Su Qiuning worriedly said, ¡°I¡¯ve looked here, and it seems there¡¯s nothing.¡± Jiang Fan didn¡¯t reply. He scanned around and found some seemingly ordinary wormwood, put on gloves, and pulled them up at once. Immediately, a bunch of golden roots appeared. ¡°Dragon whisker root! It¡¯s the dragon whisker root from the prescription!¡± ¡°Yes, I forgot that dragon whisker root likes to parasitize on wild grass roots.¡± Next. Jiang Fan saw an apple tree, which seemed to bear ordinary apples. When he took out a mirror and used it to reflect the light onto the apples, they instantly turned snow white. ¡°Ah! Snow Crystal Fruit! It reveals its true form only under sunlight. The teacher never mentioned that!¡± Afterward, Jiang Fan continuously found one rare herb after another in the high-level medicine garden. In less than fifteen minutes. All the required herbs on the prescription were gathered. Jiang Fan separated out a pound and handed it to her. ¡°Compare it to the prescription and see if anything is missing.¡± Su Qiuning eagerly compared them one by one, her face full of surprise. ¡°It¡¯s all here! Everything is here!¡± She looked at Jiang Fan with almost worship in her eyes. ¡°Junior Brother, you are like a god.¡± ¡°Far superior to my senior sister.¡± Almost with a glance, Jiang Fan knew where the required herbs were hidden. This was something only their master, Medicine Peak Master, could do. She thought Jiang Fan must be an extraordinary disciple of some peak. Otherwise, he wouldn¡¯t have such abilities! This worshipful gaze made Jiang Fan feel a bit guilty. These rare herbs, he took ninety percent, yet she showed no reluctance and praised him so calmly. He scratched his head, realizing that concocting the Black Soul Bone Healing Ointment was also tough. Su Qiuning had difficulty even finding the herbs; with just one portion, it would be hard to concoct successfully. Never mind, he thought, he should help her to the end. Consider the debt fully repaid. ¡°Senior Sister Su, if you trust me, I¡¯ll help you concoct the ointment too.¡± Su Qiuning¡¯s eyes lit up. She was worried about it. Gathering the herbs was one thing, but whether she could successfully concoct the ointment was uncertain. ¡°Trust! Of course, I trust you!¡± She nodded hastily. Thus. Jiang Fan started a fire and used the alchemy furnace to concoct the bone healing ointment. Soon. A lump of pitch-black ointment, black and reflective, was presented to Su Qiuning. She couldn¡¯t help but frown, silently wondering, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t the Black Soul Bone Healing Ointment be dark blue?¡± ¡°How did this Junior Brother make it black? Did it fail?¡± However, he was helping her out of kindness, and she didn¡¯t want to criticize. She could only suppress her worry, pack it up, and repeatedly thank him, ¡°Thank you, Junior Brother.¡± ¡°By the way, I don¡¯t know your name or your peak? So I can visit and thank you properly later.¡± Jiang Fan waved his hand, ¡°I¡¯m Jiang Fan, no need for a formal visit.¡± ¡°Because I¡¯m a new disciple, I haven¡¯t joined a peak yet.¡± Su Qiuning nodded, ¡°Oh, so you are Junior Brother Jiang.¡± But then. Her expression froze. Wait! He said he was a new disciple? Chapter 88 - Chapter 88: Chapter 88: You Call This Top-Grade Bone Healing Ointment Chapter 88: Chapter 88: You Call This Top-Grade Bone Healing Ointment Su Qiuning stared wide-eyed. She looked unblinkingly at the young boy, who was clearly two years younger than herself. Stammering, she said, ¡°Are you¡­ a novice? Haven¡¯t you taken a master yet?¡± ¡°How is this possible?¡± Jiang Fan harvested high-grade herbs with such skill that it couldn¡¯t have been cultivated without the guidance of a top-level master, could it? Also, the technique used in refining the Black Soul Bone Healing Ointment earlier was complex and mysterious. There were many steps she couldn¡¯t understand the principle behind. Could he do this without the guidance of a renowned master? If he said he was a secret apprentice of the Medicine Peak Master, she would have believed it. But Jiang Fan claimed he was a novice! A novice who had not yet taken a master! Frankly speaking, novices brought back by the elders and then left in the plaza were all discarded disciples. Ninety-nine percent of them would be Outer Sect disciples in the future. How could someone as excellent as Jiang Fan end up like this? She really wanted to get to the bottom of it. But the deacon¡¯s reminder came, ¡°Su Qiuning, your time is up.¡± Helplessly, she had to leave. Jiang Fan also left with many medicinal materials. After Su Qiuning explained, the deacon could only enviously agree to Jiang Fan taking away nine pounds of high-grade medicinal materials. High-grade medicinal materials, even the deacons guarding the Medicine Garden, might not get nine pounds in a year. Su Qiuning bade farewell to Jiang Fan and hurried back to the Medicine Peak. ¡°You¡¯re the last one!¡± The Medicine Peak Master, Wen Hongyao, a seventy-something old woman with a rigid personality and a stern demeanor, said. In front of her, a group of female disciples was already kneeling. Their assessments had all failed without exception. Seeing Su Qiuning return last, Wen Hongyao huffed lightly, ¡°Always dawdling!¡± ¡°And all of you fail the assessment in the end!¡± ¡°How can I take in such idiots as disciples?¡± She unleashed a tirade, making Su Qiuning tear up with grievance, lowering her head pitifully without saying a word. The surrounding female disciples also looked bitter. It wasn¡¯t that they were stupid, but that their master¡¯s requirements were too strict. Every time, the test would exceed their knowledge, leaving them with a deep sense of frustration. Before coming to the Green Cloud Sect, they were all exceptionally talented in refining medicine locally, but under her, they seemed like useless individuals. Wen Hongyao had no sympathy, instead becoming stricter, ¡°Why are you crying?¡± ¡°You¡¯ve failed nine assessments consecutively!¡± ¡°If you fail this time too, it will be the tenth, and according to my rules, you must be in seclusion for a year!¡± ¡°Show me your assessment results!¡± Su Qiuning immediately became tense with fear. After hesitating for a long time, she finally took out a lump of the unusually dark Black Soul Bone Healing Ointment. The female disciples sighed at the sight. ¡°Is this a refining failure? It should normally be dark blue.¡± ¡°It¡¯s over, Junior Sister is going to be in seclusion for a year, she is so young, how can she endure it?¡± Wen Hongyao looked at it with a grim face. But upon seeing it, she was taken aback and walked over with thunderous steps. She grabbed the Bone Healing Ointment and looked at it closely in her palm. In her dim eyes, a trace of shock gradually appeared. She took a deep breath: ¡°Such skill, to be able to refine such a high-grade Bone Healing Ointment.¡± Huh? This is the Bone Healing Ointment? The female disciples were puzzled. Su Qiuning was also taken aback, then immediately overjoyed. If that¡¯s the case, did she pass the assessment? But to her surprise, Wen Hongyao suddenly scolded harshly, ¡°Insolent disciple! Kneel down to me now!¡± The sudden outburst scared Su Qiuning, and she knelt down immediately. Wen Hongyao¡¯s anger grew as she yelled, ¡°You have such ability!¡± ¡°Could you have invited such an influential person to personally refine a top-grade Black Soul Bone Healing Ointment for you?¡± ¡°Even I may not be able to get them to do it!¡± What? Top-grade Black Soul Bone Healing Ointment? Su Qiuning was stunned and said, ¡°Master, you misunderstand, I did not invite any influential person!¡± Wen Hongyao was even angrier, ¡°Still lying!¡± ¡°Top-grade Black Soul Bone Healing Ointment is the unique formula of the Undying Doctor, refining even a low-grade one is difficult, let alone a top-grade one?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t this the work of a master?¡± ¡°You treacherous disciple, not only did you cheat, but you also dare to lie and deny it, I will expel you from the Sect now!¡± Su Qiuning was terrified. She never expected that asking a Junior Brother for help in refining medicine would bring such a disaster. She hurriedly explained, ¡°Master, I¡¯m not lying!¡± ¡°I did not invite any influential person, but asked a Junior Brother for help.¡± A Junior Brother? Wen Hongyao stared at Su Qiuning¡¯s about-to-cry look, which didn¡¯t seem like a lie, and her face was full of doubt. ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s a Junior Brother? When did our Green Cloud Sect have such a talented medicine refiner?¡± ¡°Which peak does he belong to, and who is his master?¡± ¡°I want to confront him in person.¡± She couldn¡¯t believe it. As the Medicine Peak Master, could she be worse at refining medicine than a disciple from another peak? If this got out, how could she continue to be the Medicine Peak Master? Might as well give the position to him. But Su Qiuning quickly replied, ¡°No, Master, you misunderstood again.¡± ¡°He does not belong to any peak and has not yet taken a master.¡± What? Such a talented medicine refiner has not even taken a master? This was beyond ridiculous! If any other female disciple had said such absurd words, she would have slapped them away. But because she knew Su Qiuning wouldn¡¯t dare lie to her, Wen Hongyao was stunned. ¡°A medicine-refining genius abandoned by a short-sighted elder and left in the plaza?¡± ¡°Could Heaven be giving our Medicine Peak a chance to rise?¡± ¡°With such a talented disciple, why would our Medicine Peak worry about surpassing other peaks?¡± The more she thought about it, the more excited she became. She showed an affectionate smile and helped Su Qiuning up herself. ¡°Qiuning, what¡¯s that Junior Brother¡¯s name? Do you remember his appearance?¡± Su Qiuning, surprised and delighted, nodded repeatedly. Wen Hongyao¡¯s eyes gleamed so brightly, ¡°Good, good, good. Tomorrow you will accompany me to select disciples.¡± ¡°No matter the cost, I must secure him.¡± Meanwhile, Jiang Fan. Completely unaware that he had already been targeted by the Sect Master Peak and Medicine Peak, he was still worried about tomorrow¡¯s elder disciple selection. If he couldn¡¯t enter the Inner Sect, it would be hard to get another chance to gather medicinal materials from the Medicine Garden like today. When he used up the materials and crystal stones he had, he could do nothing but stare. So, tomorrow would decide his fate. Just as he was preparing to meditate until dawn. Suddenly, there were exclamations from the crowd. ¡°So beautiful!¡± ¡°Which peak¡¯s female disciple is this, an absolute beauty!¡± ¡°And both of them are stunning!¡± ¡°Keep your voice down. Those uniforms are from Heavenly Sword Peak, they are not to be messed with.¡± In their amazed gazes. The two girls searched the plaza, and finally, they saw Jiang Fan sitting cross-legged under a stone monument. ¡°Fan!¡± Xu Youran in a cyan long gown, with a slender and graceful figure and a face of stunning beauty, called out. ¡°Jiang Fan.¡± Chen Silin, in white like snow, untainted by dust, her clear and ethereal face like a summer lotus, followed. Their eyes gleamed as they ran to Jiang Fan. ¡°What brings you here?¡± Jiang Fan asked in surprise. Xu Youran dashed into his arms. Although they had only parted for a day, she acted like it had been ages, softly saying, ¡°Siling and I will stay with you.¡± Chen Silin shyly came to Jiang Fan¡¯s side. As Xu Youran occupied his broad chest, she could only gently hold his arm and leaned in: ¡°No matter tomorrow¡¯s result, Silin will always be yours.¡± Jiang Fan was moved and embraced her as well. The scene shattered the minds of the disciples present. They were so jealous their molars cracked. It also made Ding Wanping, the third senior brother from Heavenly Sword Peak assigned to protect them, frown deeply. He finally found some stunning female disciples from Heavenly Sword Peak, and before he could make a move, they were taken by a worthless nobody? ¡°Who are you? How dare you flirt with the female disciples of Heavenly Sword Peak?¡± Chapter 89 - Chapter 89: Chapter 89: Beating the True Legacy Chapter 89: Chapter 89: Beating the True Legacy Jiang Fan looked over upon hearing the words. Seeing his attire, he knew he was a disciple of the Heavenly Sword Peak. His undisguised hostility made Jiang Fan frown. Without any courtesy, he said, ¡°Youran, Silin, tell him who I am to you.¡± ¡°So he can stop babbling.¡± Xu Youran cupped his hands toward the newcomer and said, ¡°Senior Brother Ding, this is my fianc¨¦, Jiang Fan.¡± Chen Silin was not as gentle as Xu Youran; she glanced at him coldly and said: ¡°I am Jiang Fan¡¯s concubine; this is none of Senior Brother Ding¡¯s business, please do not disturb our reunion.¡± What? Ding Wanping found it hard to believe. Xu Youran, such a beautiful and top-tier Seventh Grade Spirit Root genius, actually had a marriage contract with this worthless guy? So be it, but Chen Silin, a Sixth Grade Spirit Root with top-tier looks, is his concubine! Looking at her demeanor, she seemed very content! Why? He, the third senior brother of the Heavenly Sword Peak and the third true disciple, did not have the fortune of possessing two beautiful and talented women. What is Jiang Fan? He frowned and said in a deep voice, ¡°Junior sisters, stop fooling around.¡± ¡°Being with such a person with no future is irresponsible for your lives.¡± ¡°Come back with me quickly, and I will personally teach you our peak¡¯s swordsmanship.¡± Saying this, he directly reached out. Extending both hands, he tried to grab each of their fragrant shoulders. Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes glinted coldly. Xu Youran and Chen Silin had already made it clear, yet he still did not give up. More excessively, he wanted to take advantage of the opportunity for physical contact. He acted decisively. A palm strike, Shocking Dragon, flew out. Ding Wanping laughed angrily, ¡°What do you think you are, daring to strike at a true disciple?¡± He was waiting for Jiang Fan to strike. Just to fiercely teach him a lesson in front of the two beauties, letting them see how incompetent their fianc¨¦ was. So, he excitedly took the palm strike. Dealing with a newcomer, he, as a true disciple, wasn¡¯t that easy? However. As soon as they exchanged blows, Ding Wanping felt an extraordinarily domineering palm power. When he tried to resist with full strength, it was already too late. He was shaken and sent flying, landing embarrassingly on the ground. The surrounding disciples were dumbfounded. Usually, it was the senior disciples bullying the newcomers. This was the first time a newcomer bullied a senior disciple! ¡°What a strange sight!¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t they saying the Heavenly Sword Peak people are not to be messed with?¡± ¡°Is he really a true disciple? How weak!¡± Ding Wanping felt humiliated beyond measure! As a true disciple, he got beaten by a newcomer! If word spread, would he still have any face? ¡°Jiang Fan! You¡¯re courting death!¡± Ding Wanping drew his long sword, making it hum loudly, ¡°Kneel down and apologize!¡± ¡°Or else¡­¡± Jiang Fan pushed aside the two women, grasped the hilt of the sword on his back with a cold gaze, ¡°Threatening me, you¡¯re not qualified.¡± Enduring normally was right. But when bullied to the limit, continued endurance was cowardice. When it was time to show his fangs, he wouldn¡¯t be polite. Ding Wanping was extremely furious. Jiang Fan did not regard him, a true disciple, at all! He snorted in anger, charging in with his sword, shouting, ¡°I¡¯ll teach you a lesson, let you know what the Green Cloud Sect is and what it relies on to speak!¡± Without strength, being arrogant in Green Cloud Sect led to a dire end. The senior disciples looked pityingly at Jiang Fan. Jiang Fan was completely unafraid. Gripping the Purple Sword, ready to strike at any moment. But at this moment. A loud voice scolded, ¡°Disciple of Heavenly Sword Peak, do you want to enter the Reward and Punishment Hall? Aren¡¯t you aware it¡¯s forbidden to fight on the square?¡± It was the Deacon of the square leading a patrol, noticing the commotion, immediately stopping it. Upon hearing this, Ding Wanping¡¯s face changed. Unwillingly glaring at Jiang Fan, he sheathed the sword, turning to face the approaching deacon, ¡°Deacon Bai, I was just scaring him.¡± Deacon Bai glared at him sternly. Seeing he was a true disciple of Heavenly Sword Peak, did not delve deeper, only snorted, ¡°The night market is starting, if you don¡¯t want punishment, behave yourself.¡± After saying this, he continued patrolling with his team. Ding Wanping clenched his fists and spat, ¡°Really picked the right timing!¡± ¡°Can¡¯t come a bit later?¡± Actually, not just the square, the entire Nine Peaks, even the outer Green Cloud City, disallowed private duels. Once caught, severely punished. However, he was a true disciple. Even if he truly beat Jiang Fan, would the sect punish him, an elite disciple over a discarded trash disliked by Li Qingfeng? ¡°You¡¯re lucky today!¡± Ding Wanping said viciously. Jiang Fan released the sword hilt, coldly staring at Ding Wanping, ¡°The lucky one is you.¡± At this moment. Suddenly, disciples surged down from the Ten Peaks, holding lamps, setting up stalls in the square. Displaying various items they had acquired. There were Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures found during adventures, as well as lower-tier magic artifacts they had made, and some powerful inner sect disciples selling their cultivation insights. The dazzling array of goods was overwhelming. Xu Youran and Chen Silin showed curious expressions. A woman¡¯s love for shopping showed unmistakably. Seeing this, Jiang Fan laughed and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go, I¡¯ll accompany you to browse, and buy whatever you like.¡± Ever since finalizing the engagement with the two, he hadn¡¯t given them a proper gift. Now was just the right time to buy each a gift. The two women looked expectantly. The gifts were not important; what mattered was who gave them. ¡°Tsk! Frog in a well, do you think the night market of the Green Cloud Sect uses gold and silver?¡± Ding Wanping laughed. ¡°It¡¯s crystal stones! Crystal stones! Do you have any?¡± ¡°Talking big about buying for them!¡± Xu Youran quickly said, ¡°Forget it, Fan, I don¡¯t want to browse anymore.¡± Chen Silin shook her head gently, ¡°When I receive my monthly hundred crystal stones, I¡¯ll buy for you.¡± Jiang Fan smiled. He had been worrying about the thousand crystal stones he got from Xu Ganglie, having nowhere to spend them. ¡°Let¡¯s go, buy without worry, I have plenty of crystal stones.¡± He wrapped his arm around their shoulders, entering the night market. Ding Wanping laughed, ¡°Pretending to be rich.¡± ¡°Junior sisters, whatever you fancy, let Senior Brother pay.¡± ¡°This useless fianc¨¦ of yours only knows how to coax with words.¡± The two women angrily glared at him, deeply annoyed. Suddenly. Xu Youran accidentally saw a mid-grade magic artifact, a blue long sword. The sword body was light and simply carved. Whether in grade or design, it was far better than the ones distributed by the Heavenly Sword Peak. Most importantly, when the stall owner waved the Green Sword, it emitted dazzling green light, enough to blind an enemy¡¯s vision at a critical moment. For a moment, she couldn¡¯t help but look a few more times. Ding Wanping noticed and eagerly said, ¡°Junior sister, you like this sword? Alright, Senior Brother will buy it.¡± Then he asked the stall owner, ¡°How much for this sword?¡± The stall owner, wearing a hat to conceal identity, said, ¡°Two hundred crystal stones.¡± How much? Ding Wanping was taken aback, ¡°A mid-grade magic artifact, at most fifty crystal stones, why ask for two hundred?¡± As a true disciple, he only received a hundred crystal stones monthly from Green Cloud Sect. Spending two hundred to please Xu Youran, he couldn¡¯t bear it. The stall owner, without looking up, rudely said, ¡°Buy if you want, otherwise scram!¡± Ding Wanping, unused to such treatment, shouted, ¡°I¡¯m Ding Wanping from Heavenly Sword Peak! Repeat what you just said!¡± Unexpectedly, the stall owner sneered, ¡°Whatever you are, no money, then scram!¡± Ding Wanping gritted his teeth. Feeling humiliated in front of the two women, and in the night market, he couldn¡¯t fight. He turned his anger towards Jiang Fan. Jiang Fan indeed smiled playfully. Infuriated, Ding Wanping said, ¡°Laugh all you want, as if you¡¯re rich enough to buy it.¡± Jiang Fan shrugged. Pulled out twenty mid-grade crystal stones from his pouch, and tossed them on the stall. ¡°I¡¯ll take the sword.¡± Chapter 90 - Chapter 90: Chapter 90: Amazing Swordsmanship Chapter 90: Chapter 90: Amazing Swordsmanship ¡°Mid-grade crystal stone?¡± The vendor was momentarily stunned, then burst into joyful laughter: ¡°This sword is yours!¡± He tossed the green sword to Jiang Fan with a flourish. Then, ecstatically stroking the mid-grade crystal stone, he exclaimed, ¡°In this day and age, people who use mid-grade crystal stones to buy things are either rich or noble!¡± ¡°This junior brother, you are truly generous!¡± ¡°Unlike some old disciples, who are both poor and arrogant.¡± Ding Wanping¡¯s face flushed with anger. He had never expected that Jiang Fan, a newcomer, would have so many crystal stones. And mid-grade crystal stones, which were rarely seen on the market. Crystal stones are classified into three grades: top, mid-grade, and low grade. Among them, one top-grade crystal stone could be exchanged for ten mid-grade crystal stones, and one mid-grade crystal stone could be exchanged for ten low-grade crystal stones. However, mid-grade and higher crystal stones were rich in spiritual power, and martial artists generally used them for cultivation. Very few people were willing to exchange mid-grade crystal stones for low-grade ones. Even fewer people used them as currency for transactions. With a sarcastic tone, Ding Wanping said, ¡°Generous? More like a fool!¡± ¡°A magic artifact worth fifty crystal stones bought for two hundred. Foolish and flushed with cash.¡± Jiang Fan smirked, ¡°If you have no money, just admit it honestly. What¡¯s the point of being sour?¡± ¡°Do you really think this mid-grade magic artifact only has that little bit of green light going for it?¡± Although fleeting, Jiang Fan had noticed the powerful aspect of this sword. ¡°Youran, watch closely!¡± He grasped the green sword. And demonstrated the ¡°Seven-star Sword Jue¡± on the spot. During the performance, the green sword continuously emitted green light. When the green light reached a certain amount, as he thrust out a stab, several green lights followed the direction of the sword¡¯s tip, hitting the front with popping sounds, causing minor explosions. Xu Youran covered her mouth in surprise, ¡°The green light released from the sword can attack enemies?¡± Jiang Fan nodded slightly, ¡°And that¡¯s not all. These green lights seem to have a locking effect on enemies, capable of continuous pursuit, posing quite a trouble to the opponent.¡± ¡°In actual combat, it¡¯s definitely a divine artifact.¡± Clap, clap, clap¡ª The vendor couldn¡¯t help applauding, looking at Jiang Fan with admiration: ¡°So young, yet with such keen insight.¡± ¡°And your swordsmanship is quite extraordinary!¡± ¡°Although the swordsmanship you just used wasn¡¯t highly sophisticated, you fully grasped its essence.¡± ¡°Many old disciples on our peak probably don¡¯t have as deep an understanding of swordsmanship as you do.¡± A master could tell one¡¯s skills with a single move. Jiang Fan¡¯s casual display of swordsmanship had amazed him. ¡°I wonder which peak this junior brother is from. With such talent in swordsmanship, why have I never seen you before?¡± He then noticed that the two girls beside Jiang Fan were dressed in Heavenly Sword Peak¡¯s attire. Frowning, he asked, ¡°Are you a disciple of Heavenly Sword Peak?¡± ¡°That shouldn¡¯t be the case. Besides that sword-obsessed maniac, the rest on Heavenly Sword Peak are all useless.¡± ¡°There shouldn¡¯t be someone like you.¡± Ding Wanping, who was innocently dragged into this, could no longer bear it! ¡°Who are you insulting?¡± The vendor turned to Ding Wanping, removed his hat, revealing a handsome, slightly roguish young man. He looked to be around twenty-five years old. He stared disdainfully at Ding Wanping, ¡°I¡¯m insulting you. Do you have a problem with that?¡± Just moments earlier, Ding Wanping had been brimming with aggression. Seeing the man¡¯s face, he was shocked, ¡°Gongsun Nan! How is it you?¡± Gongsun Nan snorted, ¡°Knowing it¡¯s me, why haven¡¯t you left yet?¡± Ding Wanping¡¯s face showed deep apprehension. Gritting his teeth, he didn¡¯t dare utter a single harsh word and immediately turned and left. Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t help but study him curiously. Could it be that this person was very powerful? On the side, Chen Silin excitedly tugged at Jiang Fan¡¯s sleeve, ¡°Gongsun Nan, we met Gongsun Nan, one of the top ten disciples of Green Cloud Sect, on our first day!¡± As a trader, she was much more perceptive about various pieces of information than Xu Youran. Just after arriving at Heavenly Sword Peak, she had specifically inquired about many things regarding the sect. Including the top ten disciples ranking. Gongsun Nan looked at Jiang Fan with some astonishment, ¡°Judging by your expression, it seems you don¡¯t recognize me?¡± ¡°That shouldn¡¯t be the case, I don¡¯t have such little fame, do I?¡± Jiang Fan quickly cupped his hands and replied, ¡°Apologies, senior brother, I am a new disciple and not yet familiar with the sect.¡± ¡°I hope you¡¯ll forgive any unintended rudeness.¡± Newcomer? Gongsun Nan was taken aback, ¡°My goodness, this year¡¯s newcomers are quite impressive.¡± ¡°Just joining the sect, and your swordsmanship is already this strong. Give you a few years, and I¡¯ll be pushed to the side.¡± He said wistfully, ¡°Which elder got lucky enough to take you as a disciple?¡± Such a tone. Jiang Fan rolled his eyes and said, ¡°I haven¡¯t yet been accepted into any sect. I¡¯m waiting for the elders to choose tomorrow.¡± ¡°If I¡¯m lucky enough, perhaps I¡¯ll join one of the peaks.¡± What? Gongsun Nan was nearly shocked jawless, ¡°You weren¡¯t taken back to any peak?¡± Looking at the two girls¡¯ attire beside him, he said, ¡°Elder Li Qingfeng brought you back to Green Cloud Sect but didn¡¯t accept you as a disciple? Left you to fend for yourself?¡± Although a bit embarrassed, this was the truth. Jiang Fan nodded lightly. ¡°Seriously! How did Elder Li¡¯s eyes become so blind?¡± Gongsun Nan clutched his forehead in disbelief, ¡°Such a wonderful sword talent, he just let it slip?¡± Immediately after, he showed a delighted expression, grasping Jiang Fan¡¯s wrist: ¡°Come, follow me back to Carefree Peak!¡± ¡°My master will definitely treat you as a treasure seeing a sword talent like you!¡± Xu Youran and Chen Silin were stunned. Carefree Peak? Isn¡¯t that the third-ranked peak? Only beneath Sect Master Peak and Great Elder¡¯s Peak, extremely powerful with many prodigious practitioners. Jiang Fan was actually going to be taken to Carefree Peak! This sudden great joy caused the two girls immense delight. Jiang Fan could now enter the Inner Sect. Jiang Fan was also very happy, shopping on the street and stumbling upon an opportunity was beyond his expectations. ¡°Wait!¡± But then, Gongsun Nan slapped his forehead, ¡°Look at me!¡± ¡°As a newcomer awaiting selection, you can¡¯t privately accept a master.¡± ¡°You must wait for tomorrow¡¯s elders¡¯ selection.¡± ¡°What is your name?¡± ¡°Jiang Fan.¡± Gongsun Nan nodded, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go back and tell my master right away.¡± ¡°You just wait to join our Carefree Peak.¡± Jiang Fan said with relief, ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother Gongsun, for your recommendation.¡± Gongsun Nan waved his hand, ¡°A sword prodigy like you would be welcomed by any peak.¡± ¡°Fortunately, I¡¯m the one who spotted your extraordinariness! Hehe!¡± ¡°See you tomorrow then!¡± ¡°I¡¯m looking forward to seeing the elders¡¯ expressions when the supposedly unwanted you display your sword talent among them, hahaha!¡± Watching him leave with laughter, Jiang Fan¡¯s emotions took a while to calm down. He continued to lead the two girls through the market. Unfortunately, they didn¡¯t encounter another treasure like the green sword. ¡°Siling, I¡¯ll get you a suitable gift when I have the chance,¡± Jiang Fan said. Chen Silin¡¯s eyes twinkled, ¡°Alright, I heard our Green Cloud Sect convenes a trading meeting once a month.¡± ¡°It¡¯s all bartering, and mid-grade and top-grade crystal stones are also considered goods.¡± ¡°There are many treasures at such gatherings.¡± Jiang Fan nodded. After getting the details, he led the two girls back to the stone monument to quietly sit and wait for dawn. Heavenly Sword Peak. ¡°Damn it!¡± Ding Wanping kicked a stone bench over, his face full of anger. Zhong Qizhen asked cautiously, ¡°Senior brother, weren¡¯t you accompanying two junior sisters?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t mention it!¡± Ding Wanping slapped the table and recounted what had just happened. Zhong Qizhen grew angry as well, ¡°That Jiang Fan is truly something, daring to offend senior brother!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, senior brother, I¡¯ll make sure he pays tomorrow!¡± Ding Wanping frowned, ¡°Won¡¯t there be problems? Tomorrow is the elders¡¯ selection of disciples. If something happens to him, what if the elders ask about it?¡± Zhong Qizhen laughed heartily, ¡°Senior brother, what are you thinking?¡± ¡°Who is he? What elder knows him?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll make sure he never has a chance to meet the elders, completely cutting off any chance of being noticed by them!¡± Ding Wanping thought carefully and agreed. Something Elder Li Qingfeng didn¡¯t want, why would any other elder want it? He could die without anyone knowing! Chapter 91 - Chapter 91: Chapter 91: Kicking an Iron Board Chapter 91: Chapter 91: Kicking an Iron Board The next day. At dawn, as the sky brightened, the square gradually became lively. Groups of new disciples gathered in the square, waiting to be selected by the elders. If they could catch the eye of an elder, they would rise to prominence and become esteemed Inner Sect Disciples. Otherwise, they would remain Outer Sect Disciples with no hope of advancement. ¡°Fan, don¡¯t be nervous.¡± Xu Youran said gently, ¡°Gongsun Nan thinks highly of you, there¡¯s no need to worry.¡± Chen Silin leaned on his shoulder happily, ¡°Yes, if you don¡¯t get into the Inner Sect, there¡¯s truly no justice.¡± The two of them had entered the Inner Sect by luck, thanks to Jiang Fan. It would make no sense for Jiang Fan to be left out. Jiang Fan held them both and smiled slightly, ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡± Suddenly. A disciple wearing the uniform of the Reward and Punishment Hall approached with a stern expression, ¡°Are you Jiang Fan?¡± ¡°I heard you trespassed in the female disciples¡¯ Spirit Pond yesterday. Come with me, I have some questions for you.¡± Jiang Fan was shocked and said, ¡°This is a misunderstanding.¡± The disciple replied coldly, ¡°I¡¯ll give you a chance to explain.¡± Jiang Fan felt helpless and said, ¡°Alright.¡± Xu Youran and Chen Silin¡¯s expressions changed slightly, ¡°We¡¯ll go with you.¡± How could Jiang Fan let the two girls know about such a matter? Moreover, the Reward and Punishment Hall was a formidable place, and they would not be allowed in. ¡°No need, you wait here. I¡¯ll be back soon.¡± He followed the Reward and Punishment Hall disciple and quickly left. However. Gradually, Jiang Fan noticed something was wrong. The disciple did not take him to the Reward and Punishment Hall but led him to a secluded and sparsely populated area. ¡°Where are you taking me?¡± Jiang Fan stopped walking and asked sternly. Shua¡ª¡ª Suddenly, a figure jumped down from a tree above. He brandished a long blade and struck at Jiang Fan. Jiang Fan, who had been on guard, instinctively used his movement technique and left a series of afterimages, retreating several paces. The figure missed, revealing Zhong Qizhen¡¯s face. ¡°Zhong Qizhen?¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes flashed a cold light, ¡°I knew it was you!¡± ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, Liu Yong, who tricked me into the female Spirit Pond yesterday, was also following your orders?¡± Zhong Qizhen sneered. He waved to the Reward and Punishment Hall disciple, who gave Jiang Fan a glance before leaving silently. It was obvious he was also following Zhong Qizhen¡¯s orders to lure Jiang Fan here. ¡°So what if it was?¡± Zhong Qizhen said with an evil smile, ¡°I said, in Lonely Boat City, I couldn¡¯t do anything to you.¡± ¡°But in the Green Cloud Sect, killing you is as easy as pie!¡± Jiang Fan smiled faintly, ¡°And just with you, a defeated man under my hand?¡± Zhong Qizhen was immediately reminded of the shameful defeat during their duel. His eyes blazed with anger, ¡°That was a duel! I held back, which is why I was at a disadvantage!¡± ¡°Do you really think someone at Foundation Establishment Third Layer can ride over my head?¡± ¡°Today, I¡¯ll show you my true strength!¡± With the intention of avenging his shame, he swung his blade at Jiang Fan. ¡°Five Tigers Soul-breaking Blade!¡± Jiang Fan just shook his head slightly, ¡°No improvement at all, my pointers were wasted.¡± This time, he didn¡¯t even use his sword. He picked up a tree branch casually and said, ¡°I¡¯ll use this to teach you a lesson today.¡± ¡°Lonely Star Points!¡± Pa¡ª¡ª The branch struck Zhong Qizhen¡¯s face, leaving a bloody mark. The stinging pain infuriated Zhong Qizhen, ¡°You¡¯re courting death!¡± He wielded his blade with the intent to kill Jiang Fan, each move ruthless. Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes turned cold; he would show no mercy! ¡°Three Stars Illuminating the Moon!¡± Ah! Zhong Qizhen screamed as the branch pierced one of his eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll kill you! I¡¯ll kill you!!¡± he shouted, swinging his blade wildly. But to Jiang Fan, his moves were as childish as a baby¡¯s. Jiang Fan decided to use Seven Stars to the North. The branch swept Zhong Qizhen away, and his blade fell from his hand. Covering his bleeding eye, Zhong Qizhen shouted venomously, ¡°What are you waiting for? Chop him up and feed him to the dogs!¡± Shua, shua, shua¡ª¡ª At his command. Several older Outer Sect disciples jumped down from the trees. They all had high cultivation levels. At least Foundation Establishment Third Layer, with some at Fourth Layer. There were nine of them in total. Jiang Fan felt a sinking dread. Unless he used the Purple Sword, a quick victory would be difficult. The opponents did not hold back, and the nine of them immediately rushed forward, forcing Jiang Fan into a tough battle, relying on his movement technique. Zhong Qizhen, seeing that Jiang Fan could not be killed quickly, was not anxious and sneered venomously, ¡°Don¡¯t rush, exhaust him slowly!¡± ¡°He¡¯s the one in a hurry! The elders are already selecting disciples.¡± ¡°If he misses this, he will never have another chance. Haha!¡± Jiang Fan was indeed feeling anxious. Today was the day to change his fate. If he missed the elders¡¯ selection, his hope of becoming an Inner Sect disciple would be lost forever. Zhong Qizhen laughed angrily, ¡°Trap him here, I¡¯m going to Medicine Peak to treat my eye!¡± Enduring the pain, he ran to Medicine Peak. Passing by the square, he indeed saw many elders who had already chosen their disciples and were preparing to leave. Meanwhile, on the outskirts of the square, Xu Youran and Chen Silin were anxiously waiting. Zhong Qizhen walked over with a cold smile, ¡°Junior Sister Youran, Junior Sister Siling, give up. Jiang Fan will never become an Inner Sect disciple!¡± Xu Youran¡¯s face changed, realizing the situation might have been a trap for Jiang Fan. ¡°Did you do this? Where is Jiang Fan? Where is he?¡± Seeing Xu Youran¡¯s anxious look, Zhong Qizhen felt satisfied and laughed, ¡°When that loser shamed me, he should have expected this day!¡± ¡°This is the Green Cloud Sect, my territory!¡± Chen Silin, also anxious, said coldly, ¡°I¡¯ll go to our master to complain!¡± Zhong Qizhen wasn¡¯t afraid, spreading his hands, ¡°Then you¡¯d better hurry.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re too late, the elders will all be gone.¡± He laughed. The two women were both angry and worried. Even if they got justice for Jiang Fan, it would take time. Jiang Fan would have no chance to be selected by the elders again! ¡°You are despicable!¡± Xu Youran said with utter disdain. Zhong Qizhen licked his lips, smiling, ¡°If you want Jiang Fan to come quickly, it¡¯s not impossible.¡± ¡°Beg me on your knees!¡± ¡°Pah!¡± Chen Silin spat, ¡°Disgusting!¡± She knew that even if they knelt down, Zhong Qizhen wouldn¡¯t bring Jiang Fan. Zhong Qizhen laughed even harder, ¡°Then let Jiang Fan remain an Outer Sect disciple forever!¡± ¡°No elder will ever know he exists.¡± ¡°Hahaha!¡± At this moment, on a bird from Carefree Peak, standing beside the Peak Master, Gongsun Nan scratched his head and said, ¡°Strange! Where is he?¡± He had looked through the crowd several times but couldn¡¯t find Jiang Fan. The Carefree Peak Master beside him mumbled, ¡°Maybe you drank too much and mistook a rock for a sword prodigy?¡± Gongsun Nan¡¯s face darkened, ¡°Is this disciple that confused?¡± Suddenly, he saw two beautiful women on the edge of the crowd. Instantly delighted. He jumped off the bird and ran to Xu Youran and Chen Silin, excitedly saying, ¡°Junior Sisters, where is Jiang Fan? Ask him to come forward quickly.¡± ¡°My master stayed up all night, waiting to take him as a disciple.¡± The laughing Zhong Qizhen¡¯s expression suddenly froze. Chapter 92 - Chapter 92: Chapter 92: Picked Up a Big Bargain Chapter 92: Chapter 92: Picked Up a Big Bargain He swallowed hard. The Carefree Peak Master, the third-ranked and powerful elder, wanted to take Jiang Fan as a disciple? Did he hear it wrong? What made his heart sink was that Xu Youran and Chen Silin seemed to see a savior. ¡°Senior Brother Gongsun, please help Jiang Fan.¡± The two women pleaded anxiously. Gongsun Nan was stunned. ¡°Junior Brother Jiang is in the Green Cloud Sect, does anyone still dare to do anything to him?¡± This was the Green Cloud Sect, who would dare to be reckless in the sect? Xu Youran angrily pointed at Zhong Qizhen and said: ¡°He instructed someone from the Reward and Punishment Hall to trick Jiang Fan away.¡± ¡°He also refused to tell us Jiang Fan¡¯s whereabouts.¡± What! Gongsun Nan¡¯s face instantly darkened, he slowly turned his head and coldly stared at Zhong Qizhen. Cold air seemed to seep from his mouth. ¡°You have quite the nerve, daring to frame someone my Carefree Peak has taken a liking to?¡± Zhong Qizhen trembled. In front of him was one of the top ten disciples of the Green Cloud Sect. His strength was so great that he could crush him with one finger, and his family¡¯s influence was even more unimaginable. Zhong Qizhen stuttered: ¡°I¡­I didn¡¯t know that Jiang¡­Jiang Fan was someone you fancied.¡± Gongsun Nan slowly approached, his face almost touching Zhong Qizhen¡¯s nose, and coldly said: ¡°Is it that you can¡¯t tell me where he is either?¡± This scared Zhong Qizhen so much that his soul almost left his body. He quickly said: ¡°I¡¯ll¡­I¡¯ll lead the way.¡± He felt extremely anxious as he hurriedly headed back the way he came. At this moment, he hoped more than anyone that Jiang Fan was unharmed. Otherwise¡­ The consequences were unimaginable. Gongsun Nan followed him and soon arrived at the secluded path. From a distance, they saw that Jiang Fan, holding a tree branch, was fighting evenly against nine Outer Sect disciples with cultivation similar to his. It was clearly just an ordinary tree branch, yet in his hand it was wielded with skill and mastery. This made Gongsun Nan overjoyed: ¡°Junior Brother Jiang¡¯s Sword Dao mastery is simply perfect!¡± ¡°I must have this junior brother!¡± At the night market, Jiang Fan had only casually practiced a set of sword moves. But now he was exerting himself fully, his swordsmanship displayed perfectly, making Gongsun Nan marvel. Zhong Qizhen hurriedly shouted: ¡°Stop, everyone stop!¡± The nine Outer Sect disciples were stunned, and seeing Gongsun Nan, all turned pale with fright. At this moment, Jiang Fan also noticed Gongsun Nan, Xu Youran, and Chen Silin approaching, knowing he still had a chance. ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother Gongsun. There is no time to lose. I need to return to the square and not keep the Carefree Peak Master waiting.¡± The group quickly returned to the square. Li Qingfeng had already chosen a disciple, who was barely satisfactory. Seeing that his friend, the Carefree Peak Master, had not yet chosen, he approached and said: ¡°Old Zhao, just pick one.¡± ¡°Although none of them are promising, it is our sect¡¯s rule that each peak must select a new disciple.¡± In fact, nearly all the elders of the peaks looked down on the remaining newcomers on the square. The reason being simple. The newcomers left on the square were those abandoned by various elders. The likelihood of any good seedlings among them was almost zero. The Carefree Peak Master, Zhao Wuji, smiled: ¡°Gongsun Nan found an excellent newcomer and insisted I take him as a disciple.¡± Oh? Li Qingfeng was astonished: ¡°Impossible? With your disciple Gongsun Nan¡¯s cultivation, what kind of exceptional newcomer would he deem ¡®excellent¡¯?¡± ¡°Even the two top-grade and Seventh Grade Spirit Roots I just accepted might not be considered excellent by him.¡± ¡°Which elder was so careless to leave such an outstanding talent?¡± Zhao Wuji stroked his beard with pride. He glanced discreetly at the few surrounding elders without disciples and said softly: ¡°If you hadn¡¯t chosen your disciple, I wouldn¡¯t dare tell you, lest you compete with me.¡± ¡°Gongsun Nan said this person¡¯s Sword Dao talent surpasses his; their future Sword Dao mastery will be no less than his.¡± What? Li Qingfeng was immensely surprised. Gongsun Nan was a strong swordsman who primarily trained in swordsmanship. He always took pride in his swordsmanship. He actually admitted inferiority, so how high must this person¡¯s swordsmanship be? Seeing Zhao Wuji¡¯s hopeful expression, Li Qingfeng immediately regretted choosing too early. It turned out that among the newcomers, some good seedlings were overlooked. Unfortunately, he already selected his disciple and had no chance now. ¡°Ah, old Zhao, you¡¯re really lucky to stumble upon such a great find.¡± Li Qingfeng was envious: ¡°However, I do want to know which elder missed this disciple.¡± ¡°Later, he might regret it terribly.¡± Zhao Wuji chuckled: ¡°Who knows which blind eyes left this treasure for my Carefree Peak!¡± At this moment. He saw Gongsun Nan bringing someone back and couldn¡¯t help but stand up, saying: ¡°Here they come!¡± Li Qingfeng quickly looked over. But as Gongsun Nan brought the person closer, Li Qingfeng was stunned: ¡°Jiang Fan?¡± Zhao Wuji laughed heartily: ¡°Yes, this boy is called Jiang Fan!¡± ¡°Wait! How do you know his name?¡± Li Qingfeng looked oddly: ¡°Old Zhao, the Sword Dao genius you mentioned, is it him?¡± Zhao Wuji also realized something and said in surprise: ¡°Old Li, was this disciple the one you rejected?¡± ¡°Haha!¡± Li Qingfeng suddenly laughed, patting Zhao Wuji on the shoulder: ¡°Old Zhao, you¡¯re killing me with laughter!¡± ¡°So, after all, the Sword Dao genius you mentioned was him!¡± Gongsun Nan below looked confused. ¡°Elder Li, Jiang Fan¡¯s Sword Dao talent is my discovery, is there something wrong with that?¡± Li Qingfeng laughed: ¡°Then ask him what the result was when I tested his Spirit Root.¡± Zhao Wuji and Gongsun Nan both looked at Jiang Fan. With such strong Sword Dao talent, how weak could his Spirit Root be? At least it would be a Fifth Grade Spirit Root, right? Jiang Fan calmly said: ¡°The result may not be accurate.¡± Oh? Li Qingfeng suddenly paused: ¡°Weren¡¯t you mute?¡± Jiang Fan said: ¡°As it is now, what Elder Li sees may not be the truth.¡± Li Qingfeng scoffed, not caring why Jiang Fan pretended to be mute. ¡°What? Embarrassed to say?¡± ¡°Then let me answer for you.¡± ¡°His test result was, no Spirit Root!¡± Uh¡ª Zhao Wuji and Gongsun Nan both paused. No Spirit Root? Li Qingfeng chuckled: ¡°Otherwise, why would I reject him as a disciple?¡± ¡°He might have some Sword Dao talent, but how far can someone without a Spirit Root go on the Martial Path?¡± ¡°Old Zhao, you need to be cautious.¡± Zhao Wuji hesitated. Sword Dao talent was important, but for a Martial Artist, the Spirit Root was fundamental. Should he accept or not? Meanwhile, Xu Youran and Chen Silin, who thought they had victory in hand, also looked worried. Jiang Fan involuntarily clenched his fists. Was it possible he would still fail? Zhong Qizhen let out a long breath, relieved that no elder chose this guy. Otherwise, if any elder had his back, what Zhong Qizhen had just done would be enough to get him executed by the sect. However. At this moment. Su Qiuning, also searching for Jiang Fan, noticed the commotion and immediately cried out in surprise. ¡°Master, Master! It¡¯s him! It¡¯s him!¡± Wen Hongyao spotted Jiang Fan and joyfully rode the White Crane over, pushing Zhao Wuji and Li Qingfeng aside. ¡°Zhao Wuji, Li Qingfeng, get out of my way!¡± ¡°This disciple, my Medicine Peak will take!¡± ¡°Anyone who competes with me, I will fight!¡± Chapter 93 - Chapter 93: Chapter 93 Sect Master Peak Also Comes to Grab Chapter 93: Chapter 93 Sect Master Peak Also Comes to Grab Hesitant Zhao Wuji. Was forcibly pushed aside, bewildered, he said, ¡°Elder Wen, what are you doing?¡± Wen Hongyao sternly said, ¡°Don¡¯t you understand?¡± ¡°I want to take Jiang Fan as a disciple!¡± ¡°Get out of the way, don¡¯t be a hindrance!¡± What? Zhao Wuji was at a loss, looking astonished at Li Qingfeng: ¡°Old Li, are you not tricking me?¡± ¡°If he had no Spirit Root, would Elder Wen be so eager to take him?¡± Li Qingfeng was also utterly shocked. He must have seen a ghost. Why is everyone fighting over someone he considered a worthless piece of trash? ¡°The detection result of no Spirit Root is definitely not wrong.¡± Li Qingfeng confirmed. Zhao Wuji was puzzled. What puzzled him even more was that Wen Hongyao, who was notoriously ill-tempered and harsh on disciples, seemed to have taken the wrong medicine. On her face appeared an unprecedented kind expression strange to the elders. ¡°Jiang Fan, come, come, join my Medicine Peak, I will take you as a disciple.¡± ¡°No, not just a disciple, but a True Disciple!¡± What? The elders in the sky and the disciples on the ground. Everyone, without exception, was stunned. Knowing clearly that Jiang Fan had no Spirit Root and had no future in the Martial Path, she still accepted him as a disciple. And even unprecedentedly took him as a True Disciple! Jiang Fan was the unwanted, leftover disciple! This was unprecedented in the history of the Green Cloud Sect. Jiang Fan was also extremely surprised, why was he so valued by Elder Wen? However, this greatly lifted his spirits from his previous dejection. Immediately he showed a smile and was about to bow to take her as his master. ¡°Hold on!¡± Zhao Wuji, dissatisfied, stopped him, saying, ¡°Elder Wen, I was the one who spotted this boy first.¡± ¡°If he is to bow, it should be to join my Carefree Peak first!¡± ¡°Jiang Fan, come to my Carefree Peak, I will personally guide you in swordsmanship and will not let your talent go to waste.¡± The person who made Wen Hongyao break the precedent of the Green Cloud Sect couldn¡¯t be bad. He had to take him. Wen Hongyao was instantly furious, ¡°Do you think this is a vegetable market where whoever sees first gets it? Is this reasonable?¡± ¡°I was the first to take a disciple, he should belong to my Medicine Peak!¡± Zhao Wuji snorted, ¡°You are being unreasonable, I was in the process of discussing taking him as a disciple, and you jumped in!¡± Wen Hongyao¡¯s fiery temper was instantly ignited, she slapped her thigh and spat angrily, ¡°Zhao Wuji! Are you deliberately opposing me?¡± Zhao Wuji was also very displeased, ¡°Want to fight? Then come on!¡± ¡°Who¡¯s afraid of whom!¡± Wen Hongyao jumped up, and took several red and green bottles from her waist, ¡°If you fight me for him, I¡¯ll poison you to death!¡± Zhao Wuji was not to be outdone, drawing his sword from his waist, ¡°I¡¯ll stab you to death, you old shrew!¡± The two were ready to draw their swords and fight. Just to vie for Jiang Fan, they were about to tear the elders¡¯ faces off and fight in front of the many new disciples. This unprecedented scene left the other elders in shock, mouths agape. Even a disciple with a Sixth Grade Spirit Root wouldn¡¯t cause such a dispute between two elders. Just when the battle was about to break out. Liu Qingxian, who was also searching for Jiang Fan, exclaimed in surprise, ¡°Dad, it¡¯s him! It¡¯s him!¡± The Green Cloud Sect Master Liu Wuchen sat cross-legged on a White Crane. Following the excited gaze of his daughter, he looked at the disciple who was being fought over by the two elders and said in surprise, ¡°You have set your eyes on him?¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t Elder Li say that he has no Spirit Root?¡± ¡°You want Dad to take him as a disciple?¡± Liu Qingxian anxiously said, ¡°Dad, trust your daughter, taking him is not wrong!¡± Liu Wuchen slightly frowned, not very willing. ¡°Elder Wen taking him is probably because he has some talent in refining medicine.¡± ¡°Elder Zhao taking him is likely because he has some Sword Dao talent.¡± ¡°But our Sect Master Peak needs prodigies with exceptional Spirit Roots, he isn¡¯t suitable for our Sect Master Peak.¡± Seeing the two elders about to start a fight. Jiang Fan was soon to be taken by one of the elders. Liu Qingxian gritted her teeth, called a flying crane, jumped on it, and quickly flew to the center of the two elders. ¡°Hold on!¡± She shouted crisply. Seeing that it was the Sect Master¡¯s daughter, Wen Hongyao showed a slightly more polite expression, ¡°Fairy Liu, step aside, I want to deal with this old geezer!¡± Zhao Wuji also snorted, ¡°Qingxian, don¡¯t stop your Uncle Zhao, I want to teach this shrew a lesson.¡± Who knew. Liu Qingxian gave each of them a glare. ¡°Who wants to stop you? If you want to fight, go fight somewhere else but don¡¯t hurt my junior brother.¡± Then, with her enchanting face showing a smile, she reached out her jade hand to Jiang Fan, ¡°Come on, go back to Sect Master Peak with me!¡± What? This time, no one could remain calm. The fight over Jiang Fan between Medicine Peak and Carefree Peak was one thing. But Sect Master Peak also joined in the fight? Xu Youran and Chen Silin were both bewildered. ¡°Siling, what¡¯s so good about Jiang Fan that so many peaks are fighting over him?¡± Xu Youran was puzzled. Chen Silin¡¯s mind also couldn¡¯t figure it out. Although she knew that with Jiang Fan¡¯s identity as a Three-Star Soul Master, it wouldn¡¯t be unusual for all Nine Peaks to fight over him. But, this identity of Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t be revealed. Then why were they all so fond of Jiang Fan? However, she soon showed a sweet smile, ¡°No wonder he is our husband, no matter where he goes, he is the center of attention. Li Qingfeng was stunned. Has Sect Master Peak gone mad? Actually coming out to snatch Jiang Fan? He reminded, ¡°Fairy Liu, Jiang Fan has no Spirit Root, think carefully.¡± Liu Qingxian glanced at him, her eyes showing a hint of amusement. Ninth Grade Spirit Root, no, it was an existence beyond the Ninth Grade Spirit Root, yet you identified him as having no Spirit Root. ¡°None of your business!¡± Then, she again showed a kind smile to Jiang Fan, ¡°What are you waiting for?¡± ¡°Sect Master Peak is the strongest peak in Green Cloud Sect, with all the top-level resources.¡± Jiang Fan immediately tempted. But, Wen Hongyao and Zhao Wuji refused to accept it. ¡°Fairy Liu, what do you mean? You also want to take someone from my Medicine Peak?¡± Wen Hongyao was anxious. Zhao Wuji also couldn¡¯t understand, what was with this Jiang Fan? Clearly, up until yesterday, he was an unwanted discarded disciple. Why today, even Sect Master Peak came to snatch him! ¡°Qingxian, why have you also started fighting with your Uncle Zhao?¡± Sect Master Liu Wuchen¡¯s brows slightly furrowed. He flew over on a White Crane and gently reprimanded, ¡°Qingxian, stop this nonsense.¡± ¡°Our Sect Master Peak can¡¯t just casually take disciples.¡± He discreetly glanced at the Great Elder not far away. This time, the Great Elder took in a very powerful new disciple, whereas the Sect Master Peak had not yet found a suitable one. How could they waste the precious disciple spot on someone with no Spirit Root? Liu Qingxian realized she couldn¡¯t hide it anymore, she lowered her voice and whispered, ¡°Dad, this Jiang Fan is not someone without a Spirit Root.¡± ¡°He is the Nine-Grade Spirit Root from Lonely Boat City.¡± Liu Wuchen said in astonishment, ¡°Didn¡¯t Deputy Pavilion Master Chen personally test and find that it was a mistake?¡± Liu Qingxian also showed a puzzled look, ¡°The tested person was called Lu Zheng, why the Detection Tower showed him as a Ninth-Grade Spirit Root, I don¡¯t know either.¡± ¡°But this person is definitely a Ninth-Grade Spirit Root, possibly even the legendary Infinite Spirit Root.¡± Chapter 94 - Chapter 94: Chapter 94: Provocation Chapter 94: Chapter 94: Provocation Infinite Spirit Root? Liu Wuchen chuckled and shook his head, ¡°You really dare to say that.¡± ¡°The Infinite Spirit Root requires a bloodline inheritance. Only if the parents are extremely powerful, there is a slight chance that their offspring might be born with the Infinite Spirit Root.¡± ¡°This Jiang Fan, who comes from the small Lonely Boat City, can¡¯t possibly have the Infinite Spirit Root.¡± This¡­ Liu Qingxian also felt unsure. But she firmly believed in Jiang Fan¡¯s extraordinary talent and said, ¡°But I personally saw him breakthrough several levels in succession.¡± ¡°He is much stronger than me, who has a Seventh Grade Spirit Root.¡± Li Qingfeng heard this. He couldn¡¯t help but step in to explain, lest everyone truly thought he, Li Qingfeng, was blind for eliminating a disciple who had reached the Third Layer of Foundation Establishment. ¡°Sect Master, Fairy Liu, you don¡¯t understand. This disciple only broke through by overexerting his potential.¡± ¡°Thus, his early cultivation was fast, but in the later stages, I can say confidently that he will remain at the Third Layer of Foundation Establishment for life, unable to progress further.¡± This confirmed Liu Wuchen¡¯s suspicion. He nodded slowly, ¡°Did you hear that? It¡¯s just a devious method.¡± Liu Qingxian bit her red lips. She was full of dissatisfaction. If his cultivation was devious, then what about his performance in the Dragon-Rising Path? How could such a devious method allow a person without a Spirit Root to defeat Nangong Liuyun at the thirteenth level? She wanted to mention this as well. But seeing her father¡¯s complete lack of trust, she couldn¡¯t help but hold back her words. She was determined to prove to her father that she was not wrong. Liu Wuchen had no intention of indulging her any longer and said, ¡°Alright, our Sect Master Peak will not accept this disciple; the two elders may continue¡­¡± Just as he finished speaking¡­ Liu Qingxian suddenly bit her silver teeth and whispered, ¡°Father, I have already privately promised my life to Jiang Fan!¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t take him as a disciple, then prepare for your daughter to elope with him.¡± What? Liu Wuchen¡¯s pupils shrank, and he immediately realized his daughter was lying. He understood his daughter¡¯s character. Pure and self-disciplined, wholeheartedly focused on the Martial Path, never sparing a man a second glance. The Young Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion pursued her crazily, and she didn¡¯t give him the slightest chance. How could she be involved with a poor boy? Unexpectedly, Liu Qingxian twirled her fingers around her hair and pointed her lips towards Jiang Fan, ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, ask him. Didn¡¯t we meet naked in the Spirit Pond yesterday?¡± She was half-truthful. Naked? Liu Wuchen¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and he shouted, ¡°You, how could you do such a thing? Don¡¯t think you can deceive your father!¡± It was evident that he was nervous. Liu Qingxian showed a shy expression and said, ¡°He has the Infinite Spirit Root. I gave myself to him to keep him here, for the good of the Green Cloud Sect, and for you, Father.¡± My heavens! Liu Wuchen felt the world spinning and almost fell off the White Crane. His cherished daughter had lost her purity to a useless person without a Spirit Root. How would he be able to face anyone in the future? At this moment, Liu Qingxian delivered another blow, ¡°Father, if you don¡¯t accept him as a disciple, then your daughter will have no choice but to elope with him.¡± ¡°By then, it will be impossible to hide our affair.¡± Hearing these words, Liu Wuchen felt suffocated. Family shame must not be shared. He would rather die than let anyone know about this. Especially the Great Elder. Otherwise, the Great Elder would use this as another reason to accuse him of being an incompetent Sect Master. The only solution now was to accept Jiang Fan as a disciple. First, to keep an eye on him and prevent him from going out and revealing the secret. Second, in case the secret got out, he could claim that their feelings developed while they were Senior Sister and Junior Brother, deciding to spend their lives together, thus quelling public gossip. In an instant, he considered many aspects. So when he looked at Jiang Fan again, his expression was extremely complex. Filled with the anger of having his treasured cabbage of twenty years taken by a pig. As well as the helplessness of worrying about the shame being exposed. Ultimately, swallowing all his grievances, he forced a satisfied expression and said, ¡°Jiang Fan, Qingxian holds you in high esteem.¡± ¡°This Sect Master has decided to give you an opportunity to showcase yourself.¡± ¡°Do you wish to become my disciple?¡± Anyone with a bit of sense knew that the position of a Sect Master¡¯s disciple was higher than that of a Peak Master¡¯s disciple. How could he hesitate? He bowed deeply, ¡°Disciple Jiang Fan, greets the Sect Master Master.¡± Wen Hongyao stomped in frustration, ¡°This is a cheat.¡± Zhao Wuji was also full of helplessness, ¡°Ah! With the Sect Master participating personally, what am I supposed to compete with?¡± Clap clap clap¡ª At this moment. Someone started clapping. Dressed in a gray robe, exuding an aura of authority without anger, with eyes as sharp as a hawk¡¯s. It was none other than the Great Elder of Green Cloud Sect, Feng Guchan. He clapped with a mocking smile, ¡°The Sect Master has such unique insight to take a disciple without a Spirit Root. I truly admire you, truly admire you.¡± ¡°Our Green Cloud Sect is indeed fortunate to have a disciple with such extraordinary vision.¡± His sarcastic ridicule left Liu Wuchen feeling humiliated. He forced himself to remain calm and said, ¡°The Great Elder is mistaken. Spirit Roots are just one aspect of a Martial Artist. Jiang Fan may still have great potential.¡± Liu Qingxian did not share her father¡¯s restraint. Without hesitation, she snorted, ¡°Rest assured, my father¡¯s disciple is beyond your reach!¡± The Great Elder laughed heartily, ¡°Is that so? In the new disciples I accepted this time, there is a prodigy with a Seventh Grade Spirit Root.¡± ¡°Are you suggesting that he is inferior to this Spirit Root-less Martial Path failure?¡± Liu Qingxian raised her slender neck, ¡°Yes!¡± Many of the elders looked at each other in confusion. They couldn¡¯t understand why Liu Qingxian valued someone without a Spirit Root so highly. Beside the Great Elder stood a young man holding a sword, his gaze rebellious, his aura extraordinary. Upon hearing this, his eyes flashed with sharpness. ¡°Senior Sister Liu, my name is Cao Zhen, Seventh Grade Spirit Root!¡± So, he was the top-level prodigy selected by the Great Elder. Knowing he had a Seventh Grade Spirit Root, the elders all showed envy. Cao Zhen looked at Liu Qingxian with admiration, ¡°I have long admired Senior Sister Liu, always hearing that you are an exceptional prodigy.¡± ¡°Seeing you today, it is indeed true.¡± Liu Qingxian glanced at him. If this were before, she would be regretful that such a prodigy had joined the Great Elder. But now, with Jiang Fan¡­ The Seventh Grade Spirit Root no longer mattered to her. ¡°What do you want to say?¡± Liu Qingxian asked coldly. Cao Zhen smiled faintly, ¡°Senior Sister Liu looks down on me so much, thinking I am not even worth a Spirit Root-less failure. Junior Brother feels dissatisfied.¡± ¡°Coincidentally, in half a month¡¯s time, it¡¯s the day for new disciples to pay homage to the ancestors of the Green Cloud Sect.¡± ¡°According to tradition, new disciples will compete before the statue of the ancestors.¡± ¡°At that time, I would like to spar with Junior Brother Jiang for a bit.¡± Everyone watched Cao Zhen with interest. He seemed to have some intentions! Indeed, Cao Zhen smiled, ¡°If I win against your esteemed Jiang Fan, can I ask Senior Sister Liu to accompany me under the moonlight and share three cups of wine?¡± ¡°Consider it an apology for looking down on me.¡± What a rascal! He dared to flirt with Liu Qingxian in public! The Great Elder¡¯s faction truly had no regard for the Sect Master! The newly accepted disciple even dared to be so presumptuous in public! A trace of sharpness appeared between Liu Wuchen¡¯s eyebrows. He was about to scold him. But Liu Qingxian slightly curled her lips and asked with a half-smile, ¡°What if Jiang Fan wins?¡± Chapter 95 - Chapter 95: Chapter 95 is finished, and another sister has been added. Chapter 95: Chapter 95 is finished, and another sister has been added. What? Liu Qingxian actually planned to accept the bet! She probably didn¡¯t know what cultivation level Cao Zhen was at, right? Liu Wuchen¡¯s expression also changed slightly, and he whispered: ¡°Qingxian, don¡¯t fall for it.¡± How could a mere new disciple have the courage to tease the Sect Master¡¯s daughter? It was obviously under the Great Elder¡¯s instigation, to give Sect Master Peak a slap in the face. But Liu Qingxian was full of confidence in Jiang Fan, and she whispered: ¡°Father, this is precisely the chance to get back at them.¡± ¡°The Great Elder is proud of this Seventh Grade Spirit Root.¡± ¡°Then, we will fiercely defeat him in the field he is most proud of.¡± After speaking. She looked at Cao Zhen again: ¡°I¡¯m asking you, what if you lose?¡± Cao Zhen smiled and said: ¡°Senior Sister Liu, you probably don¡¯t understand me yet.¡± He slowly released his spiritual power. The purity of it surprised the elders present greatly. ¡°Foundation Establishment Fourth Layer!¡± ¡°No wonder it¡¯s Seventh Grade Spirit Root, achieving this level of cultivation at such a young age.¡± ¡°He is not at all inferior to the Liu Qingxian of the past!¡± Even Li Qingfeng showed a look of envy. ¡°If Xu Youran had the foundation of the Cao Family, he wouldn¡¯t be worse than Cao Zhen, I¡¯m sure of it.¡± ¡°What a pity.¡± Liu Wuchen was slightly surprised. He felt it would be self-humiliation for Liu Qingxian. Not only was there a realm difference between them, but could Jiang Fan compare to the foundation of the Cao Family? Cao Zhen¡¯s Cultivation Technique was much more advanced than Jiang Fan¡¯s. The result of their duel in half a month was predictable without thinking. But Liu Qingxian showed a playful expression: ¡°Which layer of the Dragon-Rising Path have you reached?¡± Cao Zhen boasted proudly: ¡°The Twelfth Layer.¡± ¡°Only second to that unparalleled prodigy.¡± These words made the elders present reveal expressions of astonishment. They had long heard of the unparalleled prodigy who had reached the Thirteenth Layer. Such a person would definitely be a colossal figure in the future. Unexpectedly, Cao Zhen was only second to him. A faint, nearly imperceptible cold smile crossed Liu Qingxian¡¯s lips: ¡°Pretty impressive.¡± ¡°Now, answer my question.¡± ¡°What happens if you lose?¡± Cao Zhen frowned. He felt a bit angry. He had already shown such excellent strength, yet Liu Qingxian still thought he might lose? And lose to a waste with no Spirit Root! He snorted lightly: ¡°If I lose, I will leave Reincarnation Peak and join Sect Master Peak.¡± Liu Wuchen¡¯s eyes lit up. But then they dimmed. He did cherish this Seventh Grade Spirit Root, but unfortunately, Jiang Fan had no chance of winning. Liu Qingxian smiled slightly: ¡°Deal!¡± ¡°Look forward to your withdrawal from Reincarnation Peak!¡± Jiang Fan was utterly confused. He raised his hand: ¡°Um, Senior Sister, shouldn¡¯t you ask for my opinion first?¡± A bet should at least consider the person involved, right? He inexplicably got into trouble with the Great Elder¡¯s disciple. Wouldn¡¯t it bring trouble in the future? Liu Qingxian walked over to him with a sweet smile, whispered into his ear: ¡°Did you see Senior Sister¡¯s body for nothing?¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s face turned red, and he muttered: ¡°I didn¡¯t see anything, okay?¡± The mist in the Spirit Pond was so thick, he only saw a vague outline. Liu Qingxian noticed his reddened face, and blinked: ¡°Really, you¡¯re blushing?¡± Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t stand her, so he moved away and said: ¡°I agree!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s not mention the Spirit Pond matter again.¡± Liu Qingxian covered her mouth and laughed lightly, finding Jiang Fan more interesting. It seemed he was still an innocent young boy. She couldn¡¯t help but reveal the truth, no longer teasing him: ¡°Letting you participate in the duel is for your own good!¡± ¡°Every new disciple worshiping the Patriarch selects the most outstanding new disciple.¡± ¡°Green Cloud Sect gives out a reward for this.¡± ¡°That is entering the Scripture Pavilion to choose a Cultivation Technique.¡± What? There was such a benefit? He had always wanted to replace his Swordsmanship with a higher-level one, but had never had the chance. Jiang Fan smiled: ¡°Great! I accept the challenge!¡± Cao Zhen watched the two so intimately, a trace of jealousy flickering in his eyes. He looked at Jiang Fan from a distance and said: ¡°Half a month later, we will compete.¡± ¡°Hope you don¡¯t lose too quickly!¡± He swore to himself that he would harshly teach Jiang Fan a lesson in front of Liu Qingxian! He would let Liu Qingxian see for herself that the person she favored so much would be beaten by him like a dead dog! Not long after. The elders and disciples gradually dispersed. Jiang Fan bid farewell to Xu Youran and Chen Silin, following Liu Wuchen to Sect Master Peak. Xu Youran watched Jiang Fan leave, then glanced at Liu Qingxian¡¯s purple figure, sighing helplessly: ¡°Siling, you are about to have a younger sister.¡± Chen Silin smiled wryly, she also understood and said: ¡°The Sect Master¡¯s daughter indeed seems very interested in Jiang Fan.¡± Xu Youran rubbed her temples and said: ¡°What kind of vision do you two have?¡± ¡°How can you both be fascinated by Jiang Fan?¡± ¡°I really don¡¯t get what¡¯s so good about him.¡± The reason she loved Jiang Fan was because of their ten-year-long companionship and the deep affection Jiang Fan had for her. But why did Chen Silin suddenly fall for Jiang Fan? And even willingly became a concubine? Fine, let¡¯s say Chen Silin and the Chen Family were forced by the circumstances then, and had to agree reluctantly. But why did the Green Cloud Sect Master¡¯s daughter also fall for Jiang Fan, who already had two wives? It left her puzzled. Chen Silin could only smile bitterly at this. In her view, it wasn¡¯t that Liu Qingxian was lowering herself. But unconsciously, she had climbed up to a gigantic support. Sect Master Peak. Liu Wuchen returned in a bad mood. ¡°Jiang Fan, now that you have become my disciple, focus solely on the Martial Path from now on. Stay on the peak and cultivate, avoid going out, and don¡¯t spread any unfavorable rumors about the peak, understand?¡± Jiang Fan felt utterly lost. Even if he wanted to spread unfavorable rumors, he needed to know some gossip to spread! Just arriving, where could he hear gossip? Although feeling that such admonition was rather inexplicable, he still listened humbly: ¡°Yes, Master!¡± Liu Wuchen was fairly satisfied with his attitude and handed him some items. ¡°These are your resources for this month, a bottle of low-grade Foundation Establishment Pills, and a hundred Crystal Stones.¡± ¡°Here is the key to your cave residence.¡± ¡°Moreover, starting from tomorrow, your task is to collect honey.¡± Hearing the first part, Liu Qingxian was indifferent. But upon hearing that Jiang Fan was to collect honey, Liu Qingxian objected: ¡°Father! Jiang Fan just arrived, and you ask him to collect honey?¡± ¡°Those Wolf Head Bees are very fierce. They sting anyone on sight, causing unbearable pain!¡± ¡°He has no experience at all, and you make him go?¡± ¡°This is retaliatory punishment!¡± Wolf Head Bees? Jiang Fan had read in the ¡°Undying Medical Book¡± that they were a precious type of Spirit Bee. The honey they produced contained unique spiritual energy; even High Tier cultivators rarely had the chance to taste it. However, as Liu Qingxian said, collecting Wolf Head Bee honey was quite dangerous. With no experience, one could end up with a head full of stings, crying in agony. Fortunately, the medical book mentioned a kind of medicine that could easily handle Wolf Head Bees. Liu Wuchen¡¯s face was stern: ¡°Every disciple on this peak has duties, Jiang Fan is no exception.¡± ¡°Not only must he collect honey, but also ensure he collects a pound within three days.¡± ¡°If he doesn¡¯t meet the quota, he will be punished.¡± ¡°Do you understand, Jiang Fan?¡± Liu Qingxian was still ready to fight for Jiang Fan. ¡°Senior Sister, I¡¯m fine.¡± Jiang Fan said: ¡°I assure you I will complete Master¡¯s assignment.¡± Liu Wuchen nodded: ¡°After collecting it, your Big Senior Brother will grade your task.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t end up in last place and become a laughingstock for the other senior brothers and sisters.¡± Each disciple had their own duties, and after completion, they were graded by the senior disciple. This was also a form of competition among the peak¡¯s disciples. Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes flickered: ¡°What if I get a high grade?¡± Liu Wuchen couldn¡¯t help but laugh in exasperation. Newly arrived and he wanted to outperform the other senior brothers and sisters? ¡°If you are among the top three, you get half of the honey you collect.¡± Half? Jiang Fan secretly rejoiced: ¡°Yes, Master!¡± Chapter 96 - Chapter 96: Chapter 96 Body Refinement: Minor Achievement Chapter 96: Chapter 96 Body Refinement: Minor Achievement South side of the Sect Master Peak. A secluded courtyard near the cliff, far from the Sect Master Hall. ¡°This will be your cave residence from now on.¡± Liu Qingxian opened the lock on the courtyard gate with the key, showing dissatisfaction: ¡°My father is clearly giving you a hard time.¡± ¡°Not only did he assign you the most troublesome task, but he also gave you the most remote cave residence.¡± Jiang Fan, on the other hand, really liked the place. The other senior brothers and sisters¡¯ cave residences were clustered together, closely adjacent to each other. Indeed, it was lively like that. But Jiang Fan needed private space, for activities such as alchemy, refining medicine, body refinement, and so on. ¡°Thank you for your concern, Senior Sister, but I am quite satisfied with this place.¡± ¡°As for the task, don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t let Master down.¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s lack of any complaints and positive attitude made Liu Qingxian feel a bit guilty. It was her forceful insistence that led her father to take in a disciple, resulting in Jiang Fan¡¯s tough situation. She patted Jiang Fan on the shoulder: ¡°I will also think of ways to help with the task.¡± ¡°We must make my father look at you with new eyes.¡± Jiang Fan smiled. After seeing Liu Qingxian off, he immediately closed the door, ensuring the door and windows had a very tight array. It would be hard for outsiders to invade or spy into. This gave him peace of mind. He immediately took out the ingredients for the Fierce Tiger Pills and started making them on the spot. An hour later. A fragrance with a hint of rose scent wafted out from the pill furnace, and Jiang Fan knew the Fierce Tiger Pills were complete. Opening the pill furnace, he saw several pills with white stripes on their orange surfaces resembling tiger stripes at first glance. ¡°No wonder it¡¯s called the Fierce Tiger Pills.¡± Jiang Fan took them out and then took out a copy of the ¡°Iron Blood True Scripture¡± and began to comprehend it. Body Tempering and cultivation techniques were fundamentally different. They did not use the dantian and meridians but rather the muscles and bones of the body. Using them to release power. Having understood roughly the first layer, he started to cultivate. First, he drew out his Purple Sword and, with difficulty, executed a single sword move in three breaths. ¡°I wonder if cultivating the first layer will make it easier to perform.¡± He swallowed a Fierce Tiger Pill and began practicing the Iron Blood True Scripture. After swallowing the pill, he immediately felt a burning pain in his abdomen. He knew this was the effect of the medicine kicking in. He immediately followed the method in the Iron Blood True Scripture, guiding the medicinal power to soak into his bones and muscles. The intense pain in his abdomen subsided, replaced by a burning sensation throughout his body. But this was the core of Body Tempering. Enduring the pain, he continuously guided the medicinal power, flushing his body again and again. Finally. After half a day, a layer of gray-brown sticky impurities with a faint stench appeared on his skin. ¡°The first layer, Copper Skin Iron Bone, the mark of initial success is the preliminary expulsion of bodily impurities.¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s face lit up with joy. ¡°Haha! The Iron Blood True Scripture that no one could cultivate in the Giant Sect, I have achieved the first layer, Copper Skin Iron Bone!¡± He immediately grabbed his Purple Sword and tried to perform a sword move. Although it still appeared a bit clumsy. But it only took him one breath now. ¡°It really works!¡± Jiang Fan immediately began practicing the Seven-star Sword Jue. Finally, he could barely perform the entire set without struggling like before. ¡°Junior Brother Jiang!¡± At this moment, a stranger called from outside the door. Jiang Fan quickly re-wrapped his Purple Sword, wiped away the impurities on his body, and opened the door to look outside. It was a chubby disciple dressed in Sect Master Peak attire. ¡°Junior Brother Jiang, Master calls you to the dining hall for a meal.¡± Grrrr¡ª Jiang Fan realized that he hadn¡¯t eaten anything since morning, and his stomach growled in protest. ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother, for reminding me. I will be there shortly.¡± Returning to his room, he took a bath, changed into clean clothes, and went to the dining hall. About twenty disciples were already eating inside. When Jiang Fan entered, curious eyes turned towards him. ¡°So he is the little junior brother that Senior Sister Liu insisted Master take in!¡± ¡°I heard he has no Spirit Root.¡± ¡°Senior Sister Liu even bet with Cao Zhen from Reincarnation Peak for his sake.¡± ¡°His reputation is even greater than that of Junior Brother Tao, the Sixth Grade Spirit Root disciple that Master just took in.¡± This time, each peak took in new disciples. Liu Wuchen did not come away empty-handed. He took in a Sixth Grade Spirit Root disciple and planned to make him this year¡¯s True Disciple. Everyone looked at a heavily built figure not far away, resembling a tower: Tao Zhengjun. He also heard the discussions. He couldn¡¯t help but look at Jiang Fan as he walked in, a hint of hostility in his eyes. ¡°Hey, newbie!¡± Tao Zhengjun¡¯s tone was unfriendly as he stared down Jiang Fan with eyes like bronze bells: ¡°I heard you are good at winning women¡¯s hearts.¡± ¡°Even Senior Sister Liu was coaxed by you, and you were exceptionally accepted into our Sect Master Peak!¡± Eager to eat, Jiang Fan was suddenly provoked. He looked over and was impressed by the exaggeratedly solid build. At least two meters tall, his whole body was made of fat, standing like a mountain of flesh, exerting quite an intimidation. But why the provocation without any enmity? He didn¡¯t bother to respond, grabbed a bowl, and filled it with rice and lots of meat. Perhaps due to Body Refinement, his appetite was particularly ravenous. He¡¯d never felt this hungry before. Sitting down, he wolfed down his meal. Tao Zhengjun got angry, slamming his chopsticks onto the table hard. The iron chopsticks bent with the impact. ¡°You brat, are you ignoring me?¡± He strode towards Jiang Fan like a moving hill. Many disciples watched with expressions of anticipation for drama. Some female disciples sensed something was amiss. ¡°Big Senior Brother, Big Senior Brother, stop them. What if Jiang Junior Brother gets hurt?¡± A female disciple called out to a handsome man in his thirties, dressed in green, sitting next to her. His gaze was indifferent as he said: ¡°It¡¯s normal for newcomers to have disputes, let them compete and establish a sense of rank.¡± ¡°This will prevent many future conflicts.¡± This was true. All newcomers, no one wanted to be looked down upon. To avoid daily conflicts and needing the intervention of senior brothers and sisters to mediate, it was better to establish hierarchy early. This way, the weaker party would naturally keep a distance from the stronger one. Reducing conflicts, making senior brothers¡¯ and sisters¡¯ lives easier. The female disciple was concerned: ¡°Are you sure this won¡¯t escalate?¡± ¡°Tao Zhengjun not only has a high realm, but the Tao family is also a Body Refining Family. Jiang Fan¡¯s thin frame might get seriously hurt.¡± The Big Senior Brother stayed focused on eating, speaking calmly: ¡°Since Junior Brother Jiang is valued by Junior Sister Liu, he should bear the corresponding burden.¡± ¡°If he can¡¯t take any injury, he might as well leave Sect Master Peak early.¡± Uh¡ª The female disciple discerned a trace of jealousy. The Big Senior Brother¡¯s admiration for Liu Qingxian was an open secret. Always aloof to other men, he was unusually attentive to Jiang Fan, indicating jealousy. She sighed lightly: ¡°Jiang Fan, don¡¯t blame us Senior Brothers and Sisters for not helping.¡± ¡°Blame yourself for biting off more than you can chew.¡± She almost saw the scene of Jiang Fan being beaten black and blue. Chapter 97 - Chapter 97: Chapter 97: Physique Exhibition of Might Chapter 97: Chapter 97: Physique Exhibition of Might A few disciples wanted to stop him. But noticing that the Big Senior Brother had no intention to stop it, they sensibly sat back on their benches. Tao Zhengjun¡¯s mountainous body caused a slight vibration on the ground. Though he looked clumsy, his steps were actually quick. In just a few strides, he reached Jiang Fan¡¯s back. His enormous body cast a heavy shadow, engulfing Jiang Fan completely. ¡°Still eating?¡± Tao Zhengjun saw Jiang Fan still eating without any regard for him, which made him chuckle in anger. ¡°Do you really think that just because Senior Sister Liu favors you, you can do whatever you want?¡± He grabbed Jiang Fan¡¯s shoulder and snorted coldly, ¡°Let me tell you, the hierarchy among newcomers is established through skill, not women. Got it?¡± Jiang Fan put down his chopsticks. His brows gradually furrowed, and he said calmly, ¡°Take your hand off!¡± Tao Zhengjun laughed and instead of letting go, he slowly increased his grip. He practiced the Dual Cultivation of Body and Magic. The strength in his hand could easily crush a rock. Anyone caught in his grip wouldn¡¯t be able to free themselves unless their bones were broken. ¡°What, feeling defiant? Let¡¯s see what you¡¯ve got!¡± He was ready for Jiang Fan to use his spiritual power. Even anticipating what moves Jiang Fan would use. However. Jiang Fan did something none of the disciples present had expected. He reached out his palm and grabbed Tao Zhengjun¡¯s hand. Due to the difference in their sizes. Jiang Fan¡¯s hand appeared like a baby¡¯s hand grasping an adult¡¯s palm. Tao Zhengjun couldn¡¯t help but laugh, ¡°What, you want to compete in strength with me?¡± ¡°You scrawny thing, how much strength do you think you have?¡± Even the Big Senior Brother from a distance showed a trace of disdain. When engaging in battle, one should avoid others¡¯ strengths and attack their weaknesses. But Jiang Fan chose to confront Tao Zhengjun head-on in his strongest domain. Such a mindset, yet he¡¯s fit to be a disciple of the Sect Master Peak? However, in the next moment. A sudden scream echoed in the dining hall! It was Tao Zhengjun¡¯s! The Big Senior Brother glanced sideways in surprise, his pupils shrinking. Jiang Fan¡¯s seemingly small palm effortlessly grabbed Tao Zhengjun¡¯s wrist, slowly and steadily removing his hand from his shoulder. Without using much strength, he caused Tao Zhengjun, who practiced Body Refinement, to jump in pain. As he tried to pull his hand back, it was as if clamped by iron, unable to retrieve it. This scene left the disciples in shock. Then. Jiang Fan easily flung, and the tower-like Tao Zhengjun was sent retreating repeatedly by an immense force. He collided with a supporting pillar, causing the entire roof to shake. Feeling humiliated, Tao Zhengjun looked around at the stupefied gazes around him. ¡°Let¡¯s go again!¡± He roared, running and pouncing forward. He threw his fists fiercely at Jiang Fan¡¯s back. Jiang Fan, feeling annoyed, stood up suddenly and said, ¡°If I don¡¯t knock you down, I can¡¯t eat properly.¡± Faced with the incoming fists, he responded with equally unskilled punches. Pa¡ª It sounded like a whip cracking against the ground. Tao Zhengjun¡¯s massive running body suddenly bounced back as if hitting a wall, knocking over several tables, lying on the ground groaning in pain. His arms were in severe pain as if the bones were shattered, unable even to bend. In contrast, Jiang Fan expressionlessly walked to him with his hands behind his back. One foot on his chest. With just a slight force, the pain made Tao Zhengjun scream like a pig being slaughtered. ¡°Do you still want to compete?¡± Jiang Fan asked indifferently. Tao Zhengjun immediately understood. He had encountered someone whose Body Refinement Realm far exceeded his own. He shook his head and conceded, ¡°No more, no more, I give up, I surrender.¡± Only then did Jiang Fan remove his foot. Allowing Tao Zhengjun to finally breathe. Recalling the previous scene, Tao Zhengjun completely feared Jiang Fan, shrank his neck, and kept his distance, not daring to provoke him again. The disciples were dumbfounded. ¡°Wow, Junior Brother Jiang really hides his strength! He¡¯s actually a body technique expert!¡± ¡°No wonder Senior Sister Liu favors him so much.¡± ¡°A talent, definitely a talent. Our Green Cloud Sect has very few Body Refinement practitioners, now our Sect Master Peak has produced a good seedling for Body Refinement.¡± Pa¡ª A crisp sound was heard. The Big Senior Brother put down his chopsticks, and with his hands behind his back, he strode imposingly towards Jiang Fan. ¡°Causing trouble in the dining hall, do you realize your mistake?¡± Jiang Fan, ready to return to his meal, frowned. Another one? ¡°State your name before speaking!¡± A nearby female disciple scolded, ¡°Rude, this is our Sect Master Peak¡¯s Big Senior Brother, Wang Chengjian, Senior Brother Wang!¡± So this was the Big Senior Brother. Jiang Fan spoke neither humbly nor arrogantly, ¡°Big Senior Brother asks well.¡± ¡°When causing trouble, you didn¡¯t stop it. Do you realize your mistake?¡± The series of counter-questions made the disciples gasp.p> As expected of being under Senior Sister Liu¡¯s protection. Daring to speak to the Big Senior Brother like this! On some level, the Big Senior Brother supervised the junior disciples on behalf of the master. He held great power. If other disciples dared to do this, they would have been punished on the spot. But Jiang Fan, Wang Chengjian feared his relationship with Liu Qingxian. Moreover, he himself was suspected of condoning the contention today. If things escalated, he couldn¡¯t escape punishment either. Wang Chengjian¡¯s eyes darkened slightly, then he slowly said, ¡°Courageous.¡± Jiang Fan cupped his hands and said plainly, ¡°Thank you for the compliment, Big Senior Brother!¡± Wang Chengjian replied indifferently, ¡°You¡¯re welcome, I hope you can perform as well as now in a few days¡¯ task.¡± ¡°Otherwise, I don¡¯t mind making you clean the latrines.¡± With that, he walked away with his hands behind his back. Jiang Fan shrugged indifferently and continued eating. In the shocked gazes of the disciples, he ate a total of five large bowls before he was finally full. Returning to his cave dwelling. Jiang Fan didn¡¯t idle. He took out several common spices, ground them into powder one by one, then sifted out the coarse particles. Finally, he blended the spices together and slowly roasted them over a small flame. By the next morning. He had a jade bottle in his hand. It contained half a bottle of clear liquid. ¡°Let¡¯s test it.¡± Jiang Fan went to the cliff on the eastern side of Sect Master Peak. The Wolf Head Bees¡¯ hive was halfway down the cliff. Not to mention how fierce the Wolf Head Bees were. The act of climbing down itself was quite perilous. When he arrived, three other disciples tasked with collecting honey were helping to lower a rope, mining the hive below. After a long while. They finally climbed up, looking quite embarrassed. Two were fine, their bodies wrapped tightly like two big bears. The Wolf Head Bees¡¯ poison needles couldn¡¯t pierce through their thick clothing. The other rotund disciple, the one who had called Jiang Fan for food, wasn¡¯t so lucky. His large belly had stretched his pants, exposing his skin. The Wolf Head Bees mercilessly stung him forty-nine times, causing his skin to swell with red bumps. He rolled on the ground in agony. ¡°Ah! Give me the Pain Relieving Pill.¡± he cried, his head in his hands, doubting life from the pain. The other two disciples looked troubled. ¡°We gave you the last of our Pain Relieving Pills last time.¡± Upon hearing this, the rotund disciple let out a wail of despair. Jiang Fan¡¯s ears were nearly deafened. He acted decisively. Punching him in the back of the head. The rotund disciple rolled his eyes and fainted. ¡°Pain Relieving Pills don¡¯t work as well as this.¡± Jiang Fan muttered. The two disciples were dumbfounded. But upon reflection, it was indeed effective. Simple and crude. And it saved on Spirit Pills. Seeing Jiang Fan there, the two disciples were surprised, ¡°Is Junior Brother also tasked with collecting Wolf Head Honey?¡± Jiang Fan nodded, picking up a rope, ¡°I¡¯ll borrow your rope.¡± ¡°Wait, Junior Brother!¡± the two disciples shouted in unison. ¡°You can¡¯t go down! There¡¯s a problem in the hive right now! It¡¯s too dangerous for anyone to go!¡± Chapter 98 - Chapter 98: Chapter 98 Mysterious Spirit Beast Chapter 98: Chapter 98 Mysterious Spirit Beast Unexpected change? Jiang Fan said in surprise, ¡°Please, Senior Brothers, enlighten me.¡± A disciple took off his thick clothing, showing a worried expression: ¡°We were just about to collect honey, but we found that a spirit beast had invaded the hive.¡± ¡°It is devouring honey wildly, making the Wolf Head Bees extremely agitated and attacking the spirit beast like crazy.¡± ¡°When we went down, the Wolf Head Bees mistook us for allies and attacked us crazily too.¡± As he spoke, the disciple shook his clothes. Hundreds of bee stingers fell to the ground. One could see how frenzied the Wolf Head Bees were at that moment. ¡°Junior Brother, if you really want to go down, maybe try another day,¡± the two disciples kindly reminded. Another day? Who knows how much honey would be left after the spirit beast had its fill? If he couldn¡¯t complete the task of three pounds, it would be a mission failure. He couldn¡¯t mess up his first task from his mentor. ¡°I¡¯ll go down and take a look,¡± Jiang Fan said. Seeing that Jiang Fan didn¡¯t heed the advice, one of the disciples said, ¡°Then wear my thick clothing.¡± ¡°If you go down like this, you¡¯ll be stung to death.¡± Jiang Fan shook his head, ¡°No need.¡± Saying this, he grabbed the rope and began to climb down. The two disciples frowned. ¡°This Junior Brother Jiang, isn¡¯t he too overconfident?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s wait here. It won¡¯t be long before he¡¯s screaming for help.¡± In fact, Jiang Fan didn¡¯t need the rope. With his movement technique, he could travel the cliffs as if on flat ground. He just didn¡¯t want to worry the two Senior Brothers too much. Soon. He slid down to the middle of the cliff. Below was a bottomless abyss. Who knew what kind of spirit beast could climb so high to steal honey? From afar, he indeed saw a man-sized cave on the cliff. A large golden honeycomb protruded from the cave. Countless Wolf Head Bees were buzzing frantically, surging inside to attack something. At this moment. A Wolf Head Bee spotted Jiang Fan and instantly flew towards him, flapping its wings. Jiang Fan immediately opened the jade bottle he had prepared, releasing an incredibly intense fragrance. Once the Wolf Head Bee got close, it stopped attacking and started circling around him. As if it mistook Jiang Fan for a flower it could gather nectar from. There was no more hostility. Jiang Fan secretly thought that this method was indeed effective and continued sliding down to the cave with ease. When he looked inside, he was stunned. He saw a spirit beast the size of an orange cat with large, watery eyes, a black nose, and orange fur. It was leaning against the honeycomb, legs crossed. Each of its little paws held a piece of honeycomb dripping with honey. Taking a bite from the left, then a bite from the right. After eating half, it found the honeycomb too small and tossed it away, then picked a larger piece to continue munching happily. The ground was littered with discarded honeycombs. A rough estimate showed that the wasted honey alone was no less than five pounds. You spendthrift! Jiang Fan¡¯s forehead veins bulged. Luckily he came; otherwise, no amount of honey here would suffice for its squandering. The most annoying part was that it relied on its thick skin, making it impervious to the stings of the Wolf Head Bees. It even stuck out its tongue at the attacking Wolf Head Bees. The expression on its face was as irritating as it could be. ¡°You little rascal, get lost!¡± Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t hold back and yelled. The little spirit beast finally noticed the intruder. Immediately, it dropped to all fours, tail high in the air, and its fur all bristled. It bared its teeth and let out a strange cry, showing no fear of people at all. Jiang Fan laughed and stepped forward to grab it by the neck and toss it out. Unexpectedly. It leaped at him with such speed that Jiang Fan almost didn¡¯t react in time. He quickly withdrew his hand. Only to feel a burning sensation on his palm. Looking down, he saw five white, shallow scratches on the back of his hand. ¡°Oh? Your claws are quite sharp, and your speed is incredible,¡± Jiang Fan commented in surprise. If it weren¡¯t for his exceptional movement technique and having reached the Copper Skin Iron Bone realm, that claw would certainly have cut down to the bone. The little spirit beast seemed equally astonished. It even lifted its right paw in confusion, wondering if its claws weren¡¯t sharp enough. ¡°Little thing, you¡¯ve met your match,¡± Jiang Fan squinted his eyes and immediately used his movement technique. The little spirit beast was startled by Jiang Fan¡¯s agility. Its prized agility proved no advantage against him. And its sharp claws couldn¡¯t cause any harm. Within seven or eight rounds. It was pinned against the wall by Jiang Fan, who held it by the neck. ¡°Ordinary people really wouldn¡¯t stand a chance against you,¡± Jiang Fan said, catching his breath. Without reaching the 7th or 8th Layer of the Foundation Establishment realm, one would likely suffer greatly against this little creature. And catching it would be even harder. The little spirit beast struggled defiantly, trying to scratch Jiang Fan with its claws. But its short legs were simply too short. It couldn¡¯t reach him no matter how hard it tried. ¡°Stay put for now,¡± Jiang Fan said, tearing off some vines from the cliff face. He tied the little spirit beast up tightly into a ball and tossed it into a corner. Then he cheerfully started collecting honey. The Wolf Head Bees, attracted by the fragrance on Jiang Fan, did not attack him at all. They allowed him to take the honey freely. On the cliff above. The two disciples waited for a long time without feeling any movement on the rope. They couldn¡¯t help but worry. ¡°Could he have been stung to death before he could even scream?¡± At that moment. The rope shook. The two disciples immediately ran over and pulled hard. Before long, they pulled Jiang Fan up. Seeing that he was unharmed, they were shocked. ¡°The Wolf Head Bees didn¡¯t sting you?¡± Soon after, they noticed that Jiang Fan was carrying a large bundle of honeycombs. There was at least four pounds of honey inside. ¡°You collected so much? The Wolf Head Bees didn¡¯t attack you?¡± ¡°Those Wolf Head Bees treat honey like a treasure. They sting fiercely if you take even a bit, let alone this much.¡± ¡°Junior Brother, you¡¯re incredible!¡± Without saying a word, Jiang Fan divided a pound of honey for each of them, ¡°Take this to report back the day after tomorrow.¡± The two disciples hesitated, ¡°How could we accept this?¡± Jiang Fan said, ¡°We¡¯re all brothers in the sect, why not?¡± There was still a lot left; he just couldn¡¯t carry it all. With grateful expressions, the two accepted. One of them lowered his voice, ¡°Junior Brother, a piece of advice.¡± ¡°You only need to submit a pound of honey. The extra, sell it at the night market for a good price.¡± ¡°We¡¯ll keep it a secret for you.¡± After saying that, the two disciples mysteriously carried away the chubby disciple. Jiang Fan smiled to himself. After they left, he found a basket and quietly climbed down again. Not long after. He returned to his abode with ten pounds of honey and the little spirit beast. ¡°Now the task is a sure thing, Big Senior Brother can¡¯t find any fault,¡± Jiang Fan said, throwing the honey aside. Turning to look at the little spirit beast, despite being tied up like a ball, it still glared fierily. ¡°Still so fierce? I¡¯ll deal with you later,¡± he said. He found a chicken coop and tossed the little spirit beast inside. Unbeknownst to him. Outside Green Cloud City. On a giant bird resembling a phoenix, stood several graceful figures. At the forefront was a woman in her forties, but her appearance was well maintained as if she were in her thirties. ¡°Are you sure my spiritual pet has fled to Green Cloud City?¡± The leading woman asked, none other than Gong Caiyi, the Sect Master of Spirit Beast Sect, one of the nine great sects. ¡°This beast tide was caused by the herd searching for it; it must not be lost.¡± A beautiful female disciple bowed, ¡°Yes, I saw it sneak into Green Cloud City with my own eyes.¡± Gong Caiyi nodded slowly. ¡°Alright then, I¡¯ll use the excuse of observing the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s new disciples¡¯ ancestral ceremony to stay in Green Cloud Sect.¡± ¡°You search for it secretly; it must be found!¡± Two days later. As the bell rang, the disciples of Sect Master Peak gathered in the main hall. Today was the day to report back. In the past, no one paid much attention because it was a routine matter. But today was different. Big Senior Brother had declared that if Jiang Fan didn¡¯t meet the standards, he would make him clean the latrine. Everyone eagerly awaited Jiang Fan¡¯s arrival. Chapter 99 - Chapter 99: Chapter 99 You Are Cheating Chapter 99: Chapter 99 You Are Cheating Jiang Fan, who heard the bell, was also preparing to go out. Unexpectedly, Liu Qingxian knocked on the door stealthily: ¡°Jiang Fan, hurry up and open the door.¡± Jiang Fan opened the door for her in surprise. Before he could ask anything, Liu Qingxian pulled him into the room. She looked him up and down and, finding that he was fine, finally breathed a sigh of relief: ¡°Good for you, you¡¯ve got some brains. You didn¡¯t get yourself into trouble.¡± She carefully took out a jade box and shoved it into Jiang Fan¡¯s arms: ¡°Take this.¡± Jiang Fan looked down and was stunned: ¡°Wolf Head Honey? Senior Sister, where did you get this?¡± Leaning against the door, Liu Qingxian gave him a sidelong glance: ¡°Of course, it fell from the sky!¡± Jiang Fan felt embarrassed. He remembered that the two senior brothers had said this item was very precious and could fetch a high price at the night market. He realized how Liu Qingxian might have obtained it. ¡°So why are you giving it to me?¡± Jiang Fan asked in astonishment. He already had about ten pounds of it in his basket. Liu Qingxian looked at him strangely, as if questioning his intelligence: ¡°Obviously, it¡¯s for you to complete your task.¡± ¡°You think I¡¯m giving it to you to eat?¡± To complete my task? Jiang Fan suddenly felt the honey in his hands become heavy. Besides Xu Youran and Chen Silin, Liu Qingxian was the third woman to think of him. ¡°Thank you, Senior Sister,¡± Jiang Fan said gratefully. Even though he didn¡¯t need it. But he felt that this one pound of honey was more precious than the ten pounds in his basket. Liu Qingxian brushed it off: ¡°No choice, you¡¯re just unlucky.¡± ¡°As soon as you took on the task of collecting honey, there was a mutation in the hive.¡± ¡°Even the most experienced honey collector, Fatty Chen, was stung and is still unconscious.¡± ¡°I was worried you would stubbornly go down there and get hurt, but seeing that you¡¯re fine, I¡¯m relieved.¡± Jiang Fan felt both amused and exasperated. Not only did he go down there. But he also brought back quite a lot of honey. ¡°Alright, hurry up and go to the main hall to report.¡± ¡°This is your first time completing a task, and my father will be watching on site.¡± ¡°Just take this honey and slap it in his face, let him underestimate you, humph!¡± With a snort, she quietly slipped away. Jiang Fan murmured speechlessly, ¡°I don¡¯t have any problem with your father, but you seem to have one.¡± Thinking it over. He decided to leave the honey Liu Qingxian gave him at home and keep it well-preserved. He carried his basket to the front of the main hall. ¡°Tao Zhengjun, you collected three Spirit Ginsengs, far from the target of ten, so your score is: failing.¡± The Big Senior Brother, Wang Chengjian, was inspecting each disciple¡¯s task. Noticing that Tao Zhengjun had failed his task, he patted his shoulder comfortingly: ¡°It¡¯s your first time here, not knowing the growth conditions of Spirit Ginsengs and not completing the task is understandable.¡± ¡°I won¡¯t punish you this time; try harder next time.¡± ¡°Next.¡± Jiang Fan arrived just in time and placed his basket in front of him. The numerous disciples instantly perked up. ¡°The main event is starting.¡± ¡°Wasn¡¯t his task to collect honey? Why is he carrying a basket?¡± ¡°Could it be he went herb gathering instead?¡± ¡°If that¡¯s the case, the Big Senior Brother will have an excuse.¡± Seeing that it was Jiang Fan. Wang Chengjian¡¯s smile vanished, replaced by a stern look: ¡°Jiang Fan, do you remember your task?¡± Jiang Fan replied calmly, ¡°I don¡¯t need a reminder from Big Senior Brother.¡± Three days had passed. He was still so confrontational! Wang Chengjian squinted his eyes slightly and said: ¡°Then remember, I told you that if you fail to complete the task, you¡¯ll have to clean all the toilets on Sect Master Peak.¡± ¡°You haven¡¯t forgotten that, right?¡± Jiang Fan frowned slightly. He wasn¡¯t like this to Tao Zhengjun just now, so why a different attitude towards him? He spoke bluntly: ¡°Didn¡¯t Junior Brother Tao also fail to complete his task?¡± ¡°Why is Big Senior Brother so understanding and lenient with him, but punishing me instead?¡± ¡°Does this count as favoritism?¡± The disciples looked at each other in astonishment. Wherever there are people, there are politics. Tao Zhengjun¡¯s family was wealthy, and privately gave many benefits to Big Senior Brother, so he naturally favored him. But due to Big Senior Brother¡¯s prestige, no one dared to speak up. Unexpectedly, Jiang Fan, the confrontational one, questioned it publicly. Wang Chengjian¡¯s expression turned stern. His peripheral vision glanced towards the main hall behind him. Liu Wuchen was watching in the main hall! He quickly defended himself, saying: ¡°Junior Brother Tao is used to a pampered life, so I gave him some leeway.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to be so petty, so I¡¯ll handle this officially.¡± ¡°Junior Brother Tao, it¡¯s not that Big Senior Brother doesn¡¯t take care of you, but as you can see, Jiang Fan wouldn¡¯t let me.¡± ¡°So, you¡¯re assigned to clean the toilets too.¡± Upon hearing this. Tao Zhengjun breathed heavily through his nostrils, glaring fiercely at Jiang Fan. Jiang Fan coldly glared back. ¡°What, do you have a problem?¡± Tao Zhengjun recalled Jiang Fan¡¯s tough methods, shuddered, and hurriedly said, ¡°No problem, no problem.¡± That encounter had left a deep impression on him. Wang Chengjian, showing contempt in his eyes, thought he was truly useless! He had intended to spark a conflict between Tao Zhengjun and Jiang Fan, but to his surprise, Tao Zhengjun had already been subdued. In the main hall. Liu Qingxian giggled, ¡°Father, did you see that?¡± ¡°Jiang Fan managed to make your favorite disciple dare not express any anger.¡± Liu Wuchen¡¯s cheek twitched. Damn it! Tao Zhengjun was a rare Dual Cultivation of Body and Magic genius, yet how could he be bullied by a guy with no Spirit Root? ¡°Don¡¯t get too pleased. I heard that the hive had an anomaly this time, even the expert collector Chen Dongsheng failed and was severely stung.¡± ¡°Jiang Fan is completely unscathed and doesn¡¯t look like someone who¡¯s been to the hive.¡± ¡°He might not be able to produce any honey later.¡± Liu Wuchen gave Liu Qingxian a meaningful look. She felt a jolt of panic. Did her father find out about her buying honey secretly? But he¡¯d been in seclusion for the past two days and hadn¡¯t left the mountain. At this moment. Wang Chengjian no longer wanted to waste words with Jiang Fan and said, ¡°Is this fair now?¡± Jiang Fan, satisfied, replied, ¡°That¡¯s more like it.¡± He then kicked the basket towards him: ¡°Big Senior Brother, examine it yourself.¡± Wang Chengjian glanced at the basket and said in a playful tone: ¡°Before checking, I want to remind you of something.¡± ¡°Such tasks are not to be falsified.¡± ¡°Especially not purchasing the task items from elsewhere!¡± ¡°Once exposed, it¡¯s far more serious than failing.¡± In the main hall, Liu Qingxian panicked instantly. Wang Chengjian¡¯s deliberate mention of this must mean he knew something. She couldn¡¯t help but worry. Liu Wuchen glanced at her with a half-smile: ¡°What, nervous?¡± Liu Qingxian tried to maintain her composure: ¡°Who¡¯s nervous? Isn¡¯t it normal for Jiang Fan to collect honey with his skills?¡± Liu Wuchen sipped his tea thoughtfully and said, ¡°A disciple reported to me.¡± ¡°Last night¡¯s night market, a disciple, suspected to be from Sect Master Peak, secretly bought a pound of honey.¡± ¡°That person, was it you?¡± At this point, even a fool knew. Her secret help for Jiang Fan had likely been discovered by her father. Liu Wuchen didn¡¯t delve into it further, saying indifferently: ¡°Have Jiang Fan admit his task failure himself.¡± ¡°Consider it saving him some face.¡± ¡°Go now!¡± Liu Qingxian bit her red lips, reluctantly stepping out. If exposed for cheating, Jiang Fan would be taken by the Reward and Punishment Hall, whipped publicly in the square a hundred times as a deterrent. If that happened, he¡¯d be utterly humiliated throughout the entire sect. Compared to that, cleaning toilets wasn¡¯t as bad. Though still embarrassing, it was only within their peak. Chapter 100 - Chapter 100: Chapter 100: Not Until One Sees the Coffin Does One Shed Tears Chapter 100: Chapter 100: Not Until One Sees the Coffin Does One Shed Tears Liu Qingxian, with an apologetic expression, approached Jiang Fan. Lowering her voice, she said, ¡°Jiang Fan, just admit defeat.¡± Jiang Fan blinked. Why should he concede defeat out of nowhere? He shook his head and said, ¡°Senior Sister, my task hasn¡¯t been inspected yet. Why should I admit defeat?¡± Liu Qingxian couldn¡¯t help but blush and whispered, ¡°My father knows everything. There¡¯s no need to pretend anymore.¡± Jiang Fan was a bit confused. What did he do that Liu Wuchen found out? At this moment, Wang Chengjian also spoke in a mocking tone, ¡°Jiang Fan, Brother is giving you a chance, don¡¯t waste it.¡± ¡°If you¡¯re really faking it, you¡¯ll be dragged to the square and humiliated, which will also tarnish the reputation of our Sect Master Peak.¡± ¡°It would be better to honestly clean the latrines.¡± Utterly baffling. Jiang Fan gave him and Liu Qingxian a peculiar look and said, ¡°I don¡¯t understand what you¡¯re talking about.¡± ¡°You should inspect my task first, and then we¡¯ll discuss other matters.¡± Liu Qingxian was anxious for him. She had spelled it out clearly, there was no need to pretend anymore, and Jiang Fan still didn¡¯t get it? How could he be so slow? Wang Chengjian squinted his eyes and snorted, ¡°Not shedding tears until you see the coffin, are you?¡± ¡°Since you¡¯re determined to not admit defeat, I¡¯ll fulfill your wish.¡± With that, he lifted the cloth on the basket. Underneath, there was only dry grass. On top of the dry grass lay a piece of honeycomb with fresh honey. Liu Qingxian didn¡¯t dare to look and sighed helplessly, ¡°It¡¯s over. Completely over.¡± She felt utterly powerless. She had hoped that Jiang Fan could show off a little on his first task in front of her father, so he wouldn¡¯t underestimate Jiang Fan anymore. But things didn¡¯t go as she wished. Not only did Jiang Fan not get a chance to show off, but he also made a fool of himself. Wang Chengjian looked at the piece of honey with disdain in his heart. Such a stubborn person. This piece of honey was what he had sold. The moment Liu Qingxian asked him yesterday, he recognized her voice and guessed her purpose in buying it. Now, seeing the honey he sold appearing among Jiang Fan¡¯s task items, he couldn¡¯t help but find it amusing. But after a moment, he frowned. Why did it look slightly different than the piece he sold? Thinking it over, he guessed the reason and chuckled, ¡°You¡¯re not that dumb after all, knowing to cut the shape differently to avoid being recognized at a glance.¡± ¡°However, your cleverness is misguided!¡± ¡°This piece of honey you bought has special fluorescent powder on it. It will show under certain light.¡± Jiang Fan finally understood what he was talking about. It turned out that Liu Qingxian¡¯s honey was known to them. They mistakenly thought the whole basket of honey was given by Liu Qingxian. ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it.¡± Jiang Fan curled his lips and said, ¡°I collected this honey myself.¡± ¡°And there¡¯s more under the basket¡­¡± Before he could finish speaking. Wang Chengjian sneered, ¡°Still denying it at the last moment!¡± ¡°Then I¡¯ll reveal everything!¡± ¡°Bring me an umbrella!¡± A disciple immediately handed over a heavy oil-paper umbrella. As he opened it, a large shadow covered the honey. ¡°Fellow Junior Brothers and Sisters, bear witness with me to see if there¡¯s any fluorescence on this honey!¡± ¡°If there is, it proves Jiang Fan bought it from the night market as his task item!¡± ¡°If so, I, as a Senior Brother, will righteously drag him to the Reward and Punishment Hall myself, no leniency!¡± The many disciples exchanged glances. Is there even a need to check? Big Senior Brother had spoken so confidently; he must be absolutely certain. Otherwise, it would be like slapping his own face. Reluctantly, everyone looked over. Liu Qingxian fumed silently, realizing she had been set up by Wang Chengjian. There was no way to deny it now. Jiang Fan was destined to be sent to the Reward and Punishment Hall. Wang Chengjian watched Jiang Fan¡¯s expression closely, anticipating the moment of exposure and what fear would look like on his face. However. He suddenly noticed a change in everyone¡¯s eyes. From resignation to confusion. Hmm? Wang Chengjian instinctively looked at the honey under the shadow. It showed no sign of fluorescence. Not even a little. ¡°How could this be?¡± Unconvinced, Wang Chengjian turned it over. The result was the same. Everyone was stunned. Where was the supposed fluorescence? Liu Qingxian was also stunned for a moment, then she exclaimed, ¡°Who said Jiang Fan bought it?¡± ¡°Without evidence, you can¡¯t slander someone.¡± ¡°This honey was obviously collected by Jiang Fan himself!¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t that right, Wang Chengjian!¡± She was inwardly delighted. Although she didn¡¯t understand what had happened, Jiang Fan had been fortunate enough to escape this calamity. Wang Chengjian was deeply resentful. He had clearly sprinkled fluorescent powder on it, so how could none of it be visible? Could it be that Jiang Fan detected it and removed it in time? Thinking of the cut honeycomb, he became more certain. With a grim face, he snorted, ¡°Consider yourself lucky!¡± ¡°Jiang Fan, you¡¯ve collected one pound of honey. Task accomplished, score: pass¡­¡± In the grand hall. Liu Wuchen snorted, looking at Jiang Fan with even more disdain. ¡°A bit of cleverness, all used in crooked ways.¡± ¡°He won¡¯t achieve much in the future!¡± Liu Qingxian was secretly pleased. Although the pass wasn¡¯t glamorous, at least he wouldn¡¯t have to face the shame of cleaning the latrines. However. At this moment, Jiang Fan said, ¡°Why the rush? Didn¡¯t I say earlier, there¡¯s more underneath?¡± He had painstakingly carried ten pounds of honey up here, only to get a passing grade? Huh? Liu Qingxian was stunned. Wang Chengjian was also dumbfounded. Even Liu Wuchen walked out of the grand hall in amazement and approached the basket. He uncovered the dry grass and indeed found there was another layer with one more pound of honey underneath. He exclaimed in surprise, ¡°Jiang Fan, isn¡¯t this honey something Liu Qingxian gave you?¡± Based on Wang Chengjian¡¯s report, he had only sold one piece to Liu Qingxian. How did Jiang Fan bring out two pieces? Liu Qingxian also looked surprised, ¡°Junior Brother Jiang, where did you get this honey?¡± Jiang Fan said with exasperation, ¡°Senior Sister, the honey you gave me, I left it at home.¡± ¡°I appreciate the gesture, but I completed the task myself.¡± Everyone was suddenly enlightened! No wonder the honey didn¡¯t show any fluorescence. It turned out Jiang Fan used the honey he collected for the task. Everyone had misunderstood Jiang Fan. Liu Qingxian breathed a long sigh of relief, then felt proud of Jiang Fan, casting a sidelong glance at Liu Wuchen and said: ¡°Junior Brother Jiang, you have no idea how many people underestimate you!¡± Liu Wuchen coughed awkwardly and patted Jiang Fan on the shoulder, ¡°The task was accomplished well.¡± ¡°While others didn¡¯t dare to go, you collected two pounds without a scratch.¡± ¡°Awarding you an excellent score wouldn¡¯t be an exaggeration.¡± ¡°As a reward for the excellent score, you won¡¯t have to undertake any tasks for the next month.¡± Jiang Fan felt relieved. Great, he wouldn¡¯t have to see Wang Chengjian¡¯s face for a while. However. Wang Chengjian protested, ¡°Master, the score should be based on task completion, not arbitrarily given.¡± ¡°Two pounds only qualifies as a pass.¡± That was true. No matter how difficult the task became, the original rules shouldn¡¯t be changed rashly. Liu Wuchen thought it over and agreed, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s follow the standard then.¡± Jiang Fan frowned. ¡°Wait, there¡¯s more honey below.¡± Chapter 101 - Chapter 101: Chapter 101 Spirit Beast Sect Master? Never heard of him! Chapter 101: Chapter 101 Spirit Beast Sect Master? Never heard of him! What? There¡¯s more? The crowd was incredulous. In this dangerous situation, gathering two or three pounds already seemed very difficult. Yet there¡¯s more? ¡°How is that possible?¡± Wang Chengjian was in disbelief. This honey collection task was extremely challenging. Even if he went himself, he might not be able to collect two pounds. But, when a layer of grass was lifted, there was indeed another pound. Lifting another layer, again there was a pound. Under the dumbfounded gazes of the crowd. Layer after layer, there was honey. In the end, ten whole pounds of honey were collected. Jiang Fan explained, ¡°There was too much honey, piling it together would easily crush and ruin it.¡± ¡°So, each layer was separated with some dry grass to prevent damage.¡± Liu Wuchen was so amazed he didn¡¯t know what to say. This amount almost equaled what other disciples collected in half a year! Liu Qingxian¡¯s eyes lit up with joy, ¡°Father, didn¡¯t I say Junior Brother Jiang is highly skilled? This left Liu Wuchen speechless. Jiang Fan had indeed completed the task splendidly, much better than the senior disciples. He cleared his throat and said, ¡°Jiang Fan¡¯s performance this time truly exceeded my expectations, an excellent evaluation, no objections, right?¡± Hearing this, Wang Chengjian nodded blankly, ¡°No, no objections.¡± With ten pounds of honey right in front of him, could he say anything else? The disciples were full of sighs and exclamations. Who could have thought that the eldest senior brother, intending to trouble a newcomer, would end up being soundly taught a lesson by him? What an absurd turn of events. Liu Wuchen looked at the ten pounds of honey and couldn¡¯t help but smile: ¡°Alright, everyone can disperse.¡± This was indeed good stuff. The female elders especially liked to use it for making Spiritual Tea or Beauty Cream. The usual collection wasn¡¯t enough to share among them. Ten pounds were enough for him to distribute as rewards for half a year. ¡°Father, haven¡¯t you forgotten a promise?¡± Liu Qingxian cut in, ¡°You said if he got rated among the top three, you¡¯d give half the honey to Jiang Fan, right?¡± Huh? Split half? Wouldn¡¯t that be a whole five pounds? That¡¯s too much, isn¡¯t it? The disciples present were also so astonished their eyes were about to pop out. ¡°My goodness, each pound of this honey is worth two hundred Crystal Stones.¡± ¡°Five pounds means a thousand Crystal Stones?¡± Wang Chengjian was even more jealous. He worked hard for a year and might not save up a thousand Crystal Stones. Jiang Fan had only been here for three days and already received such a generous reward? Though Liu Wuchen was extremely reluctant, he couldn¡¯t go back on his public promise made earlier. He could only reluctantly reward Jiang Fan with five pounds. Jiang Fan wasn¡¯t stingy. He directly handed over two pounds to Liu Qingxian. To repay her for the help before. ¡°Why are you giving it to me?¡± Liu Qingxian waved her hand, ¡°You should sell it to Medicine Peak. They have a special recipe that can make an excellent Beauty Cream.¡± Jiang Fan carefully recalled and remembered that there was a similar recipe mentioned in the ¡°Undying Medical Book.¡± Selling it to Medicine Peak, I¡¯d rather make it myself. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll make it and send you some, Senior Sister.¡± No woman would refuse beauty, even those in their early twenties with the most lustrous skin. Liu Qingxian smiled wryly, ¡°Forget it.¡± ¡°Medicine Peak closely guards this ointment. It¡¯s not enough even for their own female disciples.¡± ¡°As the Sect Master¡¯s daughter, I can only buy one bottle a month, which is far from enough.¡± Is that so? Jiang Fan smiled, ¡°Just wait and see, Senior Sister.¡± Carrying five pounds of honey back home. Adding the initial two pounds he had collected and the pound Liu Qingxian gave him. He had a total of eight pounds of honey. That¡¯s enough to make a big barrel of Beauty Cream. He decided to get started right away. Near lunchtime, as he looked at the Beauty Cream in the pot, a trace of joy appeared on his face. ¡°I just don¡¯t know how this Beauty Cream compares to Medicine Peak¡¯s.¡± ¡°Find someone to test it?¡± After finishing five bowls of rice in the dining hall. Jiang Fan took a few vials of Beauty Cream and left the sect, heading to Green Cloud City. This unknown effect Beauty Cream was better tested by the city¡¯s cultivators. Because if it worked well, there was no problem. But if it caused issues and damaged someone¡¯s skin, he could just run away. If it damaged the skin of fellow female disciples, they would rush to Sect Master Peak and tear him apart. ¡°Free trial of Beauty Cream, from the Green Cloud Sect, free trial, free trial.¡± He squatted by the main road in the city, holding a small sign, loudly shouting. Whether it was the word ¡°free¡± that worked or the reputation of ¡°Green Cloud Sect.¡± Within a few shouts, many passing women stopped to watch. Among them was a woman dressed in colorful clothes, with an outstanding temperament. ¡°Master, is this guy a scammer? How could a disciple of the Green Cloud Sect be selling Beauty Cream here?¡± ¡°Besides, isn¡¯t Beauty Cream a specialty of Medicine Peak? All their disciples are female, and he doesn¡¯t look like one of them.¡± They were none other than the Spirit Beast Sect group. Spirit Beast Sect Master Gong Caiyi, observing the Jade Bottle in Jiang Fan¡¯s hand, showed some surprise in her eyes, ¡°But the ointment in his hand doesn¡¯t look ordinary.¡± ¡°It seems to be made using a lot of precious materials by a special method.¡± She hadn¡¯t maintained her skin much after searching for Little Spiritual Beasts for several days, so she gracefully sat down in front of Jiang Fan. ¡°I would like to try it.¡± Jiang Fan looked up and was stunned. Though she seemed to be in her thirties, her features were exquisite, like a jade sculpture. In her youth, she must have been a breathtaking beauty. And with a unique temperament, her attire and demeanor were extraordinary, not like an ordinary woman. But so what? Anyway, they wouldn¡¯t have any interaction in the future; if her skin got damaged, she couldn¡¯t find him. ¡°Alright, try applying it on your hand.¡± Gong Caiyi lightly chuckled and extended her jade hand. Despite good care, time had left its marks on her skin. Especially the tiger¡¯s mouth, the wrinkles were clear. No amount of makeup could cover it. Jiang Fan opened the medicine bottle, using a long jade chopstick to take a glob, gently massaging it as per the method described in the ¡°Undying Medical Book,¡± allowing the medicinal power to evenly blend into every inch of skin. Gong Caiyi¡¯s eyes flashed with surprise. This technique didn¡¯t seem amateurish at all. ¡°Wait here and observe your skin.¡± ¡°Next.¡± An hour later, all the ointment was used up. The spots where the women had applied it showed changes. ¡°It¡¯s effective! The blemishes on my hand have faded.¡± ¡°Oh my! The freckles on my face are gone, is this real?¡± Gong Caiyi also found with delight that the wrinkles on her tiger¡¯s mouth had significantly faded. Comparing both hands, the difference was striking. She couldn¡¯t help but exclaim, ¡°Amazing, it¡¯s much better than Medicine Peak¡¯s!¡± ¡°Just a casual stroll, and I found something exceptional!¡± ¡°Young man, I want to buy ten bottles.¡± Jiang Fan, seeing their positive reactions, relaxed completely. Next, he could confidently sell to the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s female disciples. As for outsiders. Even our people didn¡¯t have enough, where would he sell to outsiders? ¡°Not for sale, goodbye.¡± Jiang Fan threw away the small sign, turned around, and left. Gong Caiyi¡¯s beautiful female disciple furrowed her brows, ¡°We don¡¯t lack Crystal Stones, just name your price.¡± She hadn¡¯t seen her master so delighted by a beauty product for a long time. Jiang Fan didn¡¯t turn back, ¡°I said, not for sale.¡± The female disciple angrily said, ¡°What do you mean by giving free trials and then not selling?¡± Gong Caiyi raised her hand to stop her from speaking further. With a warm smile, she said, ¡°Young man, I am Gong Caiyi from the Spirit Beast Sect.¡± ¡°Can you make an exception and sell a few bottles?¡± Gong Caiyi? Who is that? Jiang Fan glanced at her and repeated, ¡°Not for sale!¡± Then quickened his pace and briskly walked away. Gong Caiyi¡¯s expression stiffened slightly. Chapter 102 - Chapter 102: Chapter 102: Ill-Fated Bond Chapter 102: Chapter 102: Ill-Fated Bond Her pretty female disciple stomped her foot in anger: ¡°This is outrageous! He doesn¡¯t even respect my master¡¯s face! I¡¯ll go bring him back!¡± Gong Caiyi rubbed her forehead: ¡°Do you think I haven¡¯t lost enough face already?¡± She never expected that after revealing her name, this little Martial Artist would not give her any face. The Spirit Beast Sect Master, is she really that lacking in prestige? Watching Jiang Fan¡¯s retreating figure, she couldn¡¯t help but pout slightly: ¡°You brat, don¡¯t let me find out your background.¡± Women hold grudges. No matter how high their status. Feeling quite pleased, Jiang Fan returned to Sect Master Peak. He saw the disciples all busy cleaning. Even the young lady Liu Qingxian had been pulled out to help with the heavy work. ¡°Senior Sister, what¡¯s going on?¡± Seeing him, Liu Qingxian immediately pouted and threw the broom to him in a fit of grievance: ¡°Where did you go to have fun?¡± ¡°The Spirit Beast Sect Master is visiting; she¡¯ll be meeting my father at Sect Master Peak in a while.¡± ¡°I¡¯m so exhausted from cleaning that my waist is about to break, and you¡¯re out there having fun.¡± Who went out to have fun? Jiang Fan quietly took out a bottle of ointment and handed it to Liu Qingxian: ¡°This is for you.¡± ¡°What is it?¡± Liu Qingxian opened it and took a sniff, a refreshing fragrance wafting out. She was astonished: ¡°Medicine Peak¡¯s Beauty Cream? No, the scent is different.¡± She tried a little on her hand. Her skin visibly turned more radiant, and she exclaimed in surprise: ¡°The effect is even better than Medicine Peak¡¯s. Junior Brother, where did you get this?¡± Jiang Fan made a shushing gesture: ¡°Do you want the whole world to know?¡± Liu Qingxian leaned in closer, delighted: ¡°Where did you buy it? Tell me quickly.¡± Jiang Fan spoke mysteriously: ¡°I made it myself, it¡¯s a family recipe.¡± ¡°From now on, I¡¯ll be in charge of your Beauty Cream, Senior Sister.¡± Liu Qingxian was incredulous. The effect was actually better than Medicine Peak¡¯s? But hearing that Jiang Fan would handle the Beauty Cream from now on, she quickly dismissed her doubts. Who cares. As long as I have enough, it¡¯s fine. ¡°Senior Sister didn¡¯t care for you in vain. You sit down, don¡¯t tire yourself, I¡¯ll do the sweeping.¡± Jiang Fan touched his nose. The Beauty Cream¡¯s effect not only beautified but also made women become more gentle. ¡°Jiang Fan! Everyone is busy, and you¡¯re slacking off here?¡± Wang Chengjian was overseeing the disciples¡¯ busy work. Seeing Jiang Fan and Liu Qingxian close together from a distance, he felt uncomfortable and walked over to reprimand: ¡°Do you know the Spirit Beast Sect Master is arriving soon?¡± Liu Qingxian frowned and said: ¡°Who said Junior Brother Jiang is slacking off, he is¡­ he is¡­¡± Thinking quickly, she took out the Beauty Cream. ¡°He has prepared a welcome gift for the Spirit Beast Sect Master.¡± Wang Chengjian looked at the ordinary Jade Bottle. And the sticky ointment inside. He said sternly, ¡°Jiang Fan, do you know who the Spirit Beast Sect Master is?¡± ¡°She is one of the nine great Masters, highly esteemed.¡± ¡°The things she uses are rare treasures, and you want to give this crude ointment as a welcome gift from Sect Master Peak?¡± ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid of making a laughing stock of us, letting Reincarnation Peak mock us?¡± Jiang Fan was at a loss for words. Why did Liu Qingxian use the Beauty Cream as a reason? Who was the Spirit Beast Sect Master? This insignificant thing could never be a welcome gift. Liu Qingxian stubbornly said: ¡°Jiang Fan¡¯s ointment is really effective, maybe the Spirit Beast Sect Master would like it.¡± The more she favored Jiang Fan, the more uncomfortable Wang Chengjian felt. He was about to scold Jiang Fan a few more times. Suddenly, he had a flash of inspiration. He changed his attitude, took the Beauty Cream with a smile: ¡°Really?¡± ¡°Since Junior Brother Jiang has put in this thought, let it be the welcome gift for the Spirit Beast Sect Master later.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll keep it safe for now.¡± Putting it into his robe, he turned to supervise elsewhere. Since you said this is the welcome gift, then let¡¯s send it to the Spirit Beast Sect Master as you wish. Such a worthless thing, giving it as a welcome gift? She¡¯ll probably get angry! By then, Master will definitely be furious, and Jiang Fan would get a severe punishment. Liu Qingxian also realized she had caused trouble. ¡°Jiang Fan, what should we do, using this thing as a welcome gift, the Spirit Beast Sect Master won¡¯t be happy, right?¡± Liu Qingxian apologized. Jiang Fan rubbed his brow: ¡°What if she likes it?¡± ¡°What if?¡± Liu Qingxian gave a bitter smile: ¡°You don¡¯t understand the Spirit Beast Sect Master.¡± ¡°She is famous for her ageless beauty, and she is incredibly picky about beauty treasures.¡± ¡°Even though this is effective, she might not fancy it.¡± Jiang Fan sighed, feeling helpless: ¡°I said it¡¯s just a possibility.¡± Even he didn¡¯t believe that could happen. Suddenly. A group of phoenix-like birds flew from afar. Liu Wuchen walked out of the hall, his spirit invigorated: ¡°Get ready to welcome her, the Spirit Beast Sect Master is here!¡± ¡°The Spirit Beast Sect is a staunch ally of our Green Cloud Sect, do not show any disrespect!¡± ¡°If you disturb her, I will severely punish you!¡± Everyone responded solemnly. Liu Qingxian sensed trouble and quietly nudged Jiang Fan, whispering: ¡°Maybe you should hide for a while.¡± Given the current situation, that was probably the best option. However, he couldn¡¯t hide too far, in case Liu Wuchen called for him. Looking around, he quietly slipped to a corner of the hall. Listening silently to the movements there. Gong Caiyi led two disciples as they descended slowly. She was wearing colorful robes, with a graceful figure, and a beautiful and dignified appearance. Her elegant temperament did not lack majesty. The stunning impression she gave was no less than that of the young female disciples present. ¡°Sect Master Gong, it¡¯s been a long time, what brings you to our Green Cloud Sect?¡± Liu Wuchen stepped forward to greet her with a smile, while pondering her intentions. ¡°Feeling the urge to move after being still for too long, I wanted to take a walk, passing through the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s territory, I thought I¡¯d come to visit.¡± Gong Caiyi smiled lightly. She didn¡¯t mention anything about searching for that Little Spiritual Beast. Liu Wuchen didn¡¯t believe Gong Caiyi would come without a reason, but he didn¡¯t ask further and said, ¡°Please, come and sit in the hall.¡± At this moment. Wang Chengjian stepped forward: ¡°Sect Master Gong, please wait.¡± ¡°Some of my junior brothers and sisters were very excited about your arrival and have prepared some small gifts for you.¡± ¡°Please kindly accept them.¡± Gong Caiyi was still quite pleased with that. It showed that she was truly liked by the disciples of the Sect Master Peak. ¡°Really? Let me see.¡± Gong Caiyi smiled with interest. Wang Chengjian placed the gifts on a tray, including Jiang Fan¡¯s gift. Moreover, it was in the most prominent position. Gong Caiyi raised her eyes. One by one, the gifts, though not exceptionally valuable, were absolutely exquisite, making her very happy. However, when her gaze fell on a rough Jade Bottle. Her smile froze. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder if she was seeing things. Turning to look at her pretty female disciple, the latter was also staring dumbfounded at the Jade Bottle. Isn¡¯t this the Beauty Cream from the roadside in Green Cloud City, the one that young man refused to sell to them? She couldn¡¯t even buy it, yet it appeared here as a welcome gift, right in front of her. She couldn¡¯t help but pick up the Jade Bottle, secretly pleased, and asked, ¡°Who sent this?¡± Liu Qingxian, who had been watching her closely. Felt a pang of anxiety. Chapter 103 - Chapter 103: Chapter 103 Identity Exposed Chapter 103: Chapter 103 Identity Exposed Sure enough, what I was afraid of happened. Compared to the other gifts, the Jade Bottle seemed too shoddy. Moreover, Wang Chengjian had deliberately placed it in a prominent position, so it was immediately noticed. Liu Qingxian¡¯s mind was in turmoil. Liu Wuchen was also drawn to the Jade Bottle that Gong Caiyi picked up. His eyelids twitched violently. This looked like something someone had thrown away, how could it be placed among the welcome gifts? Was this not deliberately embarrassing Gong Caiyi? ¡°Whose is this?¡± he asked angrily. Wang Chengjian smiled. Everything was going as he had anticipated. In fact, the effect was even better than he had expected. This time, Jiang Fan would not just lose face; it was going to be much worse. He cupped his hands and said, ¡°Master, Sect Master Gong, this is the welcome gift from our Junior Brother on Sect Master Peak, Jiang Fan.¡± ¡°Jiang Fan?¡± Liu Wuchen¡¯s eyebrows immediately shot up. He scanned the disciples with a sharp gaze, finding no trace of Jiang Fan, and shouted, ¡°Jiang Fan! Get over here!¡± Truly, he was more trouble than he was worth! If you were going to give a gift, either don¡¯t give one or pick something more appropriate. Giving a broken bottle, was that a deliberate insult? Hiding in a corner, Jiang Fan sighed, knowing he could not escape. He emerged from the corner, scanning the crowd, and his gaze was immediately drawn to a woman in colorful clothes. He was instantly stunned. Wasn¡¯t this the woman who had tried his Beauty Cream for free by the roadside? She had called herself Gong something Yi. He had even refused to sell her the Beauty Cream. She was actually the Spirit Beast Sect Master? Jiang Fan felt bitterness in his mouth. Was he cursed lately? How could he be so unlucky? First, he offended a big figure, and now she had come to his place. He must not let her recognize his face. Jiang Fan covered his face with his sleeve and walked out cautiously, speaking in a muffled voice, ¡°Master, Sect Master Gong.¡± Uh¡ª Liu Wuchen frowned, ¡°Why are you covering your face with your sleeve?¡± Jiang Fan replied, ¡°I fell and hurt my face just now, it might disturb Sect Master Gong. Please forgive me, Master and Sect Master Gong.¡± ¡°Then what¡¯s wrong with your voice?¡± Liu Wuchen asked again. Jiang Fan said, ¡°It¡¯s because of a cold.¡± In the distance, Liu Qingxian did not know whether to cry or laugh. He truly felt bad for Jiang Fan. Liu Wuchen only felt that Jiang Fan had thoroughly embarrassed Sect Master Peak today. Angrily, he asked, ¡°Do you know what a foolish thing you¡¯ve done?¡± Jiang Fan smiled bitterly. Could you blame me? Blame your good daughter and your senior disciple. I¡¯m really wronged. Wang Chengjian sneered, waiting to see a good show. What followed would surely be spectacular, he thought. Unexpectedly, to his surprise¡ª Gong Caiyi said, ¡°Sect Master Liu has misunderstood!¡± ¡°I really like this Beauty Cream.¡± Ah? This thing that looked so cheap, would the dignified Spirit Beast Sect Master really like it? Liu Wuchen was stunned for a moment, then said, ¡°Sect Master Gong, I know you are protecting this kid.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t bother, if we don¡¯t discipline disciples with no discernment, it will lead to trouble sooner or later.¡± ¡°Come on, take him¡ª¡± Gong Caiyi quickly raised her hand to stop him, seriously saying, ¡°Sect Master Liu really has misunderstood!¡± ¡°This Beauty Cream is the best I¡¯ve ever used.¡± ¡°It¡¯s strange that none of you recognize it?¡± ¡°Why would you consider such a good thing as something worthless?¡± The entire room fell into collective shock. Everyone stared at the bottle of Beauty Cream without blinking. This unimpressive item had received such high praise from the famously picky Gong Caiyi? Wang Chengjian was taken aback. He had intended to embarrass Jiang Fan. He stepped forward and said, ¡°Sect Master Gong, are you perhaps mistaken?¡± ¡°This is just something unworthy of notice.¡± ¡°Please do not demean yourself.¡± Gong Caiyi frowned slightly and gave him a glance: ¡°The Sect Master personally used this and has her own judgment.¡± ¡°Is it your place to instruct the Sect Master?¡± Wang Chengjian was startled. Finally realizing he had been too hasty, he hurriedly bowed and apologized while retreating. Liu Wuchen also understood that Gong Caiyi genuinely liked this welcome gift. He felt relieved, smiling as he patted Jiang Fan on the shoulder, ¡°Jiang Fan, this time your gift was the most thoughtful. You will receive an additional one hundred Crystal Stones this month.¡± Jiang Fan escaped a disaster, saying, ¡°Thank you, Master.¡± Liu Qingxian also breathed a sigh of relief, genuinely happy for Jiang Fan. It seemed he was safe. Gong Caiyi, however, curiously asked, ¡°Jiang Fan, right? Can you tell the Sect Master where this Beauty Cream came from?¡± One bottle was far from enough. After Jiang Fan left, she found that the efficacy of the Beauty Cream still continued. Making the skin on her hand softer, like someone in their early twenties. Compared to the skin on the back of her hand, the difference was huge. Such a top-grade product, she must apply it all over her body, right? So, one bottle was nowhere near enough. She must buy a hundred bottles! Jiang Fan hesitated, ¡°I, I saw some disciples selling it at the square by accident.¡± ¡°Out of curiosity, I bought one. If Sect Master Gong wants it, I can have a disciple look for it in the square, maybe they can find the person.¡± Oh. I see. Gong Caiyi nodded slightly. Liu Wuchen saw that the situation had calmed down, so he said at the right moment, ¡°Sect Master Gong, please come inside.¡± Gong Caiyi nodded and followed him into the main hall. Only then did Jiang Fan let out a real sigh of relief. So close, he almost got exposed. He couldn¡¯t imagine what would happen if Gong Caiyi found out he was the young man who had refused to sell her the cream. It surely wouldn¡¯t end well. In the distance, Liu Qingxian waved at him, so he quickly ran over, and the two sneaked away quietly. However, after walking a few steps. Gong Caiyi suddenly grew suspicious. Why would a man buy Beauty Cream? Moreover, why would he think this Beauty Cream would be to her liking and not offensive? She suddenly turned around and saw Jiang Fan almost at the corner. She had not doubted before, but now looking at Jiang Fan¡¯s back, he felt familiar. It seemed this Jiang Fan had a similar build to the young man who had sold the ointment. Thinking of this, she immediately called out, ¡°That disciple named Jiang Fan, come back!¡± Jiang Fan was about to leave. Suddenly being called, his face turned green. Impossible? Could he be this unlucky? Being called by name, he had no choice but to come back, covering his face with his sleeve again. In a muffled voice, he said, ¡°Sect Master Gong, what are your orders?¡± Seeing his sneaky manner, Gong Caiyi was completely certain. The Jiang Fan before her was the young man who sold the ointment. Thinking of how he had not given her any face, she felt both amused and annoyed. With a teasing tone and a half-smile, she said, ¡°Hmm? Why does your voice sound different from just now?¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s heart sank; was he overdoing it? He quickly covered it up with a cough, saying, ¡°It¡¯s because of the cold; I can¡¯t control it.¡± Sect Master Gong chuckled, finding it amusing, ¡°Really? Why do I find you so familiar?¡± ¡°Have we met somewhere before?¡± Jiang Fan felt deeply troubled. At this point, he could no longer misunderstand. He had been recognized. Chapter 104 - Chapter 104: Chapter 104 I Want Him Chapter 104: Chapter 104 I Want Him He awkwardly took down his sleeve and said sheepishly, ¡°Green Cloud Sect Inner Sect Disciple Jiang Fan, meets Sect Master Gong.¡± ¡°It¡¯s you?¡± The pretty female disciple beside him recognized him at once, angrily gripping the handle of her sword, about to draw it and cut him down. Gong Caiyi waved her hand to stop her, and with a playful look in her eyes said, ¡°You and this Sect Master truly have a fateful connection.¡± That¡¯s a misfortune! It¡¯s a misfortune! Jiang Fan complained in his heart. Who could have thought that the esteemed Sect Master of the Spirit Beast Sect would run to a roadside stall to try out free Beauty Cream? He was more wronged than Dou E. With the situation as it was, he could only obediently apologize, ¡°Sect Master Gong, it¡¯s my fault for not recognizing you. Even when you gave your name, I still couldn¡¯t sell it to you¡­¡± Gong Caiyi¡¯s face flushed with embarrassment. Is that something to say in public? Doesn¡¯t she care about her reputation? She hurriedly stretched out her hand, covering Jiang Fan¡¯s mouth, tightening her tone, ¡°Enough with the unnecessary words.¡± Huh? Everyone present was dumbfounded. What¡¯s going on? The Spirit Beast Sect Master covered Jiang Fan¡¯s mouth with her hand? Isn¡¯t that a bit too intimate? Before Gong Caiyi could respond, Jiang Fan himself felt something was wrong and quickly stepped back. The soft warmth of her jade hand still lingered on his lips. He hastily said, ¡°Sect Master Gong, if there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll take my leave first.¡± Trying to leave? Gong Caiyi snorted in her heart. Almost embarrassing her in public and now thinking to leave without a word? But what could she do if she kept Jiang Fan here? Have a proper discussion about the embarrassing roadside stall incident? Suddenly, she remembered something and said, ¡°Sect Master Liu, I plan to stay a few more days at Green Cloud Sect.¡± ¡°I need someone familiar with the sect to show me around.¡± Liu Wuchen was naturally very happy. Without thinking, he summoned Wang Chengjian, ¡°This is my senior disciple, he¡¯s been in the Green Cloud Sect for many years and knows every blade of grass and tree.¡± ¡°For the next few days, let him stay by your side.¡± Wang Chengjian was overjoyed beyond expectation. This was a great opportunity! As a guest, Sect Master Gong would surely be generous to those who assist her, right? She must give substantial rewards, otherwise, it would weaken her own reputation and that of the Spirit Beast Sect. ¡°Sect Master Gong, Disciple Wang Chengjian is at your service anytime.¡± Unexpectedly. Gong Caiyi didn¡¯t even look at him and kept gazing at the dodging eyes of Jiang Fan with a half-smile. The more Jiang Fan acted this way, the more she found it amusing. Who wanted to accompany her wasn¡¯t important; why not choose someone interesting? ¡°No need, I think Jiang Fan is quite good, let him accompany me.¡± Huh? Everyone was dumbfounded. Ignoring the senior disciple, choosing a newcomer disciple? For a moment, everyone couldn¡¯t help but doubt the relationship between the two. Liu Wuchen looked worried, ¡°Sect Master Gong, Jiang Fan is a newcomer, he might not be very capable.¡± Gong Caiyi remembered how Jiang Fan refused her purchase three times in a row. That decisiveness didn¡¯t seem like he was incapable. ¡°No need, I just want him,¡± Gong Caiyi insisted. Liu Wuchen had no choice but to instruct Jiang Fan, ¡°Since Sect Master Gong values you, make sure you perform well, and be at her service anytime, understood?¡± Jiang Fan felt a bitterness in his mouth. There was no need to imagine what ill intentions this woman had by naming him. He quickly declined, ¡°Sect Master Gong, you should have my senior brother come instead.¡± ¡°I am new here, not familiar with the Green Cloud Sect.¡± Brat, trying to escape? Can you escape? Gong Caiyi was adamant, playfully saying, ¡°What a coincidence, I¡¯m not familiar either.¡± ¡°Just the right timing for us to get familiar together.¡± Damn it! Just because I didn¡¯t sell you the thing? You hold a grudge for this? Jiang Fan was speechless. Liu Wuchen also felt bewildered. He couldn¡¯t but think there was some private grudge between Gong Caiyi and Jiang Fan. Helplessly, he said, ¡°Since Sect Master Gong insists, Jiang Fan, make sure to heed her commands.¡± Jiang Fan was a hundred times unwilling in his heart. But he could only reply with a sullen ¡°Yes.¡± The disciples were left speechless. This kind of good assignment, they couldn¡¯t even dream of getting it, yet given to Jiang Fan, he actually didn¡¯t want it. Such a full man who doesn¡¯t understand the hunger of the starving! Seeing him so displeased, Gong Caiyi became even more content. She casually took out a jade bottle and threw it to Jiang Fan. ¡°This is your reward, this Sect Master won¡¯t treat you poorly.¡± Jiang Fan instinctively caught it. Seeing the brownish unknown liquid inside, he asked in surprise, ¡°For demon beasts to drink?¡± Gong Caiyi¡¯s eyebrows twitched, ¡°What? Is the Spirit Beast Sect only capable of refining things for demon beasts?¡± Isn¡¯t it? Jiang Fan showed a questioning expression. Gong Caiyi was so angry she almost stomped her foot; how could this brat always get on her nerves? Liu Wuchen saw the item and was secretly shocked, quickly patting Jiang Fan, ¡°Hurry up and thank Sect Master Gong!¡± ¡°This is Earth Phoenix Grass Juice, which can enhance the Foundation Establishment realm. It¡¯s a unique treasure of the Spirit Beast Sect.¡± ¡°It requires special spirit beasts to burrow deep underground to collect.¡± ¡°Normally, even Spirit Beast Sect disciples rarely get such a reward.¡± The pretty female disciple beside them also showed a jealous look. Giving it to Jiang Fan? She hadn¡¯t received such a reward even a few times herself. Only then did Jiang Fan realize it was a treasure. He happily accepted it and smiled, ¡°Thank you, Sect Master Gong!¡± Seeing how quickly he changed his demeanor, Gong Caiyi said angrily, ¡°So pragmatic!¡± ¡°You should be in the early Foundation Establishment, right? This bottle is only enough to enhance half a realm, you need two bottles.¡± ¡°Depending on your performance, if you satisfy me, I¡¯ll give you another bottle.¡± ¡°Come here tomorrow morning and wait for me.¡± Only then did Jiang Fan realize that Gong Caiyi had no ill intentions. He said, ¡°Yes, Sect Master Gong.¡± With that, Gong Caiyi was invited into the main hall by Liu Wuchen. The senior brothers and sisters were so envious that their eyes almost popped out. ¡°Junior Brother, you have such luck?¡± ¡°Why are you so favored by Sect Master Gong?¡± ¡°Indeed, as far as I know, Earth Phoenix Grass Juice is rarely enjoyed even by Spirit Beast Sect disciples. Sect Master Gong actually rewarded you, it doesn¡¯t make sense!¡± Jiang Fan smiled. He naturally knew it was because Gong Caiyi needed a lot of Beauty Cream. But that wasn¡¯t something to speak of. ¡°It¡¯s all due to the blessings of senior brothers and sisters,¡± Jiang Fan said modestly. At this moment. Wang Chengjian walked through the crowd with a dark look on his face, silently staring at Jiang Fan. It was clear he was very unhappy. This kind of task for receiving guests had always been done by the senior brother. This time, it fell to Jiang Fan. What frustrated Wang Chengjian was that Jiang Fan hadn¡¯t even competed for it, he even tried to decline multiple times. But Gong Caiyi had insisted on Jiang Fan. He could only advise, ¡°You can visit any other peak, but avoid taking Sect Master Gong to Reincarnation Peak.¡± ¡°You understand the underlying reasons, right?¡± Jiang Fan nodded, ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother, for the reminder.¡± Reincarnation Peak had always been at odds with Sect Master Peak. Both openly and secretly they were competing with Sect Master Peak. If Sect Master Gong were brought to Reincarnation Peak, the Great Elder and his disciples would undoubtedly show off its strength in front of her and step over Sect Master Peak. This would weaken the image of Sect Master Peak. It could even affect the alliance between the two sides. With everyone dispersing, Jiang Fan returned to his cave dwelling with the Earth Phoenix Grass Juice. Upon entering, he found someone unexpectedly there. Startled. Chapter 105 - Chapter 105: Chapter 105 Public Funds for Watching Wife Chapter 105: Chapter 105 Public Funds for Watching Wife ¡°How did you get in?¡± The visitor was none other than Liu Qingxian. Liu Qingxian snorted and pulled out a key: ¡°I came in openly and honestly.¡± Jiang Fan hurriedly checked his key and found it was still there! He immediately understood that Liu Qingxian had used her connections as the Sect Master¡¯s daughter to obtain a spare key. ¡°Elder Sister, wasn¡¯t this inappropriate?¡± Jiang Fan slightly frowned. No matter how good their relationship was, he still hoped for a bit of personal space. Liu Qingxian felt a sense of distance. She placed the spare key on the table and said in a muffled voice, ¡°First, check your residence and see if anything is missing.¡± Upon closer inspection, Jiang Fan discovered that the room was full of scratches. Many items were damaged. A thief had broken in? He hurried to check the Beauty Cream and the Foundation Establishment Pill and Black Soul Bone Healing Ointment materials hidden under the bed. All were intact. The only thing missing was the little spiritual beast he had tied up tightly. Seeing the bite marks on the vine, he realized what had happened. It was that cunning little spiritual beast that had broken free and wreaked havoc in the room. ¡°Elder Sister, did you sense something wrong in my residence and come to check with the spare key?¡± Jiang Fan realized he might have misunderstood Liu Qingxian. Sure enough, she turned her head away. Her eyes were slightly red. This¡­ Jiang Fan didn¡¯t know how to placate her. He went back inside and fetched a few bottles of Beauty Cream. ¡°Elder Sister, Sect Master Gong took the Beauty Cream earlier. Here¡¯s a new bottle for you.¡± Liu Qingxian choked, ¡°I don¡¯t want it! Don¡¯t think you can bribe me.¡± Jiang Fan said, ¡°How about two bottles?¡± Liu Qingxian hesitated, humming, ¡°I won¡¯t forgive you.¡± ¡°Three bottles, then?¡± ¡°Stop it!¡± ¡°Four bottles?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t do this!¡± ¡°Five bottles.¡± ¡°Alright, alright, that¡¯s enough, too much, I can¡¯t use them all at once.¡± Seeing Liu Qingxian happily hugging five bottles of Beauty Cream, her tears turned to laughter. Jiang Fan touched his nose. There was nothing that a bottle of Beauty Cream couldn¡¯t solve for a woman. If there was, then five bottles would do. ¡°Jiang Fan, what happened to your room? When I came over, I heard wailing ghosts and spirits inside, like a thief had broken in.¡± Looking at the completely ruined residence, Jiang Fan said with a dark face, ¡°What ¡®like,¡¯ it was a thief.¡± ¡°It had better not come again. If it dares, I¡¯ll deal with it harshly!¡± Liu Qingxian nodded, ¡°You¡¯d better be careful. A thief daring to come to the Sect Master Peak is not ordinary.¡± Seeing her off. Jiang Fan closed the door. After tidying up a bit, he considered that leaving the materials out was unsafe. So he decided to refine them into top-grade Foundation Establishment Pills and Black Soul Bone Healing Ointment on the spot. By the time he was done, it was dawn. He carried the ten top-grade Foundation Establishment Pills and nine bottles of top-grade Bone Healing Ointment with him. The bucket of Beauty Cream was not safe to leave at home either. Thinking it over, he decided to take it along as well. In front of the main hall. Gong Caiyi was astonished: ¡°Are you sure you didn¡¯t hear wrong? Jiang Fan has no spirit root?¡± The beautiful female disciple, with the beautiful name Yuan Zhiyu, nodded and said, ¡°I¡¯ve asked several female disciples. It¡¯s true, he has no spirit root.¡± Gong Caiyi was slightly taken aback: ¡°What a surprise.¡± ¡°The Sect Master Peak actually took in a disciple with no spirit root.¡± ¡°Never mind, he¡¯s not from my Spirit Beast Sect, so it doesn¡¯t matter if he has a spirit root or not.¡± At this moment. She could see Jiang Fan from afar, a bag hanging in front of his chest, a large wooden bucket strapped to his back. She couldn¡¯t help but smile: ¡°Are you planning to take me on a long journey?¡± Jiang Fan said helplessly, ¡°A thief broke into my house. I had no choice but to carry my valuable belongings with me.¡± He set down the large wooden bucket, uncovered the cloth lid, revealing a large bucket of Beauty Cream, and said, ¡°Sect Master Gong, please take a container to fill some.¡± Gong Caiyi was overjoyed: ¡°So much?¡± ¡°Zhiyu, quickly get something to fill it up.¡± She was worried that Jiang Fan might not have a hundred bottles. But here was a large bucket, enough for several hundred bottles. Yuan Zhiyu was also tongue-tied, quickly fetching a small bucket and filling it to the brim. There was enough for Gong Caiyi to bathe in it. Jiang Fan didn¡¯t mind. In comparison, that bottle of Earth Phoenix Grass Juice was much more valuable than these Beauty Creams. Gong Caiyi looked at Jiang Fan with more favor and eagerly asked, ¡°Where do you plan to take me first?¡± Jiang Fan had already mapped out the route: ¡°Heavenly Sword Peak.¡± The elder of Heavenly Sword Peak had been notified. Leading all the disciples of the peak, they specially came to greet them at the foot of the peak. Li Qingfeng was full of excitement: ¡°Elder Li Qingfeng of Green Cloud Sect, welcomes Sect Master Gong.¡± The news of Sect Master Gong visiting the Green Cloud Sect had spread far and wide. Knowing she was planning to tour Green Cloud Peak, the elders of the various peaks had made ample preparations. It was just that they didn¡¯t know which peak the Sect Master would visit first. This signified which peak the Sect Master valued the most. Li Qingfeng never expected that Gong Caiyi¡¯s first stop would be their unremarkable Heavenly Sword Peak. This made Li Qingfeng feel overjoyed. Gong Caiyi nodded and smiled lightly: ¡°Elder Li, you are too kind. We are just here for a casual stroll.¡± Li Qingfeng said joyfully, ¡°Sect Master Gong, please allow me to introduce our peak.¡± Gong Caiyi nodded. But she did not forget Jiang Fan, turning to say, ¡°Jiang Fan, you should come along too¡­¡± It was then that she noticed. Jiang Fan had sneaked off to the back sometime. Flirting with two extremely beautiful female disciples. Hearing them call him husband, Gong Caiyi was even more astonished. These two disciples, who could be considered the epitome of beauty, were actually both Jiang Fan¡¯s wives? How did he manage to persuade them to share a husband? And Jiang Fan wasn¡¯t stingy with them either, giving each a small bucket of Beauty Cream. This made Gong Caiyi suddenly realize. No wonder Jiang Fan¡¯s first stop was Heavenly Sword Peak; he was using the pretense of a tour to visit his wives. This made Gong Caiyi quite irate. ¡°Jiang Fan!¡± she shouted. Hearing her, Jiang Fan had to hastily bid farewell to Xu Youran and Chen Silin, hurrying over and saying, ¡°Sect Master Gong, what are your orders?¡± Gong Caiyi opened her mouth, but the reproach she felt shrank back. What was wrong with seeing his wives? It hadn¡¯t caused any delay. She didn¡¯t even know where to start reprimanding, so she could only lightly hum, ¡°Elder Li wants to introduce Heavenly Sword Peak. Don¡¯t you want to tour around?¡± Jiang Fan touched his nose. Touring Heavenly Sword Peak wasn¡¯t as enjoyable as being with his wives. But his duty was to accompany Sect Master Gong on her leisure tour. ¡°Please, Elder Li, lead the way,¡± Jiang Fan smiled at Li Qingfeng. The always displeased Li Qingfeng was stunned. He then understood why Sect Master Gong had come to Heavenly Sword Peak first. It wasn¡¯t because Heavenly Sword Peak was particularly valued by Gong Caiyi. But because Jiang Fan¡¯s wives were here. Gong Caiyi had been coaxed here by Jiang Fan. This greatly dampened Li Qingfeng¡¯s excitement, but what made him even more uncomfortable. Was that he, a high and mighty peak master, had to personally introduce Heavenly Sword Peak to the displeasing Jiang Fan! What a situation this was? Ding Wanping, mixed among the disciples, watched as Jiang Fan walked at the front with an air of confidence. While he had to follow closely behind with a face full of displeasure. ¡°Assuming power through others!¡± Suddenly, he remembered something and caught up to Li Qingfeng, whispering, ¡°Master, why not invite Sect Master Gong to see our Heavenly Sword Peak¡¯s Sword Tomb?¡± ¡°This is the unique feature of our Heavenly Sword Peak, and we can also let Sect Master Gong draw a sword as a gift.¡± Li Qingfeng slightly frowned. ¡°Sect Master Gong is not skilled with swords. Drawing the wrong one could be embarrassing.¡± The swords in the Sword Tomb were infused with sword qi over the years, latent yet potent. Randomly drawing a sword might cause the sword qi to burst forth, leading to an awkward situation. Ding Wanping pointed at Jiang Fan: ¡°Such a task cannot be entrusted to Sect Master Gong. Let Jiang Fan draw instead.¡± Li Qingfeng¡¯s eyes lit up. Chapter 106 - Chapter 106: Chapter 106: Drawing the Sword Chapter 106: Chapter 106: Drawing the Sword He also disliked Jiang Fan. Along the way, he explained Heavenly Sword Peak to him, making him very uncomfortable. Perfect, it was time to sort out Jiang Fan. Suppress his arrogance a bit. Therefore, he smiled, ¡°Sect Master Gong, our Heavenly Sword Peak has a Sword Tomb.¡± ¡°It cultivates one hundred and eight top-quality swords.¡± ¡°Please, Sect Master Gong, take a step over here.¡± Gong Caiyi nodded gladly. She had long heard of the reputation of Green Cloud Sect¡¯s Heavenly Sword Peak. Although the swordsmanship of this peak was not considered top-notch. Its collection of famous swords was the best among the Nine-Sect. She also wanted to see what good swords there were. The group arrived at the middle of Heavenly Sword Peak. In front of a huge stone wall. Many sword Qi engravings crisscrossed on the stone wall. A powerful sword Qi lingered faintly above, ready to burst out and hurt people at any time. One unique long sword after another was inserted into the stone wall. Each one shimmered with spirit light, at least a mid-grade magic artifact. Moreover, they were excellent even among mid-grade magic artifacts. Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t help but be surprised again and again as he looked. There wasn¡¯t a single sword here that was inferior to Xu Youran¡¯s Green Sword. There were even countless better ones. ¡°What does Sect Master Gong think?¡± Li Qingfeng asked proudly. Gong Caiyi did not hold back her praise, ¡°It truly lives up to its reputation.¡± Even though she did not use a sword, she could feel that each of these swords was extraordinary. Li Qingfeng said, ¡°If Sect Master Gong likes, you may choose one as a token of my goodwill.¡± Gong Caiyi¡¯s eyes brightened slightly. Who wouldn¡¯t like a good sword? Even if she didn¡¯t use it, it was good for collection. ¡°Then I thank you, Peak Master Li.¡± Saying that, she walked towards the stone wall, intending to take a long sword with a black hilt. Li Qingfeng hurriedly said, ¡°Sect Master Gong, please wait.¡± ¡°These famous swords have been tempered by time, containing sword Qi, and require high-level swordsmanship to retrieve them, otherwise, they will harm the body.¡± Yuan Zhiyu nodded, ¡°Master, it is indeed so.¡± ¡°These swords cannot be touched lightly; they need swordsmanship to guide the sword Qi away.¡± She had practiced swordsmanship since she was young and was one of the few swordsmanship experts in the Spirit Beast Sect. At a glance, she recognized the extraordinariness of the Sword Tomb. Gong Caiyi nodded, ¡°Then you retrieve that black sword for me.¡± Yuan Zhiyu bowed her head, ¡°Yes, Master.¡± Confidently, she came to the Sword Tomb, leaped into the air, and grasped the sword hilt, pulling it out forcefully. Hiss¡ª A strong sword Qi burst out through the wall as soon as the hilt moved, shooting straight at Yuan Zhiyu. Yuan Zhiyu was startled. This sword Qi was much stronger than she had anticipated. In haste, she drew her own sword, trying to guide the sword Qi away, but the fierce sword Qi directly knocked her sword from her hand. She was also thrown out and landed on the ground quite awkwardly. With so many people watching, Yuan Zhiyu¡¯s face turned beet red. She returned to Gong Caiyi¡¯s side in shame, ¡°Master, I¡­ I am incompetent.¡± Gong Caiyi also felt ashamed and said, ¡°Forget it, this sword is not destined for me.¡± This made Li Qingfeng anxious. His intention was to make Jiang Fan embarrassed, but instead, Yuan Zhiyu took the blow for Jiang Fan. This left Gong Caiyi looking bad as well. He couldn¡¯t help but glare viciously at Ding Wanping. Look at the terrible idea you came up with! Jiang Fan hesitated for a moment, if he really let Gong Caiyi leave like this, his mission would be considered a failure, wouldn¡¯t it? So he cupped his hands and said, ¡°Sect Master Gong, if you like this sword, I can retrieve it for you.¡± ¡°You?¡± Gong Caiyi looked surprised, ¡°Are you good at swordsmanship too?¡± In her mind, she had already labeled Jiang Fan as having no Spirit Root. Since he had no Spirit Root, anything related to the Martial Path should be beyond him. Jiang Fan said, ¡°I know a little.¡± Yuan Zhiyu, still fuming from her embarrassment, saw Jiang Fan stepping forward recklessly and said sarcastically, ¡°You better forget it.¡± ¡°This sword Qi is not just strong ordinarily, don¡¯t think I was just knocked down.¡± ¡°You might get hurt, and then we wouldn¡¯t be able to explain to your master.¡± Jiang Fan said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry.¡± He then walked straight to the stone wall. This caused Li Qingfeng and Ding Wanping to show a mocking expression. Finally, Jiang Fan was stepping up. Let¡¯s see how he embarrasses himself. They saw Jiang Fan use his movement technique and agilely climb straight up the steep wall. Then. He grasped the sword hilt and pulled it out with the force of Shocking Thunder. The vast sword Qi within surged out like a bursting seawall. Jiang Fan quickly and decisively used ¡°Lonely Star Points.¡± Guiding the incoming sword Qi, shooting it far away. Crash¡ª A tree as thick as a person was struck by the sword Qi and snapped in response. Jiang Fan made a stylish flip, holding the black sword, and handed it to Gong Caiyi, ¡°Here.¡± Gong Caiyi was stunned. Yuan Zhiyu was stunned. Li Qingfeng and Ding Wanping were also stunned! He actually succeeded in drawing the sword, unscathed? ¡°You¡¯re quite something!¡± Gong Caiyi exclaimed in surprise. Others thought she was praising Jiang Fan¡¯s swordsmanship. In fact, she was admiring Jiang Fan¡¯s movement technique. Others hadn¡¯t noticed, but she saw that Jiang Fan had used some movement technique. And movement technique always required extremely high comprehension to grasp. Among the Nine-Sect, there were very few martial artists proficient in movement technique. Yuan Zhiyu was dumbfounded. She even began to doubt the information she had gathered on Jiang Fan. Was he really without a Spirit Root? How could he seem completely different? Li Qingfeng was also shocked, stroking his beard, ¡°Strange, his swordsmanship is actually quite good.¡± ¡°Could it be, I really misjudged him before?¡± Ding Wanping clenched his teeth. He had not only failed to embarrass Jiang Fan, but he had let Jiang Fan show off. Unwilling, he said, ¡°Just a little crude sword technique, nothing worth mentioning.¡± Gong Caiyi gave him a glance. No matter what, Jiang Fan was her chosen companion. Was he someone everyone could belittle? She said indifferently, ¡°Elder Li, your disciple seems quite extraordinary.¡± ¡°Can he demonstrate how to retrieve a sword?¡± ¡°It would be good for Jiang Fan to learn from his superb swordsmanship as well.¡± This¡­ Li Qingfeng was embarrassed. If the swords in the Sword Tomb were so easy to take, he wouldn¡¯t have intentionally made things difficult for Jiang Fan. Although Ding Wanping¡¯s cultivation was high, he had never tried to retrieve a sword. He might not succeed. Ding Wanping, however, felt he had been belittled, and more so, had been outdone by Jiang Fan in front of Heavenly Sword Peak. How could he stand that, saying, ¡°Since Sect Master Gong has said so, I will show my incompetence!¡± He rushed to the stone wall. Leaped into the air. Drew the sword. Hiss¡ª A powerful sword Qi, far beyond his control, directly blasted him several feet away. He crashed heavily onto a stone table. Groaning in pain as he lay on the ground. Chuckled¡ª Yuan Zhiyu couldn¡¯t help but laugh, ¡°Is that it? You¡¯re no better than me!¡± Gong Caiyi also felt satisfied. So noisy and looking down on Jiang Fan¡¯s swordsmanship? Is this all? She stood up and said, ¡°Jiang Fan, take me to see the peak with the best swordsmanship here.¡± She was now curious. What level was Jiang Fan¡¯s swordsmanship exactly? From the performance just now, among his peers, he should be top-middle level, right? Find a few swordsmanship geniuses to test his skills. Thus. Soon after, they appeared at Carefree Peak. Zhao Wuji flared up as soon as he saw Jiang Fan, ¡°You brat, you still dare to come to my Carefree Peak?¡± Chapter 107 - Chapter 107: Chapter 107: How Outstanding is He Chapter 107: Chapter 107: How Outstanding is He Jiang Fan sighed helplessly, cupping his hands and saying, ¡°Elder Zhao, I had no choice.¡± Gong Caiyi, standing nearby, was stunned. She muttered, ¡°You¡¯re quite a trouble magnet.¡± First there was her, and now a peak master of his own sect. Specializing in provoking those with high status! Yuan Zhiyu rolled her eyes, ¡°Troublemaker.¡± However, both master and apprentice were surprised when Zhao Wuji hastily explained, ¡°Sect Master Gong misunderstood.¡± ¡°I have both love and hate for this kid.¡± ¡°Back when disciples were being selected¡­¡± He revealed the details. Gong Caiyi was astonished. It turned out that this Jiang Fan, without a Spirit Root, was once fought over by the Sect Master Peak and Carefree Peak. No way? Was Jiang Fan¡¯s proficiency in Sword Dao really that high? She couldn¡¯t help but be curious, ¡°Elder Zhao, do you have such high regard for Jiang Fan¡¯s proficiency in Sword Dao?¡± Zhao Wuji scratched his head, ¡°I have yet to see it with my own eyes, but my disciple Gongsun Nan praised him highly, which sparked my interest in accepting him as a disciple.¡± ¡°What? Gongsun Nan?¡± Yuan Zhiyu exclaimed, ¡°No way! Senior Brother Gongsun Nan is the top swordsmanship genius among the Nine-Sect!¡± As a swordsman. Gongsun Nan¡¯s name was like that of a deity to the young swordsmen practicing swordsmanship. He was known as a once-in-a-hundred-years Sword Dao genius. He began learning swordsmanship at the age of three. By ten, he had mastered swordsmanship. At eighteen, when he joined the Green Cloud Sect, he defeated many Senior Brothers of Carefree Peak with a single set of sword techniques. He became famous throughout the world! He was the idol in her heart, Gongsun Nan. But for Gongsun Nan to praise Jiang Fan so highly, it was unbelievable to her. Gong Caiyi became even more curious and said, ¡°Is that so?¡± ¡°Could Gongsun Nan and Jiang Fan have a sparring match so I can witness your disciple¡¯s extraordinary sword skills?¡± Zhao Wuji had not yet agreed. Gongsun Nan urgently jumped out, ¡°Good! Good! I¡¯ve always wanted to spar with Junior Brother Jiang!¡± Jiang Fan was at a loss whether to laugh or cry, ¡°Senior Brother Gongsun, please don¡¯t tease me.¡± ¡°With my level of cultivation, how can I compete?¡± Gongsun Nan, rubbing his hands, said, ¡°What¡¯s so difficult about that? I¡¯ll suppress my realm to match yours, now hurry up and stop dawdling.¡± Jiang Fan said, ¡°But I have no sword.¡± Gong Caiyi snorted, so many excuses. She flipped her hand and threw the Black Sword to Jiang Fan, ¡°Take it.¡± Jiang Fan, feeling helpless, had no choice but to take the sword and prepare for battle. The two quickly engaged. Their sword shadows intertwined, Qi Force crisscrossing. Their swordsmanship was simple and unembellished, yet incredibly powerful. After ten moves, they were still evenly matched. Yuan Zhiyu frowned, ¡°It seems like Jiang Fan¡¯s swordsmanship isn¡¯t that impressive?¡± But Gong Caiyi¡¯s beautiful eyes were sparkling, ¡°Impressive! No wonder Gongsun Nan praised him so highly, Jiang Fan¡¯s swordsmanship indeed has something about it.¡± Zhao Wuji watched without blinking, occasionally hitting his thigh hard. ¡°Oh my God! What kind of Sword Dao genius did I miss?¡± ¡°Sect Master, Sect Master, you have wronged my Carefree Peak!!!¡± This left Yuan Zhiyu bewildered. The two were clearly evenly matched! This was even with Gongsun Nan suppressing his realm; otherwise, Jiang Fan would have lost in an instant. Why did everyone praise Jiang Fan so highly? After a hundred moves, both were slightly out of breath, showing the intensity of their engagement, both giving their all. ¡°A tie.¡± Jiang Fan sheathed his sword and stepped back. But Gongsun Nan, complex feelings showing on his face, sheathed his sword and sighed, ¡°I lost.¡± What? Yuan Zhiyu couldn¡¯t accept that her idol had lost to someone without a Spirit Root, speaking up indignantly: ¡°Senior Brother Gongsun, you were holding back against Jiang Fan, you didn¡¯t lose.¡± Gongsun Nan looked at her with a bitter smile, ¡°Thank you for thinking highly of me, Junior Sister, but I used a lower Profound Level sword technique.¡± ¡°Junior Brother Jiang used a higher Yellow Level sword technique.¡± ¡°But he could match me evenly.¡± ¡°If we were using techniques of the same level, I would have lost long ago.¡± Gong Caiyi seemed to see Jiang Fan in a new light. Her eyes were filled with admiration, ¡°A low-level sword technique displayed with the power of a high-level technique; this is undoubtedly a high Sword Path Talent.¡± ¡°No wonder Gongsun Nan praised him so highly.¡± Zhao Wuji regretted to his core, grabbing Jiang Fan¡¯s shoulders, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you show me your swordsmanship sooner!¡± ¡°Had I known you had such potential, I would have defied the Sect Master to bring you to Carefree Peak.¡± Alas, it was too late to say anything now. As the group descended the mountain. They passed by Medicine Peak, where several disciples were hurrying up the peak, carrying various freshly picked medicinal herbs. ¡°Junior Brother Jiang?¡± One of the female disciples recognized Jiang Fan, it was Su Qiuning. Jiang Fan asked in surprise, ¡°What¡¯s the matter with you all?¡± Su Qiuning, face filled with anxiety, said, ¡°Our Peak Master is sick and urgently needs these herbs.¡± Suddenly, she brightened up, ¡°Right, can you help us refine the medicine?¡± ¡°This specific medicine could only be refined by my master previously, and the results from us disciples are not satisfactory.¡± This¡­ Jiang Fan looked at Gong Caiyi. He still had tasks at hand. Gong Caiyi, looking puzzled, gazed at Jiang Fan, questioning whether she had misunderstood something. If she hadn¡¯t misheard. This Medicine Peak disciple was asking Jiang Fan for help with refining? But isn¡¯t refining medicines a specialty of Medicine Peak disciples? Why ask a newly-entered disciple for help? With some doubts, she nodded, ¡°The elder¡¯s safety is more important, go ahead.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll come along too and take a look.¡± She wanted to see what Jiang Fan could do this time. Soon. They arrived at Medicine Peak. Several Medicine Peak disciples were busy boiling the herbs. This particular medicine was very complicated, and the group of female disciples, not having properly divided their work, was fumbling around in disarray. In the end, they ended up ruining it. ¡°It¡¯s ruined again.¡± ¡°A new batch of materials hasn¡¯t arrived yet? The master¡¯s condition can¡¯t wait that long.¡± ¡°The materials aren¡¯t the issue, the problem is, we¡¯ve already ruined six batches.¡± It wasn¡¯t that they were unskilled, but this nourishing heart medicine was not only obscure but exceptionally complex. Having never handled it before, they couldn¡¯t refine an effective medicine in such a short time. At this time, Su Qiuning ran in hurriedly, ¡°Everyone move, make way! Make way!¡± ¡°Junior Brother Jiang from the Sect Master Peak is here.¡± Upon hearing it was Jiang Fan, their eyes brightened up, and they quickly made way. Looking at this well-known figure, who was said to be capable of refining top-grade Black Soul Bone Healing Ointment, with hopeful eyes. Jiang Fan hurried over and said, ¡°The recipe.¡± A female disciple quickly handed him the recipe. The recipe didn¡¯t mention the name of the medicine, but Jiang Fan recognized it with a glance, ¡°The Nine-flavor Heart Nourishing Pills?¡± ¡°This is used to treat heart failure.¡± ¡°What happened to Elder Wen? She was fine during the selection of disciples.¡± Back then, she was still glaring and arguing with Zhao Wuji, ready to fight at any moment. How did she end up with such severe heart failure now? Gong Caiyi, who had caught up, listened with curiosity. Typically, heart failure is caused by anger. What had happened to make the Medicine Peak Master so angry? Su Qiuning hesitated, stammering, ¡°During the selection of disciples, Junior Brother Jiang was taken by Sect Master Peak.¡± ¡°After the master returned, she sulked and eventually collapsed.¡± Uh¡ª Gong Caiyi and Yuan Zhiyu were astonished. What was going on? The Medicine Peak Master also fought for Jiang Fan? Chapter 108 - Chapter 108: Chapter 108 Great Elders Difficulties Chapter 108: Chapter 108 Great Elder¡¯s Difficulties What rendered them speechless the most. Was it because they couldn¡¯t secure Jiang Fan, and fell ill out of anger? Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t help but twitch his lips slightly. He didn¡¯t hesitate any longer and immediately began to refine the Nine-flavor Heart Nourishing Pills in a methodical manner. His technique was so proficient, completely unlike the panicked disciples. It drew exclamations of awe from the many disciples. Not long after, the medicine pills were ready. Su Qiuning examined them and exclaimed, ¡°Top-grade Nine-flavor Heart Nourishing Pills!¡± ¡°Even Master might not be able to refine these!¡± Jiang Fan said, ¡°Quickly give them to Elder Wen to take.¡± Su Qiuning nodded and immediately rushed back into the hall. Not long after. She came out wiping her tears, looking very sad. Jiang Fan¡¯s heart sank, ¡°The medicine didn¡¯t work?¡± Yuan Zhiyu sneered, ¡°A fierce set of actions like a tiger, only to see the disciples cry over the effect.¡± Gong Caiyi breathed a strange sigh of relief. ¡°That¡¯s more like it; if he were proficient in everything, it would truly be strange.¡± A disciple who could master movement techniques, have high Sword Path Talent, and refine medicine. She would be jealous too. Luckily, his medicine refining wasn¡¯t great. But who knew, Su Qiuning shook her head repeatedly, ¡°It¡¯s not that.¡± ¡°The medicine worked very well, as soon as Elder Wen took it, she immediately woke up.¡± Jiang Fan was stunned, ¡°Then why are you crying, making everyone misunderstand?¡± Su Qiuning cried again, ¡°Because Master knew you refined this medicine, and it¡¯s better than what she can refine.¡± ¡°She pounded her legs, sighed to the sky a few times, and then fainted again.¡± A silence fell over the front of the hall. For a moment, no one knew whether to cry or laugh. It seemed, the more Jiang Fan demonstrated his talent in medicine refining, the worse his Master¡¯s heart condition became. Jiang Fan handed the remaining few Nine-flavor Heart Nourishing Pills to Su Qiuning with a bitter face. ¡°As long as I¡¯m here, your Master¡¯s illness is not going to get better, farewell.¡± Then he cupped his hands toward the dazed Gong Caiyi, ¡°Sect Master Gong, let¡¯s go, so not to disturb Elder Wen¡¯s recovery.¡± ¡°Oh, oh.¡± Gong Caiyi followed Jiang Fan in a daze. She stared at Jiang Fan¡¯s back, full of disbelief. She whispered again, ¡°Zhiyu, where exactly did you hear this news?¡± ¡°Look at him yourself, does he seem like someone without a Spirit Root?¡± Yuan Zhiyu even doubted herself if she had been deceived, watching Jiang Fan¡¯s back, stammering, ¡°I-I¡¯ll ask around some more!¡± Gong Caiyi sighed softly, looking at Jiang Fan with a trace of envy, ¡°Sect Master Liu is really fortunate.¡± ¡°If only I had such a disciple.¡± Yuan Zhiyu stuck out her tongue, ¡°Master, our sect is for women, there¡¯s no precedent for accepting men.¡± Gong Caiyi glared at her, ¡°Do you need to remind me of that?¡± ¡°Can¡¯t I even express a bit of envy?¡± She was just sighing with emotion. Actually taking Jiang Fan as a disciple, that was absolutely impossible. It was already dusk by then. They spent a day touring three mountain peaks. Jiang Fan led them back to Sect Master Peak first. When passing the foot of Reincarnation Peak. A small beast with reddish-brown fur was munching loudly on some Spirit Ginseng it had stolen from who knows where. When it spotted Jiang Fan passing under the tree, it immediately recognized him. With its dark little nose twitching, it threw the Spirit Ginseng in its hand at Jiang Fan. Jiang Fan was very alert, he waved his sleeve and sent the Spirit Ginseng flying away. Then he looked up, locking eyes with the little spiritual beast. The little spiritual beast mischievously turned its back on him, wiggled its bottom, then dashed into the dense forest. Jiang Fan was furious! That wretched creature! He was about to chase after it but considering the dense forest was part of the Great Elder¡¯s Reincarnation Peak, he had to stop. It wasn¡¯t appropriate to go to Reincarnation Peak with Gong Caiyi and the others. Yuan Zhiyu also noticed the little spiritual beast. She was ecstatic, glancing at Jiang Fan, then whispered in Gong Caiyi¡¯s ear about her discovery. ¡°What?¡± Gong Caiyi was overjoyed. The purpose of her visit to Green Cloud Sect was to find that little spiritual beast. She tried to remain calm, pointing to Reincarnation Peak, ¡°What is that place? I want to go up and have a look.¡± Ah? Jiang Fan looked troubled, ¡°It¡¯s getting late, let¡¯s come back tomorrow.¡± Gong Caiyi couldn¡¯t wait, she started climbing the steps, ¡°Then I¡¯ll go by myself.¡± Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t let her go up alone. He had to stop a passing disciple to send a message to Sect Master Peak. Then he followed Gong Caiyi, climbing up to Reincarnation Peak all the way. At that moment, Reincarnation Peak was holding evening practice. The Great Elder, Feng Guchan, was personally instructing his disciples, guiding them in comprehension in front of an ancient wall filled with sword and knife marks, as well as fist and foot imprints. ¡°Sect Master Gong? Quick, bring spiritual tea and spiritual fruits!¡± Feng Guchan was greatly surprised. He never thought the Sect Master would arrange for Sect Master Gong to come to Reincarnation Peak. So he hadn¡¯t made any preparations. Gong Caiyi smiled, ¡°Elder Feng, no need for such formalities, I was just passing by and saw the beautiful scenery, so I came up to have a look.¡± Feng Guchan couldn¡¯t know she was here to find the little spiritual beast. He immediately started arranging things enthusiastically, ¡°Shall I personally show Sect Master Gong around?¡± They were all present; what about the little spiritual beast? Even if it was found, it would be easily noticed by them, making it hard to take it out of Green Cloud Sect when the time came. ¡°I have visited several peaks in a row and feel a bit tired, I¡¯ll just watch your disciples¡¯ comprehension here.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll let my disciple Zhiyu walk around on her own.¡± Yuan Zhiyu understood and said, ¡°Master, I¡¯ll go myself then.¡± Feng Guchan immediately called Cao Zhen over, ¡°You go accompany Zhiyu.¡± Yuan Zhiyu said, ¡°No need, I prefer to be alone.¡± ¡°This is not proper; word could get out that Reincarnation Peak was inhospitable.¡± Feng Guchan¡¯s eyes flashed with suspicion. Obviously, Gong Caiyi wanted her disciple to act alone. Could it be that they were searching for something on Reincarnation Peak? Suddenly. He saw Jiang Fan and his heart suddenly understood. It was Liu Wuchen¡¯s scheme. Surely he requested Gong Caiyi¡¯s help, under the guise of a tour, to probe Reincarnation Peak¡¯s secrets. Thinking of this, he felt anger. Trying to scheme against him, was it? Preposterous! He looked at Jiang Fan with a look of malice, ¡°I remember your name is Jiang Fan, right?¡± Jiang Fan bowed calmly, ¡°Disciple Jiang Fan, greets the Great Elder.¡± With Gong Caiyi there, how could the Great Elder act against him? Feng Guchan glanced at Gong Caiyi, then back at Jiang Fan, feeling the need to make an example. First, to warn Liu Wuchen. Second, to let Gong Caiyi see Sect Master Peak¡¯s folly. ¡°You, a Martial Artist without a Spirit Root, yet highly valued by the Sect Master, entrusted with accompanying Sect Master Gong, must have some outstanding qualities, right?¡± ¡°Coincidentally, my disciples are comprehending the Moke Stone Wall.¡± ¡°Would you like to give it a try?¡± Oh? Gong Caiyi looked surprised, ¡°Elder Feng is generous, but Jiang Fan¡¯s aptitude is too low, it might not be suitable.¡± The Moke Stone Wall was a piece of Outer Heaven Meteorite. It held the battle marks of strong warriors and their Martial Path wills. Those with strong comprehension could gain powerful moves from it. It was said that the strongest comprehended a high-level Profound Level sword move. The downside was that those with poor comprehension could be harmed by the residual Martial Path will if they forced understanding. At worst, they could feel a headache; at most, they could faint. Jiang Fan had no Spirit Root, indicating average comprehension; it wasn¡¯t suitable for him to participate. Feng Guchan laughed, ¡°You are mistaken.¡± ¡°Jiang Fan is the Sect Master¡¯s beloved disciple; if he doesn¡¯t dare to try the Moke Stone Wall, wouldn¡¯t that make Sect Master Peak look like it took in a waste?¡± Good heavens! With that statement, if Jiang Fan still hesitated, it would indeed embarrass Sect Master Peak. Comprehending moves, right? So far, no cultivation technique had posed a problem for him. He cupped his hands, ¡°Since the Great Elder says so, I¡¯ll give it a try.¡± ¡°But let me make it clear in advance; any move I comprehend remains mine, please don¡¯t make it difficult later, Great Elder.¡± Hmm? Gong Caiyi¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Could it be possible! Did this guy also have great comprehension? How could things be so unreasonable? Chapter 109 - Chapter 109: Chapter 109: Who Says I Havent Comprehended the Sword Move Chapter 109: Chapter 109: Who Says I Haven¡¯t Comprehended the Sword Move Cao Zhen, a fellow new disciple, said indifferently, ¡°You¡¯re thinking too much.¡± ¡°If the Moke Stone Wall were that easy to comprehend, wouldn¡¯t martial arts moves be everywhere?¡± ¡°You¡¯d be lucky to grasp a lower Yellow Level move. Dreaming of instantly mastering a powerful sword move is nothing but wishful thinking.¡± Jiang Fan looked at the Moke Stone Wall and pondered, ¡°Is it really that hard to comprehend?¡± Feng Guchan didn¡¯t hide anything and said with a chuckle, ¡°Of course it¡¯s difficult. But precisely because it¡¯s hard, it highlights how extraordinary it is to be a disciple of Sect Master Peak.¡± ¡°You are a new disciple, so this elder does not have many expectations of you.¡± ¡°If you can comprehend a middle Yellow Level move like Cao Zhen, you would be considered impressive.¡± ¡°I would not only give the move to you, but also reward you with a Foundation Establishment Pill. How about it?¡± Jiang Fan gladly agreed, ¡°Okay!¡± Given the situation, even if the Moke Stone Wall was hard to comprehend, he had to try. He couldn¡¯t tarnish the reputation of Sect Master Peak. He approached the Moke Stone Wall, closed his eyes, and quietly sensed the many martial wills left on the wall. Seeing him take the bait, the Great Elder stroked his beard and smiled, waiting for Jiang Fan to be shaken by the Moke Stone Wall. Cao Zhen scoffed, ¡°You think you can comprehend a middle Yellow Level move like me?¡± ¡°You¡¯d be lucky if you don¡¯t get injured.¡± At this moment. Liu Wuchen, upon hearing the news, immediately rushed over with Wang Chengjian. Seeing Jiang Fan already comprehending the wall, his expression changed. ¡°This guy! I told him not to come to Reincarnation Peak, but he insisted. Now he¡¯s even recklessly comprehending the Moke Stone Wall!¡± Wang Chengjian, annoyed, muttered under his breath: ¡°Master, Jiang Fan is about to make a fool of himself.¡± ¡°Even disciples of Reincarnation Peak dare not easily attempt to comprehend the wall, requiring several days of guidance from the Great Elder to familiarize themselves with which parts of the wall are dangerous and which are safe.¡± ¡°Rashly trying to comprehend it, if he encounters those extremely powerful martial wills, he¡¯ll definitely be knocked out.¡± Liu Wuchen was also anxious. On the way here, he had been worried that the Great Elder would make things difficult for Jiang Fan and embarrass him in front of Gong Caiyi. And now his fears had come true. How could the Moke Stone Wall be so easily comprehended? He hurriedly stepped forward and said, ¡°Great Elder, Jiang Fan has no Spirit Root and average comprehension.¡± ¡°It¡¯s truly unfair to have him comprehend the Moke Stone Wall.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s bring him down now.¡± Feng Guchan, having seized an opportunity to heavily undermine Sect Master Peak in front of the Outer Sect Master, wouldn¡¯t let it go easily. He sneered, ¡°Sect Master, are you so unsure of your own disciple?¡± ¡°You are a Sect Master with keen vision and insight.¡± ¡°Since you accepted a disciple without a Spirit Root, there must be a reason beyond our understanding, right?¡± ¡°Why hide it? Let him display it for us to see.¡± Watch your damn self! You just want to see me embarrassed! But with Gong Caiyi present, he couldn¡¯t lose his temper and could only think of a way to get Gong Caiyi to leave. Later, if Jiang Fan was embarrassed, it would only reflect on him and not drag down Sect Master Peak in front of Gong Caiyi. ¡°Sect Master Gong, let the juniors play here. Why don¡¯t we return to Sect Master Peak? I¡¯ve already prepared dinner, just waiting for you to come back,¡± Liu Wuchen said with a light smile. Gong Caiyi gave a slight smile, her beautiful eyes still fixed on Jiang Fan¡¯s back, showing great interest. ¡°It won¡¯t take long.¡± ¡°I¡¯m very curious to see what move Jiang Fan can comprehend.¡± Wang Chengjian was immediately anxious and sweating. Him, comprehend moves? He¡¯s certainly going to get hurt by the martial wills! Just then. The stone wall in front of Jiang Fan began to change. A sharp martial will, so strong it could be felt from afar, appeared in the stone wall before Jiang Fan. They could faintly hear a hoarse roar. ¡°Fight! Fight! Fight!¡± Gong Caiyi¡¯s expression changed slightly, ¡°Such strong battle intent. This move must surpass the Profound Level, right?¡± Liu Wuchen¡¯s eyes showed concern, ¡°Could it be so coincidental?¡± ¡°Indeed, there is an Earth-level finger technique move in the Moke Stone Wall.¡± ¡°We¡¯ve all encountered it before, extremely profound and obscure, and no one has ever comprehended it.¡± ¡°But it hasn¡¯t appeared for a long time.¡± ¡°Now it suddenly appears in front of Jiang Fan¡­¡± His heart sank heavily. Now it¡¯s over; Jiang Fan was not only going to be shaken but also severely injured. Wang Chengjian also sighed silently, ¡°Embarrassment is inevitable.¡± Feng Guchan couldn¡¯t help but laugh. How unlucky could this kid be? Encountering the most difficult martial will right off the bat, he would likely be knocked out cold. Cao Zhen sneered, crossing his arms in front of his chest, waiting for the next moment. Unexpectedly. The powerful martial will gradually weakened for some unknown reason. Jiang Fan remained unharmed! Feng Guchan exclaimed in bewilderment, ¡°It¡­ disappeared?¡± Liu Wuchen and Wang Chengjian both secretly breathed a sigh of relief. That was close. Gong Caiyi, however, muttered in disappointment, ¡°I was hoping to see if he could comprehend that finger technique.¡± Then she smiled self-deprecatingly, ¡°What am I thinking? That¡¯s an Earth-level finger technique.¡± ¡°Even if the complete cultivation technique were placed before us elders, it would take a long time to comprehend it.¡± ¡°How could Jiang Fan, a new disciple, comprehend it in such a short time from the martial will?¡± After about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea. Jiang Fan slowly opened his eyes and walked back from the stone wall. Turning his head, he noticed Liu Wuchen was present and immediately stepped forward, ¡°Master, why are you here?¡± Liu Wuchen glared at him, ¡°You still have the nerve to ask?¡± ¡°Who told you to comprehend the Moke Stone Wall?¡± Gong Caiyi, standing beside, stepped in to defend Jiang Fan, ¡°Sect Master Liu, Jiang Fan accepted the challenge to uphold the honor of your Sect Master Peak.¡± ¡°Regardless of the outcome, you shouldn¡¯t dishearten him.¡± Only then did Liu Wuchen hold back his anger. He patted Jiang Fan on the shoulder, ¡°At least you didn¡¯t disgrace Sect Master Peak.¡± ¡°Although you didn¡¯t comprehend any moves, you weren¡¯t shaken either.¡± This was in line with Jiang Fan¡¯s performance of having no Spirit Root. The Great Elder wanted to belittle, but there was nothing to belittle. Sure enough. Feng Guchan was very disappointed. The scene he had been anticipating of Jiang Fan being injured and embarrassed never occurred. Looking at him unscathed, he felt very unwilling and said, ¡°So this is the disciple of Sect Master Peak.¡± ¡°He didn¡¯t even comprehend a single move.¡± Liu Wuchen smiled indifferently, ¡°Great Elder, you¡¯re joking. Even your sect¡¯s disciples, receiving three days of guidance before comprehending, may not be able to grasp the sword move.¡± ¡°How could Jiang Fan, comprehending at the last minute, do so?¡± ¡°Failing to comprehend is quite normal.¡± With this explanation, the reputation of Sect Master Peak was preserved. Feng Guchan also knew that today¡¯s scheme was in vain, so he gave Jiang Fan a sideways glance. ¡°I thought the Sect Master had recruited a talent.¡± ¡°It seems I was mistaken. He¡¯s indeed a waste.¡± At this, Liu Wuchen and Wang Chengjian exchanged silent looks. Wasn¡¯t that the consensus of the entire sect? It wasn¡¯t considered embarrassing. Gong Caiyi also lost interest. Seeing Yuan Zhiyu return empty-handed from a distance, she shook her head slightly, knowing that the Little Spiritual Beast had not been captured. Her disappointment increased further. She stood up to leave with a dejected spirit. At that moment. Jiang Fan glanced at Feng Guchan. He originally intended to end things amicably, showing neither a win nor a loss. But the Great Elder¡¯s words were so harsh. Then let him see. ¡°Great Elder, who said I didn¡¯t comprehend a move?¡± Chapter 110 - Chapter 110: Chapter 110 Earth-level Finger Technique Chapter 110: Chapter 110 Earth-level Finger Technique The moment these words were spoken, the entire audience erupted in an uproar. Feng Guchan¡¯s eyebrow twitched, ¡°You comprehended the techniques? When?¡± He had been watching Jiang Fan the whole time, yet he hadn¡¯t seen any signs of technique enlightenment. Normally, when disciples comprehended a technique, they would show some hint of surprise or delight. After all, the techniques on the wall were all high-level cultivation techniques they had never encountered before. But Jiang Fan had remained calm from start to finish. This was why everyone, including himself, thought Jiang Fan hadn¡¯t comprehended any techniques. Wang Chengjian was stunned for a moment. With a look of disbelief, he said, ¡°You better not be talking nonsense, this concerns the Sect Master¡¯s Peak¡¯s honor.¡± He didn¡¯t quite believe it. Because the sect had once organized an event for Inner Sect disciples to collectively comprehend the stone wall. Most of the disciples, including himself, had gained nothing. How could Jiang Fan possibly comprehend anything? Liu Wuchen interrupted, his face full of anticipation, ¡°Did you really comprehend it? Show us quickly!¡± Even the lowest level of technique would be enough to bring glory to the Sect Master¡¯s Peak! After all, Jiang Fan was without a Spirit Root! A disciple without a Spirit Root could still be stronger than most so-called prodigious disciples of Reincarnation Peak. Gong Caiyi was dumbfounded. No way? Had this guy really comprehended it? She was even more expectant than Liu Wuchen, ¡°Let this sect master see as well.¡± She simply didn¡¯t believe that Jiang Fan had such high comprehension. Jiang Fan nodded and moved to a slightly more spacious area, addressing Feng Guchan, ¡°Lend me a saber and a sword.¡± Hmm? Could it be that he had comprehended more than one technique? Cao Zhen immediately found it unacceptable, shouting, ¡°Stop pretending. If you can comprehend one Yellow Level lower technique, it¡¯s like burning ancestral incense.¡± ¡°Dreaming of comprehending two? Dream on!¡± Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t be bothered to respond. He pulled the saber and sword from two Reincarnation Peak disciples nearby. He stabbed the saber into the ground and held the sword, starting his practice on the spot. ¡°Long Rainbow Piercing Sun!¡± With a single sword strike through the air, powerful Sword Qi erupted like an arrow, shattering a crooked pine tree not far away. ¡°Yellow Level High Swordsmanship!¡± Gong Caiyi was the first to exclaim, her eyes shining brightly. Liu Wuchen was stunned, then quickly overjoyed, laughing heartily, ¡°My disciple Jiang Fan! You make me so proud!¡± ¡°In a short time, you¡¯ve comprehended Profound Level High Swordsmanship.¡± ¡°This far surpasses the disciples of Reincarnation Peak.¡± ¡°When I took you as my disciple, I didn¡¯t make a mistake!¡± ¡°Hahaha!¡± Although he didn¡¯t truly believe in Jiang Fan, he wouldn¡¯t miss this chance to strike at Reincarnation Peak. Feng Guchan¡¯s face turned ugly. His careful plan to diminish the Sect Master¡¯s Peak had backfired with Jiang Fan¡¯s display. Damnit! Cao Zhen found it hardest to accept, protesting, ¡°You, without a Spirit Root, can comprehend higher sword techniques than me?¡± ¡°Clearly, Sect Master Liu taught you, and you¡¯ve pretended to discern it here.¡± Jiang Fan glanced at him sideways. He tossed the sword back to the disciple and picked up the saber from the ground. ¡°Sky-breaking Slash!¡± With a ¡°Tiger Returns¡± move, the heavy saber cleaved down. With a crack, the blue stone ground was split with a finger-deep crack! Gong Caiyi¡¯s eyes brightened even more, ¡°Profound Level Lower Blade Technique!¡± Jiang Fan did not stop. He dropped the saber and threw a punch in the air. ¡°Flood Dragon¡¯s Tail!¡± Gong Caiyi was again surprised, ¡°Profound Level Middle Fist Skill!¡± Next, Jiang Fan swung his leg, kicking out a series of afterimages. ¡°Light-splitting Leg!¡± Gong Caiyi looked in disbelief and murmured, ¡°Profound Level High Leg Skill!¡± After demonstrating four techniques in a row. Jiang Fan finally stopped, looking at the dumbfounded Cao Zhen with a sidelong glance, saying, ¡°Who taught me these then?¡± ¡°Our Sect Master¡¯s Peak has no Blade Technique, Palm Technique, or Leg Technique.¡± Cao Zhen¡¯s face turned sour. He, a person with a Spirit Root, was actually inferior to a so-called waste without a Spirit Root! Liu Wuchen was also stunned, especially since Jiang Fan had even comprehended the extremely difficult Yellow Level High Leg Skill! He couldn¡¯t help but laugh heartily, ¡°Great Elder, weren¡¯t you curious why I took a disciple without a Spirit Root?¡± ¡°Do you understand now? See his extraordinary qualities now?¡± ¡°Hahaha!¡± He hadn¡¯t felt this refreshed in a long time. Today, Jiang Fan had genuinely brought honor back to the Sect Master¡¯s Peak, making him shine brilliantly. Feng Guchan¡¯s old face darkened. He glared at Jiang Fan and said, ¡°Fine! It seems I was wrong!¡± ¡°The sect master¡¯s insight is indeed extraordinary, taking such a unique prodigy as a disciple!¡± ¡°We shall see at the Ancestral Ceremony!¡± Cao Zhen snapped back to reality. He glared at Jiang Fan menacingly. Originally, he had never taken Jiang Fan seriously; he had been betting against Liu Qingxian. But now, he also resented Jiang Fan. ¡°You¡¯re very impressive, huh? Let¡¯s see if you can be this imposing at the Ancestral Ceremony!¡± Jiang Fan stood with hands clasped behind his back, saying calmly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will!¡± This made Cao Zhen grit his teeth in anger. But he was helpless. Today, Jiang Fan had indeed stepped on all the disciples of Reincarnation Peak. Liu Wuchen was in high spirits, calling out, ¡°Sect Master Gong, how is my disciple?¡± He boasted without restraint. Gong Caiyi made no attempt to hide her envy, ¡°A once-in-a-century talent. If only this sect master had such a disciple.¡± Uh¡ª Liu Wuchen was taken aback. Once-in-a-century talent? Wasn¡¯t it just comprehending some fragmented cultivation techniques? Is such an exaggerated evaluation necessary? It almost sounded like sarcasm. He sulkily fell silent. Back at the Sect Master¡¯s Peak. After a simple meal, Jiang Fan quickly returned to his cave dwelling. He stood before a massive boulder by a cliff, holding his breath and concentrating, recalling in his mind the Earth-level Finger Technique he had seen today. Everyone thought that the Earth-level Finger Technique had disappeared on its own. In fact, Jiang Fan had comprehended it. Considering that comprehending an Earth-level Finger Technique was rather astonishing, he had deliberately hidden it and not made it public. While he was cultivating. A master and disciple pair were also heading toward his cave dwelling. ¡°Master, do you want to take Jiang Fan as a disciple?¡± Yuan Zhiyu was full of suspicion. Seizing the opportunity for a walk, Gong Caiyi headed straight for Jiang Fan. She frowned slightly, with a trace of hesitation, ¡°I¡¯m still considering.¡± ¡°After all, our Spirit Beast Sect has always only accepted female disciples, never breaking the precedent to accept male disciples.¡± ¡°However, the Earth-level ancestral technique of our Spirit Beast Sect, since the founding ancestor, has not been comprehended by anyone. Perhaps Jiang Fan could comprehend it and pass it to the sect.¡± She was still in deliberation whether to accept Jiang Fan as a disciple. Torn with indecision. Comprehending the Yellow Level High Leg Skill, wouldn¡¯t that mean, given time, he might have a chance to comprehend the Earth-level Technique? But doing so would violate the sect¡¯s ancestral rules. Yuan Zhiyu disapproved, ¡°Master, don¡¯t overthink.¡± ¡°Yellow Level High and Earth-level, they are two different concepts.¡± ¡°At most, Jiang Fan could comprehend the Yellow Level High. Earth-level is almost impossible.¡± The two talked in whispers. They had already reached Jiang Fan¡¯s cave dwelling. Glancing up inadvertently, they both found themselves astonished on the spot! Chapter 111 - Chapter 111: Chapter 111 The Ability of the Little Spiritual Beast Chapter 111: Chapter 111 The Ability of the Little Spiritual Beast Jiang Fan pointed at the huge stone with a casual gesture. A mysterious trajectory faintly swirled around his finger. The extremely hard stone was pierced through as if it were tofu under his finger. The finger force did not stop, quickly penetrating the half-meter-thick stone. Creating a hole straight through from front to back. Even though they had never seen an Earth-level technique, both master and disciple could tell that this was definitely not a Profound Level finger technique. ¡°An Earth-level technique?¡± Yuan Zhiyu gasped. Gong Caiyi was deeply shaken, no one in the entire Green Cloud Sect had managed to comprehend the Earth-level finger technique. Jiang Fan, on his first attempt and without any guidance, had managed to comprehend it from the Moke Stone Wall. What kind of heaven-defying comprehension was this? ¡°This boy must be taken as a disciple!¡± Gong Caiyi¡¯s breath caught. There was no longer any hesitation! Such a world-shocking talent, who cares about the ancestral rules? Yuan Zhiyu covered her red lips, her prejudice vanishing entirely. A person like this, you couldn¡¯t even steal. Who cares about gender? ¡°But Master, he¡¯s a disciple of the Green Cloud Sect. If you want to take him as a disciple, you need to ask Sect Master Liu if he agrees.¡± Yuan Zhiyu suddenly said dumbfoundedly. Stealing disciples from another sect, was it that easy? Gong Caiyi was taken aback, also finding it difficult: ¡°Such an excellent disciple, taking him away won¡¯t be easy.¡± ¡°This matter needs long-term planning.¡± Unaware of all this, Jiang Fan looked at the deep hole with satisfaction. ¡°The power of the Earth-level finger technique is indeed extraordinary.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a pity there¡¯s only one move.¡± ¡°It can only be used when catching the opponent off guard.¡± Muttering to himself, Jiang Fan turned and returned to his room. Upon entering the room, Jiang Fan was so angry that steam seemed to rise from his head. The room was full of scratch marks, the tea table and chairs were chewed up, the bed covers pulled off, and clothes torn apart. There was no need to ask, it was the vengeful little Spirit Beast that had barged in. ¡°You little thing! Let¡¯s see how I¡¯ll deal with you!¡± He ran down the mountain, bought a batch of herbs, and then closed the door to refine them. Soon after. A dozen fire-red, jade-like, beautiful bean-sized Pills appeared in his palm. They exuded an irresistible temptation, making one want to take a bite. But this stuff couldn¡¯t be eaten carelessly. These were Three-step Drunk Pills specifically for demon beasts. Just one would make a demon beast faint on the spot. He thought for a moment and put those Three-step Drunk Pills into a small jade bottle. He opened a small gap, pretending not to seal it tightly, and then placed it under his pillow. This little Spirit Beast was cunning. If he scattered them on the ground carelessly, it would definitely become suspicious. Only by letting it find them itself would it feel fortunate. After preparing everything. He took out a top-grade Foundation Establishment Pill, swallowed it, and immediately started cultivating the Dragon Seeking Scripture, absorbing the powerful Spiritual Power from the Pill. He cultivated until midnight. He couldn¡¯t help but click his tongue in wonder, ¡°One top-grade Foundation Establishment Pill couldn¡¯t even raise one-tenth of my realm.¡± Reaching the Foundation Establishment Realm, advancing was as difficult as climbing to the heavens! And this was a top-grade Foundation Establishment Pill. If it were an ordinary Foundation Establishment Pill, the effect would be abysmally low. With a trace of unwillingness, he took out the Earth Phoenix Grass Juice given by Gong Caiyi and swallowed it in one gulp. This was a specialty of the Spirit Beast Sect. Priceless. Its effect was astonishing, transforming its powerful medicinal power into unparalleled Spiritual Energy. If it were an ordinary person. The sudden influx of so much Spiritual Energy would be hard to absorb all at once. At least half would be wasted. But in the face of his Infinite Spirit Root and high-level Profound mental method, none of this Spiritual Energy escaped. As the day broke. Jiang Fan slowly opened his eyes. The air current around him swirled, he suddenly reached the Fourth Layer of Foundation Establishment! ¡°As expected of Earth Phoenix Grass Juice,¡± Jiang Fan said in surprise. ¡°It would be great to get another bottle!¡± Thinking of Gong Caiyi¡¯s promise, he couldn¡¯t help but look forward to her possibly giving another bottle before she left. The next day. Early in the morning. Jiang Fan took Gong Caiyi to continue touring the Green Cloud Sect. What puzzled Jiang Fan was that this time, not only Yuan Zhiyu accompanied them. But several female disciples he had met earlier had also come. Moreover, at each mountain peak, the disciples would disperse and act separately. ¡°Sect Master Gong, are you searching for something?¡± Even if Jiang Fan was slow, he could see some clues. Gong Caiyi¡¯s eyes flashed as she said, ¡°You¡¯re overthinking.¡± Seeing that she was unwilling to reveal, Jiang Fan naturally didn¡¯t ask further. Their actions would surely be noticed by the sect, so let the sect handle it. He just did his job as a tour guide. By evening. Jiang Fan returned to his cave dwelling, quite exhausted. Upon seeing the mess inside, he felt a burst of joy. That little Spirit Beast was back! Opening the door and looking in. Sure enough, the little Spirit Beast was sprawled out on the bed, snoring loudly, sound asleep. Around it were scattered Three-step Drunk Pills. ¡°You little thing! Finally back under my control, huh?¡± He took out the prepared Mysterious Iron Steel Wire Rope and tied it up tightly with intricate knots. This time, no matter how sharp its teeth were, it couldn¡¯t bite through the rope. After an unknown amount of time. The little Spirit Beast groggily opened its bright black and white eyes, hearing the sound of knife sharpening nearby. It got a start. Looking intently, it saw Jiang Fan sharpening a kitchen knife. Beside him, a pot of broth was boiling. Looking at itself again, it was tightly bound, unable to move. ¡°Chirp, chirp, chirp!¡± It let out a panicked scream, trying to bite off the steel wire rope but nearly breaking its teeth. Jiang Fan turned around, holding the kitchen knife, and made some gestures on its round belly. ¡°Should I cut horizontally or vertically?¡± ¡°I wonder if the meat tastes fishy.¡± ¡°Will it be fragrant steamed or tasty stir-fried?¡± The little Spirit Beast understood and rolled around in fear, screaming uncontrollably. Seemingly cursing loudly. Jiang Fan chuckled, ¡°Still so stubborn? Fine, then let¡¯s make a broth!¡± He grabbed one of the little Spirit Beast¡¯s legs and lifted it over the pot of boiling water. Just a release and it would fall into cook. This finally terrified the little Spirit Beast. It threw an imploring look at Jiang Fan. ¡°Now you know fear?¡± Jiang Fan lifted it up and said, ¡°But I¡¯m still troubled about how to deal with you.¡± ¡°Let you go, and you keep causing trouble.¡± ¡°But keeping you is useless.¡± ¡°Might as well just slaughter you.¡± With that, he was about to throw it into the pot. The little Spirit Beast trembled with fear, a layer of white light suddenly appearing on its body. In the next moment. It disappeared into thin air along with the steel wire rope tying it up. Jiang Fan was left holding nothing but air. Stunned. Thud¡ª Following the sound, he saw the little Spirit Beast bound by the steel wire rope bump into the door and fall down. ¡°What was that just now?¡± Jiang Fan was full of astonishment. The little Spirit Beast repeated its trick. This time Jiang Fan saw clearly, the little Spirit Beast vanished in place, reappearing at another wall. It tried to pass through the wall. But it couldn¡¯t take the steel wire rope with it. Hence, it was blocked and bounced back. ¡°A space ability?¡± Jiang Fan gasped. Chapter 112 - Chapter 112: Chapter 112 Acknowledge Master Chapter 112: Chapter 112 Acknowledge Master He was in total disbelief. This Little Spiritual Beast¡¯s talent was actually Spatial Teleportation! No wonder it could always ignore the restrictions around the cave and come and go freely. Seeing the Little Spiritual Beast trying to run away again, Jiang Fan rushed up and pressed it down: ¡°Little thing, still trying to run?¡± Seeing there was no way out, the Little Spiritual Beast looked pleadingly. Jiang Fan rubbed his chin and said, ¡°You seem to have some use, it would be a pity to kill you.¡± ¡°But if I don¡¯t kill you, you will try to run again.¡± Upon hearing this, The Little Spiritual Beast immediately pushed its forehead towards Jiang Fan. Faintly visible, beneath the fur on its forehead, was a triangular white light. ¡°You want to recognize me as your master?¡± Jiang Fan recognized this as a demon beast proactively requesting to recognize a master. One just needed to inject a wisp of soul into the white light, establishing a spiritual connection with the demon beast. At the same time, the portion of the soul left in the demon beast¡¯s body could harm the demon beast. Thus achieving the effect of restraining the demon beast. However, the precondition was that the master¡¯s soul must be stronger than the demon beast¡¯s. Otherwise, the demon beast could erase the master¡¯s mark at any time with its strong soul power, ultimately turning against the master. How could he hesitate? He immediately extended a wisp of soul, injecting it into the white light. Instantly, he sensed the thoughts of the Little Spiritual Beast. ¡°You stinking guy, young master will endure for now!¡± ¡°When you are not prepared, young master will give you a surprise.¡± ¡°Just a mere human, you think you can plant a soul mark in me?¡± Hearing its inner thoughts, Jiang Fan showed a faint smile. He said: ¡°You can try.¡± The Little Spiritual Beast was immediately frightened. Realizing its thoughts had been exposed, it hurriedly tried to erase Jiang Fan¡¯s soul mark. But as it tried, it became utterly panic-stricken. With its own Soul Power, it couldn¡¯t erase it at all! ¡°What! This stinking guy¡¯s Soul Power is stronger than mine?¡± It attempted several times, all to no avail. On the contrary, Jiang Fan¡¯s mere thought caused the Little Spiritual Beast to emit a painful scream. It was as if a dagger had been brutally stabbed into its brain. Within moments, it was in so much pain that it became limp, rolling on the ground in convulsions. It begged for mercy in its mind. ¡°Little Qilin was wrong, master, spare me.¡± Seeing it submitting, Jiang Fan stopped and, looking at its fluffy, panda-like appearance, he exclaimed: ¡°You are a Kirin?¡± From head to toe, it didn¡¯t resemble a Kirin at all? The Little Qilin moaned in pain: ¡°Just because I don¡¯t look mighty enough, can¡¯t I have a majestic name?¡± Uh¡ª If appearance isn¡¯t enough, the name will do? ¡°What kind of demon beast are you?¡± Jiang Fan asked curiously. The Little Qilin shook its head, thinking: ¡°I don¡¯t know either, I was born alone, last time I was chased by many demon beasts and Human Clan experts, and barely escaped here.¡± Jiang Fan pondered: ¡°There aren¡¯t many types of demon beasts with spatial talent.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll help you find out when I have time.¡± ¡°Alright then, go play, I need to cultivate.¡± Unlocking the steel wire around the Little Qilin, Jiang Fan seized the time to cultivate. He sat cross-legged and took out a top-grade Foundation Establishment Pill, tossing it into his mouth. Just about to circulate his mental method, he heard a slurping sound near his ear. Turning his head, he saw the Little Qilin drooling at his chest. ¡°What, you also like to eat this stuff?¡± Jiang Fan took out another Foundation Establishment Pill. The Little Qilin¡¯s eyes widened. Standing on its hind legs, its forelegs continuously bowed. Jiang Fan chuckled and casually tossed it over. The Little Qilin caught it in its mouth, munching and swallowing it eagerly, then wagged its tail, looking at Jiang Fan expectantly. ¡°You think these just fall from the sky?¡± Jiang Fan glared at it. After pondering for a moment, Jiang Fan took out a portion of top-grade Black Soul Bone Healing Ointment. The Little Qilin¡¯s eyes lit up again, still shaking its tail. Jiang Fan realized that the Little Qilin seemed to like anything that contained Spiritual Energy. Top-grade Foundation Establishment Pills and top-grade Black Soul Bone Healing Ointment were all made from precious materials. ¡°So you like these, that¡¯s easy to handle.¡± Jiang Fan casually tossed out several top-grade Black Soul Bone Healing Ointments and said: ¡°I¡¯m a Soul Master.¡± ¡°Follow me, and you¡¯ll have plenty of Spirit Pills to eat.¡± Hearing this, the Little Qilin looked at Jiang Fan in shock. Apparently, it also knew what a Soul Master represented. A thought flashed uncontrollably through its mind: ¡°Wake up to Spirit Pills every day, no need to scavenge for Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, or be chased anymore.¡± ¡°Seems like following him wouldn¡¯t be too bad.¡± Thinking this, it grinned and gathered several portions of top-grade Black Soul Bone Healing Ointment into its arms, happily munching on them. Jiang Fan pouted and continued to cultivate. The next day, He instructed the Little Qilin not to leave the house. Jiang Fan went to wait for Gong Caiyi in front of the hall. Unexpectedly, there were some unfamiliar guests. They were all burly, with dark skin, and their muscles hard as iron. Gong Caiyi was frowning slightly, staring at a towering, mighty man over two meters tall in front of her. ¡°Sect Master Kong, what are you doing at Green Cloud Sect?¡± The person in front of her was none other than the Sect Master of the Giant Sect. Kong Yuanba! ¡°Haha, of course, like Sect Master Gong, I¡¯m just wandering around.¡± Kong Yuanba showed a faint smile on his rugged face. His hand shamelessly slapped Gong Caiyi¡¯s shoulder, trying to take advantage. Gong Caiyi stepped back and said coldly: ¡°Kong Yuanba, please have some respect!¡± Kong Yuanba smiled and said: ¡°Sect Master Gong remains as charming as ever, reminding me of your unparalleled beauty back then. I couldn¡¯t help it, sorry, sorry, haha.¡± Gong Caiyi was furious. Without another word, she drew an ancient shuttle, and Qi Force whirled around her. Obviously, she couldn¡¯t hold back her anger. Jiang Fan touched his nose, this woman had a big temper. She didn¡¯t hesitate to act at all. These days, she had been quite gentle with him, right? He was just about to step forward to dissuade her when Liu Wuchen rushed in and anxiously said: ¡°Sect Master Gong, wait!¡± But Gong Caiyi ignored him, saying: ¡°This guy will not restrain himself without a lesson!¡± Seeing that even their master couldn¡¯t dissuade her, Jiang Fan could only say casually: ¡°Sect Master Gong, why bother with him?¡± Hearing Jiang Fan¡¯s voice, Gong Caiyi¡¯s expression changed, quickly calming her anger and reverting to her previous gentle and kind elder sister demeanor. She inserted the shuttle into her waist and looked back with a faint smile: ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll listen to Jiang Fan.¡± Liu Wuchen was stunned. If even I couldn¡¯t dissuade her, and Jiang Fan managed to do so instantly? Do I really have such little authority as the Sect Master? Kong Yuanba also looked at Jiang Fan and scrutinized him: ¡°A disciple of the Sect Master Peak of Green Cloud Sect who can be so valued by Sect Master Gong.¡± ¡°Could he be Sect Master Liu¡¯s favorite disciple, the prodigy who cultivates both body and magic?¡± Next to Kong Yuanba, a burly disciple with a rugged face but youthful eyes showed a fighting spirit. ¡°Is that so? Why don¡¯t you compete with me?¡± Liu Wuchen was startled. The person in front of him was Kong Yuanba¡¯s nephew, his specially trained body refinement prodigy, Kong Wushuang. Although recently made a disciple, his physique was so strong that Jiang Fan, without a Spirit Root, couldn¡¯t compare. He hurriedly said: ¡°Thank you, Sect Master Kong, for your favor, but this is my inferior disciple Jiang Fan, with poor qualifications, not worth mentioning.¡± These words made Gong Caiyi feel underestimated. Poor qualifications, not worth mentioning? Was Liu Wuchen being modest? Kong Wushuang, however, continued to stare at Jiang Fan, squinting his eyes: ¡°No!¡± ¡°My instinct tells me this person is very strong!¡± Chapter 113 - Chapter 113: Chapter 113 Ceding a Beloved Disciple Chapter 113: Chapter 113 Ceding a Beloved Disciple With these words. Gong Caiyi secretly marveled. This Kong Wushuang had an incredibly strong intuition. He actually noticed Jiang Fan¡¯s extraordinariness. But the next sentence left Gong Caiyi stunned. ¡°I can feel it, his vitality is unmatched among his peers.¡± Kong Wushuang stared at Jiang Fan, his eyes brimming with a hint of battle intent: ¡°I didn¡¯t expect, outside of our Giant Sect, there would be such a Body Refinement genius!¡± ¡°Come! Let¡¯s have a fight!¡± Huh? Body Refinement Technique? Gong Caiyi looked at Jiang Fan bewilderedly. How did this guy reveal another hidden ability? How many secrets was he still hiding? Jiang Fan, on the other hand, was deeply puzzled. He had practiced the Giant Sect¡¯s ¡°Iron Blood True Scripture,¡± and if he sparred for real, would he be recognized? Fortunately, Liu Wuchen wouldn¡¯t dare let Jiang Fan embarrass Sect Master Peak. He quickly interrupted, ¡°Sect Master Kong, you¡¯ve come all the way to Green Cloud Sect, may I ask for what purpose?¡± He glanced at Gong Caiyi again. Might as well speak openly. ¡°Or rather, are the two sect masters here to search for something in our Green Cloud Sect?¡± He had noticed Gong Caiyi¡¯s unusual behavior over the past two days. It seemed like sightseeing, but in reality, disciples were searching each peak. Adding the sudden visit¡­ He had a speculation in his heart. Now, even the Giant Sect, the furthest away among the Nine-Sept, had come uninvited. This speculation could now be confirmed. Gong Caiyi pondered for a moment, knowing she could no longer hide it. She said seriously, ¡°The cause of the recent Beast Tide has been investigated by the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion.¡± ¡°A Heaven and Earth Exotic Beast has emerged.¡± ¡°The Demon King led the demon beasts in search, causing the Beast Tide to appear.¡± ¡°And in my pursuit, I found it had hidden within the Green Cloud Sect.¡± Liu Wuchen¡¯s face changed dramatically. ¡°The Heaven and Earth Exotic Beast that caused the Beast Tide? Could it be the offspring of a Demon Emperor or an even higher-level demon beast?¡± Gong Caiyi¡¯s eyes showed a fervent light as she shook her head, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± ¡°But, it surely has a significant background.¡± ¡°Otherwise, the Demon Emperor, who hasn¡¯t left seclusion in hundreds of years, wouldn¡¯t go to such lengths, summoning all demon beasts to search.¡± Gong Caiyi then glanced askew at Kong Yuanba, ¡°I know of this because our Spirit Beast Sect¡¯s spirit beasts informed us.¡± ¡°Sect Master Kong, your capabilities are vast, you also found out.¡± Kong Yuanba grinned. His gaze was already scrutinizing everywhere. ¡°Sect Master Liu, since we all know this beast is in the Green Cloud Sect, your sect would find it difficult to monopolize it.¡± Liu Wuchen¡¯s expression remained uncertain. He did indeed have thoughts of monopolizing it, but with the two sect masters here, it was unrealistic to drive them away. ¡°In that case, let each of us rely on our abilities; whoever finds the demon beast, it will be theirs!¡± said Liu Wuchen. Neither Kong Yuanba nor Gong Caiyi disagreed. They immediately led their disciples, openly beginning their search. ¡°Jiang Fan, continue to follow me, Jiang Fan? Jiang Fan!¡± Gong Caiyi called out several times, noticing Jiang Fan was lost in thought. ¡°Oh, oh.¡± Jiang Fan snapped out of it and responded quickly. ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Gong Caiyi asked suspiciously, ¡°That you¡¯re so distracted?¡± Could Jiang Fan not be distracted? If his guess was correct, the Heaven and Earth Exotic Beast that the Three Sects sought was likely the Little Kirin he had recently tamed. It turned out to be the source of the Beast Tide? What on earth had he tamed? He hid the guilt in his eyes and said, ¡°I was thinking about what such a Heaven and Earth Exotic Beast would be like.¡± Gong Caiyi relaxed, explaining patiently, ¡°Let¡¯s talk while we walk.¡± ¡°Such beings are beyond what our Nine-Sect can comprehend.¡± ¡°I heard even the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion couldn¡¯t figure out where this demon beast came from or what kind it is.¡± ¡°But it must be a rare, peerless creature.¡± ¡°If you help me find it, I¡¯ll agree to any condition.¡± Looking at the elegant, graceful Gong Caiyi, Jiang Fan nodded absentmindedly. Hand it over to you? Keep dreaming. So. The entire Green Cloud Sect was in an uproar. Under Liu Wuchen¡¯s orders, Sect Master¡¯s Peak and the nine Great Elder Peaks had all elders, deacons, and disciples conduct a thorough search. The people of the Giant Sect and Spirit Beast Sect also used every possible means to search. After more than ten days. Naturally, there was no result. ¡°It looks like our last pursuit made it alert, it probably slipped away early on.¡± Gong Caiyi tiredly rubbed her temples. The Green Cloud Sect was almost turned completely upside down by them. If the Little Spirit Beast was still here, it couldn¡¯t be completely invisible. The only explanation could be it had left the Green Cloud Sect. Yuan Zhiyu had grown noticeably thinner, ¡°Master, are we just going to return empty-handed?¡± ¡°What else?¡± Gong Caiyi said despondently, ¡°Near the Green Cloud Sect is the Ten Thousand Mountains.¡± ¡°If we¡¯ve lost its trace, finding it again would be harder than finding a needle in a haystack.¡± ¡°Wait!¡± Gong Caiyi suddenly remembered, ¡°We can¡¯t leave like this.¡± ¡°I have to take Jiang Fan with me!¡± ¡°I can¡¯t be content leaving such talent behind without bringing it back to the Spirit Beast Sect.¡± Yuan Zhiyu hesitated, ¡°But, how do you plan to take him away?¡± ¡°Would Sect Master Liu let him go?¡± ¡°He¡¯s that excellent.¡± Gong Caiyi¡¯s head ached again. She bit her lip and said, ¡°Then we¡¯ll offer more in exchange!¡± Soon after. Jiang Fan, who was cultivating, was suddenly summoned by Liu Wuchen. He hurried to the main hall. He saw Liu Wuchen and Gong Caiyi both present. ¡°Jiang Fan, Sect Master Gong is leaving tomorrow, she specifically called you here,¡± Liu Wuchen said, puzzled. Gong Caiyi had solemnly asked to see him and also had Jiang Fan summoned. He didn¡¯t know what she intended to do. ¡°Sect Master Gong, as a disciple unfamiliar with the sect, I apologize for the inadequate hospitality. Please forgive me,¡± Jiang Fan said humbly. Gong Caiyi looked at Jiang Fan meaningfully and asked, ¡°Jiang Fan, what do you think of this sect master?¡± You? Jiang Fan cautiously glanced at her. Fair skin, beautiful looks, graceful figure, a great beauty. And excellent in character and temperament. Most importantly, she treated him well. ¡°Sect Master Gong is peerlessly elegant, gentle, and kind. It would be my honor to serve you,¡± Jiang Fan replied. Gong Caiyi smiled slightly, unexpectedly saying, ¡°Then would you be willing to come to the Spirit Beast Sect to continue serving me?¡± Huh? Jiang Fan was dumbfounded. Liu Wuchen, holding his teacup, also trembled in shock, ¡°Sect Master Gong, what is this?¡± Gong Caiyi did not conceal her intention, ¡°After half a month, I¡¯ve grown very fond of Jiang Fan.¡± ¡°Could I ask Sect Master Liu to consider letting this disciple come with me?¡± Liu Wuchen was puzzled. What was so special about Jiang Fan? Even if he had good comprehension, he still had no Spirit Root. He frowned and asked, ¡°Sect Master Gong, what do you want to do with him?¡± He really didn¡¯t understand what Gong Caiyi saw in him. Gong Caiyi spoke frankly, ¡°Young Sect Leader.¡± Clang¡ª¡ª Liu Wuchen was so shocked, he trembled, and his teacup shattered on the ground. ¡°Young Sect Leader? Sect Master Gong, you must be joking, right?¡± Gong Caiyi frowned. She was worried Liu Wuchen would be concerned about Jiang Fan being mistreated at the Spirit Beast Sect. So after careful consideration, she offered to make Jiang Fan the Young Sect Leader of the Spirit Beast Sect. But Liu Wuchen still wasn¡¯t satisfied? No matter how excellent Jiang Fan was, he was just a disciple. Young Sect Leader was already the highest position. ¡°If Sect Master Liu wants something else, just say it. I sincerely want to take Jiang Fan,¡± said Gong Caiyi. Liu Wuchen looked at Jiang Fan in amazement. He couldn¡¯t see what was special about him. Realizing Gong Caiyi misunderstood, Liu Wuchen hastily said, ¡°Sect Master Gong, you¡¯re overestimating him.¡± ¡°Jiang Fan, a disciple with no Spirit Root, is fortunate if you want him.¡± ¡°As long as he agrees to go with you, I have no objections.¡± What? Gong Caiyi stood up suddenly. She couldn¡¯t believe what she heard. Liu Wuchen didn¡¯t care about this disciple at all? A thought that made her extremely excited popped into her mind. Could it be that Liu Wuchen had no idea his disciple had immense value? Chapter 114 - Chapter 114: Chapter 114: Confrontation Between Two Women Chapter 114: Chapter 114: Confrontation Between Two Women ¡°Sect Master Liu? You¡¯re not joking, are you?¡± ¡°Such an outstanding disciple, are you sure you want to give him to me?¡± Gong Caiyi suppressed her excitement and cautiously probed. ¡°Outstanding?¡± Sect Master Liu sighed bitterly: ¡°Sect Master Gong, are you mocking me?¡± ¡°You jest. I have accepted a disciple with no Spirit Root.¡± In his heart, Jiang Fan was the most embarrassing disciple of Sect Master Peak, and he was the greatest source of his shame. However, Gong Caiyi¡¯s beautiful eyes sparkled with surprise and delight. Even Yuan Zhiyu covered her red lips, secretly clicking her tongue. Did Liu Wuchen not know just how exceptionally talented Jiang Fan was? Jiang Fan felt awkward. He cupped his hands and said: ¡°Master, Sect Master Gong.¡± ¡°Regarding the transfer of disciples, shouldn¡¯t you first ask the disciple¡¯s opinion?¡± His wives were all in the Green Cloud Sect. How could he easily abandon them and become the Young Sect Leader of the Spirit Beast Sect? A cunning gleam flashed in Gong Caiyi¡¯s eyes: ¡°Didn¡¯t you just agree?¡± ¡°How can you go back on your word?¡± Jiang Fan was stunned: ¡°When did the disciple agree?¡± Gong Caiyi leisurely replied: ¡°Earlier, I asked you how you felt about me.¡± ¡°You said very well.¡± ¡°So I took it as your consent.¡± ¡°Alright, there¡¯s nothing for you to do next. Don¡¯t interfere with the discussion between your master and me.¡± She hesitated for a couple of seconds and then reluctantly took out a jade gourd decorated with intricate patterns. It was filled with unknown blood. It boiled continuously like flames. Seeing this, Liu Wuchen jumped up in shock: ¡°Demon Emperor¡¯s Blood!¡± ¡°Sect Master Gong, are you serious?¡± There once appeared a powerful Tiger Demon on the continent that led a horde of demons. Its cultivation reached the Demon Emperor Realm, allowing it to transform into a human form. It was a legendary Transformed Demon Beast. It suddenly died later, and its corpse was divided among four continental-level experts. Because of some connection with one of those experts, Gong Caiyi was rewarded with some Demon Emperor¡¯s Blood. ¡°Demon Emperor¡¯s Blood is not only the top-grade material for refining feeds for Demon Beasts, but also a holy object for Body Refinement.¡± ¡°Over the years, the Giant Sect has begged you to sell them some, but you never did.¡± ¡°Now you want to exchange it for Jiang Fan?¡± Gong Caiyi¡¯s expression was serious, showing no signs of jesting. She pushed the entire bottle of Demon Emperor¡¯s Blood in front of Liu Wuchen and said, ¡°I don¡¯t want Sect Master Liu to feel shortchanged in the future.¡± ¡°Take it.¡± After all, they were allies. She didn¡¯t want to overcharge and wanted to use a bottle of Demon Emperor¡¯s Blood to silence Sect Master Liu. One day, when he discovered Jiang Fan¡¯s prowess, he would be too embarrassed to regret it. How could Liu Wuchen disagree? This way, he could rid himself of the thorn in his side and legitimately distance Jiang Fan from the Green Cloud Sect to prevent any loose tongues about his secret engagement with his daughter. And he could still gain a priceless bottle of Demon Emperor¡¯s Blood. It was a win-win! ¡°Good, good!¡± He excitedly reached out to grab the Demon Emperor¡¯s Blood. Just then, Liu Qingxian, who had been in seclusion for several days, suddenly barged in. She stopped Liu Wuchen and furrowed her brow: ¡°You¡¯re going to give Jiang Fan to the Spirit Beast Sect?¡± ¡°Just for a bottle of Demon Emperor¡¯s Blood?¡± Jiang Fan had the Infinite Spirit Root! The legendary Infinite Spirit Root! Not even ten Demon Emperors could compare to him. Let alone a bottle of Demon Emperor¡¯s Blood? Watching her father being swayed so easily by a mere bottle of Demon Emperor¡¯s Blood, she was exasperated. Gong Caiyi spoke warmly, ¡°Miss Liu, isn¡¯t a bottle of Demon Emperor¡¯s Blood too little for someone with no Spirit Root like Jiang Fan?¡± Liu Qingxian stared at the seemingly gentle and beautiful Spirit Beast Sect Master, her heart anxious: ¡°Could it be that this woman has discovered that Jiang Fan has the Infinite Spirit Root?¡± ¡°Is that why she¡¯s willing to spend a bottle of Demon Emperor¡¯s Blood?¡± She composed herself and spoke with a deeper meaning: ¡°Sect Master Gong, you know what Jiang Fan is capable of, and so do I.¡± ¡°If you want to exchange him for a bottle of Demon Emperor¡¯s Blood, I won¡¯t agree to it!¡± Gong Caiyi¡¯s face stiffened for a moment. Her heart skipped a beat: ¡°Could this girl also know of Jiang Fan¡¯s abilities?¡± ¡°Right, they are quite close. It¡¯s natural she¡¯d be so familiar with him!¡± ¡°Why did she have to show up now?¡± Liu Wuchen was taken aback by Liu Qingxian¡¯s attitude. He reprimanded: ¡°Qingxian, don¡¯t be rude! How can you speak to Sect Master Gong like that?¡± Liu Qingxian glared at him angrily: ¡°Father! Have you forgotten that I have an agreement with Cao Zhen that requires Jiang Fan to fulfil?¡± ¡°Do you want to see your daughter bullied by the Great Elder¡¯s disciple?¡± Liu Wuchen slapped his forehead. Only then did he remember this matter. Since it involved his daughter, his disciple, and the rivalry with Reincarnation Peak, he couldn¡¯t take it lightly. ¡°Sect Master Gong, we¡¯ll discuss the transfer of disciples later.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s wait until the Ancestor Worship Ceremony is over to discuss it.¡± Gong Caiyi, however, didn¡¯t want to miss the opportunity to strike while the iron was hot. She looked at Liu Qingxian with a smile: ¡°Miss Liu, how about a bet?¡± ¡°If Jiang Fan loses, he will belong to my Spirit Beast Sect.¡± Liu Qingxian looked hostile: ¡°And if he wins?¡± Gong Caiyi smiled faintly: ¡°You¡¯re close to Core Formation, right? You¡¯ve long desired the Earth Dragon Crystal Core of my Spirit Beast Sect, haven¡¯t you?¡± ¡°If Jiang Fan wins, I¡¯ll make an exception and allow you to take one from my Spirit Beast Sect.¡± Earth Dragon Crystal Core? Liu Wuchen was shocked: ¡°Sect Master Gong, you can¡¯t! That¡¯s a priceless treasure, only available to Spirit Beast Sect¡¯s Core Formation disciples.¡± ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter!¡± Gong Caiyi looked at Liu Qingxian with a smile: ¡°Miss Liu, do you dare to bet?¡± Liu Qingxian stared at Gong Caiyi. She knew the other was trying to lure her into a trap, but it was an Earth Dragon Crystal Core! A miraculous item that could increase the probability of Martial Artists reaching Core Formation, something unattainable in the outside world. More importantly, she sensed a hint of challenge from Gong Caiyi. Even if it wasn¡¯t for the Earth Dragon Crystal Core, she couldn¡¯t lose the upper hand. She said, ¡°I¡¯ll bet!¡± Gong Caiyi nodded with satisfaction: ¡°Good, the stake is Jiang Fan.¡± ¡°Tomorrow, we¡¯ll decide the outcome with a duel!¡± Liu Qingxian replied: ¡°It¡¯s a deal!¡± The two women exchanged glances. There were sparks in the air. In a side hall. Kong Wushuang asked: ¡°Uncle, aren¡¯t we giving up on that Heaven and Earth Exotic Beast? Isn¡¯t it a pity?¡± Kong Yuanba, hands behind his back, laughed: ¡°I rushed to the Green Cloud Sect not worried about not getting it.¡± ¡°I was worried that the Green Cloud Sect or the Spirit Beast Sect might get it.¡± ¡°Now that no one can get it, I¡¯m relieved.¡± If any sect obtained the Little Spiritual Beast, it would become a threat. If no one had it, it was fair. Kong Wushuang slightly nodded: ¡°Then why don¡¯t we leave? Why stay at the Green Cloud Sect?¡± Kong Yuanba smiled faintly: ¡°Since we¡¯re here, don¡¯t you want to see the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s new talents appreciate the prowess of our Giant Sect¡¯s prodigies?¡± Upon hearing this, Kong Wushuang thought of Jiang Fan. Her gaze turned sharp: ¡°Right, I almost forgot about that kid!¡± ¡°A mere Outer Sect disciple dares to cultivate Body Techniques!¡± ¡°Tomorrow, I¡¯ll show him what real Body Techniques are!¡± Chapter 115 - Chapter 115: Chapter 115 Sparring Chapter 115: Chapter 115 Sparring The next day. The ten peaks¡¯ bells tolled. Including the new outer disciples, all the new disciples who had entered the Green Cloud Sect gathered at the Ancestor Master Hall. Under the lead of Liu Wuchen, the new disciples one by one burned incense and bowed before the statue of the ancestor master. After the ceremony was completed. The nerves of the inner sect disciples grew even tenser. Because the next segment was the most crucial. That was to spar in front of the Ancestor Master Hall and compete. ¡°Sect Master Gong, I heard you have a bet with Sect Master Liu¡¯s daughter?¡± Kong Yuanba turned his head, eying Gong Caiyi, who had changed into a thin gauze dress, with an enchanting figure, smiling as he said, ¡°Would you like to bet with me too?¡± Gong Caiyi¡¯s face turned slightly cold: ¡°Not interested!¡± Sitting in the middle, Liu Wuchen was quite helpless. Even with him sitting between them, Kong Yuanba did not give up harassing Gong Caiyi. ¡°Sect Master Kong, our disciples¡¯ sparring is about to begin.¡± ¡°Please be quiet for a moment.¡± Kong Yuanba sneered. His eyes narrowed as he looked around at the new disciples standing beside the various peak masters, scoffing: ¡°They are indeed quite a few new disciples, but I wonder if there are any worth watching.¡± Liu Wuchen¡¯s face darkened slightly. Over the years, Kong Yuanba was still so arrogant. But, who could deny that the Giant Sect was one of the strongest of the Nine-Sect? While the Green Cloud Sect was one of the weakest among them? He gave the peak masters a look, and they each understood. They quickly reminded the new disciples not to hold back and to display their full strength. So as not to disgrace the name of Green Cloud Sect in front of outsiders. The new disciples, sensing Kong Yuanba¡¯s contempt, all bristled with anger. Thus. Including Jiang Fan, twenty new inner sect disciples began their sparring, determined by drawing lots. A wooden box appeared before them. Liu Wuchen said, ¡°There are balls numbered from one to ten in the box, two of each.¡± ¡°Those who draw the same number will spar against each other.¡± Many people first noticed Cao Zhen and Tao Zhengjun. These two could be said to be the strongest among the new disciples. Although there were also highly talented female disciples like Xu Youran, Xu Yining, and Chen Silin. But their training was still shallow, and their realms were not very high. Drawing one of them might still leave a chance for a fight. But drawing Cao Zhen or Tao Zhengjun would mean certain elimination on the spot. Everyone wanted to make a good impression in their first appearance before the Sect Master and the nine elders. As for the final reward of entering the Book Collection Pavilion, they dared not even hope for it. Soon enough. Jiang Fan drew number three. On the spot, Liu Wuchen began pairing them. ¡°Cao Zhen of Reincarnation Peak, against Tao Suling of Carefree Peak!¡± ¡°Tao Zhengjun of Sect Master Peak, against Wu Jiangtao of Chasing Sky Peak!¡± Upon hearing the matches. Except for Tao Suling and Wu Jiangtao, all the new disciples breathed a sigh of relief. The two strongest were pitted against others. The rest would be more manageable. ¡°Jiang Fan of Sect Master Peak, against Zheng Jiu of Mad Blade Peak!¡± Jiang Fan looked over, finding a tall and handsome disciple holding a number three ball, being eyed with disdain by the female disciples. ¡°You¡¯re that disciple of the Sect Master with no Spirit Root?¡± ¡°Famous for a long time, let¡¯s see if you can last more than three moves against me.¡± The surroundings echoed with laughter. Among the new disciples, the most formidable. Undoubtedly Cao Zhen and Tao Zhengjun. But in terms of fame, without question, it was Jiang Fan, the ¡°dark horse.¡± ¡°This guy¡¯s luck isn¡¯t great; he drew Zheng Jiu, the favored disciple of the Mad Blade Peak Master.¡± ¡°He¡¯s already in the Foundation Establishment realm and has mastered a high Yellow Level blade technique.¡± ¡°It¡¯s said his blade skills are exceptional and highly regarded by Zheng Jiu.¡± ¡°For a disciple without a Spirit Root like Jiang Fan, blocking three moves from him is dubious.¡± Their discussions were nothing but background noise to Jiang Fan. Gong Caiyi glanced at Liu Qingxian, with a half-smile, saying: ¡°Miss Liu, if Jiang Fan loses before he has a chance to fight Cao Zhen, how will our bet be resolved?¡± She did not have high hopes for Jiang Fan¡¯s capabilities. Jiang Fan¡¯s excellence lay in his comprehension and medicine refining, yet his innate deficiency without a Spirit Root meant his martial strength was inevitably weak. He might not even make it past Zheng Jiu. Liu Qingxian, however, smiled mysteriously: ¡°If he can¡¯t even defeat Zheng Jiu, I¡¯ll count it as my loss.¡± Oh? Gong Caiyi was surprised; why did Liu Qingxian have such confidence in Jiang Fan¡¯s strength? Clearly, his strength couldn¡¯t be that high. As the disciples¡¯ orders were arranged. The sparring quickly began. Cao Zhen and Tao Zhengjun deservedly lived up to expectations among the new disciples. Within five rounds, they defeated their opponents, still retaining strength. The other sparrings proceeded orderly. Kong Wushuang, with hands behind his back, calmly watched the sparring, shaking his head: ¡°Besides Cao Zhen and Tao Zhengjun, none of the others are worth mentioning.¡± ¡°Green Cloud Sect is indeed too barren; no remarkable seedlings.¡± He didn¡¯t lower his voice intentionally. So all the disciples present heard it. Cao Zhen¡¯s eyebrows knitted: ¡°Kong Wushuang, dare to spar with me?¡± On Green Cloud Sect¡¯s territory, so blatant, he, as the acknowledged strongest of the new disciples, couldn¡¯t pretend not to hear. Kong Wushuang sneered: ¡°You? Not my match!¡± ¡°I have no interest in you!¡± At this moment. Liu Wuchen announced without expression: ¡°Last group, Jiang Fan against Zheng Jiu.¡± He frowned. Feeling a headache. He most feared Jiang Fan making a spectacle of himself, affecting his reputation. However, on such a grand occasion, Jiang Fan had to appear. Appear he might, he still had to compete. And his luck being so bad, drawing Zheng Jiu! In the new disciples, Zheng Jiu¡¯s strength was indeed at the forefront. Cao Zhen¡¯s attention was drawn over, casting a disdainful glance at Jiang Fan: ¡°Fight me? You might not even make it past him.¡± What made his eyebrows twitch was that Kong Wushuang¡¯s eyes sparkled, revealing interest: ¡°Good!¡± ¡°The only one I see as an opponent is finally up.¡± ¡°Let me see your prowess.¡± Cao Zhen was unconvinced. Kong Wushuang dismissed his strength but held Jiang Fan in high regard? Why? He was recognized as the strongest new disciple of the Green Cloud Sect! Why did everyone think so highly of Jiang Fan? Everyone¡¯s thoughts varied. But without exception, they were all very interested in this fight. Far more so than the spar between Cao Zhen and Tao Zhengjun. Jiang Fan walked up calmly. Zheng Jiu, carrying a large blade, glanced at the unarmed Jiang Fan: ¡°Where is your weapon?¡± ¡°Not needed.¡± Jiang Fan shook his head. For dealing with this level, there was no need to draw the Purple Sword. Zheng Jiu snorted: ¡°Arrogant!¡± ¡°Think that being a Sect Master¡¯s disciple for a few days makes you superior?¡± ¡°Sparring is about skill, not status!¡± ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll show you mercy, use my blade to awaken you!¡± He stepped forward, his speed like thunder, stirring the dust. The long blade flashed coldly, slashing powerfully towards Jiang Fan: ¡°Ten Thousand Horsemen Charge!¡± The new disciples¡¯ eyes lit up. Cao Zhen and Tao Zhengjun were slightly somber; the power of this slash exceeded their expectations. Liu Wuchen¡¯s face looked ugly. He was a bit angry. No spirit root, yet arrogant enough not to use a weapon? Who gave Jiang Fan such courage? Wasn¡¯t this asking for trouble? However. With a dull thud, Liu Wuchen¡¯s expression changed. This didn¡¯t sound like a blade, more like a punch or kick. Looking up, he saw that Zheng Jiu, fierce as he was, was coughing blood, staggering backward, and falling to his knees with a thud. If not for his long blade supporting his waist, he would already be on the ground, unable to get up. Jiang Fan expressionlessly cupped his hands: ¡°Thanks for letting me win.¡± After a brief moment of silence, the whole place erupted. Chapter 116 - Chapter 116: Chapter 116: Reunion with Xu Yining Chapter 116: Chapter 116: Reunion with Xu Yining ¡°Did Jiang Fan actually win?¡± ¡°And he won with just one move!¡± ¡°That¡¯s absurd!¡± The disciples were shocked. The elders and several peak masters present couldn¡¯t keep calm either. Gong Caiyi was stunned: ¡°No, are you sure he has no Spirit Root?¡± ¡°How is his strength so formidable?¡± Liu Qingxian felt a sense of pride. Back when they were bathing in the Spirit Pond, Jiang Fan had even pushed her back with this move. The likes of Zheng Jiu could hardly be a match for Jiang Fan. Liu Wuchen¡¯s eyes showed surprise: ¡°He actually won?¡± He had thought that Jiang Fan would surely lose. He breathed a slight sigh of relief: ¡°At least, we finally won a match, and it was even against a Direct Disciple from Mad Blade Peak.¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co ¡°Even if we lose later, it¡¯s not a disgrace anymore.¡± Kong Wushuang¡¯s eyes held a trace of a smile: ¡°I knew it, this guy isn¡¯t simple.¡± ¡°The Palm Technique he just used seems to have some renown.¡± Unlike most people who focused on Zheng Jiu. He had always been watching Jiang Fan. So he noticed the extraordinariness of that one palm. Cao Zhen snorted through his nostrils: ¡°He just happened to win against Zheng Jiu.¡± Kong Wushuang chuckled: ¡°Happened? I think even if it were you up against that palm just now, your outcome wouldn¡¯t be any better.¡± Cao Zhen laughed angrily: ¡°Him? Defeat me with one move?¡± The elders were also restless. The Mad Blade Peak Master was stunned, and couldn¡¯t help but look at Li Qingfeng and asked: ¡°Elder Li!¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t you say he was a disciple with no Spirit Root?¡± ¡°How is he stronger than Zheng Jiu, whom I personally brought back?¡± ¡°If I had known, I would have accepted him as well.¡± Li Qingfeng was immediately embarrassed. But he quickly found a reason, saying: ¡°It was just a coincidence, a coincidence.¡± ¡°Zheng Jiu was overconfident. If they fought again, Jiang Fan wouldn¡¯t stand a chance.¡± The first round of the competition ended uneventfully. Liu Wuchen quickly had the ten victorious disciples draw lots for the second round. ¡°Jiang Fan from Sect Master Peak, against Tao Zhengjun from Sect Master Peak.¡± As soon as the draw results were announced, everyone started whispering again. Most of the whispers were filled with regret. Obviously, they all thought Jiang Fan was unlucky to encounter his senior brother from the same peak. Liu Wuchen also sighed helplessly: ¡°Such bad luck?¡± ¡°But the remaining participants are all strong, so Jiang Fan would lose to anyone anyway.¡± Thinking this, he didn¡¯t care anymore and continued to announce the subsequent competition order. After arranging the matchups. Jiang Fan and Tao Zhengjun arrived at the square. Cao Zhen gloated: ¡°Kong Wushuang, do you really think Jiang Fan can win?¡± Kong Wushuang chuckled: ¡°Why not?¡± Cao Zhen found this bizarre. That was Tao Zhengjun, a fierce practitioner of Dual Cultivation of Body and Magic whom even Cao Zhen himself couldn¡¯t be sure of defeating. How could Jiang Fan possibly win? Gong Caiyi had the same curiosity: ¡°Miss Liu, are you sure Jiang Fan can win?¡± Liu Qingxian, leisurely sharpening her nails with a small dagger, said indifferently: ¡°Absolutely.¡± Really? Gong Caiyi felt a bit anxious. Had she underestimated Jiang Fan¡¯s martial prowess? She had placed a heavy bet on his defeat! Li Qingfeng, stroking his beard, said: ¡°This boy is doomed to lose!¡± ¡°Just watch, I never make mistakes in judging people.¡± However. As soon as Liu Wuchen declared the start of the match. Tao Zhengjun cupped his hands and stepped back: ¡°I concede.¡± What? Liu Wuchen stood up abruptly, surprised: ¡°Tao Zhengjun! What are you doing? Concede? Concede to Jiang Fan?¡± Tao Zhengjun was his hope. He counted on Tao Zhengjun¡¯s Dual Cultivation to defeat all the new disciples and maintain the prestige of Sect Master Peak. But he conceded? And to Jiang Fan, whom he never even saw as a disciple? The other elders were also shocked. One of the top contenders, Tao Zhengjun, actually conceded! Cao Zhen was caught off guard, dumbfounded: ¡°Is this possible?¡± ¡°Could it be that Tao Zhengjun has some dirt on Jiang Fan?¡± Li Qingfeng staggered. The sudden development left him embarrassed, saying: ¡°How could Tao Zhengjun be inferior to Jiang Fan?¡± ¡°There must have been some private agreement between the two before the match.¡± Although many disciples found it hard to accept this result. After thinking it over, they felt Li Qingfeng¡¯s explanation made sense. It was hard to explain otherwise why Tao Zhengjun conceded. Gong Caiyi, however, furrowed her brows: ¡°What¡¯s with Jiang Fan?¡± She thought she understood him after half a month together. But why was he becoming more inscrutable? Thus. The second round of the match ended amid exclamations. Soon, the remaining five drew lots again. Liu Wuchen announced: ¡°Cao Zhen from Reincarnation Peak, against Cheng Hao from Cloud-shocking Peak!¡± ¡°Xu Yining from Heavenly Sword Peak, against Pan Qiaoqiao from Medicine Peak.¡± ¡°Jiang Fan¡­ gets a bye.¡± This result sparked another round of discussion. ¡°No way! This Jiang Fan had his opponent concede last round, and now he gets a bye!¡± ¡°He¡¯s been advancing purely on luck!¡± ¡°I hereby crown him the Luck King of Green Cloud Sect!¡± After painstakingly making her way to the top five, Xu Yining. She gave Jiang Fan a sidelong glance. ¡°You have unusually good luck!¡± Jiang Fan shrugged: ¡°I would like a quick fight.¡± Xu Yining snorted softly: ¡°Getting benefits while pretending to be modest!¡± ¡°Then just watch my fight with someone else.¡± After entering the sect for half a month. From the moment she took on a master, Xu Yining had been in secluded cultivation until now. Just to display her prowess today. And hard work paid off. With the powerful resources of Green Cloud Sect, her Sixth Grade Spirit Root received a great boost. In just half a month, she broke through from the First Layer of Foundation Establishment to the Second Layer. Her movement technique became more practiced, and coupled with her mastery of the exquisite swordsmanship of Heavenly Sword Peak. Her strength was incomparable to when she was in Lonely Boat City. Pan Qiaoqiao, who managed to reach the top five, was certainly no ordinary person. But in just ten rounds, Xu Yining defeated her with a single sword strike. The entire audience couldn¡¯t help but cheer! Gong Caiyi¡¯s eyes held a trace of surprise: ¡°She seems to know some movement techniques.¡± ¡°And it appears to have some relation to Jiang Fan¡¯s.¡± Liu Wuchen¡¯s eyes showed admiration: ¡°Li Qingfeng indeed accepted a remarkable disciple.¡± Cao Zhen looked somewhat amazed at the girl whose beauty and strength were both exceptional, enthusiastically congratulating: ¡°Junior Sister Xu, your strength is outstanding, deserving the title of the top new female disciple.¡± ¡°After the competition, let¡¯s spar more often.¡± Xu Yining was slightly surprised. This Cao Zhen was the prized pupil of the Great Elder, with a Spirit Root one grade higher than hers. And he came from a prestigious Martial Path Family, far superior to a small family like the Xu Family. Such a person actively seeking her friendship. Her vanity was greatly satisfied, and she politely replied: ¡°Alright, Senior Brother Cao.¡± Out of the corner of her eye, she glanced at Jiang Fan. As if to tell Jiang Fan, this was her, Xu Yining¡¯s charm. Attracting was always the top-tier prodigy. Unfortunately, Jiang Fan didn¡¯t even spare her a glance. This made Xu Yining bite her silver teeth, saying: ¡°Jiang Fan, don¡¯t think just because your realm is higher than mine, you can look down on people!¡± ¡°In Green Cloud Sect, Spirit Root determines the ceiling!¡± ¡°You reached the Fourth Layer of Foundation Establishment by exhausting your potential, and it¡¯s hard to advance further.¡± ¡°But I will slowly surpass you!¡± Chapter 117 - Chapter 117: Chapter 117: The Honor Battle Chapter 117: Chapter 117: The Honor Battle Jiang Fan was stunned. How did he look down on people? He was just looking at the back of Xu Yining, thinking of Xu Youran, and missed her, so he was lost in thought. He didn¡¯t want to argue with Xu Yining, so he nodded and said, ¡°Yes, yes, you are right.¡± This perfunctory attitude made Xu Yining even more annoyed. She angrily drew her sword and pointed it at Jiang Fan: ¡°I want to spar with you, dare you?¡± After three rounds of competition, only Cao Zhen, Jiang Fan, and Xu Yining were left. Normally, it would be a two-by-two spar, and then the final ranking would be determined. But Kong Wushuang, who had been watching the spar for a long time, felt itchy and said with a half-smile: ¡°Jiang Fan, why don¡¯t I join in as well, is that okay?¡± ¡°Just in time for you and that girl to spar.¡± ¡°I will spar with Cao Zhen!¡± ¡°Eliminate those two who are in the way, and then you and I will have a good fight.¡± Without waiting for Jiang Fan¡¯s answer. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co Cao Zhen sneered angrily: ¡°Kong Wushuang! Do you really think you are something?¡± ¡°You want to eliminate me?¡± Of course. He did not dare to make a decision on his own, so he angrily asked the Great Elder Feng Guchan: ¡°Master, please allow me to teach this rude fellow a lesson!¡± Feng Guchan¡¯s gaze shifted, and he slowly nodded: ¡°Don¡¯t disgrace Reincarnation Peak¡­¡± ¡°Wait a minute!¡± Liu Wuchen interjected: ¡°This is the ancestral worship ceremony of our Green Cloud Sect, it is not appropriate for disciples from outer sects to participate.¡± Kong Wushuang was the strongest new disciple of the Giant Sect. If he won first place at the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s ancestral worship ceremony, wouldn¡¯t it make outsiders laugh, thinking that the new disciples of the Green Cloud Sect were inferior and were trampled underfoot by the Giant Sect? Kong Yuanba laughed and said: ¡°Is Sect Master Liu worried that the new disciples of the Green Cloud Sect are not as skilled and will lose face?¡± Feng Guchan smiled and said: ¡°Sect Master, let the youngsters play, it¡¯s harmless.¡± ¡°With my disciples of Reincarnation Peak, we can ensure the championship.¡± He was smiling. But his words were full of arrogance, implying that Reincarnation Peak was the strongest in the Green Cloud Sect. It was clear that he wanted to show off Reincarnation Peak¡¯s absolute strength and weaken Sect Master Peak¡¯s position with the two sect masters present. His intentions were nefarious. Liu Wuchen¡¯s expression was extremely ugly. If Tao Zhengjun were present, there might still be a chance. But the one left was Jiang Fan, who had come this far relying on luck! How could he represent Sect Master Peak and fight against Kong Wushuang? The spotlight of this ancestral worship ceremony would be completely taken by Reincarnation Peak. Most importantly, it would be taken in front of an outer sect. This was very detrimental to the reputation of the Green Cloud Sect Master. Before he could object, Feng Guchan had already announced for him: ¡°The sparring begins! Jiang Fan and Xu Yining first!¡± By the time Liu Wuchen came to his senses, it was already too late. He was furious in his heart. The Great Elder was getting more and more presumptuous, daring to issue orders in place of the sect master! But with the two outer sect masters present, he couldn¡¯t lose his temper. Otherwise, people would see the serious internal conflict of the Green Cloud Sect. He could only swallow his anger and watch Jiang Fan and Xu Yining spar. ¡°Take this!¡± Xu Yining started with her most powerful sword move, unleashing all her cultivation. Jiang Fan was puzzled: ¡°What did I do to you, to make you strike so hard?¡± ¡°We are in the Green Cloud Sect, how can you still have such a pampered attitude!¡± Jiang Fan would not indulge her. He decisively swept out a high-level Yellow Level leg technique from the Moke Stone Wall. Clang¡ª¡ª Xu Yining¡¯s long sword was knocked away. But she bit her lip, refusing to give up, and started punching Jiang Fan with her fists clenching aimlessly. Jiang Fan was speechless, she hadn¡¯t even learned proper fist techniques! Without hesitation, he caught her fist with one palm, then twisted her arm behind her back, easily subduing her. Xu Yining felt humiliated, she had painstakingly practiced in seclusion for half a month, yet she was subdued by Jiang Fan in no time. This scene of a beauty being bullied made Cao Zhen extremely distressed. He angrily shouted: ¡°You with the surname Jiang, bullying Junior Sister Xu like this?¡± ¡°You¡¯ll pay for it later!¡± Xu Yining proudly snorted at Jiang Fan: ¡°Did you hear that?¡± ¡°Senior Brother Cao will stand up for me, you¡¯re in trouble soon.¡± ¡°Hmph!¡± Jiang Fan let go of her, laughing bitterly: ¡°Let¡¯s see after he beats Kong Wushuang.¡± ¡°My instinct tells me this Kong Wushuang won¡¯t be easy to deal with.¡± Xu Yining rubbed her aching arm, with a hint of complaint: ¡°Your instinct is yours, it doesn¡¯t apply to Senior Brother Cao!¡± ¡°Just wait and see his capability.¡± Really? Jiang Fan smiled and silently stepped aside. Cao Zhen and Kong Wushuang entered the empty space amid the crowd¡¯s calls. Both were outstanding new disciples. Unmatched in strength! Cao Zhen held a long sword and said: ¡°This sword of mine is a mid-grade magic artifact, incredibly sharp.¡± ¡°If you get hurt later, don¡¯t blame me.¡± Kong Wushuang crossed his arms over his chest with a bored look: ¡°Stop the nonsense.¡± ¡°No matter how sharp your sword is, it must be able to hit me first!¡± ¡°Come on, I¡¯ll let you have three moves.¡± What? Let me have three moves? Cao Zhen felt deeply humiliated and sneered: ¡°I, Cao Zhen, have unmatched talent, have sparred with many people, and it has always been me letting others have moves.¡± ¡°This is the first time someone has let me have moves!¡± ¡°Fine! I¡¯ll see if your strength matches your arrogance!¡± With a clang. He drew his orange long sword and decisively launched his swordsmanship. ¡°Long Sky Strike!¡± ¡°Chasing Stars and Moon!¡± ¡°Wind and Cloud Covering the Earth!¡± He unleashed the entire lower level Profound Level swordsmanship in three continuous moves. However. These seemingly fierce moves appeared like slow motion in front of Kong Wushuang. He kept a faint smile on his face, arms crossed, without moving a step. He effortlessly dodged the three moves with slight shoulder movements, a tilt of the head, and a turn of the body. He really allowed the three moves as promised. All the elders and disciples present gasped. ¡°He didn¡¯t just allow three moves?¡± ¡°He stood still and let you strike three moves.¡± ¡°Even so, Cao Zhen didn¡¯t hurt a single hair on him!¡± ¡°Are body refiners this terrifying? Their reaction speed is incredible!¡± Feng Guchan started to panic a little. He was extremely confident in Cao Zhen¡¯s strength, which is why he insisted on Cao Zhen fighting Kong Wushuang to promote Reincarnation Peak¡¯s reputation. Who knew that Kong Wushuang would be so overwhelmingly strong? Kong Yuanba said with a sarcastic tone: ¡°Challenging my nephew, it is courageous of you.¡± ¡°He is the most gifted body refiner I have ever seen, much stronger than I was in my youth.¡± Hearing this. Feng Guchan¡¯s heart sank. Liu Wuchen also expressed worry as ever. If Cao Zhen lost, the consequences would be unimaginable! On the field. Cao Zhen was shocked and a bit ashamed as well. In front of the entire sect, he was nakedly humiliated. He roared in anger and swung his sword again: ¡°Stop looking down on people!¡± However. Kong Wushuang did not move, and he couldn¡¯t do anything, not to mention the three moves were over? Cao Zhen only saw a blur before his eyes, and the next moment, Kong Wushuang, who had been standing still, transformed into a blur, instantly sending Cao Zhen flying with his sword. He flew several meters away, vomiting blood, and finally landed at Liu Wuchen¡¯s feet. Liu Wuchen¡¯s face was extremely grim. He looked angrily at Feng Guchan. This defeat, was not only Cao Zhen¡¯s personal loss, but also the loss of the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s reputation! In front of the statue of the ancestor, at the grand ancestral worship ceremony, Green Cloud Sect¡¯s strongest new disciple was severely injured by an outer sect disciple with one move. Isn¡¯t this a big joke? Knowing he had made a huge mistake, Feng Guchan tried to argue: ¡°Don¡¯t you still have one more disciple?¡± ¡°It¡¯s not just my disciple who lost, yours will also lose!¡± Liu Wuchen wished he could fight Feng Guchan right then and there! With such a Great Elder, how could the Green Cloud Sect not gradually decline! But with the two outer sect masters present. No matter how furious he was, he had to wait until they left. With a gloomy face, he said impatiently: ¡°Jiang Fan! Kong Wushuang! Quick fight!¡± He only wanted to end this embarrassing scene quickly. After sending off the two sect masters, he would settle the score with Feng Guchan! Jiang Fan stepped forward expressionlessly. He also wanted to test if his ¡°Iron Blood True Scripture¡± could compete with Kong Wushuang, who had been refining his body since childhood. Chapter 118 - Chapter 118: Chapter 118: Physique Duel Chapter 118: Chapter 118: Physique Duel Jiang Fan also sensed Liu Wuchen¡¯s anxiety. He understood that his battle with Kong Wushuang was no longer a simple sparring match. It concerned the reputation of the Green Cloud Sect. He nodded slightly, lightly tapped his toes, and came to the center of the square. He calmly said, ¡°I will do my best; you¡¯d better not hold back.¡± ¡°Otherwise, I can¡¯t guarantee your safety.¡± Of course, what he meant by doing his best excluded the Purple Sword and Earth-level Finger Technique. He still wanted to keep these as trump cards, to catch the enemy off guard. Exposing them during sparring would be really unwise. Cao Zhen, standing nearby, felt utterly humiliated with no place to vent his shame. He had been so confident yet ended up being brutally beaten by Kong Wushuang. Hearing Jiang Fan¡¯s words, he sneered, ¡°Ignorant fool!¡± ¡°Did you not see how formidable Kong Wushuang is just now?¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co ¡°And you still dare to speak such arrogant words!¡± Jiang Fan glanced at him, and with a venomous remark, he said, ¡°I didn¡¯t see how powerful Kong Wushuang is.¡± ¡°But I did see how incompetent you are.¡± ¡°You were given three moves and got knocked down in one by the enemy.¡± ¡°If I were you, I¡¯d cover my face and hide, not whine and embarrass myself further!¡± The disciples and elders present all cast disappointed looks at Cao Zhen. Ignoring Cao Zhen¡¯s martial prowess, his behavior indeed made people dislike him. Jiang Fan was representing the Green Cloud Sect in a battle against an outer sect right now. Cao Zhen not only failed to encourage his fellow, but also boosted the enemy¡¯s morale while undermining his own. Feng Guchan defended his disciple, snorting, ¡°What are you all looking at?¡± ¡°What did my disciple say wrong?¡± ¡°Ask yourselves, can this guy without a Spirit Root win?¡± This¡­ Both disciples and elders sighed slightly. Indeed. With Jiang Fan¡¯s strength, it seemed impossible to win. Unless he was miraculously lucky again. Even Liu Qingxian, who had confidence in Jiang Fan, furrowed her brows at this moment. Gong Caiyi, with a faint smile, said, ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Miss Liu, lost confidence?¡± Liu Qingxian bit her silver teeth, ¡°I believe Jiang Fan can handle Cao Zhen without a problem.¡± ¡°But against Kong Wushuang¡­¡± She really had no confidence. Gong Caiyi, confidently stretching, revealed the alluring contours of her shapely body hidden beneath her colorful dress. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, I won¡¯t hold back and take Jiang Fan.¡± According to the agreement, Jiang Fan had to defeat Cao Zhen to win the title of the top new disciple. If he lost to Kong Wushuang¡­ It would count as a win for Gong Caiyi. By then, she would leave an Earth Dragon Crystal Core and take Jiang Fan away. Liu Qingxian¡¯s heart sank. How could Jiang Fan, who possessed the Ninth-grade Spiritual Root, be taken away? She watched the battlefield intently, praying for a miracle. Unfortunately, as Kong Wushuang stepped forward and left a one-inch deep imprint on the ground, she despaired. ¡°Six Gates¡¯ Realm of Body Technique!¡± Liu Qingxian¡¯s heart sank even more. Like spells, body techniques also had realms. The Opening Gate Realm of body techniques was equivalent to the Foundation Establishment Realm of spells. Six Gates was equivalent to the Sixth Layer of Foundation Establishment. How could a newcomer like Jiang Fan be a match for a Six Gates¡¯ Realm body technique expert? Facing the powerful aura of Kong Wushuang, Jiang Fan instead felt relieved. Compared to Xu Ganglie, Kong Wushuang¡¯s body technique was far weaker. ¡°Make your move!¡± Jiang Fan suppressed his spiritual power. He planned to confront this body refining prodigy using the First Layer of the Iron Blood True Scripture. Kong Wushuang chuckled, still keeping his hands on his chest, and repeated what he said during the fight with Cao Zhen. ¡°I¡¯ll let you have three moves!¡± This time, no one thought he was arrogant. Instead, they felt that Kong Wushuang was giving the Green Cloud Sect enough face. To prevent Jiang Fan from being defeated as soon as he entered the field, saving the Green Cloud Sect from embarrassment. Impatiently, Liu Wuchen said, ¡°Jiang Fan, stop talking and finish it quickly!¡± Embarrassment was already a fact. The sooner it ended, the less mental torment he¡¯d endure. Jiang Fan originally intended to advise Kong Wushuang not to be arrogant, but since Liu Wuchen urged him, he said nothing more. He slightly bent his legs. Then, his calves suddenly exerted force! The immense power of his limbs made him shoot out like a rabbit in an instant! The speed was comparable to the First Layer of the Solitary Wild Goose Shadow movement technique. With a calm smile, standing with his legs apart and looking relaxed, Kong Wushuang¡¯s expression suddenly changed. As a body refiner, he could sense the depth of the opponent once they made a move. Jiang Fan had casually kicked off the ground, and such a terrifying speed startled him! Only then did he realize¡­ Jiang Fan was far stronger than he had perceived! He hurriedly lowered his hands from his chest, sank his knees, and assumed a combat stance. But it was too late. Jiang Fan had already arrived like a shooting star. His fists pounded on Kong Wushuang¡¯s chest. Startled, Kong Wushuang hurriedly crossed his arms over his chest, unable to counter the blow. Bang¡ª A muffled sound, like two lumps of stone crashing violently, exploded abruptly. Kong Wushuang stumbled back several steps. The tremendous force made it impossible for him to stabilize, and he landed on his buttocks. The bones in his arms felt like they had cracked. Both painful and numb. The elders and disciples watching were all stunned. The gloominess on Liu Wuchen¡¯s face had turned into astonishment. Kong Yuanba¡¯s confident smile also froze at that moment. Gong Caiyi¡¯s faint smile was suddenly replaced with shock. Even Liu Qingxian, who thought she knew Jiang Fan well, covered her red lips, her almond-shaped eyes wide open! Cao Zhen stared in disbelief. Xu Yining¡¯s elegant eyes widened further as she murmured, ¡°He, he used his physique to repel the top body refining prodigy of the Nine-Sect?¡± Immediately, the disciples burst into deafening excitement and agitation. ¡°This guy without the Spirit Root actually has some skills!¡± ¡°Our Green Cloud Sect still has hope.¡± ¡°Go, Junior Brother Jiang, win back our honor for Green Cloud Sect!¡± The tremendous uproar snapped Kong Wushuang out of his brief daze. He leaped up, his eyes fixed on Jiang Fan, the previous confidence nowhere to be seen. As for the three-move concession he had mentioned earlier, it now felt like a slap to his face, leaving it burning. He had actually given three moves to a body technique expert who was not inferior to himself? ¡°Good! I underestimated you! You¡¯re not just any body refiner, you¡¯re an expert!¡± Kong Wushuang clenched his fists tightly, snorting, ¡°Then I will seriously fight you!¡± ¡°Show you what a real body refiner is!¡± As he spoke, cracking sounds like frying beans emanated from within his body. This was due to his muscles being mobilized to the extreme. At this moment, he resembled a killing machine brimming with violence! With a low roar, he charged at Jiang Fan like a thunderstorm. ¡°Mountain Splitting Stone!¡± His iron fists blasted towards Jiang Fan¡¯s head. Jiang Fan was not afraid; he also mobilized his full strength, opting for a direct confrontation. ¡°Copper Skin Iron Bone!¡± Bang¡ª A sickening sound of body impact, like muffled thunder, reverberated through the square. The result of this clash left everyone present dumbfounded. Chapter 119 - Chapter 119: Chapter 119: Cao Zhen Does Not Submit Chapter 119: Chapter 119: Cao Zhen Does Not Submit But Jiang Fan stood still like a mountain. He remained standing erect. Kong Wushuang, however, was sent flying backward, heavily crashing onto the ground, his arms twisted irregularly, clearly broken. Such a result left everyone present shocked and speechless. Kong Wushuang, who had given his all, Kong Wushuang, the number one body refinement genius of the Nine-Sect, Kong Wushuang, who had defeated the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s first newcomer with one move. Was defeated by Jiang Fan, in his most proud field, with one move! Liu Wuchen was stunned. The disciple he least favored won against the formidable opponent who had defeated Cao Zhen? He immediately recovered, overjoyed, rushing forward and holding Jiang Fan¡¯s shoulders with both hands, his face full of delight, ¡°Well done! Well done indeed!¡± The Green Cloud Sect¡¯s reputation was not only upheld but greatly enhanced! Doesn¡¯t your Giant Sect pride itself as the number one in body refinement techniques? Sorry, but your strongest newcomer disciple is no match even for a disciple of our Green Cloud Sect without a Spirit Root! Kong Yuanba hurried forward to check, discovering that Kong Wushuang¡¯s arms were broken, both shocked and angry, ¡°Kid! You struck too hard, didn¡¯t you?¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co Gong Caiyi leapt to Jiang Fan¡¯s side. With a touch of schadenfreude, ¡°It was their ancestor worship ceremony, and the Giant Sect wanted to show off.¡± ¡°When you lose face, you get furious?¡± Seeing that both sect master-level figures were defending Jiang Fan. Kong Yuanba gritted his teeth, gave Jiang Fan a hateful glare, ¡°Good kid! I¡¯ll remember you!¡± ¡°Hope you don¡¯t run into our Giant Sect disciples during the beast tide defense!¡± He said, then carried Kong Wushuang away with a grim face. As they watched him leave. Liu Wuchen and Gong Caiyi both secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Liu Wuchen cupped his hands toward Gong Caiyi, gratefully saying, ¡°Thank you, Sect Master Gong, for your support.¡± ¡°Kong Yuanba has always been overbearing and protective. My disciple injured his favorite pupil; in the past, he would never have let it go easily.¡± Gong Caiyi turned her head to look at Jiang Fan with a touch of regret, sighing, ¡°I really like you.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a pity we have no fate together.¡± Her tone contained unmistakable regret. She had lost the bet with Liu Qingxian. According to the agreement, she would no longer mention accepting Jiang Fan as a disciple. Jiang Fan had a deep affection for the gentle and considerate Sect Master of the Spirit Beast Sect, cupping his hands, saying, ¡°Sect Master Gong, you have taken great care of me during this time, which I will remember deeply.¡± Gong Caiyi finally showed a slight smile, took out a bottle of Earth Phoenix Grass Juice from her waist, ¡°As agreed, it¡¯s yours.¡± Jiang Fan was delighted, ¡°Thank you, Sect Master Gong.¡± This is an excellent item! Combined with top-grade Foundation Establishment Pills, it can improve the Foundation Establishment Realm once more. Then, Gong Caiyi also stuffed a black sword into his arms. ¡°This sword is a personal gift from me.¡± ¡°Keep it as a memento!¡± Jiang Fan looked at it, even more thrilled. This was a mid-grade magic artifact pulled from the Sword Tomb of Heavenly Sword Peak. The Purple Sword on his back was indeed powerful. But unless facing a life-and-death enemy, it was inappropriate to use. For normal practice duels, a magic artifact like the Black Sword was necessary. ¡°Sect Master Gong, your kindness, I truly don¡¯t know how to repay.¡± Jiang Fan said, feeling a bit embarrassed. Gong Caiyi covered her mouth with a light laugh, ¡°What could I want from you? ¡°If you have the chance in the future, come visit the Spirit Beast Sect; I¡¯ll personally entertain you.¡± Jiang Fan nodded heavily, ¡°I will definitely visit.¡± Thus, Gong Caiyi called for her flying beast, and with her disciples, soared into the sky, leaving with indescribable regret. However, Liu Qingxian let out a long sigh of relief, murmuring, ¡°Finally, this woman is gone.¡± Then she approached Jiang Fan with a smile, looked at Liu Wuchen, who was grinning from ear to ear, playfully winking, ¡°How about it, Father? Your daughter¡¯s judgment isn¡¯t bad, right?¡± ¡°Having you take Jiang Fan as a disciple didn¡¯t disappoint you, did it?¡± Liu Wuchen coughed lightly, looking at Jiang Fan with a bit less prejudice, ¡°Jiang Fan¡¯s strong talent in body refinement was indeed unexpected.¡± ¡°It¡¯s a pity that our Green Cloud Sect¡¯s resources for body refinement are far inferior to the Giant Sect¡¯s.¡± He felt regretful in his heart. If only Jiang Fan¡¯s talent lay in the spell aspect. Then he would surely focus on cultivating Jiang Fan. Unfortunately, the Green Cloud Sect was not skilled in body refinement. Watching all this from afar, Cao Zhen was so jealous that his eyes turned red. The opponent he lost to miserably, Jiang Fan easily defeated. Doesn¡¯t that mean he is inferior to Jiang Fan? ¡°What¡¯s so great about it? He just had good luck winning against Kong Wushuang once!¡± he resentfully protested. Jiang Fan showed a hint of distaste in his eyes. This person was indeed annoying. He couldn¡¯t help saying, ¡°If I remember correctly, you made an agreement with Senior Sister Liu, right?¡± ¡°If I won at the ancestor worship ceremony, you would leave Reincarnation Peak and join Sect Master Peak.¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t it time to honor that agreement now?¡± At these words. Everyone¡¯s face changed. Cao Zhen was a Seventh Grade Spirit Root, the Great Elder¡¯s most prized new disciple. If he was really forced to leave Reincarnation Peak and join Sect Master Peak, how much face would Reincarnation Peak lose? Upon hearing this, Feng Guchan immediately rebuked, ¡°You impudent child! That was just a joke; how can it be taken seriously?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t try to sow discord between Reincarnation Peak and Sect Master Peak!¡± Oh? Not willing to admit it? And to falsely accuse Jiang Fan of having ulterior motives? Jiang Fan looked coldly at Cao Zhen: ¡°A bet made in front of a sect master, nine elders, and all disciples, can that be a joke?¡± ¡°Cao Zhen, if you can¡¯t afford to lose, don¡¯t play!¡± ¡°It¡¯s disgraceful!¡± Cao Zhen¡¯s pride was very strong indeed. Hearing this, he became furious. He gritted his teeth, turned and knelt before Feng Guchan, bowing, ¡°Disciple Cao Zhen has been unfilial, failing to win the bet.¡± ¡°Now, I will honor the agreement and leave Reincarnation Peak!¡± Then. He approached Liu Wuchen, kneeling on one knee. Liu Wuchen was excited. This was a Seventh Grade Spirit Root with endless potential, just like his daughter! But his next words troubled Liu Wuchen. ¡°Sect Master, I am willing to join Sect Master Peak.¡± ¡°But, I disdain being with Jiang Fan!¡± ¡°Sect Master Peak can have either him or me, not both!¡± The implication. Forcing Liu Wuchen to expel Jiang Fan from the sect. One without a Spirit Root, and one with a Seventh Grade Spirit Root. Who would Liu Wuchen choose, is there even a question? Cao Zhen¡¯s malicious intent was evident to all! There was no way Liu Wuchen would expel Jiang Fan, especially since he was engaged to his daughter! But he also could not give up on Cao Zhen. ¡°Cao Zhen, Jiang Fan has just made a great contribution; if I expel him from the sect, what would people think of me?¡± Liu Wuchen persuasively said, ¡°Enemies should be reconciled rather than kept at odds.¡± ¡°Spare me, and make peace with him henceforth, what do you say?¡± Having said this much, could Cao Zhen not oblige? He shifted his gaze, coldly laughing, ¡°Making peace with him is not impossible.¡± ¡°I heard that as a waste spirit root, he has two beautiful wives.¡± ¡°If he¡¯s willing to give me one, I might consider¡­¡± Before he finished. Jiang Fan, beside him, flashed a cold light in his eyes and unhesitatingly delivered a Shocking Dragon Palm! Cao Zhen, already on guard, sneered angrily, ¡°You bastard! I¡¯ve wanted to teach you a lesson!¡± ¡°Do you really think you¡¯re better than me?¡± Chapter 120 - Chapter 120: Chapter 120 Disciple Rating Chapter 120: Chapter 120 Disciple Rating If it was a contest of physique. Cao Zhen admitted he was no match for Jiang Fan, but when it came to spells, Jiang Fan wasn¡¯t even fit to carry his shoes! ¡°Wind and Cloud Covering the Earth!¡± He decisively drew his sword and immediately used his strongest sword move. One person used his fist, the other used a sword. One was a trash without a Spirit Root, the other was a Seventh Grade Spirit Root prodigy. Needless to say, the outcome of this contest? Jiang Fan would definitely have his fist sliced off by a sword, ending the fight with blood splattered on the spot. Some female disciples had already started screaming in advance. Some male disciples couldn¡¯t bear to look and turned their eyes away. Several elders shook their heads slightly. ¡°Clearly, he has an advantage in physique, but he insists on colliding his weakness with Cao Zhen¡¯s strength.¡± ¡°He¡¯s going to learn a painful lesson now.¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co Seeing this, Liu Wuchen immediately shouted angrily: ¡°Stop!¡± He stepped in to intervene. Feng Guchan, however, was overjoyed, and with a sweep of his sleeve, he threw a punch towards Liu Wuchen to stop him from separating the two. If Liu Wuchen took away his disciple, he would make him lose one too! Only then would it be fair! In the blink of an eye. Jiang Fan and Cao Zhen were already fighting! The shocking thing was. Before Cao Zhen¡¯s sword could strike, Jiang Fan¡¯s Shocking Dragon Palm had already landed on his shoulder. Crack¡ª The crisp sound of bones breaking echoed throughout the place. Immediately after, Cao Zhen flew backwards like lightning, crashing heavily into the stone stele in the plaza. The immense force caused the stele to crack, spiderweb-like fissures spreading all over it. Not only did blood flow from Cao Zhen¡¯s mouth and nose, but also from his eyes. His injuries were quite severe. In contrast, Jiang Fan stood calmly in place and said lightly: ¡°Not worthy to walk alongside me?¡± ¡°Then you¡¯d better weigh your worth first!¡± Everyone was stunned. Their gazes grew increasingly shocked. ¡°Elder Li, this is what you called exhausting his potential?¡± An elder questioned Li Qingfeng once again. Several elders who had overlooked Jiang Fan before also cast unfriendly looks at Li Qingfeng. ¡°If this is considered exhausting potential, then what about Cao Zhen? What about other new prodigies?¡± Li Qingfeng¡¯s face turned red from the questioning. He stubbornly argued: ¡°This boy, this boy must have been meticulously guided by Sect Master Gong, that¡¯s why he made a little progress.¡± ¡°Without such thorough nurturing in the future, he won¡¯t make any more progress.¡± Prejudice, one could say, is a mountain. Easy to form, hard to move. The elders found this explanation barely acceptable. After all, Gong Caiyi¡¯s favor for Jiang Fan was genuine. Who knows, she might have secretly given him some precious treasures. Liu Qingxian covered her mouth and laughed secretly. A bunch of fools. Still in the dark about it. The reason Jiang Fan was strong wasn¡¯t due to outside guidance, it was because he was inherently strong. Gazing at Cao Zhen, who looked like a dead dog, Liu Qingxian patted Jiang Fan¡¯s shoulder: ¡°Well done!¡± ¡°Such scum, who tries to seize another¡¯s wife, should be dealt with exactly like this!¡± After a brief daze, Liu Wuchen hurriedly went to check on Cao Zhen: ¡°How are your injuries?¡± This was a Seventh Grade Spirit Root disciple! Who would¡¯ve expected, Cao Zhen pushed Liu Wuchen away and gritted his teeth: ¡°No need for Sect Master Liu¡¯s concern!¡± He forced himself to stand, looking at the gazes upon him. Remembering his humiliating defeat, he felt utterly ashamed! He clenched his fists and glared at Jiang Fan with hatred: ¡°I, Cao Zhen, will avenge this humiliation someday!¡± ¡°Since Green Cloud Sect can¡¯t accommodate me, I¡¯ll leave the Green Cloud Sect!¡± ¡°I hope you won¡¯t regret it in the future!¡± He shouted angrily, limping towards the mountain gate. Liu Wuchen tried to persuade him several times, but Cao Zhen refused adamantly. Given that Cao Zhen¡¯s family, the Cao Family, was a significant martial path family, forcing him into confinement was not an option. In the end, he could only slap his thigh and watch him leave with regret. A Seventh Grade Spirit Root, considered a treasure in any of the Nine-Sect. Green Cloud Sect had let it go. He turned his head, glaring at Jiang Fan with resentment. Liu Qingxian pouted, standing in front of Jiang Fan: ¡°What did Jiang Fan do wrong?¡± The elders sighed deeply. As bystanders, they firmly supported Jiang Fan and didn¡¯t feel he did anything excessive. Publicly insulting his wife, it¡¯s a wonder he wasn¡¯t killed. But they also understood Liu Wuchen. As the Sect Master, controlling Sect Master Peak, facing an aggressive Great Elder, losing a Seventh Grade Spirit Root must make one feel aggrieved. Feng Guchan, having lost his cherished disciple, was furious. He glared at Jiang Fan: ¡°You think you¡¯re strong?¡± ¡°Fine! In a month, we have the sect¡¯s disciple evaluation!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s see how long you can laugh!¡± With that, he left in anger. Liu Qingxian¡¯s expression changed slightly, she said to Liu Wuchen: ¡°Dad! This time, the disciple evaluation will be presided over by Reincarnation Peak¡¯s true disciple, Tang Tianlong!¡± ¡°He¡¯s a Foundation Establishment Eighth Layer master, he¡¯ll surely use the evaluation to target Jiang Fan.¡± No matter how strong Jiang Fan was, it would be hard to face an Eighth Layer. During evaluations, accidents leading to injury or even the breaking of the Dantian were not uncommon. This time, having caused the Great Elder to lose a cherished disciple, how could they let him off easily? Liu Wuchen snorted: ¡°That¡¯s his own fault.¡± He left in a huff. Liu Qingxian grew anxious, regretting accepting Cao Zhen¡¯s challenge initially. If not for that, today¡¯s situation wouldn¡¯t have happened. ¡°Senior sister, don¡¯t worry.¡± Jiang Fan comforted: ¡°I¡¯ll be cautious, it should be fine.¡± There¡¯s still a month, after all. He thought his cultivation would see further improvement. Moreover, with his movement technique, even if he couldn¡¯t match Tang Tianlong, it would be hard for Tang Tianlong to harm him publicly. Liu Qingxian bit her lip: ¡°You don¡¯t understand what the disciple evaluation means.¡± ¡°If you get rated as lower-class, you¡¯ll have to leave Green Cloud Sect and be sent to a city under its control as City Lord.¡± ¡°Like Ye Jifeng in Lonely Boat City, he was once a demoted disciple.¡± What? Jiang Fan was shocked. The next evaluation rights were in the hands of Reincarnation Peak. If they used poor performance as an excuse to demote him, wouldn¡¯t he be forced to leave? Away from Green Cloud Sect, forget resources. Even Foundation Establishment Pill materials would be hard to find. This meant, during Tang Tianlong¡¯s evaluation, he needed to show unmatched strength. He had to make it impossible for them to justify a lower rank. In other words. His strength had to match Tang Tianlong¡¯s! But Tang Tianlong was a Foundation Establishment Eighth Layer! He was barely at the Fourth Layer. He needed significant breakthroughs in cultivation and techniques! Speaking of techniques, Jiang Fan naturally thought about his reward for the first place in the Sacrificial Ceremony, and said: ¡°Senior sister, is my reward still valid?¡± Liu Wuchen had left. Hadn¡¯t announced the results. Liu Qingxian smiled bitterly: ¡°Even if you get an Immortal Book, what of it?¡± ¡°A month is too short to master anything.¡± She felt it was merely grasping at straws. To her surprise. Jiang Fan muttered: ¡°Does the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s Book Collection Pavilion have such powerful techniques?¡± ¡°It takes a month to master?¡± Chapter 121 - Chapter 121: Chapter 121 Choosing a Cultivation Technique Chapter 121: Chapter 121 Choosing a Cultivation Technique Liu Qingxian felt like hitting someone. What kind of talk was this? Even if it¡¯s a Yellow Level Cultivation Technique, practicing it to some degree takes at least three to five years. But in Jiang Fan¡¯s mouth, Cultivation Techniques seemed as simple as drinking water. She admitted that Jiang Fan¡¯s Spirit Root was extremely high. But Spirit Root only determined the speed of cultivation. The cultivation of techniques involved comprehension. ¡°I think you¡¯re getting carried away,¡± Liu Qingxian gave him a side-eye. Jiang Fan shrugged and said, ¡°I just want to know if the reward counts.¡± Liu Qingxian replied, ¡°Of course, it counts!¡± ¡°This is a rule that has existed in history.¡± ¡°Moreover, the Book Collection Pavilion of the Green Cloud Sect is managed by the Supreme Elder.¡± ¡°Even if my father wanted to stop you, he has no authority.¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co Huh? Jiang Fan looked puzzled. ¡°Why is there still a Supreme Elder?¡± Liu Qingxian said speechlessly, ¡°Is that strange?¡± ¡°Otherwise, did you think the past Sect Masters and elders would all be dead?¡± Uh¡ª Jiang Fan then realized that what he saw was just the surface strength of the Green Cloud Sect. As martial artists with strong cultivation, their physiques were several times better than ordinary people. Hence, their lifespan was also very long. Usually, at a certain age or realm, they would start to focus entirely on the Martial Path, leaving the management of the sect to the younger generation. Otherwise, a sect like the Green Cloud Sect, with hundreds of years of history, couldn¡¯t possibly have only a group of middle-aged Sect Masters and elders. Those elders were merely in seclusion. Not all dead. He suddenly felt enlightened. Accompanied by Liu Qingxian, they arrived at the Book Collection Pavilion. The Book Collection Pavilion was located halfway up Sect Master Peak, a large hall excavated from the mountain. The entrance of the hall was desolate. An old man in a wrinkled gray robe was squatting on the ground, teasing a mottled little mutt. From time to time, he grinned, revealing a mouthful of big yellow teeth. ¡°Senior Huang,¡± Liu Qingxian respectfully bowed. In front of others, Liu Qingxian always acted alone and had a proud personality. But facing this old man, she showed great respect. The old man in front of them was the previous elder of Carefree Peak, Huang Zhantian, now retired to the Book Collection Pavilion, spending his days reading various ancient books in search of ways to break through his bottleneck. Upon hearing this, he didn¡¯t even lift his head, saying, ¡°Brought the newcomer for the ancestor worship ceremony, huh?¡± Liu Qingxian cupped her hands and said, ¡°Indeed! Please, Senior Huang, give us some convenience.¡± Huang Zhantian then lifted his head and looked at Jiang Fan, saying, ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡± ¡°Jiang Fan.¡± Huang Zhantian showed a hint of surprise, ¡°You¡¯re the Jiang Fan that Wuji mentioned?¡± ¡°You actually took first place among the newcomers.¡± ¡°No wonder he can¡¯t stop thinking about you, came crying to me when drunk.¡± ¡°You really have some skills.¡± Having no Spirit Root but still taking first place, Huang Zhantian could sense Jiang Fan¡¯s prowess. Then he glanced at Liu Qingxian. ¡°But why did you come?¡± ¡°In the past, you never personally led newcomer disciples here.¡± ¡°Could it be you¡¯ve reached the age of spring emotions?¡± These words made Liu Qingxian feel awkward and she smiled wryly, ¡°Senior Huang, please don¡¯t joke around.¡± ¡°Jiang Fan is just my Junior Brother, nothing more.¡± Huang Zhantian teased, ¡°You have so many Junior Brothers. Since when did you ever show a good face to any of them?¡± Then he mischievously said, ¡°Jiang boy, you¡¯re quite lucky.¡± ¡°The most beautiful girl of the Nine-Sect likes you so much, you better not miss this chance.¡± ¡°Senior Huang!¡± Liu Qingxian¡¯s face turned red, she stamped her foot and pouted. Huang Zhantian laughed heartily, ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯ll stop teasing.¡± ¡°Jiang boy, go inside and pick any cultivation technique. You have the time of one incense stick.¡± ¡°Girl, you stay outside, you can¡¯t go in.¡± Jiang Fan nodded and stepped inside. Huang Zhantian then said, ¡°I want to see how capable this boy truly is.¡± ¡°Good cultivation techniques in the Scripture Pavilion are hard to find.¡± Liu Qingxian couldn¡¯t help but worry. Although the Scripture Pavilion had an endless array of cultivation techniques, they varied greatly in quality. There were both extremely excellent techniques and inferior ones. The former made up only a small fraction. They were all mixed together. Finding an excellent technique within the time of one incense stick was not an easy task. In the past, few disciples who came to the Scripture Pavilion found excellent techniques. Liu Qingxian reluctantly said, ¡°We¡¯ll have to see his luck.¡± Huang Zhantian said meaningfully, ¡°Luck is just one part of it, personal insight is crucial.¡± ¡°What seems like an excellent technique might not be truly excellent.¡± ¡°And what seems ordinary might not be truly ordinary.¡± Liu Qingxian was stunned, unable to grasp his meaning for a moment. As for Jiang Fan, he had already stepped into the Scripture Pavilion. The densely packed bookshelves intersected like a maze. And on the shelves lay numerous cultivation techniques. Each Cultivation Technique had a layer of restriction on its surface, preventing it from being opened. It could only be taken out for Senior Huang to unlock outside. This eliminated the possibility of someone secretly memorizing multiple techniques. Jiang Fan arrived at the Swordsmanship section, which had the most bookshelves, a total of more than ten. The time of one incense stick was only enough to briefly browse through them once. ¡°Yellow Level High Swordsmanship ¡®Fiery Sun Nine Forms¡¯!¡± ¡°Profound Level Lower Swordsmanship ¡®Dragon and Snake Dance¡¯!¡± ¡°Profound Level Middle Swordsmanship ¡®Ice Heart Sword Jue¡¯!¡± ¡°Profound Level Middle Swordsmanship ¡®Green Lotus Sword Song¡¯!¡± ¡­ Countless techniques flashed before Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes. Among them, even a Profound Level High technique ¡®Demon Sword Technique¡¯ appeared, making Jiang Fan very tempted. Profound Level High, this was the highest-level technique in the Green Cloud Sect. After a brief consideration, he decisively abandoned it. The introduction detailed the downsides of this technique; although powerful, it easily caused mental disorder during execution. Jiang Fan always believed that staying calm in life-and-death battles was extremely crucial. If one lost their sanity, no matter how strong they were, it was easy for the opponent to counter-kill. So, he painfully gave it up. As the time of one incense stick passed, Jiang Fan had not yet found the swordsmanship he needed. Suddenly, his gaze landed on a Profound Level Lower technique called ¡®Sword Heart Engraving¡¯. Next to it, there was an introduction. ¡°This technique was engraved on a meteorite from beyond the sky, difficult to cultivate, with ordinary sword moves. The only advantage is a slight shaking effect during execution, generally weak in killing enemies, be cautious in choosing.¡± Jiang Fan twitched his mouth. From the description, its power was very ordinary, only worthy of a Yellow Level technique. But because it was difficult to cultivate, it was exceptionally rated as a Profound Level technique. Who would choose this? Just as he was about to leave, he suddenly felt something amiss. ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be. If the sword moves are ordinary, how could they cause a shaking effect?¡± He considered himself to have mastered the Yellow Level High ¡®Seven-star Sword Jue¡¯ to perfection. But he had never produced the so-called space vibration. ¡°Could it be that those who attempted this sword move did not comprehend the correct sword form?¡± As he hesitated, Senior Huang¡¯s reminder came from outside. ¡°Time¡¯s up. Bring the chosen technique out.¡± Jiang Fan gritted his teeth, picked up the ¡®Sword Heart Engraving¡¯, and then went outside the hall. Huang Zhantian, with a hint of anticipation, stretched out his hand, ¡°Come, come, let this old man see how the insight of the junior that Wuji values so much fares.¡± As Jiang Fan handed over the technique, Liu Qingxian glanced at the title and exclaimed in astonishment, ¡°Oh no! Jiang Fan, why did you choose this?¡± ¡°This¡­ this is a waste technique!¡± ¡°Many people refused to believe it and chose it, only to find it was exactly as described after practicing!¡± Chapter 122 - Chapter 122: Chapter 122 The Shock of the Supreme Elder Chapter 122: Chapter 122 The Shock of the Supreme Elder ¡°Huh?¡± Jiang Fan was stunned. It turned out he wasn¡¯t the only one who thought that way. Did he fall into a trap? Seeing the manual, Huang Zhantian sneered, ¡°Looks like your eyesight isn¡¯t great.¡± ¡°This stupid manual has fooled a lot of disciples.¡± ¡°Today, there¡¯s one more fool.¡± Jiang Fan was unwilling to accept it. He had entered the Scripture Pavilion with great difficulty, but he ended up with such trash. He was a bit unwilling, he said, ¡°I¡¯ll give it a try first.¡± Huang Zhantian snorted, ¡°All the previous disciples said the same thing.¡± ¡°Each of them just as stubborn, not giving up until the very end.¡± ¡°You¡¯ll see once you open it.¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co He then lifted the restriction on the manual and returned it to Jiang Fan. Jiang Fan was not willing to give up. He eagerly opened the manual. It had two parts. One part was illustrations, the other was text. The illustrations depicted the cultivation technique engraved on the meteorite, although somewhat blurred and hard to decipher. Therefore, the collector copied the texts beside the illustrations. Jiang Fan, too lazy to decipher the illustrations one by one, carefully read the copied text. After reading through, he found it indeed simple and easy to understand. He drew his Black Sword and started practicing. Huang Zhantian was taken aback: ¡°Girl, what is this boy trying to do?¡± ¡°Could it be he has comprehended this swordsmanship and is going to practice a set?¡± Liu Qingxian was also puzzled. Even though the ¡°Sword Heart Engraving¡± was simple, it still required a month of comprehension and hard practice. Jiang Fan had just flipped through it just now. Soon, the two were simultaneously shocked. They saw Jiang Fan truly holding the Black Sword and practicing on the spot. The sword moves were identical to those practiced before. Every move caused a slight tremor in the air, producing weak explosive sounds. Wasn¡¯t this indeed ¡°Sword Heart Engraving¡±? Huang Zhantian widened his old eyes, ¡°Gosh! This is a sword Dao genius seen once in a century!¡± ¡°Our Green Cloud Sect has gained a great treasure!¡± Liu Qingxian was also shocked. What Jiang Fan mumbled earlier wasn¡¯t just him getting carried away. Instead, it was that he indeed had extraordinary comprehension of Sword Dao! Jiang Fan paid no attention to their expressions. He looked unsatisfied. Practicing once, too, turned out to be the same shabby result. Yet, he still felt something was off. The sword moves were quite ordinary. But why did they cause air vibrations? It didn¡¯t make sense? Did he misunderstand something? Unwilling to give up, he re-read the copied text, ensuring he didn¡¯t misinterpret any part. Suddenly. He unintentionally turned to the page with the illustrations. A thought struck him: ¡°Could the problem lie in the copying?¡± So, he compared the copied text while carefully discerning the characters on the meteorite. He focused. At a closer look, he did find a problem. It wasn¡¯t that the text was copied wrong. But a few extremely blurred characters looked like words initially, yet upon closer inspection, appeared like the moves of someone practicing swordsmanship. After a long gaze, Jiang Fan memorized all the blurred characters. Then he reviewed the entire technique. Moments later, he suddenly realized. ¡°So that¡¯s it?¡± Excited, he picked up his Black Sword and practiced again. ¡°Splitting Light Sword!¡± Boom¡ª¡ª As the sword slashed out, a massive thunderous explosion resounded. The air currents surged, and the strong wind howled. The immense thunder sound shocked Liu Qingxian and Huang Zhantian, making their bodies tremble, and their ears buzz. ¡°Sunrise Over the Sea!¡± Another slash, even more violent thunderous explosion, completely deafening them. Thus. The last move, ¡°Heaven and Earth Star Fall,¡± was unleashed. They couldn¡¯t hear anything. They only saw the air in front of Jiang Fan violently boiling. The surrounding grass and trees were shattered in an instant! The power was terrifying! Huang Zhantian couldn¡¯t sit still, leaping up and staring in shock at the scene before him. ¡°Is this ¡®Sword Heart Engraving¡¯? Even high-level Profound techniques aren¡¯t this powerful!¡± His gaze towards Jiang Fan completely changed. ¡°This won¡¯t do! Such a prodigy in Sword Dao must not be buried in Sect Master Peak!¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to find Liu Wuchen and bring him to Carefree Peak!¡± Liu Qingxian was equally stunned. She suddenly understood why Gong Caiyi liked Jiang Fan so much. It was likely because Gong Caiyi accidentally discovered Jiang Fan¡¯s supreme talent in Sword Dao. Hearing Huang Zhantian start fighting for the person too. She felt bitter. Why did none of them play by the rules? After just driving away Gong Caiyi, her own Supreme Elder came to snatch him. She quickly said, ¡°Senior Huang, you¡¯ve already retired. According to the rules, you can¡¯t interfere in the sect¡¯s internal matters.¡± ¡°Otherwise, if the other Supreme Elders follow suit, won¡¯t it cause chaos?¡± Just a few steps away, Huang Zhantian stopped unwillingly and said, ¡°But your father doesn¡¯t know swordsmanship at all!¡± ¡°If he keeps this boy, it¡¯s like holding on to something he can¡¯t use!¡± ¡°No, even if it breaks the rules, I have to do this.¡± Liu Qingxian¡¯s mind raced, she urgently said, ¡°But if Jiang Fan goes to Carefree Peak, who can instruct him in swordsmanship?¡± This stumped Huang Zhantian. With such extraordinary talent, he admitted he couldn¡¯t teach him, let alone Zhao Wuji? It seemed wherever Jiang Fan went, he would be buried. And it would break the rules, causing chaos in Green Cloud Sect. He scratched his head, pounding his chest in frustration, and roared up to the sky, ¡°Liu Wuchen, you¡¯ve ruined my Carefree Peak!¡± Liu Qingxian was amused and saddened. If Huang Zhantian knew that Liu Wuchen didn¡¯t appreciate this incomparably talented prodigy, he would probably rush to Sect Master Peak and beat Liu Wuchen up? She couldn¡¯t help but sigh inwardly, ¡°Dad, you are blessed but don¡¯t know it.¡± Jiang Fan ignored the two of them. He was delighted to see the destructive aftermath before him. Not mentioning how powerful the moves were, far surpassing the ¡°Seven-star Sword Jue¡± by several times. Just the thundering explosions with each move could throw an unprepared enemy into chaos, giving a chance to strike. He felt more confident for the disciple rating a month later. ¡°Ahem, since you¡¯ve finished practicing, this ¡®Sword Heart Engraving¡¯ will be taken back by me.¡± Huang Zhantian interrupted his thoughts. Jiang Fan hurriedly handed the manual back, but Huang Zhantian looked troubled, not taking it. He didn¡¯t know what to do with this manual. Calling it lower-level Profound seemed off, as its power rivaled lower-level Earth techniques! But calling it lower-level Earth, others practiced it as Yellow level, only Jiang Fan¡¯s was Earth level. Seeing him troubled, Jiang Fan tentatively said, ¡°Senior, do you want me to write down the true method of practicing this manual?¡± Huang Zhantian was stunned, then sternly said, ¡°Do I need you to write it?¡± Letting Jiang Fan write it implied he, a Supreme Elder, was inferior to a disciple? ¡°You two may leave.¡± Huang Zhantian waved them off. After they left. Huang Zhantian quickly opened ¡°Sword Heart Engraving,¡± muttering, ¡°If that boy can comprehend the true moves.¡± ¡°Then I certainly can too.¡± Chapter 123 - Chapter 123: Chapter 123 Emergency Event Chapter 123: Chapter 123 Emergency Event So. He carefully read it over and over again. He practiced it ten times and then another ten times. He practiced from noon until it was dark. Huang Zhantian finally broke the sword in his hand into two pieces with frustration and threw them on the ground: ¡°Damn it! How did this kid practice it?¡± ¡°Why can¡¯t I get it?¡± He felt a bit remorseful, thinking he shouldn¡¯t have been so arrogant earlier. Now, he couldn¡¯t grasp it. This was an Earth-level Technique, right in front of him, yet he couldn¡¯t master it. This would keep him awake for several nights. On the other side. Jiang Fan and Liu Qingxian were walking back to Sect Master Peak. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co They found that the disciples were hurrying down the mountain. ¡°What happened?¡± Liu Qingxian stopped a disciple, frowning. ¡°Senior Sister, the Sect Master is urgently summoning all disciples and elders, saying that after Sect Master Kong left the Green Cloud Sect, he went to Hundred Beasts Mountain and killed the mate of the Beast King.¡± ¡°That Beast King mistakenly thinks it was us from the Green Cloud Sect who did it, and now it¡¯s rampaging through the cities within the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s territory.¡± There was no doubt. Kong Yuanba was seeking revenge on the Green Cloud Sect. Liu Qingxian was so angry her brows knitted tightly: ¡°That bastard!¡± ¡°The Beast King of Hundred Beasts Mountain has strength comparable to our Green Cloud Sect¡¯s elders!¡± ¡°And it commands thousands of demon beasts!¡± ¡°Once they start wreaking havoc, the consequences will be severe.¡± ¡°Jiang Fan, let¡¯s hurry too!¡± Jiang Fan nodded without hesitation. He had recently broken through to the Fourth Layer of Foundation Establishment Realm, but his foundation was not solid. Hunting demon beasts could quickly solidify his foundation. When they arrived at the plaza, it was already crowded. Countless disciples had gathered. Liu Wuchen didn¡¯t wait for everyone to gather and immediately informed them of the emergency situation. ¡°Chaos from the demon beasts of Hundred Beasts Mountain is invading ten cities!¡± ¡°We are now dispatching one hundred disciples to the ten cities to slay low-level demon beasts!¡± Upon hearing this, everyone was thrown into turmoil. Before the Beast Tide even arrived, a Beast King was already causing trouble within the Green Cloud Sect? If they didn¡¯t quell the situation quickly, when the Beast Tide did come, the Green Cloud Sect would be attacked from both inside and out. However, the demon beasts of Hundred Beasts Mountain were not easy to deal with. Each one was extraordinary, possessing various bizarre innate divine abilities. They were extremely difficult to exterminate. The fact that the Green Cloud Sect had tolerated them within its territory for years spoke volumes. Now going to slay them involved considerable risk. This made many disciples resistant. But Liu Wuchen¡¯s next words made them all excited. ¡°This hunt for demon beasts will be rewarded based on merit!¡± ¡°Killing one Qi Cultivation Demon Beast will earn you one Merit Point.¡± ¡°Killing one Foundation Establishment Realm Demon Beast will earn you ten Merit Points!¡± ¡°If you can slay that Core Formation Realm Demon King, you will earn one hundred Merit Points!¡± ¡°With Merit Points, you can enter the Green Cloud Sect¡¯s Holy Hall for cultivation. The more Merit Points you have, the longer you can cultivate inside!¡± What? Upon hearing this, they couldn¡¯t remain calm. ¡°The Holy Hall, that is a place where only the Supreme Elders are qualified to cultivate.¡± ¡°It¡¯s said that the spiritual energy there is as dense as fog; cultivating for a day there is equivalent to cultivating for a month outside!¡± ¡°If one can cultivate there for ten days, it would be equivalent to a year of hard cultivation outside. Even a pig could break through a realm!¡± ¡°But there are only one hundred spots available, only a few lucky ones can go.¡± After the announcement. Liu Wuchen ordered someone to bring up a large box. Inside were wooden plaques engraved with the names of all Green Cloud Sect disciples. ¡°A random draw, ten members per team, with the highest cultivation level as the team leader!¡± Everyone was eagerly anticipating. Liu Wuchen slapped the box with his palm, and a large number of wooden plaques flew out. He waved his sleeve, randomly catching ten of them. ¡°Zheng Jiu of Mad Blade Peak, Su Qiuning of Medicine Peak, Zhang Ye of Reincarnation Peak¡­ Head to Biliu City immediately!¡± ¡°Tang Tianlong of Reincarnation Peak, Xu Yining of Heavenly Sword Peak, Zhou Chengzhi of Carefree Peak¡­ Head to Lonely Boat City immediately!¡± Xu Yining was delighted upon hearing this. She was actually selected. And she was teamed with Tang Tianlong, who was at the Eighth Layer of Foundation Establishment Realm. This mission was as good as done! ¡°Jiang Fan of Sect Master Peak, Ding Wanping of Heavenly Sword Peak, Chen Silin of Heavenly Sword Peak¡­ Head to Cloud Sun City immediately!¡± Upon hearing this. The disciples murmured in surprise. ¡°This team is not very strong. The only strong old disciple is Ding Wanping, who is at the Sixth Layer of Foundation Establishment, while the other old disciples are quite mediocre.¡± ¡°The key point is there are two newcomers, Jiang Fan and Chen Silin. Won¡¯t they be dragging the team down?¡± ¡°It¡¯s hard to say if they can exterminate the demon beasts; they might even lose people.¡± Xu Yining was gloating. She shouted to Jiang Fan from a distance: ¡°If you¡¯re afraid of dying, you can take your little concubine and quit, giving up your spot.¡± Jiang Fan rolled his eyes at her in annoyance. He couldn¡¯t be bothered to respond to her. Tang Tianlong, upon hearing this, came over to Xu Yining. Looking at Xu Yining¡¯s graceful figure and beautiful appearance, his eyes were filled with undisguised desire, and he chuckled: ¡°What, you know Jiang Fan?¡± Xu Yining was flattered. She was actually approached by Tang Tianlong! She nodded, with a complicated expression: ¡°He was once my fianc¨¦, now, he¡¯s my sister¡¯s.¡± Seeing Jiang Fan defeat Kong Wushuang with a punch. And extinguish Cao Zhen with a palm. She felt uncomfortable. Very disappointed. With indescribable emotions in her heart. She longed for No.1 Shadow Guard to appear by her side, to give her the courage to face Jiang Fan. Unfortunately, there was no one by her side. Tang Tianlong¡¯s appearance made her feel like she had found a strong dependence. His next words gave her renewed confidence. ¡°Sixth Grade Spirit Root, outstanding appearance, such a proud daughter, yet her fianc¨¦ is someone who advanced by overdrafting his potential.¡± ¡°I feel it¡¯s not worth it for you. With your conditions, finding a real dragon among men is not difficult.¡± ¡°Luckily, you escaped this misfortune.¡± ¡°It¡¯s just a pity for your sister, who has to bear the burden of this useless fianc¨¦ for you.¡± These words hit Xu Yining¡¯s sore spot. After all this time, finally, someone understood her. She looked at Jiang Fan again, and her feelings gradually dissipated. She couldn¡¯t help but mock herself: ¡°Why do I keep wanting to compete with him?¡± ¡°He isn¡¯t worth it.¡± Chen Silin, who was by Jiang Fan¡¯s side, had already heard Xu Youran talk about Xu Yining¡¯s situation. Seeing that she still couldn¡¯t see reason, Chen Silin advised earnestly: ¡°Miss Xu, things between you and Jiang Fan are long over.¡± ¡°Why keep holding a grudge?¡± ¡°Live your life well; Jiang Fan rarely thinks about you anymore.¡± The first two sentences didn¡¯t affect Xu Yining much. But the last sentence hit a nerve, making her recently calm face turn cold. ¡°Who do you think you are? Just a concubine! How dare you lecture me?¡± ¡°You better worry about whether you can survive!¡± ¡°With Jiang Fan¡¯s meager abilities, he can barely protect himself.¡± Chen Silin didn¡¯t expect her goodwill to be met with such an attitude. Her delicate brows raised slightly, she took Jiang Fan¡¯s arm, confidently said: ¡°No need for Miss Xu to worry.¡± ¡°I believe in my husband, he will protect me and take me into the Holy Hall.¡± Xu Yining was so angry she gritted her teeth. She accepted losing to her elder sister Xu Youran. But why could a woman who came later dare to flaunt in front of her? Could it be she was inferior to even Chen Silin? ¡°Fine! Let¡¯s see who gets more, you from Jiang Fan or me from Senior Brother Tang!¡± Chen Silin responded without hesitation: ¡°Sure, no problem.¡± Tang Tianlong laughed, saying: ¡°Junior Sister Xu, how can you make me compare to a useless person?¡± ¡°That¡¯s too insulting to me, isn¡¯t it?¡± Xu Yining¡¯s face turned awkward, just as she was about to apologize. Tang Tianlong sighed: ¡°There¡¯s no need to compare, he¡¯s not worthy.¡± ¡°But I will let Junior Sister Xu know, even just being in a team with me, will bring you ten times more benefits than being that useless person¡¯s woman!¡± Xu Yining¡¯s face regained a bit of shine. She looked at Jiang Fan with a complicated gaze. Chapter 124 - Chapter 124: Chapter 124 Jealousy Chapter 124: Chapter 124 Jealousy When Liu Wuchen finished drawing lots, the hundred disciples were divided into ten teams according to the draw. ¡°Time is tight, you only have a quarter of an hour to prepare.¡± A quarter of an hour? That wasn¡¯t even enough time to make a trip back to the mountain gate. It was just enough for a brief conversation with close ones. ¡°Wanping, Silin.¡± Li Qingfeng walked straight to their team with a worried expression, saying: ¡°The demon beasts of Hundred Beasts Mountain are no small matter.¡± ¡°If you encounter them, you must be extremely careful.¡± As he spoke, he took out a bag of healing herbs, several pills to replenish spiritual power, and some spirit talismans. These were worth several hundred crystal stones. Ding Wanping happily accepted them: ¡°Master is always good to us.¡± Then he looked at Jiang Fan standing beside Chen Silin, feeling increasingly annoyed. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co Coincidentally, Liu Wuchen was also distributing resources to the disciples of Sect Master Peak. Finally, it was Jiang Fan¡¯s turn. In the rush, the sect master and elders didn¡¯t have enough resources prepared. When it was Jiang Fan¡¯s turn, only two healing pills were left. Liu Wuchen threw them to Jiang Fan without expression: ¡°This is all there is.¡± ¡°But your cultivation is average. If you encounter a demon beast, focus on evading it. Leave the beast-slaying to Ding Wanping.¡± ¡°These two pills are enough.¡± After giving the brief instructions, he turned and left. The difference in the care Li Qingfeng showed towards his disciples was striking. Jiang Fan touched his nose. It seemed driving away Cao Zhen had made Liu Wuchen very displeased. Ding Wanping seized the chance to mock him: ¡°Poor thing, about to depart with no one concerned about you.¡± ¡°Even the master only gave you two healing pills, and that¡¯s it.¡± ¡°Tsk tsk tsk~¡± Chen Silin saw this and, feeling distressed, held Jiang Fan¡¯s hand: ¡°Husband, you can use my pills and spirit talismans, don¡¯t be sad.¡± Warmed by her words, Jiang Fan pinched her smooth cheek and held her in his arms: ¡°Silly, why would I need yours?¡± What Green Cloud Sect provided was just some ordinary medicine. How could they compare to those he made himself? Once they got to Cloud Sun City and gathered some herbs, the pills and medicines he could make would be far better than these. ¡°You¡¯re getting affectionate even before leaving the sect, what will you be like outside?¡± Xu Youran¡¯s resentful voice came drifting over. Chen Silin, startled, jumped out of Jiang Fan¡¯s embrace, blushing and looking down: ¡°Sister, I wouldn¡¯t dare.¡± As the primary wife, Xu Youran hadn¡¯t even united with Jiang Fan yet. How could she dare surpass her? ¡°Phew!¡± Xu Youran couldn¡¯t help but laugh: ¡°I was just kidding. Look how scared you are!¡± ¡°All those things will happen sooner or later. Since I accepted you, how could I mind?¡± She pulled Chen Silin¡¯s hand and placed it in Jiang Fan¡¯s palm: ¡°I¡¯ll leave Silin to you.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t let her get hurt.¡± Jiang Fan smiled slightly and held both women in his arms, one on each side. This made Ding Wanping, who had been feeling proud, suddenly find the care from his master unappealing. Healing medicines, spiritual power pills, spirit talismans¡ªwhat did these even matter compared to the sight before his eyes! But what made Ding Wanping¡¯s eyes nearly pop out with jealousy was even more surreal. A figure in purple clothing hesitantly walked over. ¡°You¡¯re quite enjoying yourself!¡± The stunning beauty of Liu Qingxian, witnessing the scene before her, felt a mix of emotions. Even though she had long heard that Jiang Fan had two wives, one older and one younger. Seeing him with an arm around each, she felt as if sand were sprinkled in her heart, somewhat uncomfortable. Jiang Fan said: ¡°Senior Sister, do you have any orders?¡± Liu Qingxian glanced at Xu Youran and couldn¡¯t help but compare herself. In terms of looks, Xu Youran was her equal. In terms of spirit root, Xu Youran¡¯s seventh-grade spirit root was also on par with hers. In terms of identity, Xu Youran was Jiang Fan¡¯s fiancee while she was just a senior sister. These comparisons stirred some dissatisfaction within her. Why? She was certainly not inferior. In a slightly challenging manner, she took out a small red bundle filled with various medicines, spirit pills, and talismans, even some low-grade magic artifacts. The amount was several times that of Ding Wanping¡¯s. ¡°I¡¯ve prepared some things for you. I hope you find them useful.¡± She handed the bundle to Jiang Fan. ¡°Thank you, Senior Sister.¡± Jiang Fan was about to accept it. But Xu Youran¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly: ¡°Senior Sister Liu, I appreciate your kindness on behalf of my husband.¡± ¡°I have already prepared some items for my husband, and Silin will also share with him.¡± ¡°No need to trouble Senior Sister Liu.¡± As a fellow woman, how could she not understand Liu Qingxian¡¯s thoughts? If Liu Qingxian wanted to provoke, she certainly couldn¡¯t back down. Liu Qingxian¡¯s eyes sharpened as she looked at Xu Youran: ¡°Me giving something to my junior brother doesn¡¯t seem to require your approval, does it?¡± Xu Youran chuckled, then turned to stare at Jiang Fan: ¡°Fan, Silin and I don¡¯t want you to take things from other women.¡± ¡°You decide for yourself.¡± Jiang Fan was speechless. Why were they arguing now? But Xu Youran and Silin were his closest people. There was no way he could let them down. So he could only politely refuse Liu Qingxian¡¯s kindness, clasping his hands: ¡°Senior Sister Liu, I¡­¡± ¡°Don¡¯t say it!¡± Liu Qingxian already knew the answer. She bit her silver teeth and glared angrily at Jiang Fan: ¡°You¡¯re so heartless!¡± Then she looked at the calm Xu Youran, wanting to say something but stopping herself. Finally, she stomped her foot and left in a huff. Jiang Fan sighed. There was no other way. Even though Liu Qingxian treated him well, if she wanted to compete with his two wives, naturally his wives were more important. He could only wait until they returned after defeating the demon beasts to make it up to her. Chen Silin quietly asked: ¡°Sister, why treat her like this?¡± In her memory, Xu Youran wasn¡¯t usually this unreasonable. Xu Youran replied helplessly: ¡°Do you think I wanted to?¡± ¡°This daughter of the sect master is proud. If she has no fate with Fan in the future, it ends there.¡± ¡°If there is a chance, should I stop it or not?¡± This¡­ Chen Silin really couldn¡¯t answer. Because she became Jiang Fan¡¯s concubine with Xu Youran¡¯s consent. ¡°If I stop it, it shows a lack of dignity as the primary wife.¡± ¡°But if I don¡¯t stop it, do you think the sect master¡¯s daughter will be willing to be under us?¡± ¡°So, I must make her understand now who is in charge if she wants to join!¡± Chen Silin understood. The apparent argument was actually about establishing hierarchy. To temper Liu Qingxian¡¯s ambition. She sighed: ¡°It¡¯s tough for you to play the bad guy.¡± Xu Youran sighed, glancing at Jiang Fan resentfully: ¡°Blame our husband for attracting too much attention!¡± ¡°I really don¡¯t understand what¡¯s so great about him?¡± ¡°Why do you all flock to him?¡± Chen Silin stomped lightly in embarrassment, unable to speak. This made Ding Wanping so jealous that he nearly gritted his teeth to pieces. Even Liu Qingxian, the first beauty of the Nine-Sect, was fighting over Jiang Fan? Why? What made him better than himself? But it didn¡¯t end there! A soft and delicate voice suddenly came through. Chapter 125 - Chapter 125: Chapter 125 Constant Gift-Giving Chapter 125: Chapter 125 Constant Gift-Giving ¡°Junior Brother Jiang, Master asked me to bring you these things.¡± Su Qiuning shrank her neck, cautiously moving her steps while carefully observing Xu Youran¡¯s expression. Jiang Fan looked over. There were two bundles, one large and one small. The large bundle was brown and contained all sorts of medicines, complete in variety and quantity. More than what Li Qingfeng had given to the two disciples combined. ¡°This is from my master, to thank you for making the Nine-flavor Heart Nourishing Pills last time that saved her life.¡± Jiang Fan finally understood and accepted the large bundle without hesitation. Then he pointed to the small bundle: ¡°What about this one?¡± Su Qiuning, feeling guilty, replied: ¡°This, this is also from Master.¡± Snicker¡ª¡ª Xu Youran couldn¡¯t help but laugh out loud while looking at the pink bundle: ¡°Elder Wen at her age still likes pink, how rare.¡± Su Qiuning¡¯s face turned red instantly. She quickly lowered her head and stammered: ¡°I, I¡¯ll take my leave now.¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co After saying that, she hurriedly left as if fleeing. Jiang Fan said helplessly: ¡°She was thankful that I helped her complete the assessment task. Look how scared she got.¡± Xu Youran innocently shrugged: ¡°She felt guilty herself; I didn¡¯t say anything.¡± At this moment. Gongsun Nan also arrived. He placed a heavy bundle at Jiang Fan¡¯s feet, causing the ground to thud. This drew exclamations and speculations from the crowd. ¡°What could it be? So heavy?¡± ¡°Could it be one of the only three sets of Meridian Mysterious Iron Armor from Carefree Peak?¡± ¡°Impossible! That¡¯s the treasure of Carefree Peak. Even Gongsun Nan as the senior disciple doesn¡¯t have the right to wear it. Why would it be given to an outsider?¡± Jiang Fan was also surprised. He crouched down and opened a small crack in the bundle, revealing a black armor inside. Recognizing it, he couldn¡¯t help but exclaim: ¡°Meridian Mysterious Iron Armor?¡± ¡°No, I can¡¯t accept such a valuable item.¡± He accepted the bundle from Medicine Peak openly because they owed him a favor. There was no need to worry about being obliged. But there was no such favor between him and Carefree Peak. Especially since it was such a priceless treasure. ¡°Brother Jiang, please accept it. Otherwise, the Supreme Elder will trouble my Master.¡± Gongsun Nan said with a bitter smile. He still didn¡¯t understand why Senior Yellow Zhantian, who hadn¡¯t returned to Carefree Peak for over a decade, suddenly came back. He specifically named and wanted Carefree Peak to establish a good relationship with Jiang Fan. Also instructing Zhao Wuji to send a set of Meridian Mysterious Iron Armor to Jiang Fan. To ensure Jiang Fan wouldn¡¯t die outside. Senior Yellow? Upon learning it was the instruction from the Supreme Elder, Jiang Fan bitterly smiled. How could he refuse the goodwill of such a senior? He could only accept it, intending to wear it secretly when no one was around. Gongsun Nan let out a slight sigh of relief, enviously saying: ¡°This armor can withstand attacks below the Third Level of Core Formation. I¡¯ve been coveting it for a long time without a chance to get it.¡± ¡°Wonder what spell you used on the Supreme Elder to get him so bewitched.¡± What? Jiang Fan was shocked. He only knew that the Meridian Mysterious Iron Armor was highly defensive, but he didn¡¯t expect it to be this formidable! If he accidentally encountered that Beast King, this would give him a better chance of survival. ¡°Please convey my thanks to Senior Yellow. I will personally visit to express my gratitude upon my return.¡± Gongsun Nan nodded and left. Leaving everyone in awe. ¡°Wow! Jiang Fan may not be favored by the Sect Master, but he sure is valued by many big figures!¡± ¡°The resources he received are almost more than all the other disciples combined.¡± Ding Wanping looked at the large and small bundles in front of Jiang Fan. Then looked at the pitifully small bundle in his own hand, his expression extremely sour. Jealously said: ¡°We are going to slay troublesome demon beasts, not on a picnic!¡± ¡°What¡¯s the point of having so many things?¡± Chen Silin covered her mouth and lightly laughed. When Jiang Fan had few resources, he was despised for having no one to care for him. Now having more, he was blamed for being flamboyant. She enjoyed seeing others jealous of Jiang Fan but powerless about it. After the elders distributed resources to their respective disciples. Liu Wuchen gave an order. ¡°Set off!¡± Over a hundred disciples immediately formed their groups and headed toward the designated city. Cloud Sun City bordered Lonely Boat City. But it was much more prosperous and affluent than Lonely Boat City. Because Cloud Sun City had a Crystal Mine. The crystal stones within Green Cloud Sect¡¯s territory were harvested from this Crystal Mine. Its importance was self-evident. Hence, many powerful forces were born there. They consecutively produced renowned strong figures across generations, ruling over areas, recognized as Martial Path Families. Many prodigies of the Green Cloud Sect were recruited from these families. For instance, Cao Zhen was a descendant of one such Martial Path Family. ¡°We are about to reach Cloud Sun City.¡± After two days of travel, they finally arrived at Cloud Sun City by riding flying beasts. Jiang Fan overlooked Cloud Sun City and let out a slight sigh of relief: ¡°It looks like Cloud Sun City hasn¡¯t suffered too much damage.¡± Ding Wanping rolled his eyes: ¡°Of course! Just look at how many Martial Path Families Cloud Sun City has.¡± ¡°Unless the Beast King personally comes, there¡¯s no way to cause serious damage.¡± A disciple from Reincarnation Peak flattered: ¡°Indeed, Senior Brother Ding¡¯s Ding Family is one of the three major Martial Path Families in Cloud Sun City.¡± ¡°With many strong figures in the family, even the City Lord shows great respect.¡± On hearing this. The disciples of this group all displayed expressions of astonishment. They never expected Ding Wanping to have such an impressive background. Even Chen Silin looked surprised. This shouldn¡¯t be. Someone as flamboyant and high-profile as Ding Wanping had such a deeply hidden background? ¡°That was in the past.¡± Ding Wanping revealed a meaningful smile: ¡°In the future, there will no longer be three major Martial Path Families in Cloud Sun City.¡± ¡°There will only be the strongest Martial Path Family, the Ding Family!¡± Amid the crowd¡¯s confused gazes, Ding Wanping¡¯s eyes gleamed with excitement: ¡°I received a message from the family. Recently, a Soul Master certified by the Soul Master Association arrived in Cloud Sun City!¡± ¡°And our Ding Family is fortunate to be his partner.¡± ¡°You all should know what a One-star Soul Master represents, right?¡± Hiss¡ª¡ª The group gasped. The Reincarnation Peak disciple who had been flattering them was also shocked. ¡°A One-star Soul Master? That¡¯s a rarity even within the Nine-Sect territory.¡± ¡°Some sects still don¡¯t have a Soul Master in residence yet!¡± ¡°A One-star Soul Master is a renowned and respected figure in any sect.¡± ¡°With the Ding Family¡¯s connection to such a person, becoming the first family in Cloud Sun City is just a matter of time!¡± Jiang Fan rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Soul Masters were not common. Free Soul Masters were even rarer to an astonishing degree. So far, he knew of only one, One-star Soul Master Qin Wenyuan. Made so frightened by him that he moved his entire family from Lonely Boat City. Now, out of nowhere, another One-star Soul Master appeared in Cloud Sun City. Could it be Qin Wenyuan? ¡°Is the One-star Soul Master you mentioned by any chance named Qin?¡± Jiang Fan asked. Ding Wanping gave Jiang Fan a surprised look and sneered: ¡°You sure have a sharp nose!¡± ¡°You managed to find out such a secret!¡± ¡°But finding out his surname is your limit.¡± ¡°Other information is a top secret only our Martial Path Families can know!¡± Chapter 126 - Chapter 126: Chapter 126 Tianji Pavilion Disciples Chapter 126: Chapter 126 Tianji Pavilion Disciples Jiang Fan rubbed his nose. If Qin Wenyuan was the classified information they were talking about, He knew far too many secrets. Not long after. The bird landed at the central residence of Cloud Sun City¡ªthe Ding Family Estate. A dozen Foundation Establishment Realm martial artists gathered nearby, their eyes vigilant. Jiang Fan was secretly in awe. So this is a martial arts family? The clan had over ten Foundation Establishment Realm experts! Almost more than all of Lonely Boat City combined! Even more formidable was the black-faced middle-aged man leading them, with immense strength. He had actually reached the Ninth Layer of Foundation Establishment! One step further, and he would be on par with an elder of the Green Cloud Sect, a Core Formation expert! Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co ¡°Family Head!¡± Ding Wanping also saw the elder in white robes, immediately leaping down and bowing respectfully. It turned out that the black-faced middle-aged man was none other than the Family Head of the Ding Family, Ding Xuhui! Seeing that it was Ding Wanping and a group of Green Cloud Sect disciples, Ding Xuhui lowered his guard, asking in confusion, ¡°Why have you returned?¡± Facing the Family Head, Ding Wanping was very humble, without a trace of the arrogance he showed in the Green Cloud Sect. ¡°Reporting to the Family Head, Sect Master Liu commanded ten of us to come to Cloud Sun City to slay the troublesome demon beasts at Hundred Beasts Mountain.¡± Ding Xuhui understood. His gaze swept over the people behind Ding Wanping, his brows furrowing again, ¡°Why are they all low-tier disciples?¡± At this moment. Among the clan members, a young man with broad shoulders and a robust build, exuding an Eighth Layer Foundation Establishment cultivation, looked disdainful, ¡°Even the concubine-born son of the Ding Family can be a team leader.¡± ¡°The cultivation of the team members naturally won¡¯t be high.¡± Hearing this. Ding Wanping looked at the young man, his fists clenching involuntarily. His eyes were filled with unwillingness. The young man before him was none other than the Young Master of the Ding Family, Ding Tianxiang. A heaven-defying genius with an eighth-grade Spirit Root. Now already a disciple of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion. In just six months, his cultivation had reached the terrifying height of the Eighth Layer of Foundation Establishment. Noticing his behavior, Ding Tianxiang mocked, ¡°What, you still want to fight me, the Young Master?¡± Ding Wanping quickly loosened his fists, lowering his head, ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare.¡± After joining the Green Cloud Sect and becoming an Inner Sect Disciple, he had cultivated bitterly for many years to reach the Sixth Layer of Foundation Establishment. Among the concubine-born sons of the Ding Family, this was already outstanding. But compared to the Young Master, Ding Tianxiang, it was nothing. The disciples of the Green Cloud Sect who had come along looked at Ding Wanping¡¯s submission in confusion. No wonder Ding Wanping never boasted about his influence in the Ding Family. It turned out he was just an unimportant concubine-born son. ¡°That¡¯s all you¡¯ve got!¡± Ding Tianxiang sneered disdainfully before casting his gaze on the Green Cloud Sect disciples. ¡°A bunch of nobodies, none of whom are strong!¡± Suddenly. Ding Tianxiang noticed Chen Silin, and her elegant and refined aura caught his eye. ¡°Green Cloud Sect disciples don¡¯t have remarkable aptitude, but their looks are quite something!¡± Surveying Chen Silin¡¯s graceful curves, he smiled lecherously, ¡°Not yet at Foundation Establishment, huh? Come to my room tonight; I¡¯ll give you some pointers.¡± The disciples of the Green Cloud Sect were furious and ashamed. It was one thing for him to insult them, calling them nobodies, but to openly flirt with their female disciple! This was an outright humiliation! They turned their eyes to Ding Wanping, the team leader for this mission! Hoping he would step up and support Chen Silin. Ding Wanping, helpless, had no choice but to steel himself and say, ¡°Young Master, this is my junior sister from Heavenly Sword Peak. Could you please give me some face and not trouble her?¡± ¡°Fine.¡± To Ding Wanping¡¯s relief, Ding Tianxiang withdrew his lecherous gaze. Agreeing quite readily. But before Ding Wanping could show off to his team members, he was slapped hard across the face. Ding Tianxiang¡¯s face twisted with rage. The iron palm left a blood-red handprint on his face. ¡°Was that ¡®face¡¯ enough?¡± With that, Ding Tianxiang slapped the other side of his face. Snap¡ª¡ª The crisp sound of the slap echoed around. ¡°Asking me to give you face? What are you?!¡± Getting slapped twice in succession, Ding Wanping¡¯s face burned painfully. He felt deeply humiliated. To be slapped like this in front of the Green Cloud Sect disciples, he had lost all dignity! But he did not dare to be angry. Because his opponent was Ding Tianxiang, an extraordinary genius he could not afford to provoke. The disciples of the Green Cloud Sect were silent with fear. They hadn¡¯t expected Ding Tianxiang to be so domineering and insolent, treating the Green Cloud Sect with such contempt. If Ding Wanping was treated this way, how better could their own fates be if they intervened? After teaching Ding Wanping a lesson. Ding Tianxiang¡¯s gaze returned to Chen Silin, filled with blatant lust, ¡°See that?¡± ¡°They¡¯re just a bunch of trash. A year with them won¡¯t compare to one night with me!¡± ¡°Come on, I promise you¡¯ll be pleasantly surprised!¡± ¡°In every aspect!¡± With a teasing smile, he extended his hand to grab Chen Silin¡¯s waist. Clang¡ª¡ª But suddenly. The sound of a sword rang out. Cold light splashed, and a sword shadow cast over! The powerful Sword Qi slashed straight at Ding Tianxiang¡¯s forehead. Ding Tianxiang immediately sensed it, sneering, ¡°A mere ant, and you dare strike at me?¡± He casually unleashed a punch of fist force. The Qi force was fierce, resonating with a booming sound, crashing towards the Sword Qi. The younger members of the Ding Family looked on in admiration. ¡°It¡¯s one of the Young Master¡¯s signature techniques, the Mountain Opening Fist, a mid-tier Profound Level fist skill!¡± ¡°Such powerful might!¡± ¡°Even if casually performed, it would be unbeatable below the Eighth Layer of Foundation Establishment!¡± ¡°This person is seeking death, daring to strike at the Young Master!¡± ¡°Let¡¯s see how he withstands this punch!¡± ¡­ However, just as they finished speaking. Ding Tianxiang¡¯s Mountain Opening Fist Qi scattered like mist pierced by sunlight, vanishing instantly! The Sword Qi was incredibly sharp! It dispersed the fist Qi, instantly slashing at Ding Tianxiang¡¯s forehead! Ding Tianxiang was immediately horrified! Frantically dodging! But the Sword Qi was already upon him, leaving no chance to evade! Fortunately, the Ding Family Head Ding Xuhui was beside him. From the moment Jiang Fan unleashed the sword, he had grasped its extraordinary nature. Thus, he had promptly prepared, throwing a Jade Scroll in the way. The Jade Scroll was pierced by the Sword Qi, releasing a mist that enveloped the Sword Qi. However. Ding Xuhui still underestimated the power of ¡°Sword Heart Engraving.¡± The Sword Qi, though diminished greatly, still shattered the mist and struck Ding Tianxiang¡¯s forehead! Sizz¡ª¡ª A light sound. A finger-long bloodline appeared on Ding Tianxiang¡¯s forehead. Blood beads accumulated, joining into a stream, flowing downward. Flowing along were the cold sweats of the Ding Family members, terrified. For they all realized. At the last moment, Jiang Fan had withdrawn his Sword Qi. Otherwise, Ding Tianxiang¡¯s forehead would not bear a mere bloodline. But a crack splitting his skull! Clang¡ª¡ª The sound of the sword. Jiang Fan sheathed his sword, cold light emitting from his eyes: ¡°Next time, death!¡± Everyone trembled inside. A feeling of coldness enveloped them! It seemed that Jiang Fan at this moment was a peerless killing sword. Once unsheathed, blood would spill! Chapter 127 - Chapter 127: Chapter 127: Fate Brings Us Together Across Thousands of Miles Chapter 127: Chapter 127: Fate Brings Us Together Across Thousands of Miles Ding Xuhui¡¯s eyes showed astonishment as he looked directly at Jiang Fan for the first time and asked, ¡°You are?¡± Chen Silin took Jiang Fan¡¯s arm with pride and said, ¡°Sect Master Peak disciple, Jiang Fan, and he is also my fianc¨¦.¡± She cast a provocative glance at Ding Tianxiang. So what if you are a disciple of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion? Didn¡¯t you still lose under Jiang Fan¡¯s sword? Thinking of this, she clung to Jiang Fan¡¯s arm tighter, as if by doing so, she could feel more secure. Ding Tianxiang, having just escaped being killed, now faced such provocation from Chen Silin. Anger surged in his chest, and he channeled his spiritual power, shouting, ¡°Come! We¡¯ll go again!¡± He had been too careless earlier. Otherwise, with his Foundation Establishment Eighth Layer cultivation, he wouldn¡¯t have lost so miserably. ¡°Shut up!¡± Ding Xuhui scolded, ¡°Guests should be treated with respect, not rudeness!¡± If it had been disciples from other peaks, it wouldn¡¯t have mattered. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co His son was a disciple of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion; injuring the opponent would make even their master hesitant to react strongly. But Jiang Fan was a disciple of the Green Cloud Sect Master. If he let Jiang Fan get injured by Ding family disciples, wouldn¡¯t that be a slap in the face of the Green Cloud Sect Master? He immediately cupped his hands and said, ¡°Disciples of the Green Cloud Sect, since you were brought here by my Ding family disciple, Ding Wanping, it is my duty to take care of you.¡± ¡°Wanping, arrange for them to stay in the residence.¡± After saying this, he turned to leave. Just before leaving, he suddenly stopped, frowned, and reminded, ¡°Also, Master Qin will be arriving at the Ding family soon.¡± ¡°Make sure you restrain your companions and don¡¯t wander around the residence to avoid disturbing Master Qin.¡± Ding Wanping stood respectfully, ¡°Yes, Family Head!¡± Thinking of Master Qin, he felt deep respect from his heart. A true First Grade Soul Master, someone whose slightest movement could shake the entire Cloud Sun City. Even the enraged Ding Tianxiang, upon learning that Master Qin was about to arrive, immediately suppressed his anger and dared not cause any further trouble. Being in the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, he knew even more the exalted status of Soul Masters. Even Core Formation Realm martial artists could only regard a One-star Soul Master as an equal. The Ding family, lacking even a Core Formation Realm member, was tremendously fortunate to gain a One-star Soul Master¡¯s favor. If they displeased him and he chose not to cooperate with the Ding family, he would be a historical sinner for the Ding family! Thus, the conflict subsided. Ding Wanping led everyone to the guest rooms of the Ding family, arranging rooms for each disciple. When it came to Chen Silin, he attentively said, ¡°Junior Sister Silin, you can stay in the room next to your Senior Brother¡¯s.¡± ¡°If anything happens, I can come immediately.¡± Chen Silin said coolly, ¡°There¡¯s no need to trouble Senior Brother.¡± ¡°I will stay in the same room with Jiang Fan.¡± If something really happened, could Ding Wanping protect her? The previous incident had already provided the answer. Ding Wanping¡¯s chest tightened with pain, he glared jealously at Jiang Fan, ¡°Junior Sister, don¡¯t overestimate Jiang Fan.¡± ¡°Earlier, he just took advantage of the element of surprise to gain an edge over Ding Tianxiang.¡± ¡°In a real fight, Jiang Fan would be done within three moves!¡± Hearing this, Chen Silin¡¯s face showed a faint trace of disdain. She retorted bluntly, ¡°That¡¯s still better than standing there taking slaps without fighting back!¡± The other disciples looked at Ding Wanping, their faces emotionless. In their hearts, they felt a tinge of contempt. No matter how weak Jiang Fan¡¯s cultivation was, at least he dared to stand up for Chen Silin and successfully injured the opponent. What about Ding Wanping? He only dared to act tough in front of those weaker than himself. Facing Ding Tianxiang, he didn¡¯t even have the courage to strike back. Where did he get the gall to look down on Jiang Fan? Ding Wanping, humiliated beyond measure, clenched his fists and glared at Jiang Fan with hatred, ¡°Dare to compete with me?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s see who is the hero and who is the coward?¡± He couldn¡¯t bear the humiliation. No matter what, he wanted to prove himself. In front of the Green Cloud Sect disciples and Chen Silin, he wanted to regain some of his lost dignity! He couldn¡¯t beat Ding Tianxiang, but surely he could easily handle Jiang Fan, right? Jiang Fan found this person tiresome. He had been entangled again and again. Since the other party was asking for it, he might as well end it swiftly. ¡°Fine!¡± Jiang Fan agreed without hesitation. Ding Wanping gripped his sword hilt, ¡°Follow me!¡± Thus. They all moved to the Ding family¡¯s Martial Arts Training Ground. The other disciples were also very curious about where Jiang Fan got the confidence to face Ding Wanping in a duel. After all, the latter was an experienced disciple. He had been in the Sixth Layer of Foundation Establishment for quite some time, with solid foundations and ample combat experience. Jiang Fan, on the other hand, had joined the Green Cloud Sect only a month ago. The two stepped out from the crowd, each gripping their weapons, facing each other, ready to fight. At the same time. The highly anticipated Master Qin finally arrived at the Ding family. He was none other than Qin Wenyuan, who had relocated his entire family from Lonely Boat City a long way away. Cloud Sun City was far more prosperous than Lonely Boat City, making it a perfect place for the Qin family to reestablish themselves. Given that the Qin family had just arrived, establishing themselves meant competing for territory with the local Martial Path families. So Qin Wenyuan wisely chose to form an alliance with the Ding family. First, they would take down the other two prominent Martial Path families and then secure their footing. ¡°Master Qin, you have finally arrived!¡± Ding Xuhui led the entire Ding family, welcoming the Qin family¡¯s grand procession outside the city gates. Ding Tianxiang accompanied them, paying his respects to Qin Wenyuan, ¡°Master Qin, I am Ding Tianxiang, a disciple of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion.¡± ¡°Welcome to the Ding family.¡± He mentioned his identity to add weight to the Ding family¡¯s negotiations. In hopes of securing more benefits in the alliance. Qin Wenyuan, however, responded with a slightly mocking smile, ¡°Is Elder Fei Yunlun of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion doing well?¡± Ding Tianxiang was startled, ¡°Master Qin, you know my master?¡± Fei Yunlun, none other than his master, was a Great Cultivator at the Jiedan Eighth Layer. He was very surprised that Qin Wenyuan knew him. ¡°We are more than just acquaintances.¡± Qin Wenyuan stroked his beard, ¡°Elder Fei Yunlun should call me Senior Brother.¡± ¡°We were from the same sect, but later I discovered my soul talent and pursued the path of a Soul Master.¡± ¡°By that calculation, you are my junior nephew.¡± Hearing this, Ding Tianxiang was greatly shocked! He felt more reverent. His already bent back bowed even deeper, ¡°Tianxiang greets Uncle Master.¡± Ding Xuhui dared not be disrespectful either and bowed as well, ¡°Junior pays respects to Master Qin!¡± He felt enormous pressure. Qin Wenyuan was not only a One-star Soul Master but also his son¡¯s martial uncle. If he got displeased, couldn¡¯t he decide his son¡¯s future and the Ding family¡¯s prosperity? Thinking of this, his demeanor grew even more respectful. In their respectful bowing, Qin Wenyuan received unprecedentedly high honor as he entered the Ding family. The alliance discussions proceeded without any obstacles. All the conditions Qin Wenyuan proposed, Ding Xuhui had to accept entirely, not daring to oppose. Fortunately, Qin Wenyuan was not a greedy person; although some conditions were harsh, they were still bearable. After the alliance was settled, Ding Xuhui let out a long sigh of relief, finally putting down his worry. ¡°Master Qin, I have prepared a banquet, please follow me.¡± Accompanied by Ding Xuhui, Qin Wenyuan walked to the dining hall in high spirits. He felt quite pleased. ¡°Leaving Lonely Boat City may not be a bad thing.¡± ¡°As long as we don¡¯t provoke that Three-Star Soul Master, the Qin family will be more glorious than ever.¡± As they walked. Passing by the Martial Arts Training Ground, he caught sight of a group of people from the corner of his eye. When he saw a figure standing in the center, he couldn¡¯t help but pause. Chapter 128 - Chapter 128: Chapter 128 Young Master Changes Tune Chapter 128: Chapter 128 Young Master Changes Tune He couldn¡¯t believe his eyes. He rubbed his aged eyes and looked again. Who else could it be but Jiang Fan? For a moment, he felt a sense of absurdity about his life. He led his entire family on a long journey to Cloud Sun City. Thinking he would never see the other person again in this lifetime. Who would have thought, they¡¯d run into each other as soon as they arrived! Seeing Qin Wenyuan frozen in place, Ding Xuhui was astonished and followed his gaze. He saw Ding Wanping and Jiang Fan about to fight. He couldn¡¯t help but feel a pang in his heart. Today was supposed to be a good day for the alliance, not a time to shed blood. Could it be that Qin Wenyuan was displeased because of this? Both surprised and angry, Ding Xuhui hurried forward and scolded Ding Wanping, ¡°Are you deaf?¡± ¡°I told you not to disturb Master Qin, why did you bring people to the Martial Arts Training Ground?¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co ¡°Get lost!¡± About to take revenge for past grievances, Ding Wanping was startled. He glanced back and saw Qin Wenyuan surrounded by a crowd, and quickly lowered his head and hurried away. The disciples of Green Cloud Sect were also tongue-tied. They had actually disturbed Master Qin! So they hurriedly left. Jiang Fan looked on curiously and saw that it really was Qin Wenyuan, making the corners of his mouth twitch. They managed to run into each other here! Today was the day of the alliance between Qin Wenyuan and the Ding family. He couldn¡¯t greet him, so he pretended not to know and left. Qin Wenyuan, whose heart had been tense, saw Jiang Fan show no other expression and sighed in relief. He muttered to himself, ¡°Our Qin family has moved, and we have already accepted the penalty.¡± ¡°Master Jiang won¡¯t blame us anymore.¡± Thinking of this, his mind became active. ¡°Since he no longer blames us, can we make friends?¡± That was a Three-Star Soul Master. Even if he taught a little, it would take a lifetime to digest it all. But he also understood that a hasty friendship would be an offense. Suddenly, he remembered Ding Wanping, who was sparring with Jiang Fan, and asked, ¡°Family Head Ding, was there someone sparring just now who was a junior of your Ding family?¡± Ding Xuhui nervously replied, ¡°He¡­ he is a concubine¡¯s son of my Ding family.¡± ¡°He is ignorant and clashed with Master Qin, please don¡¯t take it to heart.¡± He hated Ding Wanping. This guy was good for nothing but trouble! Qin Wenyuan continued to ask, ¡°And what is the relationship between him and the boy from Green Cloud Sect he was sparring with?¡± Was he referring to Jiang Fan? How could Ding Xuhui say otherwise? He immediately nodded and said, ¡°Ding Wanping is the leader of this mission, and he has a very good relationship with Jiang Fan, very good indeed.¡± Qin Wenyuan felt reassured. Since Jiang Fan was good with people from the Ding family, he, as an ally of the Ding family, would naturally also befriend Jiang Fan. Only, Ding Wanping¡¯s status was a bit too low to represent the Ding family. After some thought, he smiled and said, ¡°I see that Ding Wanping is extraordinary and will surely achieve great things in the future.¡± ¡°If he were to become the Young Master of the Ding family, the Ding family¡¯s future would undoubtedly be prosperous.¡± What? Ding Xuhui was greatly shocked. He never expected that Qin Wenyuan would want to designate Ding Wanping as the new Young Master of the Ding family. Wasn¡¯t Ding Tianxiang much more outstanding than Ding Wanping? Ding Tianxiang was also dumbfounded. What was going on? Why did Qin Wenyuan appreciate Ding Wanping? The rest of the Ding family also looked baffled and all turned their eyes to Ding Xuhui for a decision. What else could Ding Xuhui do? Although he favored Ding Tianxiang more, Ding Wanping was more favored by Master Qin. At least during the alliance, he couldn¡¯t displease Master Qin. So, he could only pat Ding Tianxiang on the shoulder: ¡°Tianxiang, I¡¯m sorry, from today on, the position of Young Master will be held by Ding Wanping.¡± Ding Tianxiang was deeply unwilling, but couldn¡¯t show it and had to nod sullenly. Before long. The group just returned to their room when an elder caught up with them. ¡°Wanping, come with me to the ancestral hall!¡± ¡°The family head is going to appoint you as the new Young Master of the Ding family!¡± What? The disciples of Green Cloud Sect were confused. Suddenly, Ding Wanping had become the new Young Master? Wasn¡¯t Ding Tianxiang the Young Master? What qualifications did Ding Wanping have to take his place? Ding Wanping was also stunned, thinking he misheard: ¡°Elder, are you mistaken?¡± The elder was full of joy and said, ¡°Just now, Master Qin took a liking to you at a glance.¡± ¡°At his suggestion, the family head decided to make you the new Young Master!¡± What? Ding Wanping was overwhelmed with favor and couldn¡¯t believe it as he pointed to himself. Who was he? He didn¡¯t even qualify to meet Master Qin. Now, he had gained Master Qin¡¯s favor? The sudden joy left him dizzy, and it took him a while to come to his senses. He trembled with excitement and couldn¡¯t help boasting to the disciples of Green Cloud Sect, ¡°Did you hear that? Did you hear that?¡± ¡°Master Qin has taken a liking to me!¡± Most of the disciples looked enviously at him. To be favored by a Soul Master, what an honor! However, Jiang Fan and Chen Silin were puzzled. Why would Qin Wenyuan like Ding Wanping? Chen Silin, eyes twinkling, softly muttered, ¡°Could Qin Wenyuan have misunderstood the relationship between Jiang Fan and Ding Wanping?¡± Jiang Fan seemed to have a vague idea. However, whether Ding Wanping became the Young Master or not, it had nothing to do with him, so he didn¡¯t say anything. But his indifference made Ding Wanping unhappy. ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Jiang Fan, are you jealous?¡± Ding Wanping boasted, ¡°I am now not only the Young Master of the Ding family but also the favored one in front of Master Qin!¡± ¡°What do you have to compete with me?¡± Jiang Fan moved his lips but ultimately held back his words. He couldn¡¯t be bothered to question how Ding Wanping gained Qin Wenyuan¡¯s favor. Instead, he said to Chen Silin, ¡°Let¡¯s go back to our room to rest for a while. We¡¯ll head out at dusk to look for demon beasts, they prefer to move after dark.¡± This was their real goal for this trip. Chen Silin nodded, her fair cheeks slightly flushed, and followed Jiang Fan back to the room. This made Ding Wanping extremely displeased. ¡°Damn it! I am now the Young Master of the Ding family and can use the entire family¡¯s power to help me hunt demon beasts!¡± ¡°What do you have to compete with me?¡± In the room. Jiang Fan took out a book filled with illustrations. It was found in the bundle that Elder Zhao Wuji had sent, containing images and detailed descriptions of various demon beasts. Including their habits, talents, attack methods, and weaknesses. Chen Silin, standing beside him, felt dizzy from looking at it and rubbed her sore eyes, saying, ¡°Husband, there are thousands of kinds of demon beasts in this book.¡± ¡°Even if you finish reading it, you might not remember everything!¡± She admitted knowing the enemy meant winning a hundred battles. Understanding demon beasts would make hunting them more efficient. But the types of demon beasts in Hundred Beasts Mountain were unknown, even if Jiang Fan saw them in the book, he might not remember! There was too little time. In just two days, Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t possibly familiarize himself with it all. At this moment. Jiang Fan finished the last page and gently closed the book. In his mind, clear images of the book¡¯s contents appeared. As soon as a type of demon beast appeared, he would recognize it immediately. The green dots of the Void Divine Tree not only improved his comprehension. It seemed his memory had also become exceptionally good. What would take ordinary people months to fully grasp in the demon beast book, he had memorized in two days. Even if Ding Wanping had more people, he wouldn¡¯t necessarily be as efficient as Jiang Fan in hunting the same demon beasts. Jiang Fan took her soft hand and pulled her onto his lap, whispering, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will earn enough merit points to allow us both to practice in the Holy Hall.¡± Chen Silin¡¯s porcelain cheeks turned slightly pink. Listening to Jiang Fan¡¯s strong heartbeat, she felt strangely satisfied. As the two were about to get intimate. The urgent knocking on the door interrupted their moment. ¡°Junior Brother Jiang, Junior Sister Chen, demon beasts are attacking the city!¡± Chapter 129 - Chapter 129: Chapter 129 Mountain Splitting Beast Chapter 129: Chapter 129 Mountain Splitting Beast Jiang Fan¡¯s expression changed. He immediately took Chen Silin out the door and joined the other disciples. Half a day later. Ding Wanping successfully inherited the title of Young Master. Not only did he change into a brand new silk robe, but the Ding Family also equipped him with a mid-grade Magic Artifact. Most importantly. Ding Tianxiang and several young strong members of the clan accompanied him like guards. Seeing Jiang Fan come out, Ding Wanping said smugly, ¡°Let me introduce, these are my attendants.¡± ¡°I¡¯m bringing my attendants to exterminate the demon beasts together, the merit points will be mine, is that alright?¡± The other disciples felt indignant. Why? They all fought alone, while Ding Wanping brought a group of people, and among them was Ding Tianxiang, whose cultivation was at the Eighth Layer of Foundation Establishment. Aside from the Demon King, any demon beast that came would be slain by them, right? They had traveled a long way here, yet couldn¡¯t even taste a sip of soup, all the meat would be devoured by Ding Wanping. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co However, this was the Ding Family¡¯s territory. Even if they were displeased, there was nothing they could do, because they didn¡¯t have any attendants with them. Jiang Fan remained expressionless, ¡°Suit yourself.¡± Demon beasts had various talents, if one didn¡¯t understand this, it wouldn¡¯t be easy to kill them. Ding Wanping sneered, ¡°What a tough mouth! I wonder if you¡¯ll still be so tough when fighting over the demon beasts.¡± Boom¡ª¡ª Suddenly. A loud noise came from the east gate of the city. No need to say, it was clear it was a demon beast attacking the city! The disciples immediately followed along. Ding Wanping ordered, ¡°Ding Tianxiang, get me the first kill! Don¡¯t let that Jiang guy overshadow me!¡± Anger flashed in Ding Tianxiang¡¯s eyes. Once upon a time, this worthless being he never paid attention to could actually order him around. But thinking about Master Qin¡¯s favor, he could only grit his teeth, utilizing his spiritual power, and sprinted forward swiftly. Soon. They arrived, staring in astonishment at the dent in the city wall. This city wall was made of stone, solid as gold. Yet it was struck by an unknown demon beast, resulting in a dent a yard deep. The impact force was terrifying, chilling everyone to the bone. If one were struck directly, their intestines would be pierced, and their internal organs shattered to death. ¡°Everyone, be careful!¡± Ding Wanping shouted sternly. The demon beast was far stronger than he had expected. Indeed. As his gaze swept around, he saw Ding Tianxiang struggling to cope with a massive creature covered in earth-yellow scales, shaped like a hippo. Unlike a hippo, its eyes were blood-red, and its mouth was filled with jagged teeth like a wolf¡¯s fang. Its nose tip was smooth and pitch black, occasionally emitting an eerie red glow. Ding Tianxiang, with a cultivation at the Eighth Layer of Foundation Establishment, wielded powerful techniques, but they only created blood marks on the demon beast¡¯s body. Not only did he fail to kill it, but he also enraged the demon beast tremendously. Thus, even though Ding Tianxiang arrived first, he was unable to complete the counter-kill. Ding Wanping was astounded, ¡°What kind of demon beast is this?¡± The disciples present, as well as the strong young members from the Ding Family who accompanied them, all looked confused. No one recognized the demon beast at the scene. Jiang Fan was also surprised, ¡°There¡¯s actually such a demon beast in Hundred Beasts Mountain?¡± This was a rare variant among demon beasts, called Mountain Splitting Beast. The scales on its body were top-grade materials for making defensive magical artifacts, extremely tough, normal magic artifacts and techniques couldn¡¯t break through them. Without understanding its weak point, even having a higher cultivation by several levels would be useless. Yet such a demon beast, was rarely seen even among distant beast tides. There was actually one hidden in Hundred Beasts Mountain. While contemplating the Mountain Splitting Beast¡¯s weak points, he decisively drew his Black Sword and jumped off the city wall. Seeing Jiang Fan in action, Ding Wanping grew anxious, and ordered the remaining Ding Family members to join the battle. Under Ding Tianxiang¡¯s suppression, the Mountain Splitting Beast was already difficult to go wild. With a few more strong young members from the Ding Family joining, it immediately struggled to defend itself. This completely incited the beast¡¯s ferocity. As it repelled several people, it growled to the sky, and its pitch-black nose glowed a strongly blood-red hue. Like a red-hot branding iron. Seeing this, Jiang Fan¡¯s eyelids twitched, he shouted, ¡°Get back!¡± He quickly utilized his movement technique, leaping to a distance. Even Ding Tianxiang, sensing the danger, immediately retreated. The young strong members of the Ding Family, also sensing the danger, hurriedly scattered. The Mountain Splitting Beast fixed its gaze on Ding Tianxiang, roaring as it charged at him. Ding Tianxiang had the city wall behind him, nowhere to escape. At the critical moment. A disciple from the Green Cloud Sect threw down a suspension ladder, enabling him to grab and leap upward. Just narrowly avoiding the beast¡¯s charge. Boom¡ª¡ª A loud noise. The city wall was dented another yard deep! If he had been hit just now, Ding Tianxiang¡¯s fate would have been evident. He wiped his cold sweat, showing a look of relief from escaping death. But Jiang Fan reminded again, ¡°Be careful! It¡¯s not over yet!¡± The Mountain Splitting Beast suddenly raised its head, and its blood-red nose aimed at Ding Tianxiang from a distance. A blood-red solid wave rapidly surged towards Ding Tianxiang! Ding Tianxiang turned pale with shock. Even without the wave coming, he felt its enormous threat. If hit, the impact within the wave would undoubtedly shatter his body! At the critical moment, he steeled his heart. He tugged hard on the suspension ladder. The Green Cloud Sect disciple gripping it unexpectedly was flung down. Ding Tianxiang leveraged to jump up, grabbed the city wall¡¯s edge, and flipped back onto it. The Green Cloud Sect disciple flung down screamed miserably, falling directly into the path of the blood-red wave. This scene infuriated the Green Cloud Sect disciples. They had kindly rescued Ding Tianxiang, only to be used as a shield? Yet, in the heat of the moment, they couldn¡¯t rescue their companion! They could only hear his helpless scream. Jiang Fan¡¯s expression also changed dramatically. Never could he have imagined Ding Tianxiang was so despicable! Without further hesitation, he swiftly used his movement technique, seemingly running on the walls. As the blood-red wave surged, he timely caught the Green Cloud Sect disciple, barely dodging the edge of the wave. Boom¡ª¡ª The wave eventually struck the city wall¡¯s edge, creating a long gap several yards wide. The disciples on the wall were horrified. ¡°Can we really handle this demon beast?¡± ¡°Better notify the strong members of the Ding Family, let them join in!¡± Someone suggested retreating. Even Ding Tianxiang no longer dared to attack rashly, saying, ¡°This beast is beyond our handling.¡± ¡°Quickly notify the strong members of the Three Great Families!¡± For the disciples left outside the city, they could only fend for themselves. Furious from repeated failed attacks, the Mountain Splitting Beast stared viciously at Jiang Fan with blood-red eyes. It pawed the ground with its hooves, preparing to attack. Jiang Fan set down the rescued Green Cloud Sect disciple, urging, ¡°Leave quickly!¡± Gripping the Black Sword, he held his breath, and focused his mind. Despite its toughness, the Mountain Splitting Beast had a clear weak point. Rumbling¡ª¡ª The beast suddenly shot forward like a spring. Its nose glowed blood-red again. Witnessing its terrifying nose, the disciples¡¯ hearts pounded. The disciples shouted. ¡°Get out of the way! Move quickly!¡± ¡°Run, Junior Brother Jiang!¡± However. Not only did Jiang Fan not dodge. He stared at the beast¡¯s blood-red nose, rapidly charging towards it utilizing his movement technique! Chapter 130 - Chapter 130: Chapter 130: Seizing the Merit Chapter 130: Chapter 130: Seizing the Merit The Mountain Splitting Beast was also startled by Jiang Fan¡¯s sudden movement. Panic flashed in its eyes. It quickly retracted the blood-red glow from its nose. But it was already too late. In an instant, Jiang Fan rushed forward. As the last bit of blood-red glow disappeared from its nose, he thrust his sword forward. Strangely enough, the Mountain Splitting Beast¡¯s body was as hard as iron, and so was its nose. But when accumulating the blood glow, the nose became incredibly soft. The Black Sword instantly pierced through. And with the Mountain Splitting Beast¡¯s forward momentum, the sword tip continued to go deeper. Until only the sword hilt remained outside. At this moment, the Black Sword had already penetrated the Mountain Splitting Beast¡¯s skull. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co As Jiang Fan activated his spiritual power, the Black Sword jolted violently, shattering everything inside its skull. A roar¡ª¡ª The Mountain Splitting Beast let out a cry of pain, with blood spraying from its seven orifices. Its massive body collapsed heavily to the ground! Jiang Fan pulled out the Black Sword, a white viscous brain matter mixed with a yellowish round bead gushed out. As anticipated, Jiang Fan caught it in his hand. This was the beast core of the demon beast. It contained demon power and some inherent talents. The Mountain Splitting Beast¡¯s innate power was tremendous; if this beast core could be refined into a magic artifact, it would have some abilities to split mountains and rocks. It could be sold for a high price. Of course, the scales on its body were also valuable; Jiang Fan wouldn¡¯t waste them. He stripped off all the scales. Additionally, its tendons, innards, blood, and flesh were all valuable. Indeed. Just after peeling the scales, a local merchant came out and bought the remaining parts for a high price of two hundred crystal stones. On the city wall, the disciples watched in astonishment. ¡°Junior Brother Jiang, did he kill the Mountain Splitting Beast all by himself?¡± ¡°This was the ferocious demon beast that even Ding Tianxiang and the expert youths of the Ding family couldn¡¯t handle.¡± ¡°Not just couldn¡¯t handle, they were clearly being chased and ran away in a sorry state!¡± ¡°That¡¯s why, it still takes the disciples of our Green Cloud Sect to handle it, while those martial path families are nothing special!¡± At this moment, Ding Xuhui led the family experts over, sensing something was wrong. ¡°What¡¯s happening? Why is there such a huge commotion?¡± He thought they could easily handle the demon beasts attacking the city, but after hearing several earth-shaking noises, they realized something was wrong and rushed over immediately. Just at this moment, the scalpless body of the Mountain Splitting Beast was being carried back into the city by merchants. Ding Xuhui¡¯s pupils contracted: ¡°Mountain Splitting Beast?¡± ¡°A few days ago, it led the demon beasts to attack the city and injured the Hong family head!¡± ¡°You¡­ you actually killed it!¡± Immediately, he looked at Ding Tianxiang, his face full of joy: ¡°Tianxiang, you have surprised your father!¡± ¡°I must publicize this, letting Cloud Sun City and the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion know that our Ding family has produced an extraordinary dragon!¡± Ding Tianxiang¡¯s face looked terrible. He remained silent with a dark expression. The rescued disciples of the Green Cloud Sect crawled back and heard these words, couldn¡¯t help but sneer: ¡°Ding Family Head, don¡¯t overestimate your son!¡± ¡°The Mountain Splitting Beast being killed had nothing to do with him!¡± ¡°It was Junior Brother Jiang who single-handedly killed it!¡± What? Jiang Fan? Ding Xuhui couldn¡¯t believe it, having seen with his own eyes how formidable the Mountain Splitting Beast was. What cultivation did Jiang Fan have to single-handedly kill it? ¡°Tianxiang, is this true?¡± Ding Xuhui asked with a frown. Ding Tianxiang glared at Jiang Fan with hatred, unwillingly said: ¡°He was just lucky, stumbled into killing it!¡± Upon hearing this, Ding Xuhui stroked his beard and nodded. He could only attribute it to luck. Otherwise, there was no reason his son couldn¡¯t kill the demon beast, while an obscure junior could succeed alone. At that moment. Suddenly, several smoke plumes rose from the distant forest, accompanied by the sound of snapping trees. As if something was coming in groups. Ding Xuhui¡¯s expression changed slightly and said: ¡°It¡¯s a beast horde!¡± He realized and said: ¡°The Mountain Splitting Beast was the vanguard, breaking the city first to pave the way for the beast horde behind!¡± ¡°Do these demon beasts have such high spiritual intelligence?¡± During his shock, indeed, dozens of demon beasts surged out from the forest! Only three of them were at the Qi Cultivation Realm. The remaining ten were all in the Foundation Establishment Realm! Most of them had fur and were not the indestructible type. Ding Wanping¡¯s eyes sparkled and said: ¡°Now it¡¯s my turn to show my prowess, right?¡± ¡°Ding Tianxiang, and all of you, charge forward and kill them for the young master!¡± Ding Tianxiang shot a sideways glance at Ding Wanping. But seeing that Jiang Fan had already engaged the beast tide, he immediately leaped off the city wall. In addition, at the Ding Mansion¡¯s entrance, he had already fallen behind Jiang Fan twice. This had filled him with rage. Therefore, upon encountering the demon beasts head-on, he attacked with all his might! However, this group of demon beasts were very strong. Although not as difficult as the Mountain Splitting Beast, they were agile with sharp claws and possessed various strange abilities. For example, the demon wolf he was facing at the moment could perform a sonic attack. A burst of howling, and the sound wave paralyzed his body. If his spiritual power hadn¡¯t been strong enough to disperse the paralysis in time, the demon wolf would have clawed open his stomach. Therefore, after dozens of exchanges, he barely managed to kill a demon wolf. Meanwhile, elsewhere, casualties had already occurred. Several disciples of the Ding family had been bitten by demon beasts, some even dying on the spot. Devastatingly tragic! This made Ding Xuhui on the city wall feel extremely distressed. But what made him even more unbearable was, while the Ding family¡¯s disciples were struggling to kill the demon beasts, a swift and agile figure moved like a ghost through the beast tide. He wielded the Black Sword. When he did strike, it was fast, accurate, and ruthless, precisely hitting the demon beasts¡¯ vital points. One strike, instant kill! In just half a cup of tea¡¯s time, he had killed a full five Foundation Establishment Realm demon beasts. In contrast, the Ding family had only managed to kill one. Such a stark contrast made Ding Wanping anxious and angry: ¡°What¡¯s with Jiang Fan?¡± ¡°Despite his low cultivation, he kills demon beasts easier than Ding Tianxiang?¡± ¡°At this rate, isn¡¯t he going to take all the merit points?¡± Ding Xuhui couldn¡¯t sit still either. Jiang Fan not only killed demon beasts but was also humiliating the Ding family! If Qin Wenyuan heard about how pathetic the Ding family was, how would he regard the Ding family and their cooperation? Clenching his teeth, he jumped off the city wall, joining the demon beast killing ranks. The Green Cloud Sect disciples were speechless. The Ding Family Head had been forced to risk his reputation. With the addition of the ninth-layer Foundation Establishment cultivator, the Ding family¡¯s situation greatly improved. Centered around him and Ding Tianxiang, the Ding family joined forces to kill the demon beasts with much more ease. Since the city wall hadn¡¯t been breached, the demon beasts were caught off guard and trapped outside the walls, unable to escape. This allowed Jiang Fan and the Ding family to entrap and slaughter them. Soon, the small beast tide was completely annihilated. Not one was left. The final tally, Jiang Fan alone killed seven Foundation Establishment Realm demon beasts. The Ding family collectively killed three Foundation Establishment Realm demon beasts and three Qi Cultivation Realm demon beasts. Converting it to merit points, Jiang Fan alone had more than the combined Ding family. Ding Wanping couldn¡¯t believe it and angrily questioned: ¡°Jiang Fan! Did you cheat?¡± Chapter 131 - Chapter 131: Chapter 131: Beast King Suddenly Appears Chapter 131: Chapter 131: Beast King Suddenly Appears No wonder he doubted it. Even those Green Cloud Sect disciples standing on the city wall who hadn¡¯t had time to take action found it hard to accept. Family Head Ding, the Ding Family¡¯s strongest prodigy, along with Ding Wanping and many skilled junior members of the Ding Family. Even with all their combined effort, their achievements were not even half of Jiang Fan¡¯s! Who would believe such a tale? Upon hearing this. Jiang Fan leisurely picked out a beast core and stuffed it into his pouch. Then he glanced at him, expressionless, and said, ¡°Cheating? Yes, yes, I communicated with the demon beasts and told them to stand still and wait for me to kill them.¡± ¡°Are you satisfied now?¡± Ding Xuhui looked at Ding Wanping with disappointment. How foolish must one be to accuse the opponent of cheating? This wasn¡¯t any kind of competition; it was a face-to-face battle with demon beasts! How could there be talk of cheating? Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co Losing wasn¡¯t the issue; being a sore loser was truly humiliating. He couldn¡¯t help but feel ashamed for Ding Wanping. However, regarding Jiang Fan¡¯s performance, he also finally had some thoughts, frowning as he said, ¡°I didn¡¯t think of it. A dignified disciple of the Green Cloud Sect, and yet you have learned the Spirit Beast Sect¡¯s techniques.¡± ¡°If the Green Cloud Sect Master finds out, you won¡¯t escape a punishment.¡± He mistakenly assumed that the reason Jiang Fan could quickly kill one Foundation Establishment Realm demon beast after another was because he used some of the Spirit Beast Sect¡¯s techniques to confuse the demon beasts. Only then could he achieve a one-hit-kill effect while the demon beasts were distracted. Completely unaware. Every sword strike from Jiang Fan hit the demon beasts¡¯ most fatal weak points. Of course, he didn¡¯t need to explain this. He just continued expressionlessly to take the demon cores and valuable materials from the demon beasts. After tidying up the scene, Jiang Fan asked, ¡°Are all the demon beasts that attacked Cloud Sun City here?¡± Ding Xuhui looked at the more than half pile of demon beast corpses in front of Jiang Fan, his lips twitching slightly, and nodded, ¡°They¡¯ve all been killed.¡± Including the few that the Three Great Families killed during the last attack. All the remaining ones were accounted for here. The crisis in Cloud Sun City was resolved. A Green Cloud Sect disciple sighed in relief, ¡°This mission wasn¡¯t as dangerous as described.¡± Ding Wanping, who looked unwell, snorted, ¡°That¡¯s because this is Cloud Sun City.¡± ¡°With strong members of the Ding Family guarding it, during the last attack, the strong members of my Ding Family chased them away.¡± ¡°Without my Ding Family, Cloud Sun City would have already fallen!¡± It wasn¡¯t that Liu Wuchen was trying to alarm people. The same demon beasts, if they appeared in Lonely Boat City, the city would likely have already fallen, and there would be great suffering. Not to mention the subsequent small beast tides. Just that Mountain Splitting Beast alone, who in Lonely Boat City could resist it? Cloud Sun City being safe was indeed thanks to the strong members of the Three Great Families in the city. The Green Cloud Sect disciple, who was rebuked, muttered angrily, ¡°So many people in the Ding Family, yet not as effective as Junior Brother Jiang alone.¡± ¡°What are you boasting about?¡± You! Ding Wanping glared angrily. But the facts left him speechless. Ding Xuhui also felt humiliated and said, ¡°Green Cloud Sect disciples, since the beast threat is resolved, you should leave.¡± He waved his hand, not even bothering to host a thank-you banquet. Directly seeing them off. The Green Cloud Sect disciples also said nothing, summoning their flying creatures, preparing to leave. Chen Silin glanced at them coldly. Feeling it was unjust for Jiang Fan. Suddenly, her eyes gleamed, pretending to scold him lightly, ¡°Husband, why didn¡¯t you hold back? You¡¯ve made the Ding Family lose face.¡± Jiang Fan said helplessly, ¡°It¡¯s their own incompetence.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go too!¡± He embraced Chen Silin, leaping onto the flying creature under the angry glares of the Ding Family. This was sheer humiliation! However, the Ding Family indeed performed poorly this time. Initially, they looked down on the Green Cloud Sect disciples. Now, they were heavily humiliated by the Green Cloud Sect disciples. While they were feeling resentful. The flying creatures that had just taken off suddenly flapped their wings in panic, soaring into the high skies. As if they sensed a huge danger. At the same time. In the distant forest, ancient trees fell in clusters. As if some enormous creature was charging towards them. Ding Xuhui exclaimed, ¡°Oh? Is there a straggler?¡± Then he took the initiative to face it, confidently saying, ¡°This one is ours, the Ding Family will handle it.¡± As the forest was knocked aside, a giant wolf-like beast, as large as a pavilion, burst forth, carrying an enormously fierce aura! Its body was covered in white fur. Its eerie green eyes were filled with ferocity. Seeing the ground full of demon beast corpses, it let out an angry growl, glaring fiercely at the approaching Ding Xuhui. Being stared at, Ding Xuhui¡¯s hair stood on end. Feeling an inexplicable sense of dread. But with all the martial artists in the city and the Green Cloud Sect disciples watching, as the head of the Ding Family, retreating was not an option. Moreover, just a mere Foundation Establishment Realm demon beast, how could he, a martial artist at the Ninth Layer of Foundation Establishment, be afraid of it? ¡°Giant Wave Sword!¡± He didn¡¯t retreat but advanced, holding a blue long sword, and fiercely thrust it toward the giant wolf demon¡¯s eye. On the flying creatures in the sky. Jiang Fan watched the absurdly large wolf demon and couldn¡¯t help but mutter, ¡°White Crystal Beast?¡± ¡°But even the largest Foundation Establishment Realm White Crystal Beast is only the size of an adult bull.¡± ¡°Why is this one different from the descriptions in the illustrated guide?¡± Suddenly. Jiang Fan thought of something. His heart skipped a beat, and his face changed dramatically. He urgently shouted, ¡°Move away quickly! This is the Beast King from Hundred Beasts Mountain!¡± Only a White Crystal Beast that broke through the Foundation Establishment Realm to reach the Core Formation Realm could grow to such an enormous size. And of the Core Formation Realm demon beasts, within the Green Cloud Sect territory, there was only one! That was the Beast King of Hundred Beasts Mountain! This Beast King had actually targeted Cloud Sun City! No wonder that rare Mountain Splitting Beast appeared here! It was brought by the Beast King! What? Upon hearing the urgent warning from the sky, Ding Xuhui was startled. This Beast King was a creature even the Green Cloud Sect elders were wary of. Otherwise, how could it be allowed to lead Hundred Beasts Mountain and become a threat within the territory? Knowing it was the Beast King, Ding Xuhui¡¯s heart was thrown into chaos, and his spiritual power immediately became disordered. His sword strike, therefore, lost thirty percent of its power. As a result, not only did he fail to injure the White Crystal Beast, but he also angered it. Roar¡ª The White Crystal Beast directly launched one of its innate divine abilities, a sonic attack. Ding Xuhui was instantly knocked backward by the impact. Blood spurted from his ears! He spat out a stream of blood, staining his chest. His burly body crashed heavily onto the city wall, knocking over a group of Ding Family members. Everyone hurriedly helped him up, only to find his chest caved in. He was gravely injured! In just one move. One of Cloud Sun City¡¯s top three experts, Ding Xuhui, was brought to such an end! Everyone looked at the White Crystal Beast, their bodies trembling uncontrollably. A tremendous fear enveloped the entire scene! ¡°It¡¯s the Beast King! A Core Formation Realm Beast King!¡± ¡°Run!¡± The crowd panicked, scattering in all directions. However. An enraged Beast King, how could mere city walls stop it? It kicked off with its legs and leaped easily onto the city wall! Looking down ferociously at the countless humans within the wall. Like a hungry wolf entering a sheep pen! But! Just when everyone thought it was about to leap into the city. It suddenly turned abruptly, leaping into the air using the city wall. Its bloodthirsty mouth gnashing toward the Green Cloud Sect disciples in mid-air! Chapter 132 - Chapter 132: Chapter 132: Beast King Pursuit Chapter 132: Chapter 132: Beast King Pursuit Standing on the flying beasts, the disciples of the Green Cloud Sect didn¡¯t expect this! The beasts panic and scatter in all directions! The flying beast under Jiang Fan and Chen Silin accidentally collided with a nearby beast. Their bodies lost control and started to roll in midair. Jiang Fan managed to grab the beast¡¯s neck in time. But Chen Silin wasn¡¯t so quick to react, being thrown out on the spot. Where she landed was right in the gaping maw of the White Crystal Beast! ¡°Damn it!¡± Jiang Fan growled and leaped down. He quickly executed an Earth-level fragmented technique he comprehended at the Moke Stone Wall! ¡°Shattering Star Three Extremes! Army-breaking!¡± His robust spiritual power condensed to its limit, transforming into a tangible qi arrow that shot out! In an instant, it grazed Chen Silin¡¯s arm and pierced into the mouth of the White Crystal Beast. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co Poof¡ª¡ª This was an Earth-level Finger Technique, capable of easily piercing through a half-meter-thick stone wall! No matter how mighty the Beast King in the Core Formation Realm, how could its fragile throat withstand this finger strike? The qi arrow penetrated through its throat, shooting out with a spray of blood from its neck. Roar! The White Crystal Beast let out a pained howl, its massive body plummeting from the sky, causing the ground to tremble loudly upon impact. Jiang Fan seized this opportunity to catch Chen Silin. He then stepped onto the high city wall, running swiftly along the rooftops into the city. Some fleeing martial artists inadvertently turned back to witness this scene, all showing expressions of shock. A mere disciple at the Fourth Layer of Foundation Establishment injured the Beast King! However. The White Crystal Beast was thoroughly enraged. Its blood-red eyes locked onto Jiang Fan, exuding a murderous glare. With a powerful leap, it pounced towards Jiang Fan, who was climbing the city wall. Jiang Fan felt a massive shadow enveloping him from behind. The foul breath from the Beast King¡¯s mouth hit him face-on. At this moment, his whole body bristled with hair standing on end. A gigantic sense of crisis crashing down on him. At the critical moment. He decisively drew his Black Sword, slashing a fierce strike backward without even looking! ¡°Splitting Light Sword!¡± With no time to gather enough spiritual power, he was forced to use the first form of ¡°Sword Heart Engraving¡±. Once the longsword was drawn, the air surged wildly! The extremely sharp Sword Qi struck the White Crystal Beast behind him. Immediately, it turned into a thunderous explosion! Chen Silin, unprepared, shuddered, her ears buzzing from the shock. The White Crystal Beast did not expect this unassuming human to wield a second Earth-level Technique! The Sword Qi blasted away a large chunk of its fur, revealing its ghastly white bones. Bones covered in dense cracks! This sword had injured its tendons and bones! At the same time, it knocked the beast off the city wall. Taking advantage of this, Jiang Fan climbed the wall and jumped into the city. Roar!!! Blood dyed the White Crystal Beast¡¯s head, making its already ferocious face look even more terrifying. Its blood-red eyes glared around the crowd menacingly. It soon locked onto Jiang Fan. With a fierce glint in its eyes, it jumped into the city in pursuit! With a single step, it easily crushed a house. Along its path, rows of houses collapsed with loud crashes. Jiang Fan glanced back, feeling chills down his spine! This was a Core Formation Realm existence! How could he deal with it alone? He gritted his teeth. Jiang Fan turned into an alley and placed Chen Silin into a courtyard. He then climbed the roof and led the beast outside the city. If it remained in the city, it would definitely bring forth a series of bloody massacres, killing the innocent. He also wouldn¡¯t be able to fully utilize his techniques in a crowded place, avoiding hitting others. He had to lure it out of the city first. The repeatedly injured White Crystal Beast was consumed with hatred for Jiang Fan. Chasing him as he ran out. Seeing it catch up, Jiang Fan decisively used ¡°Solitary Wild Goose Shadow,¡± his speed increasing several times over. Although it was still not as fast as the White Crystal Beast. But it was enough to avoid immediate capture! He leaped swiftly along the way. Unintentionally, he approached the Ding Family. The heavily injured Ding Xuhui saw the White Crystal Beast chasing Jiang Fan towards them. With a pale face, he shouted in panic ¡°Close the gate! Close the gate quickly! Don¡¯t let Jiang Fan bring the Beast King here!¡± The Ding Family members immediately shut the gates. The clan members huddled together, as if facing a great enemy. Jiang Fan¡¯s face darkened. He continued to run outside. Along the way, families large and small, all panickedly shut their doors, not daring to let Jiang Fan in. Afraid of bringing disaster upon their own families. ¡°A bunch of selfish fools!¡± Jiang Fan was extremely disappointed. An anthill could kill an elephant! If only all the families united, gathering all their strong martial artists, even this White Crystal Beast would run away in fear! Their self-preservation allowed the beast to rampage through the city! At that moment. An imposing family mansion suddenly had an old man with white hair jump out. He drew a longbow and shot an arrow at the White Crystal Beast, shouting ¡°Monstrous beast! Do you think Cloud Sun City has no one to stop you? How dare you behave so arrogantly!¡± Clang¡ª¡ª The beast¡¯s fur, stiff as steel needles, easily deflected the arrow. It gave the old man a fierce look and continued to chase Jiang Fan. Jiang Fan also glanced at the old man in surprise. He noticed the plaque on the mansion bearing the words ¡°Lin Family¡±. ¡°Young friend! There is a lake ten miles east, this beast fears water!¡± The old man could not help Jiang Fan, but he could give advice. Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes lit up. One of the White Crystal Beast¡¯s weaknesses was indeed fear of water. However, upon hearing it was ten miles away, his heart sank. With his movement technique, he couldn¡¯t run that far. He regretted not having cultivated ¡°Solitary Wild Goose Shadow¡± to the second layer. If he had the technique at its second layer, the Demon Wolf wouldn¡¯t have been able to catch up! At this point, he could only give it his all and try! Soon after. He rushed out of Cloud Sun City, speeding towards the east. However, after just three miles. The White Crystal Beast leaped at him from behind, bringing with it a strong stench! The massive shadow once again enveloped Jiang Fan. Jiang Fan was startled. He turned and unleashed a sword strike he had been preparing for a long time! The third form of ¡°Sword Heart Engraving¡±! ¡°Heaven and Earth Star Fall!¡± In an instant! The air around Jiang Fan boiled and churned wildly. Dust on the ground surged several meters high! Nearby grass and trees turned to powder instantly! The power was so strong, it was utterly destructive! The White Crystal Beast, having been bested twice, was now on guard! It quickly retracted its neck, arched its back, and placed its forelimbs in front of its head. All its white fur stood on end. Like a porcupine! However. It still underestimated the ultimate technique of ¡°Sword Heart Engraving¡±! At that moment, the world fell silent. Not even the beast itself could hear anything due to the terrifying thunderous explosion! Next, a heart-piercing pain shot through its back! The massive shockwave hurled it, the size of a pavilion, dozens of meters away! When the dust settled. Ignoring the ringing in its ears, the beast quickly turned to look behind, gasping in shock. Chapter 133 - Chapter 133: Chapter 133: Great Powerhouses of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion Chapter 133: Chapter 133: Great Powerhouses of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion There was no more white fur on its back. Only a bloody, mangled mass of flesh! And the ghastly sight of white bones. You could even see the organs under the ribs! Just a little more, and it would have pierced through its body! The White Crystal Beast showed signs of narrowly escaping death. When it looked at Jiang Fan again, there was a trace of caution in its eyes. But mostly, it was filled with venomous hatred! Its front limbs started scraping the ground, a continuous growl emitting from its mouth. A strange black glow began to radiate around it. Jiang Fan¡¯s heart skipped a beat! This was the White Crystal Beast¡¯s ultimate skill¡ªDeath Shadow! When activated, its speed would become unparalleled! Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co Even without using any demon power, the sheer speed would allow its claws to easily cut through any divine weapons. Martial Artists of the same realm, facing this skill, had to either flee or die. There was no third option! But Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t escape at all! Woosh¡ª The White Crystal Beast turned into an undetectable black shadow, instantly reaching in front of Jiang Fan. The already raised, resilient wolf claw fiercely swiped at Jiang Fan¡¯s chest. With this swipe. Jiang Fan would certainly be sliced into several pieces! However. The White Crystal Beast suddenly realized Jiang Fan wasn¡¯t as panicked as it thought. On the contrary, a hint of excitement lingered at the corner of his mouth. At the same time, the White Crystal Beast noticed. Jiang Fan¡¯s black sword had somehow been replaced with a long sword radiating a purple glow! This sword filled it with immense unease! A chilling sensation of death rapidly swept through its body! It was terrified. Afraid! And filled with regret! It didn¡¯t understand why pursuing this human boy was so bizarre! Clearly, his cultivation wasn¡¯t strong, but he was more troublesome and scarier than those Martial Artists at the 7th or 8th Foundation Establishment layer! But. It was still a Beast King. Facing life and death, it retained a bit of rationality. Whoever strikes first will live! Hesitation meant death! So, the swiping claw became faster, more accurate, and more ruthless! It had only one thought! It¡¯s either you die, or I die! Jiang Fan understood this too, so he used all his physical strength and spiritual power to drive the Purple Sword! Thanks to the Iron Blood True Scripture. He found it much easier to operate the Purple Sword than before! Therefore, this heavy giant sword swiftly sliced toward the White Crystal Beast! A claw, a sword! Both aimed to kill, attacking each other! Thunk¡ª Clang¡ª In the blink of an eye! The White Crystal Beast¡¯s claw hit Jiang Fan¡¯s chest. But Jiang Fan¡¯s Purple Sword successfully slashed its claw! Howl! How formidable was the Purple Sword? It could cut anything from a distance, let alone up close! The extremely hard wolf claw was sliced like tofu! Floods of wolf blood gushed out! The White Crystal Beast let out a heart-wrenching roar! And Jiang Fan! He was merely sent flying by the tremendous force, crashing into and breaking a towering ancient tree. Though the impact caused internal injuries and blood trickled from his mouth, his chest wasn¡¯t pierced by the claw. Under his tattered clothes, a shiny black Mysterious Iron Armor was visible! It was the treasured artifact of Carefree Peak, the Meridian Mysterious Iron Armor! Seeing Jiang Fan was fine while it had lost a leg. The White Crystal Beast was both shocked and furious! But when it looked at the Purple Sword, a deep fear appeared in its eyes. At this moment, it dared not seek revenge again. It turned and limped eastward, fleeing. Jiang Fan wiped the blood from his mouth, his eyes cold: ¡°Now that you¡¯re hurt, I¡¯ll finish you off!¡± After finally striking it by surprise, how could he easily let it go? Of course. Even a crippled White Crystal Beast wasn¡¯t something Jiang Fan could handle. He could only follow it from afar. Waiting for the right moment to strike again! If one sword stroke wasn¡¯t enough, then two! If he could wear it down to death, that would be best. If not, at least it would vent some of the anger from being hunted! The injured White Crystal Beast was still very fast. After only a few miles, it had left Jiang Fan far behind. At this moment, it arrived in front of a lake. Just as it was about to find a crevice in the rock to hide and heal. A sudden elderly voice came from above. ¡°Hm?¡± ¡°How did the Beast King of Hundred Beasts Mountain get injured like this?¡± The White Crystal Beast¡¯s hair stood on end, its pupils constricting! It was a Beast King at the Core Formation realm! Its sensing abilities were much stronger than humans of the same realm. How could anyone approach it without it sensing? Terrified, it jumped up. Looking up, it saw a giant Black Hawk. On the hawk¡¯s back were an elderly man and a young girl. The young girl, wearing an arrogant pink robe, had a beautiful braid and carried a finely crafted Green Sword on her back. The elderly man was dressed in a Daoist robe, with a Bagua Mirror at his waist, holding a horsetail whisk. He looked kind and gentle. However, the White Crystal Beast instinctively felt fear. It couldn¡¯t stop trembling all over. It could sense that the old man was terrifying like an abyssal beast! Under his gaze, it didn¡¯t dare to move. The girl in pink examined its bloodied head, the wound on its neck, the gruesome injury on its back, and the severed limb. She couldn¡¯t help but shiver. ¡°It could only be a Green Cloud Sect elder who did this.¡± She muttered. The old man slightly nodded. He also thought that only a Green Cloud Sect elder could injure the White Crystal Beast like this. ¡°Vice Pavilion Master, let¡¯s keep going. We need to deliver the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion¡¯s decision to Sect Master Liu as soon as possible.¡± The girl in pink had no interest in the White Crystal Beast. Compared to that, she seemed eager to go to the Green Cloud Pavilion. ¡°When did you start caring about the pavilion¡¯s business?¡± The old man couldn¡¯t help but laugh: ¡°Clearly, you want to challenge Liu Qingxian again!¡± The girl¡¯s face turned red, exposed, she didn¡¯t bother to deny: ¡°That¡¯s right! I want to spar with her!¡± ¡°Last year, she was lucky to tie with me!¡± ¡°I¡¯m not convinced! I must defeat her, and make her admit my superiority!¡± The old man smiled helplessly. As the Proud Daughter of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, with an Eighth-grade Spirit Root, her talent far surpassed Liu Qingxian¡¯s. But in their last duel, relying on various means, Liu Qingxian had managed a tie with the girl in pink. This was a shame she could not accept. She had worked hard for a year, determined to conclusively defeat Liu Qingxian. ¡°Rest assured! Unless she had world-class guidance, it would be hard to beat you.¡± Talent determined one¡¯s upper limit. Over a year, the girl in pink¡¯s strength had reached a very high level. Liu Qingxian couldn¡¯t tie with her again. ¡°Then let¡¯s hurry!¡± The girl in pink¡¯s eyes gleamed, eagerly urging on. The old man smiled: ¡°No rush, let¡¯s deal with this Beast King first.¡± ¡°Consider it a small favor to the Green Cloud Sect elder!¡± Having said that. He put away his smile, looking down at the White Crystal Beast below. The Beast King was terrified, its tail tucked, hopping away on three legs. The old man¡¯s expression remained unchanged, and he flicked his horsetail whisk! With a dull thud! The White Crystal Beast, having run several dozens of feet, suddenly let out a miserable cry. Blood streamed out from its orifices, clearly severely injured internally. Yet, with its robust body, it continued running into the distant woods. ¡°Oh? It survived my strike?¡± ¡°I underestimated this beast!¡± ¡°Take another hit!¡± The old man¡¯s eyes sharpened. He was about to chase after it! Suddenly, a flash of purple light appeared from the forest! Piercing through the enormous body of the White Crystal Beast. Without even a scream, its body collapsed, splitting into two. Witnessing this, the old man took a deep breath: ¡°Such strong Sword Qi! Could it be Huang Zhantian from the Green Cloud Sect?¡± ¡°Within the Green Cloud Sect, only he could release such powerful Sword Qi!¡± The girl in pink showed a hint of surprise too: ¡°Didn¡¯t they say the Green Cloud Sect had no notable experts?¡± ¡°This Supreme Elder seems quite formidable!¡± The old man revealed a smirk: ¡°Looks like, after years of seclusion, his swordsmanship has improved.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s go meet him!¡± They quickly descended. The old man laughed heartily towards the forest: ¡°Old Huang, you¡¯ll have to share this Beast King with me¡­¡± He couldn¡¯t finish the sentence. The girl in pink was also dumbfounded. Because, emerging from the forest, was not Huang Zhantian! Chapter 134 - Chapter 134: Chapter 134: Misjudgment Chapter 134: Chapter 134: Misjudgment But instead, it was a¡­ young man! The elder and the girl in the pink dress were both stunned. The one who made the move was not Huang Zhantian, but rather a young man who was excessively young! Was the terrifying strike just now really done by this young man before them? Jiang Fan watched the two in front of him with some dread. Especially this elder. Just now, he witnessed the elder¡¯s strike from afar, gravely injuring the White Crystal Beast almost to death. He knew very well how resilient the White Crystal Beast was. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn¡¯t inflict fatal damage on it! Yet the elder had nonchalantly flicked his horsetail whisk and almost killed it! This power was horrifyingly high! Just as he didn¡¯t know how to speak, the elder took the lead and asked, ¡°Who are you?¡± Jiang Fan thought for a moment, then took out paper and pen, writing down ¡°Green Cloud Sect¡± in three characters. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co To avoid revealing more, he decided to revert to his old ways, continuing to pretend to be mute. ¡°Impossible!¡± The girl said definitively, ¡°Since when does the Green Cloud Sect have a disciple as powerful as you?¡± ¡°To injure the White Crystal Beast like that, and then slice it in two with a single strike, I doubt even some elders could manage that!¡± The elder scrutinized Jiang Fan, pondering aloud, ¡°Could it be that you are a newly promoted elder of the Green Cloud Sect?¡± He had heard that the Soul Master of the Green Cloud Sect was fond of concocting Spirit Pills for longevity and beauty. Could this youth before him actually be a middle-aged elder who had taken such pills? Only such an explanation could account for his youthful appearance and ridiculously strong power. Jiang Fan was taken aback for a moment. Nice fellow, he hadn¡¯t even thought of an explanation yet. The elder had explained it to him. Jiang Fan nodded and penned, ¡°Yes, that¡¯s correct.¡± ¡°May I ask who you are?¡± To avoid further questions, he inquired back. The elder smiled, flicking his horsetail whisk and said, ¡°That you do not recognize me confirms you are a newly promoted elder.¡± ¡°I am You Yunzi, one of the four Vice Pavilion Masters of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion.¡± What? Jiang Fan¡¯s heart shook, nearly crying out in surprise. To think he had run into such a significant figure! No wonder he was so formidable, injuring the Beast King with a mere flick of the whisk! He quickly bowed in salute. The girl in the pink dress eyed him skeptically, ¡°A newly promoted elder so young?¡± ¡°How is your swordsmanship so powerful?¡± She scanned Jiang Fan, curious when she noticed a sword wrapped in cloth on his back. Just as she was about to inquire further, You Yunzi chided softly, ¡°Do not be rude!¡± ¡°It is a grave taboo to pry into others¡¯ martial skills!¡± He then bowed slightly to Jiang Fan, ¡°This is Nangong Xiaoyun. She is young and lacks decorum, please do not mind her words.¡± What martial artist doesn¡¯t have their own secrets? It is quite impolite to rashly inquire into others¡¯ martial origins. Fortunately, the elder was understanding, sparing Jiang Fan some trouble. Jiang Fan nodded, writing, ¡°This Beast King was slain by the elder. It should rightfully belong to the elder. However, could I request to take the Monster Core with me?¡± He knew his place. Without You Yunzi¡¯s intervention, his chances of slaying the White Crystal Beast were almost zero. Even if the elder claimed it, he would have no complaints. You Yunzi appeared pleased. This alone showed that this young elder of the Green Cloud Sect was of good character and not someone greedy and overly ambitious. So, he generously smiled and waved, ¡°You can have it; I don¡¯t need it.¡± Jiang Fan was overjoyed. Bowing, he immediately retrieved his Black Sword, skillfully piercing the abdomen of the White Crystal Beast. After a few twists, he extracted a snow-white pill pearl the size of a fist. Sure enough, it was a complete Core Formation Realm Monster Core! The Monster Core of the Core Formation Realm could not only be used to forge artifacts but also to refine Spirit Pills to break through the Core Formation Realm! It was a priceless treasure worth ten thousand crystals! Happily wiping off the blood, he tucked it into his pouch. Seeing this, Nangong Xiaoyun was displeased. She had been scolded while he got all the benefits. ¡°Vice Pavilion Master, I also want to take some materials from the Beast King!¡± Nangong Xiaoyun puffed her cheeks, humming in displeasure. You Yunzi chuckled, ¡°Are you short of money?¡± As the Proud Daughter of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, any resource she needed was at her fingertips. Did she really need to sell Demon Beast materials for money? ¡°I want it!¡± Nangong Xiaoyun stomped her delicate jade foot, pouting angrily. You Yunzi, helpless, said, ¡°Go ahead, go ahead. The Beast King of Hundred Beasts Mountain seems quite rare; it might be worth something.¡± This Beast King was a rare breed. Those who hadn¡¯t specifically researched Demon Beasts might not recognize its species. You Yunzi had merely heard that the Beast Kings of Hundred Beasts Mountain had an extraordinary origin. Nangong Xiaoyun, with a sense of competition, approached the two halves of the corpse. She also wanted to find some valuable materials. But when she got there, she was at a loss. The enormous demon beast¡¯s body had many valuable and valueless parts, but she couldn¡¯t tell which was which. She focused on the white hairs, each like steel needles, and particularly hard. Her eyes lit up, ¡°So hard, they must be good material for making Defensive Magical Artifacts, definitely valuable!¡± So, without further thought, she hurriedly plucked out several white hairs. Jiang Fan was speechless. He had planned to take the wolf hairs himself. But since the White Crystal Beast was slain by the Vice Pavilion Master You Yunzi, and his disciple also wanted a share, he couldn¡¯t complain. Fortunately, he had studied the White Crystal Beast in detail from a book. He knew the white hairs were just one of the valuable materials on it. There were even more valuable parts elsewhere. He approached the head of the White Crystal Beast. Focusing on its emerald green eyes, he revealed a fervent look. The book noted that the eyes of the White Crystal Beast were the most valuable part of its body. This pair of eyeballs, with a little refining, became naturally High Grade Magical Artifacts¡ªGale Pearls! Wearing them, one would feel the wind always at their back, enabling them to leap ten zhang in a single step. If combined with Solitary Wild Goose Shadow, even at its peak, the White Crystal Beast wouldn¡¯t outrun Jiang Fan! He immediately gouged out the two eyeballs. Infusing them with Spiritual Power, a black whirlwind instantly enveloped him. Just like when the White Crystal Beast launched ¡°Death Shadow.¡± With a light step, he leaped ten zhang away in an instant! Anyone who didn¡¯t know better would think it was the legendary Immortal Technique, Shrinking Land into Inches! You Yunzi, who had remained composed with his hands inside his sleeves, was startled by the sudden instantaneous movement! He couldn¡¯t help but exclaim, ¡°What cultivation technique is this?¡± With his keen eyes, he quickly discerned that it wasn¡¯t actual instantaneous movement nor Shrinking Land into Inches! Rather, Jiang Fan¡¯s speed was so extreme it was almost imperceptible. But soon, he noticed the two emerald green eyeballs in Jiang Fan¡¯s hands. After thinking for a moment, his old eyes widened, ¡°Gale Pearls? Those highly sought-after Gale Pearls!¡± Looking again at the body of the White Crystal Beast, he exclaimed, ¡°Is this a White Crystal Beast?¡± ¡°It possesses the bloodline of the Demon Emperor!¡± ¡°One of the most valuable demon beasts!¡± Even a chunk of its flesh was worth a fortune! Those two eyeballs were priceless treasures! The last time they appeared ten years ago, they sold for a sky-high price of ten thousand crystals! Even as a Vice Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, such an astounding treasure was hard not to covet! Watching Jiang Fan happily pocket the two eyeballs, he hurriedly raised his hand to stop him. But realizing it was he who had given the demon beast to Jiang Fan, he reluctantly withdrew his hand. Helplessly watching Jiang Fan tuck the Gale Pearls into his bosom, he felt pain as if wanting to gouge out his old eyes. How could he have misjudged the value of this Beast King? Chapter 135 - Chapter 135: Chapter 135: Hate Iron for Not Becoming Steel Chapter 135: Chapter 135: Hate Iron for Not Becoming Steel However, there were still several valuable parts on the White Crystal Beast! He couldn¡¯t break his promise and pick them himself. But he could let Nangong Xiaoyun do it. Seeing Nangong Xiaoyun still plucking wolf fur with great relish, You Yunzi¡¯s mouth twitched. People have already taken the most valuable parts, and you are still plucking fur? ¡°Xiaoyun, the meat of the White Crystal Beast contains a lot of spiritual power from years of consuming spirit beasts; it¡¯s a rare top-tier ingredient.¡± Nangong Xiaoyun was taken aback; was what she had in her hand worth nothing? ¡°You should have said so earlier!¡± she grumbled, pulling out her dagger. But looking at the huge corpse, she didn¡¯t know where to start. This Beast King was full of meat from head to toe. There didn¡¯t seem to be a need to fight over it, right? You Yunzi was just about to give her a hint when he noticed Jiang Fan jump onto the back of the White Crystal Beast with his Black Sword. He pried open the broken spine and dug out a particularly red, tender-looking strip of meat hidden beneath the bones. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co It was extremely dense and elastic. The spiritual power it contained far exceeded that of ordinary meat! Jiang Fan took out a bag and put it inside. This was one of the most valuable parts of the White Crystal Beast: the Essence Meat! As the name suggests, it¡¯s the most refined part of the whole body. This piece alone contained more spiritual power than all the other meat combined! Nangong Xiaoyun was still searching, and asked, ¡°Vice Pavilion Master, where should I dig?¡± You Yunzi replied irritably, ¡°There¡¯s no need to dig anymore.¡± At this moment, he noticed where Nangong Xiaoyun was standing and recalled, ¡°I remember that the Beast Whip of the White Crystal Beast is very powerful; some martial artists have offered tens of thousands of crystal stones for it but couldn¡¯t get it.¡± ¡°Cut it off quickly.¡± Nangong Xiaoyun was perplexed: ¡°Beast Whip? What¡¯s that?¡± You Yunzi¡¯s old face turned slightly red; teaching a young girl about a Beast Whip felt a bit improper. But thinking that if he didn¡¯t get it soon, all the good stuff on the White Crystal Beast would be taken by that rascal, he decisively pointed to the end of the White Crystal Beast¡¯s abdomen. Nangong Xiaoyun looked in the direction he pointed. Her delicate pink face instantly turned red, and she quickly looked away, not daring to look any more, muttering, ¡°I-I¡¯m not doing it.¡± ¡°Whoever wants it can cut it themselves.¡± Jiang Fan had already noticed the Beast Whip; it was something men dream about! It was loved by many powerful but aging martial artists. Unfortunately, it was hard to come by! Initially, hearing You Yunzi¡¯s hint, Jiang Fan gave up. Unexpectedly, Nangong Xiaoyun couldn¡¯t bring herself to cut it! What more could he say? He decisively ran over, cut it off with a knife, and happily put it into his bag. Seeing this, You Yunzi was exasperated! If it weren¡¯t for his status, he would have taken action himself! He angrily said, ¡°Xiaoyun, take out the Beast King¡¯s stomach!¡± ¡°It not only eats spirit beasts but also often devours heavenly materials and earthly treasures from the mountains, with many valuable essences sedimented inside.¡± ¡°Its value is no less than that Essence Meat!¡± Anyway, they should at least get one thing, right? Jiang Fan also knew that the White Crystal Beast¡¯s stomach was valuable. However, he had already gotten so much, he should be content. So he left it for the others. Nangong Xiaoyun shrank her neck. She knew that if she didn¡¯t get some valuable materials, You Yunzi would be angry. But. When she cut off the huge stomach. What fell out was a pile of stinky contents taller than her. She immediately backed away. ¡°Vice Pavilion Master, I can¡¯t accept this!¡± Holding her nose, she pitifully said, ¡°Is there any other valuable part? I will get it.¡± You Yunzi waved his hand, ¡°You go back to plucking fur.¡± He was tired. Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes lit up, and he wrote: ¡°Miss Nangong, do you really not want this stomach?¡± Nangong Xiaoyun glared at him fiercely: ¡°It¡¯s all yours, you rude boy!¡± Jiang Fan was overjoyed! He hurriedly dragged the huge stomach to a nearby lake. He dumped out all the contents. Then cleaned it thoroughly, obtaining a priceless stomach. The White Crystal Beast¡¯s stomach was a high-grade medicinal material! A Foundation Establishment Realm one was worth a fortune! Let alone a Core Formation Realm one! Jiang Fan had no doubt if he sold it to Wen Hongyao, she would treat him like a living Bodhisattva! He happily folded up the huge stomach sac. Just then, he discovered something hard inside the stomach. ¡°Didn¡¯t wash it clean?¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s face darkened. Opening the stomach sac, he was surprised: ¡°Huh? What¡¯s this?¡± He saw a palm-sized iron scroll embedded in the stomach wall. Taking it out, he found strange characters engraved on it. You Yunzi also sensed something unusual and came over to look, revealing a look of wonder: ¡°Pill Book Silver Scroll! It¡¯s actually a Pill Book Silver Scroll!¡± ¡°This scroll records the secrets of the Demon Emperor Secret Realm!¡± ¡°In the Demon Emperor Secret Realm, the opportunities are extraordinary; it is said that a Demon King entering it might have the chance to break through to the Demon Emperor Realm.¡± ¡°If a human Core Formation martial artist enters, there is a chance to break through and become a Nascent Soul Stage expert!¡± This Beast King had a scroll like this hidden in its body! You Yunzi showed a look of fervent desire. As someone at the late stage of Core Formation. The Nascent Soul Stage was his lifelong pursuit. The Demon Emperor Secret Realm was undoubtedly one pathway. But upon seeing the characters more clearly, he quickly calmed down and sighed: ¡°Unfortunately, the characters are in the language of the demon race.¡± ¡°Only the descendants of the Demon Emperor¡¯s bloodline can decipher them!¡± ¡°You have gained a great fortune, but it¡¯s a useless fortune.¡± By the end, he was smiling. There was a hint of schadenfreude in his expression. Jiang Fan, however, felt a stir in his heart. The little spirit beast he raised was just a descendant of a Demon Emperor, or perhaps an even higher existence! Wouldn¡¯t it be able to recognize it? He quietly put away the Pill Book Silver Scroll, preventing You Yunzi from noticing anything. Picking up his pen, he wrote: ¡°Thank you, elder, for your generous gift. I have gained a lot today.¡± You Yunzi¡¯s smile disappeared! He just realized that Jiang Fan had taken all the valuable parts from the White Crystal Beast!!! Damn brat! Wearing a long face, he jumped onto a flying beast and said: ¡°Xiaoyun, let¡¯s go!¡± Nangong Xiaoyun¡¯s hands were sore from plucking fur. She glared irritably at Jiang Fan and left with You Yunzi. Jiang Fan touched his nose and muttered: ¡°Vice Pavilion Master You, why did you suddenly stop smiling?¡± ¡°Is it because you don¡¯t like to smile?¡± Shortly after. He returned to Cloud Sun City. Just as he arrived at the Ding family¡¯s gate, he heard Chen Silin¡¯s tearful plea. ¡°Senior Brother Ding, please send someone to save Jiang Fan.¡± ¡°He was alone in luring away the Beast King to protect Cloud Sun City!¡± Ding Wanping¡¯s curled lips showed his inner joy. Jiang Fan¡¯s death not only meant he was the top hunter in Cloud Sun City. It also meant this annoying pest had finally paid the price! Looking at the pleading Chen Silin, his grin widened: ¡°Junior Sister, you¡¯re overthinking it.¡± ¡°Jiang Fan just panicked and ran heedlessly.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t even blame him for bringing the Beast King and destroying Cloud Sun City. Why would I send someone to save him?¡± ¡°Besides, do you think he could still be alive?¡± ¡°He¡¯s probably already in the Beast King¡¯s stomach.¡± ¡°Maybe he¡¯s already been excreted, hahaha!¡± Hearing this, Chen Silin cried even more, overwhelmed with grief. At the same time, she glared at Ding Wanping with hatred: ¡°You¡¯re only happy now.¡± ¡°If Jiang Fan were alive, you wouldn¡¯t even be fit to carry his shoes!¡± This stung Ding Wanping. He angrily raised his hand and slapped Chen Silin hard, snarling: ¡°You wretched girl, even in death, you defend Jiang Fan!¡± ¡°If you have the guts, bring him back to challenge me!¡± Bam¡ª¡ª At that moment. The door was suddenly kicked open. At the same time, a black light flashed. Jiang Fan appeared in front of Ding Wanping as if shrinking land into inches. Chapter 136 - Chapter 136: Chapter 136 The Final Madness Chapter 136: Chapter 136 The Final Madness Before Ding Wanping¡¯s palm could land. Jiang Fan slapped Ding Wanping across the face! Having trained in the Iron Blood True Scripture, his physique was far stronger than an ordinary person¡¯s. The power of a slap fueled by anger was unimaginable. A loud slap echoed throughout Ding Mansion. Immediately after. Ding Wanping spun three times in place! A bloody handprint quickly swelled up on his face. His head was spinning. He seemed to not even understand what had happened. When he saw Jiang Fan¡¯s figure in front of him, it was as if he had seen a ghost: ¡°Ah! Jiang Fan! You¡¯re not dead!¡± Smack¡ª Jiang Fan¡¯s response was another slap! Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co This slap caused blood to spurt from Ding Wanping¡¯s mouth and nose. ¡°Touch my woman! You¡¯re asking for death!¡± Jiang Fan kicked him in the abdomen in anger, flipping him to the ground! Only then did Chen Silin come back to her senses! Overjoyed, she threw herself into Jiang Fan¡¯s arms, clinging tightly to his neck and burying her whole body in his chest, sobbing: ¡°I thought you were dead! Boohoo!¡± Jiang Fan wiped away her tears with his finger, smiling: ¡°That Beast King couldn¡¯t kill me.¡± With the Purple Sword in hand, the Beast King could only run away. ¡°Silly girl, aren¡¯t you usually clever? How could you be so foolish as to seek help from Ding Wanping?¡± After comforting her for a while, he also gently scolded. There was no need to elaborate on Ding Wanping¡¯s character. What he wanted to do to Chen Silin was far more than just a slap. It was hard to guarantee he wouldn¡¯t lay hands on her, or even force her! Having become the Ding Family Young Master, his arrogance reached the heavens. With tears in her eyes, Chen Silin said bitterly: ¡°I was desperate.¡± ¡°If you were dead, I would have nothing left.¡± Unconsciously, Jiang Fan had become her entire world. If Jiang Fan died, she would no longer have any expectations for this world. Upon hearing these words, Jiang Fan felt his heart soften and embraced her waist, comforting her quietly. Meanwhile, Ding Wanping, whose cheeks were swollen from the slaps, was finally awakened by the burning pain. Furious and shocked, he got up and roared: ¡°Jiang Fan! How dare you attack me in the Ding Family?¡± ¡°I am the Ding Family Young Master, personally appointed by Master Qin!¡± ¡°How dare you attack me? Huh?¡± Jiang Fan released Chen Silin. Turning his gaze to Ding Wanping, his eyes cold: ¡°Haven¡¯t you always wanted to spar with me?¡± ¡°Since no one is around, do you dare to try?¡± Ding Wanping had long wanted to severely teach Jiang Fan a lesson. Upon hearing Jiang Fan initiate the challenge, he laughed angrily: ¡°You dog! Slapping me twice and wanting to end the conflict with a sparring match?¡± ¡°You¡¯re dreaming!¡± ¡°I¡¯m going to kill you!¡± With a clang. He drew a black long sword and charged at Jiang Fan in a rage. ¡°You dog! I¡¯m going to kill you!¡± The black long sword glowed with spirit light. It brought a fierce sword qi as it slashed towards Jiang Fan¡¯s head! He was indeed too arrogant. To the point of openly attempting to kill a fellow disciple! Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes grew colder: ¡°All the better!¡± He decisively drew his Black Sword. ¡°Splitting Light Sword!¡± Sword qi like thunder burst forth from the sword, transforming into a shocking thunderclap. The enormous explosion instantly blasted Ding Wanping, sword and all, flying into a wall. Crack¡ª The wall cracked with dense web-like fissures. He slid down the wall, spitting a mouthful of thick blood mist! His eyes were wide with astonishment. He couldn¡¯t believe it. This trash he had never paid attention to had actually injured him with one sword strike! Clearly, he was at the Sixth Layer of Foundation Establishment, while Jiang Fan was only at the Fourth Layer! But in combat, he had been utterly defeated! How was this possible? He refused to accept it! Even if he died, he wouldn¡¯t accept it! ¡°Again!¡± Ding Wanping climbed up, swinging his sword and shouting. This time, Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t even be bothered to use his sword. He sent a Wandering Dragon Palm through the air. Bang¡ª Ah! With a scream, a blood arrow shot from Ding Wanping¡¯s mouth as he flew backward! This time, he only stopped after crashing into a thick osmanthus tree. Cough, cough¡ª He coughed violently, spitting out threads of fresh blood. His eyes wide, full of disbelief. He was actually inferior even to Jiang Fan without a weapon? This was something he could not accept! Just then. Ding Xuhui and several powerful members of the Ding Family, sensing the commotion, hurriedly approached. When they discovered Jiang Fan had returned alive, they all showed surprise. ¡°He actually survived the Beast King¡¯s pursuit and came back!¡± ¡°Unbelievable! How could he survive that?¡± ¡°Did the Beast King show him immense mercy and let him go?¡± But soon, they noticed Ding Wanping¡¯s miserable condition. Ding Xuhui was stunned: ¡°Wanping! Are you alright?¡± Ding Wanping was Master Qin¡¯s chosen Young Master! If something happened to him, how could the Ding Family explain it to Master Qin? Ding Wanping, in a sorry state, lashed out at them for arriving late, shouting: ¡°What were you doing? Just getting here now?¡± ¡°I want to see Master Qin! Go and invite him here!¡± ¡°Let him see how the Ding Family neglects me!¡± Ding Xuhui was scolded horribly. As the head of the Ding Family, this was a great humiliation for him, making him incredibly angry! But with Master Qin¡¯s favor, Ding Xuhui could only swallow his anger and persuade respectfully: ¡°Wanping, let me handle this for you.¡± ¡°There¡¯s no need to disturb Master Qin.¡± But Ding Wanping continued to shout: ¡°Stop your nonsense! I told you to invite him, so go invite him now!¡± ¡°If you anger me, I¡¯ll complain to Master Qin, making sure the Ding Family never gets his support again!¡± At this. Not only was Ding Xuhui furious, but Ding Tianxiang and the Ding Family Elders were all enraged. This arrogant brat! With Master Qin¡¯s backing, he was completely out of control! Ding Xuhui¡¯s jaw muscles twitched. He wished he could slap Ding Wanping to death! Suppressing his anger, he instructed an elder: ¡°Go invite Master Qin.¡± Watching the elder run off quickly, Ding Wanping felt triumphant. Because of his illegitimate birth, the elders had always treated him indifferently, paying him no mind. Now? With just one word, these proud elders had to behave like lackeys, eagerly doing his bidding. Though he was the Young Master, his words carried more weight than the head¡¯s. This gave Ding Wanping immense satisfaction. Thus, when he looked at Jiang Fan, he once again seemed superior. ¡°Dog! Do you see this?¡± ¡°Do you understand what identity means? What status means? What power means?¡± ¡°This is it!¡± ¡°You think knowing some shady tricks allows you to challenge me, Ding Wanping?¡± ¡°You don¡¯t deserve it!¡± At that moment, he was arrogant, overbearing, and unstoppable! As if he had become the ruler of Cloud Sun City. Dominating everything! Jiang Fan¡¯s face remained indifferent. He recalled an ancient saying. Heaven¡¯s sin can be forgiven; self-inflicted sin cannot. Ding Wanping¡¯s arrogance would completely ruin him. ¡°What? So scared you don¡¯t dare make a sound? Hahaha!¡± Seeing Jiang Fan¡¯s silence, Ding Wanping laughed wildly. Jiang Fan calmly said: ¡°The last act of madness.¡± Chapter 137 - Chapter 137: Chapter 137 Qin Wenyuan Arrives Chapter 137: Chapter 137 Qin Wenyuan Arrives He could almost foresee it. After Qin Wenyuan arrived, what kind of scene it would be. And in the end, what kind of fate awaited Ding Wanping. ¡°Only with strength, can you be called crazy!¡± Ding Wanping sneered coldly, ¡°Without strength, you¡¯re just insane!¡± Chen Silin furrowed her brow in disgust. From the first glance, she disliked Ding Wanping. Now, she disliked him even more. No great ability, but an ego higher than the sky. She said expressionlessly, ¡°Senior Brother Ding, as fellow disciples of the same peak, I advise you to stop being so arrogant.¡± ¡°Otherwise, it will truly be as my husband said and become your last moment of madness.¡± Why would Qin Wenyuan favor Ding Wanping? Her mind was as clear as a crystal, she already figured out the connections. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co Qin Wenyuan probably also knew Jiang Fan¡¯s identity as a Soul Master and misunderstood Jiang Fan and Ding Wanping¡¯s relationship. He wanted to do Jiang Fan a favor. When the truth was revealed, Ding Wanping¡¯s position as Young Master would be impossible to maintain. Tyranny flickered in Ding Wanping¡¯s eyes. It was one thing for Jiang Fan to say this. But even Chen Silin said it! He was so powerful, so authoritative, so commanding in all directions, yet Chen Silin still looked down on him! This was intolerable! ¡°Chen Silin! Enough! How am I worse than Jiang Fan?¡± Ding Wanping roared, ¡°He only knows a bit of the Evil Technique and happened to win against me by luck!¡± ¡°In terms of status, I am the Young Master of the Ding Family, what is he?¡± ¡°How can he even compare to me?¡± Hearing the words ¡°Ding Family Young Master.¡± She only felt it was ironic. Stubborn and unrepentant. Even though she advised him kindly, the other party showed no restraint. So she slightly lowered her enchanting eyes, remaining silent. Unwilling to waste another word on him. This attitude of ignoring him further stimulated Ding Wanping¡¯s pride. Making him furious. ¡°Fine! Fine! Fine! You look down on me?¡± Fury rose from Ding Wanping¡¯s heart, malice sprouted to his courage, suddenly, he glared at Jiang Fan, saying grimly, ¡°Then I¡¯ll show you how I, Ding Wanping, will deal with your beloved fianc¨¦!¡± Chen Silin¡¯s face changed drastically, exclaimed, ¡°What do you intend to do?¡± ¡°I¡¯m warning you, don¡¯t act rashly!¡± Ding Wanping sneered, ¡°What will I do? Of course, I¡¯ll keep him in the Ding Family, to be fertilizer for the flowers and plants!¡± What? Not only was Chen Silin shocked. Even the members of the Ding Family were stunned. Ding Xuhui hurriedly said, ¡°Wanping, don¡¯t speak recklessly!¡± Kill a disciple of the Green Cloud Sect? And a disciple of the Sect Master at that? How is that different from rebellion? If this were to be discovered, the Ding Family would face the disaster of extermination! Ding Wanping snorted, ¡°With Master Qin here, what is there to be afraid of?¡± ¡°He¡¯s just a worthless disciple, killing him, so what?¡± Ding Tianxiang felt he was wild enough. But looking at Ding Wanping now, he realized he had been too compliant. No matter how wild he was, he never dared to disregard the Green Cloud Sect. So, he also advised kindly, ¡°Wanping, listen to your brother¡¯s words.¡± ¡°You two have grudges, whatever way you find to settle it privately is fine, as long as no one dies, it¡¯s no big problem.¡± ¡°But killing him, and right within our Ding Family, that will bring huge trouble!¡± It would have been better if he hadn¡¯t spoken. The moment he did, Ding Wanping mocked, ¡°Oh! Isn¡¯t this the deposed Young Master of the Ding Family?¡± ¡°Who do you think you are, to advise me?¡± ¡°Why don¡¯t you take a good look at yourself!¡± He had been oppressed by Ding Tianxiang for too long. Now, unleashed, he publicly humiliated Ding Tianxiang. The latter¡¯s face turned red with anger, ¡°Ding Wanping! Don¡¯t get too arrogant!¡± Smack¡ª The response was Ding Wanping slapping him hard across the face. ¡°It¡¯s you who¡¯s arrogant!¡± ¡°Who do you think you are, daring to speak to me like this?¡± Ding Tianxiang was so furious his lungs felt like they would explode. His fists clenched, spiritual power surged within him, his teeth gnashing together. Unable to stop himself from striking back. At this moment. A servant came to report. ¡°Family Head, Master Qin has arrived at the residence.¡± Hearing this. Ding Xuhui quickly held Ding Tianxiang down, whispering, ¡°Tianxiang, hold back! Think of the bigger picture, think of the bigger picture!¡± If Qin Wenyuan saw Ding Tianxiang bullying Ding Wanping, it would all be over! ¡°Damn it!¡± Ding Tianxiang stomped the ground, creating a crack, forced to swallow his anger. But the humiliation and rage in his heart churned, unable to dissipate for a long time. Seeing Ding Tianxiang, who used to lord over him, get slapped but not dare to speak up, Ding Wanping felt unprecedentedly delighted! He glanced around at the other family members. ¡°Anyone else wants to advise me?¡± ¡°Step forward!¡± Several elder family members, initially intending to advise Ding Wanping with their seniority, shut their mouths at this scene. At their age, they didn¡¯t want to be publicly humiliated with a slap. The whole place was silent. Ding Wanping coldly stared at Jiang Fan, ¡°See, no one is advising me anymore!¡± ¡°So, Jiang Fan, are your last words ready?¡± Jiang Fan sighed, looking at him with pity. Ding Wanping¡¯s recent actions had offended the entire Ding Family. He burned his last retreat completely. ¡°Do you think they would dare to touch me?¡± Jiang Fan gazed at him expressionlessly. Not daring to advise was one thing. Daring to harm Jiang Fan was another. They weren¡¯t as mad as Ding Wanping! Ding Wanping snorted, ¡°Who would dare disobey my words?¡± He glared at Ding Xuhui, ¡°You, bring me Jiang Fan¡¯s head!¡± Ding Xuhui¡¯s mouth twitched. This was utterly chaotic! But he wouldn¡¯t sacrifice the entire Ding Family to satisfy Ding Wanping¡¯s temporary joy. He smiled awkwardly, clutching his chest, ¡°Wanping, I was injured by the Beast King earlier, I can¡¯t fight.¡± Of course, the order was ignored! Ding Wanping felt his face was swept, glaring at Ding Tianxiang, ¡°Ding Tianxiang! You go!¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t kill Jiang Fan, I¡¯ll expel you from the Ding Family!¡± Murderous intent surged in Ding Tianxiang¡¯s eyes. Not directed at Jiang Fan, but at Ding Wanping! He dared to threaten him! Suppressing his intent to kill, he darkened his face, saying, ¡°Jiang Fan is fast, if he runs, I can¡¯t catch him!¡± This was indeed true. Just earlier, when Jiang Fan had repeatedly slain several Foundation Establishment Realm demon beasts, he exhibited an extraordinary speed. Using this as an excuse was perfect! Ding Wanping, unable to command anyone, felt humiliated and, in fury, ¡°You scoundrels! Do you treat my words as wind in the ear?¡± Smack¡ª He slapped Ding Tianxiang hard, making him stagger. Humiliation upon humiliation made Ding Tianxiang lose it. ¡°Ding Wanping! You bastard!¡± Ding Tianxiang, normally domineering and unruly. How could he endure such humiliation? This moment, he couldn¡¯t bear it anymore! Without care, he lifted his hand towards Ding Wanping. Just then! The sound of hurried footsteps approached. Qin Wenyuan came rushing over, seeing this scene from afar. Instantly, he became furious, ¡°How dare you!¡± Ding Tianxiang, daring to treat Ding Wanping like this? And in Jiang Fan¡¯s presence? Wasn¡¯t this an insult to Jiang Fan? The Ding Family was simply courting death! Chapter 138 - Chapter 138: Chapter 138: Its Me Chapter 138: Chapter 138: It¡¯s Me Ding Tianxiang¡¯s body trembled. The spiritual power that he was about to unleash was suddenly withdrawn, and his mind became instantly clear. Ding Xuhui and the elders¡¯ faces changed drastically. The very thing they feared had come! And it was the worst possible situation. Ding Xuhui hurriedly stepped forward, trying to quell Qin Wenyuan¡¯s anger, and said, ¡°Master Qin, it was just a scuffle between the younger generation, please don¡¯t misunderstand.¡± After speaking, he cast a pleading look at Ding Wanping. Pleading for Ding Wanping to let the matter go and not escalate things. But how could Ding Wanping be willing? He loudly retorted, ¡°It was not just a scuffle! Ding Tianxiang wanted my life!¡± ¡°He, and the Ding Family, do not respect me at all!¡± ¡°Nor do they have any respect for you, Master Qin!¡± Wanted your life? Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co Qin Wenyuan shivered involuntarily. Not respecting him was one thing. Not respecting Jiang Fan, however, was a monumental issue! A trace of anger appeared on his old face, and he coldly snorted, ¡°Family Head Ding, could it be that you despise old me for being new to Cloud Sun City, without a foundation, and do not wish to cooperate anymore?¡± ¡°If that is the case, Family Head Ding, you might as well say it plainly.¡± ¡°There is no need to beat around the bush to remind me!¡± Ah? Ding Xuhui¡¯s forehead was almost sweating in anxiety. The matter had indeed affected their cooperation. The Ding Family elders¡¯ expressions changed repeatedly. Just one sentence from Ding Wanping, and their cooperation was about to fall apart! Ding Wanping¡¯s importance in Master Qin¡¯s mind was even higher than expected! Ding Tianxiang¡¯s limbs also turned cold, deeply regretting his earlier rashness. In a moment of impulse, he had stirred up such a huge problem! Gritting his teeth, he walked up to Ding Wanping, bowed his head, and endured great humiliation as he said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Wanping!¡± ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have acted impulsively, nor should I have attacked you!¡± ¡°Please forgive me for the sake of our shared family ties!¡± As the pride of the Ding Family. As the prodigy of Cloud Sun City! As the peerless genius overlooking the entire Green Cloud Sect! At this moment, Ding Tianxiang almost had no dignity left! However, Ding Wanping was still not satisfied! He bared his teeth in a cold smile and said, ¡°Is just an apology enough?¡± ¡°Do you know the punishment for being disrespectful to your superiors?¡± ¡°Kneel before me!¡± Kneel? Ding Tianxiang¡¯s eyes widened, and the humiliation in his heart reached its peak! A demon-level prodigy of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, kneeling to someone? This was unacceptable to him! But, seeing Qin Wenyuan¡¯s increasingly cold face and the anxious family members. He gritted his teeth. Heavily knelt on the ground, loudly saying, ¡°I was wrong! Please forgive me!¡± The surroundings fell into dead silence. The Ding family¡¯s members could not bear to look at each other and averted their eyes. The anger in their hearts, however, was like a volcano, simmering and shaking their chests! No matter how wrong Ding Tianxiang was, he was still a member of the Ding family! How could his dignity be so trampled upon? Did Ding Wanping even consider himself a member of the Ding family? Although the Ding family did not value Ding Wanping much. They never treated him unfairly! Without the Ding family¡¯s nurturing from a young age, would he have had the opportunity to be recruited by the Green Cloud Sect? How could he repay their kindness with such betrayal, treating the Ding family this way? Seeing Ding Tianxiang kneeling, Ding Wanping finally felt relieved, snorting through his nose, ¡°This is more like it!¡± ¡°Kneel there and reflect properly!¡± Then he smiled and cupped his hands towards Master Qin, saying, ¡°Thank you, Master Qin, for supporting me.¡± Qin Wenyuan nodded slightly. Without saying much. Since the matter ended with Ding Tianxiang¡¯s kneeling apology, there was no need to cause further trouble. After all, the cooperation with the Ding Family needed to continue. He patted Ding Wanping¡¯s shoulder, preparing to leave, ¡°If you need anything in the future, come find me anytime!¡± These words sent a shiver through the Ding family¡¯s members. This was a clear warning to the entire Ding family. It meant that Ding Wanping was under his protection! If he had any issues, he could always bring Qin Wenyuan to his aid! Ding Wanping was overjoyed. With a cold smile, he glanced around at the Ding family members. Taking advantage of Qin Wenyuan¡¯s presence to intimidate them into complete submission. ¡°Master Qin, please wait a moment!¡± ¡°There¡¯s one more matter I need to deal with, but the family members are not obedient.¡± ¡°Please, Master Qin, make a decision for me!¡± Oh? Qin Wenyuan¡¯s recently improved complexion darkened again. What was going on with the Ding Family? Did he really have to say clearly that Jiang Fan was a high-grade Great Soul Master? Ding Wanping being able to become friends with him meant the Ding Family had secured a significant support! The Ding Family did not properly treat Ding Wanping, repeatedly mistreating him! It was simply ungrateful! Thus, he snorted angrily, ¡°What is it, tell me!¡± ¡°I really want to see what the Ding Family intends to do!¡± If push came to shove, he would have to speak to the Ding family members. To prevent them from making further mistakes! With Qin Wenyuan¡¯s statement, Ding Wanping felt even more at ease. Coldly he snorted, ¡°There is someone who stole my woman and repeatedly humiliated me.¡± ¡°Just now, he even slapped me!!!¡± ¡°I just wanted to reason with him, but guess what?¡± ¡°He injured me with some sinister cultivation technique!!!¡± What? Qin Wenyuan was shocked. Who dared to be so arrogant, bullying Ding Wanping in the Ding Family? Slapping him was one thing, but injuring him? If anything happened to him, the bond between him and Jiang Fan would be severed! He secretly rejoiced that he had stayed to handle the situation. Otherwise, Ding Wanping would have suffered such a great grievance, and he would have been kept in the dark! He flew into a rage, shouting, ¡°Are all the Ding Family members dead?¡± ¡°No one protected you?¡± Ding Wanping showed a look of grievance and said resentfully, ¡°They did more than not protect me!¡± ¡°I told them to kill this person, but from the Family Head down to the family members, they all spoke up for him!¡± ¡°Ding Tianxiang even turned the tables and helped the other side to kill me!¡± Bam¡ª Qin Wenyuan was so angry his lungs exploded. He slammed his palm on a stone table. In an instant, the stone table shattered into pieces! He roared at the Ding family members, ¡°This is outrageous!¡± ¡°The person I, Qin Wenyuan, want to cultivate with care, is this how you treat them?¡± The Ding family¡¯s members, listening to the reversed accusations, trembled with rage. Ding Xuhui quickly explained, ¡°Master Qin, it¡¯s not that we are siding with the other party.¡± ¡°But the other party¡¯s identity is extraordinary, we dare not act!¡± Hmph! Qin Wenyuan was even more furious! Even at this point, they were still shielding the other party! What identity could be more significant than being ¡°a friend of Jiang Fan¡±? ¡°Speak! Who is the other party!¡± ¡°I want to see who he is!¡± Ding Xuhui hesitated. With a pleading look, he said, ¡°Master Qin, let¡¯s drop the matter here, we cannot continue to stir up trouble.¡± How could he let Jiang Fan die in the Ding Family? If that happened, Qin Wenyuan might walk away, leaving the Ding Family to bear the wrath of the Green Cloud Sect. ¡°Speak!¡± Qin Wenyuan¡¯s hair stood on end with rage. The more the Ding family covered up, the more he wanted to see who the other party was! At this moment. A voice that made even Qin Wenyuan¡¯s soul tremble lightly drifted in. ¡°It was me.¡± ¡°Master Qin, what do you need?¡± Chapter 139 - Chapter 139: Chapter 139 Tragic End Chapter 139: Chapter 139 Tragic End That voice! Qin Wenyuan¡¯s neck stiffly turned, his old eyes incredulously staring at Jiang Fan. He was bewildered! Could there be a mistake? The person Ding Wanping wanted to kill was Jiang Fan? While he was caught in confusion, Ding Wanping also opened his mouth with a face full of venom: ¡°Master Qin, it¡¯s this worthless wretch!¡± ¡°If he doesn¡¯t die, I won¡¯t have peace day and night!¡± It really was Jiang Fan? But wasn¡¯t Ding Wanping Jiang Fan¡¯s friend? It was precisely because of this relationship that he had supported Ding Wanping! Now, how had they become mortal enemies? Immediately after, Jiang Fan¡¯s words completely unraveled the truth. ¡°Master Qin, could you have misunderstood something?¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co ¡°Ding Wanping has been harassing my wife since the days at the Green Cloud Sect and has opposed me several times.¡± ¡°When he arrived at the Qin family, he spoke venomously and wanted to take action against me.¡± What? Qin Wenyuan¡¯s eyes widened in shock! They weren¡¯t friends at all? Their relationship had always been bad? He had completely misunderstood their relationship under the guidance of Ding Xuhui and had fully supported Ding Wanping? ¡°What have I been doing?¡± ¡°Supporting Jiang Fan¡¯s opponent?¡± At this moment, he felt like slapping himself to death. Everyone else eagerly seeks to gain favor, but I hit my own fatal weakness! And yet Ding Wanping still continued with his incessant, smug sneering: ¡°Jiang Fan!¡± ¡°Afraid now? Do you know what kind of existence you¡¯ve provoked?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll tell you, with Master Qin backing me, if you leave here alive today, I¡¯ll write my name backwards!¡± However, as soon as he finished speaking, a fierce slap struck his face hard. A thunderous roar closely followed by his ear. ¡°I¡¯ll back you, you son of a bitch!¡± The normally composed Qin Wenyuan couldn¡¯t help but curse out loud, berating him angrily! This slap stunned everyone present. The Ding family members were dumbfounded. What was going on? Wasn¡¯t Qin Wenyuan supporting Ding Wanping? Ding Wanping was stupefied as well. Clutching his burning cheek, he looked at the furious face in front of him, wondering if he was hallucinating. He stammered, ¡°Master Qin, why are you hitting me?¡± ¡°You ought to be hitting that damned Jiang Fan!¡± Still insulting Jiang Fan! Qin Wenyuan could not bear it and slapped him hard on the face again. ¡°You wretch! I¡¯m hitting you, you wretch!¡± He couldn¡¯t believe he had supported this wretch, who even used him to try to kill Jiang Fan! The more he thought about it, the angrier he got. The angrier he got, the more he thought about it. This vicious cycle made him utterly furious. Despite his old bones, he punched and kicked Ding Wanping. He only stopped when his fists trembled, his breath came in gasps, and he had no strength left to continue. But the anger in his heart still wasn¡¯t vented. Pointing at Ding Wanping¡¯s nose, he roared: ¡°I must have been blind to recommend you as the Ding family Young Master!¡± ¡°What are you even worth?¡± Then, in a rage, he turned to Ding Xuhui and scolded: ¡°The Ding family raised such a heartless, rebellious wretch!¡± ¡°And you expect me to cooperate with you?¡± ¡°From now on, I sever all relations with the Ding family!¡± ¡°We¡¯ll never have any dealings again!¡± These words were naturally also meant for Jiang Fan, intended to show Jiang Fan that he was severing ties with Ding Wanping! After speaking, he flung his sleeves angrily and left. Causing such a blunder, he had no face to stay in front of Jiang Fan anymore. Ding Wanping was in a daze for a long while before he suddenly reacted. Had he¡­ had he been abandoned by Master Qin? That meant he had no backing? He panicked internally, hurriedly crawling on his knees and hugging Qin Wenyuan¡¯s leg: ¡°Master Qin, I was wrong, I was wrong!¡± ¡°Please don¡¯t abandon me, I will do anything you say, I¡¯ll be your son, your grandson!¡± ¡°Just don¡¯t abandon me!¡± ¡°Scram!¡± All he got in response was Qin Wenyuan¡¯s merciless angry snort. And a kick that sent him flying! Then Qin Wenyuan disappeared at the entrance of the courtyard. Ding Wanping was flustered. For a moment, he was at a loss, his mind blank. He couldn¡¯t understand at all what had happened. One moment, Master Qin was protecting him. The next, he exploded in rage and abandoned him! The turnaround was too sudden! Until a cold, bone-chilling voice woke him up. Still kneeling on the ground, Ding Tianxiang had a cold smile on his face, and he said sinisterly: ¡°Young Master Ding, how much longer do I have to kneel?¡± Ding Wanping¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Remembering his previous arrogance, his heart trembled, and he hurriedly helped Ding Tianxiang up. His lips quivered: ¡°B-Big brother, you are the Ding family Young Master, I¡¯m just an illegitimate child!¡± Killing intent rolled in Ding Tianxiang¡¯s eyes, and he patted Ding Wanping¡¯s face, hissing through his teeth: ¡°No, no, no, you being the Ding family Young Master is a hundred, no, a thousand times more glorious than me!¡± The Ding family members gradually came to their senses. Their gazes toward Ding Wanping turned hostile. Ding Xuhui¡¯s voice was low, like the storm before the rain, pressing on everyone¡¯s heart. ¡°Even Master Qin couldn¡¯t tolerate your despicable character and kicked you away!¡± ¡°He was right. How did our Ding family raise something lower than a pig or dog like you?¡± Thinking of Ding Wanping¡¯s lawless behavior. A thread of killing intent rolled in his eyes. He raised his gaze, looking at Jiang Fan and Chen Silin, and cupped his hands slightly: ¡°You two, please return to the Green Cloud Sect to report.¡± ¡°Ding Wanping won¡¯t be accompanying you.¡± ¡°Please inform your sect that Ding Wanping won¡¯t be returning to the sect.¡± No need to guess what would happen next. Jiang Fan nodded and turned to leave. Chen Silin¡¯s eyes showed a hint of reluctance, but thinking of Ding Wanping¡¯s past madness, any sympathy she had dispersed. Both Jiang Fan and she had given Ding Wanping chances. He kept bringing about his own demise. And equally sensing impending doom, Ding Wanping was scared out of his mind. He dropped to his knees in front of Jiang Fan and Chen Silin, crying out: ¡°Junior Brother Jiang, Junior Sister Chen, you can¡¯t leave, please take me back to the sect with you.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t stay. I will die! I will die!¡± Smack¡ª Ding Xuhui ruthlessly stomped on the back of his head, slamming it into the ground, knocking him out. Then he looked at Jiang Fan expressionlessly: ¡°The Ding family needs to handle internal affairs now.¡± ¡°You two, please proceed.¡± Jiang Fan said nothing further and left Ding Mansion with Chen Silin. Soon after they left, terrifying screams resonated from within the mansion, causing their hearts to tremble. It seemed that Ding Wanping would find it hard to even seek death now. A fate worse than death awaited him. The two rode a flying beast, flying over one of the three major Martial Path Families, the Lin family. After some thought, Jiang Fan cut off half a block of Essence Meat and threw it down. Soon after, an elderly joyous voice erupted from within the Lin family. ¡°Essence Meat from the Beast King! It¡¯s actually Essence Meat of the Beast King!¡± ¡°I have hope of achieving Ninth Layer of Foundation Establishment Realm perfection!¡± Meanwhile, Qin Wenyuan, once more forced to relocate his entire family, wore a gloomy expression. Qin Changsheng beside him, face drooping, asked: ¡°Old man, where are we going now?¡± Qin Wenyuan¡¯s mouth twitched as he said: ¡°As far away as possible!¡± ¡°I refuse to believe I will run into Master Jiang again!¡± Days later. Green Cloud Sect. The teams sent to various towns had long since returned. Jiang Fan and Chen Silin were the last two. Seeing him return, the crowd gathered in the plaza stirred. ¡°Huh? Weren¡¯t those disciples who returned from Cloud Sun City saying that Jiang Fan was being chased by the Beast King?¡± ¡°I thought he was dead.¡± ¡°Incredible luck to survive that and come back alive!¡± In the crowd, Xu Yining¡¯s ears twitched and she sharply raised her pretty eyes to look at Jiang Fan. Seeing he was still alive. The dullness in her eyes immediately brightened. But when she noticed Chen Silin cuddled beside him, her gaze turned complex, and she said in a sarcastic tone: ¡°How many demons did you kill for it to take you this long to return?¡± Chapter 140 - Chapter 140: Chapter 140 Winning the Rank Chapter 140: Chapter 140 Winning the Rank Jiang Fan was speechless. How did he offend her again? Even after joining the Green Cloud Sect, she still had the temperament of a spoiled young lady. ¡°Not bad,¡± Jiang Fan said offhandedly. He didn¡¯t know how many demon beasts the other teams had hunted, nor their level. Therefore, he was unsure whether his own achievements were good or bad compared to theirs. Sensing Jiang Fan¡¯s lack of confidence. Xu Yining secretly breathed a sigh of relief. She had been genuinely worried that Jiang Fan would get lucky and kill more demon beasts than Tang Tianlong. If that happened, she¡¯d be overshadowed by Chen Silin. ¡°Really?¡± Xu Yining showed a hint of pride: ¡°We did alright too.¡± ¡°We killed five demon beasts in Lonely Boat City.¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co ¡°Among them, four were at the Foundation Establishment Realm, one at the Qi Cultivation Realm.¡± ¡°According to the rules, that can be exchanged for forty-one merit points.¡± Upon hearing this. The surrounding disciples cast envious glances. ¡°As expected of Tang Tianlong, he probably killed all the demon beasts attacking Lonely Boat City by himself.¡± ¡°Naturally, other team members would need to be strong enough to compete for the kills.¡± ¡°Forty-one merit points, undoubtedly the top achievement of this operation.¡± ¡°According to the rule of one merit point equaling an hour of cultivation time in the Holy Hall, Tang Tianlong can cultivate for three or four days!¡± ¡°With the resources in the Holy Hall, his Foundation Establishment Realm at the eighth layer will definitely advance further.¡± ¡­ Jiang Fan had a strange look on his face. Forty-one merit points, the first place? Aside from the Beast King, he alone killed eight Foundation Establishment Realm demon beasts, which would convert into eighty merit points! Were demon beasts really that difficult to kill? Soon, Jiang Fan understood. The demon beasts attacking Cloud Sun City were generally very strong, making it impossible for his teammates to kill them. All they could do was watch Jiang Fan and Ding Wanping fight for them. Whereas in other cities, the attacking demon beasts were relatively weaker, allowing all the disciples to participate. Thus, the achievements were more evenly distributed. Only Jiang Fan and Tang Tianlong stood out significantly. Tang Tianlong approached, a faint smile on his lips: ¡°Yining, I¡¯ve told you, don¡¯t compare him to me; it¡¯s an insult to me.¡± Xu Yining quickly responded: ¡°Sorry, Senior Brother Tang.¡± Tang Tianlong waved his hand: ¡°I once said, even as my teammate, the benefits surpass those of a useless woman.¡± ¡°My word is my bond, I never go back on it.¡± ¡°Now it looks like it¡¯s coming true.¡± Many beautiful female disciples of outstanding temperament cast envious glances at Xu Yining. ¡°Xu Yining is really lucky to have Senior Brother Tang helping her.¡± ¡°She will also have the chance to train in the Holy Hall this time, and when she comes out, her cultivation will surely advance significantly.¡± ¡°I do feel sorry for Chen Silin.¡± ¡°Clearly, in terms of figure, looks, and martial talent, she¡¯s not inferior to Xu Yining.¡± ¡°But just because she followed the wrong man, the benefits she receives are worlds apart.¡± ¡°The path she walks and the man she chooses are her own decisions, she can¡¯t blame anyone else.¡± Knowing Jiang Fan¡¯s real achievements, Chen Silin suppressed her frustration. Questioning my choice of man? I¡¯ll soon make your jaws drop! Wait until you see how my man, Jiang Fan, leaves everyone in the dust! Shortly after. Liu Wuchen arrived on a bird. ¡°Everyone¡¯s back?¡± Liu Wuchen quickly scanned the group and, seeing that his disciple Jiang Fan was among them, felt relieved. He was worried Jiang Fan might have died out there. After all, Jiang Fan¡¯s cultivation was still low. And he hadn¡¯t given him much in terms of resources either. ¡°Alright, let¡¯s begin tallying the individual achievements.¡± ¡°Disciples with gains, step forward one by one, and have your results examined and registered by the deacon of the Reward and Punishment Hall.¡± The disciples were eager to step up. The thought of getting a chance to train in the Supreme Elder¡¯s Holy Hall excited them all. So, Even the disciples who had only killed a single Qi Cultivation Realm demon beast were enthusiastic about registering. Just as Jiang Fan had analyzed. Most of everyone¡¯s achievements were quite similar. A few skilled ones had killed two Foundation Establishment Realm demon beasts. But the majority had killed either one Foundation Establishment Realm beast or just a Qi Cultivation Realm beast. When it was Tang Tianlong¡¯s turn to register, the deacon of the Reward and Punishment Hall showed a look of approval. Clearly, his kills of five beasts were quite impressive. After him, there were no particularly notable achievements. Until Jiang Fan approached with a small bag and placed it before the deacon of the Reward and Punishment Hall. The deacon habitually opened the bag and casually glanced inside, saying: ¡°One demon core¡­¡± Wait! He looked again and was stunned. The bag contained eight demon cores. Each core was the size of an egg. All were from Foundation Establishment Realm demon beasts! How could this be? He took them out and examined them one by one. Confirming that they were indeed demon cores, with fresh demon blood still on them. They couldn¡¯t have been bought from the market. He couldn¡¯t help but stare at Jiang Fan in disbelief. The deacon¡¯s strange behavior piqued everyone¡¯s curiosity. Xu Yining frowned: ¡°What¡¯s up with the deacon of the Reward and Punishment Hall?¡± ¡°He looks very strange.¡± Tang Tianlong laughed with his hands behind his back: ¡°It¡¯s probably the shock that Jiang Fan actually had any kills.¡± Xu Yining understood and shook her head lightly: ¡°Considering his strength, surviving is already a miracle.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t expect him to be so lucky, and have a kill too.¡± ¡°If I were the deacon, I¡¯d be even more surprised.¡± Not far away, Liu Wuchen also noticed the deacon¡¯s odd behavior. He urged: ¡°What are you hesitating for? Register them quickly and finalize the rankings!¡± He seemed a bit displeased. The deacon quickly came to his senses. Not daring to delay any longer, he promptly registered Jiang Fan¡¯s achievements. Then he crossed out Tang Tianlong¡¯s name from the first place and replaced it with Jiang Fan¡¯s. He swiftly handed a list over to Liu Wuchen. Without looking at it closely, Liu Wuchen stood up and scanned the hundred disciples: ¡°The fact that you¡¯re all back safely is what pleases me most as the Sect Master.¡± ¡°Now, I¡¯ll announce your achievements!¡± ¡°For those who killed Qi Cultivation Realm demon beasts, the following names¡­¡± ¡°For those who killed Foundation Establishment Realm demon beasts, the following names¡­¡± ¡°Next, we have the top ten ranked disciples by achievements!¡± At this, the disciples grew excited. Ranks outside the top ten were pretty much the same. It was within the top ten where differences appeared. ¡°Tenth place, Huang Yunkang, one Foundation Establishment Realm beast, one Qi Cultivation Realm beast!¡± ¡°Ninth place, Zheng Xiaoyun, one Foundation Establishment Realm beast, two Qi Cultivation Realm beasts!¡± ¡°Eighth place, Liu Peixiang, one Foundation Establishment Realm beast, three Qi Cultivation Realm beasts!¡± ¡­ ¡°Third place! Carefree Peak disciple, Yuan Tongtian! Two Foundation Establishment Realm beasts, three Qi Cultivation Realm beasts!¡± ¡°Carefree Peak performed very well this time!¡± Liu Wuchen praised publicly. He couldn¡¯t help but think to himself, if their peak had drawn someone other than Jiang Fan this time. They wouldn¡¯t be ranking so low! Everyone sat up straight immediately. Showing curious expressions. ¡°Who is the second place?¡± ¡°It seems like apart from Tang Tianlong, there¡¯s no one else with more than Yuan Tongtian¡¯s kills!¡± ¡°That guy hid it well, having so many kills yet no one knew.¡± Xu Yining also looked curious. ¡°Senior Brother Tang, who could be the second place?¡± Tang Tianlong, with his hands behind his back, commented: ¡°The only one who might have more kills than two Foundation Establishment Realm beasts among the disciples this time would be Senior Brother Mo Huandao from Mad Blade Peak.¡± ¡°He has the cultivation of the seventh layer of Foundation Establishment Realm, almost on par with me.¡± Xu Yining showed admiration: ¡°Senior Brother Mo is indeed formidable.¡± Tang Tianlong smiled proudly: ¡°He is quite formidable.¡± ¡°But with me around, he could only be second, haha¡­¡± At this moment. Liu Wuchen glanced at the second place name and was stunned. Frowning, he hesitated before announcing: ¡°Second place¡­ Tang Tianlong.¡± Chapter 141 - Chapter 141: Chapter 141 First Place, Jiang Fan Chapter 141: Chapter 141 First Place, Jiang Fan ¡°What?¡± The whole crowd buzzed with astonishment. Everyone looked at each other, faces full of shock. ¡°Who is the second place? Tang Tianlong?¡± ¡°Could there be a mistake in the ranking?¡± ¡°Four Foundation Establishment Realm demon beasts and one in Qi Cultivation Realm, isn¡¯t this undoubtedly the first place?¡± ¡°How could he be placed second?¡± Tang Tianlong¡¯s smile froze on his face. The unexpected ranking left him bewildered. How could he be ranked second? Could someone have surpassed him? Impossible, right? Xu Yining was also stunned: ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co ¡°How could Senior Brother Tang be the second place?¡± ¡°There must be a mistake!¡± Not to mention the disciples. Even the elders beside them showed an incredulous expression. In their eyes, Tang Tianlong¡¯s achievements were already very impressive. Far beyond their expectations. Yet such a performance was only second place? Tang Tianlong¡¯s master, the Great Elder Feng Guchan, questioned on the spot: ¡°Deacon of the Reward and Punishment Hall! Did you dare to make a mistake with my disciple¡¯s results?¡± ¡°My disciple is the highest in cultivation among those executing the task this time.¡± ¡°How could anyone have more kills than him?¡± ¡°Is it possible that your old eyes are dim and you got the ranking wrong?¡± The deacon of the Reward and Punishment Hall was startled. How could he dare to offend the Great Elder? He quickly stood up and bowed, saying: ¡°Great Elder, I did not make a mistake in the ranking.¡± ¡°Indeed, there is a disciple whose harvest is above Tang Tianlong¡¯s.¡± What? As soon as he said this. Everyone showed a look of shock. There was indeed someone who had a higher harvest than Tang Tianlong! How was this possible? Four Foundation Establishment Realm demon beasts plus one Qi Cultivation Realm! Unless a team could have someone like Tang Tianlong, whose strength far surpassed others. Only then could such a huge gap appear. But upon looking around, none of the other teams seemed capable. Tang Tianlong could not accept this blow. He, being the highest in cultivation among the participants, was actually trampled underfoot, falling to second place? To him. This was a disgrace! He raised his voice: ¡°Sect Master, who is the first place? Please announce it and let me accept it!¡± He wanted to see. Who it was, and how many kills they had! To be able to rank ahead of him! Liu Wuchen came back to his senses. He also once doubted whether the deacon of the Reward and Punishment Hall had made a mistake in the ranking. His eyes moved on the ranking list. When they fixed on the first place, he was stunned. For the second time, he doubted whether the deacon of the Reward and Punishment Hall had made a mistake! First place, if it were anyone else, he could understand. But, how could it be Jiang Fan? His own useless disciple? Looking again at the harvest quantity. Eight! All of them Foundation Establishment Realm! Moreover, the deacon of the Reward and Punishment Hall had separately marked that all were Great Demons of late Foundation Establishment stage. How could his useless disciple have killed so many Great Demons of late Foundation Establishment stage? With his mouth, one by one biting them to death? There had to be a mistake. Definitely a mistake! He stared at the first place, unsure if he should read it. Reading a fake ranking would surely cause a storm, right? Feng Guchan, who had been waiting impatiently, showed a slight sinking face: ¡°Sect Master, why haven¡¯t you announced it yet?¡± ¡°Could it be that the first place is fake?¡± By now, he couldn¡¯t help but suspect that Liu Wuchen was cheating. Seeing that Tang Tianlong could take the first place, bringing glory to Reincarnation Peak, he deliberately suppressed them. The other elders cast curious glances and urged him. ¡°Sect Master, quickly announce it!¡± ¡°Let us see which peak this outstanding disciple belongs to.¡± The disciples were also curious. They couldn¡¯t figure out who this person could be. Liu Wuchen glanced sideways at Feng Guchan! Did he really think everyone was like the Great Elder, enjoying scheming? However, if he read out Jiang Fan¡¯s name. People would hardly believe that he wasn¡¯t cheating, right? After a moment of contemplation, he put away the list and said: ¡°The first place¡­ let¡¯s not announce it.¡± ¡°I will find him separately for a detailed conversation later.¡± As he spoke, he glanced at Jiang Fan. With a severe look. Although he didn¡¯t know why the deacon of the Reward and Punishment Hall had listed Jiang Fan as the first place. But it must have something to do with Jiang Fan. Leaving him almost accused of cheating, ruining his reputation as the Sect Master. It was time to teach him a good lesson! However. If he didn¡¯t announce it, would others agree? Feng Guchan felt even more suspicious and laughed angrily: ¡°Sect Master, I can understand your unwillingness to let Reincarnation Peak surpass Sect Master Peak!¡± ¡°But such blatant suppression, isn¡¯t it too much?¡± Tang Tianlong also finally realized that the reason he ranked second was not due to insufficient strength. But because of the conflict between the two peaks! He showed a look of humiliation and unwillingness: ¡°Sect Master, I always thought you were upright, generous, and fair. I admired you greatly.¡± ¡°But I didn¡¯t expect you to care so much about the competition between the peaks, even suppressing me.¡± ¡°If my performance makes you feel uncomfortable, then I will accept the second place!¡± They, master and disciple, played good cop, bad cop. Portraying Liu Wuchen as a complete villain. This made Liu Wuchen both angry and upset. He felt like he was being grilled! If he didn¡¯t announce it, they would accuse him of suppressing Reincarnation Peak. If he announced it, the cheating accusation would be undeniable! As the disciples murmured in dissatisfaction. Jiang Fan also showed a look of discontent. What on earth was going on? He was the first place, so why not announce it? And arranging for a separate conversation later? Didn¡¯t that mean his result was invalid? Then his hard work in hunting demon beasts was all for nothing? So, he bowed and said: ¡°Master, please announce the results to silence the gossip!¡± Hearing Jiang Fan also urging him, Liu Wuchen was infuriated! You caused this messy situation, and now you have the nerve to add fuel to the fire? Once announced, Jiang Fan would be a target for everyone¡¯s suspicion. Then, no matter how sophisticated your cheating method, it would be exposed! The disgrace would be on Jiang Fan himself! ¡°Master! Announce it!¡± Jiang Fan urged again. Liu Wuchen was enraged. Fine! Since you¡¯re courting disaster, don¡¯t blame your master for not covering for you! Then. Without further hesitation, he took out the list again and publicly announced: ¡°First place!¡± The previously buzzing scene fell silent suddenly. Everyone pricked up their ears. Eager to know who had been arranged by the Sect Master to suppress Tang Tianlong. They all speculated on the likely candidate. First, this person definitely couldn¡¯t be from Reincarnation Peak. Secondly, the strength had to be reasonable, not much weaker than Tang Tianlong. Otherwise, no one would be convinced. Tang Tianlong folded his arms across his chest, listening with a cold face. No matter who it was, he would not accept it! He intended to personally inspect the other party¡¯s harvest and publicly expose their cheating! Trying to take the first place from Tang Tianlong? Dream on! Feng Guchan snorted through his nose, looking around coldly. He also wanted to see which peak¡¯s disciple, so reckless, cooperated with the Sect Master to suppress Reincarnation Peak! Soon, they would be utterly humiliated! Meanwhile. Liu Wuchen took a deep breath. Finally announced the name of the first place! ¡°Jiang Fan!¡± Chapter 142 - Chapter 142: Chapter 142 Doubt Chapter 142: Chapter 142 Doubt ¡°Who?¡± ¡°Jiang Fan?¡± The entire place fell into dead silence for a moment. Then it erupted into an uproar far louder than before! ¡°Who is the first place? Jiang Fan?¡± ¡°That disciple without a Spirit Root?¡± ¡°He could kill eight Foundation Establishment Realm demon beasts?¡± ¡°That¡¯s not a funny joke!¡± No one had expected that the first place would be Jiang Fan, who nobody paid attention to! Everyone knew. Before setting off, Liu Wuchen didn¡¯t even give him any resources. It was already remarkable for him to come back unharmed. How could he possibly have killed eight Foundation Establishment Realm demon beasts? Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co The unrelated disciples were skeptical to this extent. One could imagine what Tang Tianlong might be thinking! Finding out that the first place was Jiang Fan, he was stunned for a long time, then burst out laughing towards the sky: ¡°Ha ha! Jiang Fan, it¡¯s actually Jiang Fan!¡± ¡°I, Tang Tianlong, am not as good as Jiang Fan?¡± ¡°Ha ha ha!¡± The laughter overwhelmed the entire place. Everyone could hear the suppressed anger within it. If it had been someone else, it might have been acceptable. But it had to be Jiang Fan! The worthless person he disdained to compare to! Having him placed above himself. What an insult!!! Feng Guchan, too, after being momentarily stunned, exploded with anger: ¡°Liu Wuchen!¡± ¡°No wonder you were so secretive, you put the first place on your own disciple!¡± ¡°Fine! If you want to suppress my Reincarnation Peak, I¡¯ll accept it!¡± ¡°But at least pick a more plausible disciple!¡± ¡°Putting a disciple without a Spirit Root above my disciple, do you think it¡¯s convincing? Huh?¡± The sect elders all looked speechless. Wen Hongyao couldn¡¯t help but mutter: ¡°Sect Master Liu is dreaming a bit too big, isn¡¯t he?¡± ¡°Jiang might be good at alchemy, but with that bit of martial prowess, how could he occupy the first place in kills?¡± ¡°Isn¡¯t this making things difficult for Jiang Fan?¡± Amidst all the skepticism, Liu Wuchen¡¯s head was about to explode. He snapped: ¡°I didn¡¯t arrange Jiang Fan¡¯s first place!¡± ¡°He did it himself!¡± It wasn¡¯t arranged by Liu Wuchen? Everyone stared at Jiang Fan in amazement. ¡°How bold! Cheating openly to get himself the first place?¡± ¡°If you¡¯re going to cheat, at least make sure it matches your abilities!¡± ¡°Ranking above Tang Tianlong, how naive must he be to think no one would doubt it?¡± ¡­ Some female disciples with a bit of looks. Looked at the beautiful Chen Silin, and started making snide remarks. ¡°Marrying such a worthless cheat, what was she thinking?¡± ¡°What a waste of that beautiful face.¡± ¡°So good-looking, but such poor judgment.¡± Chen Silin bit her lip. Though she kept explaining, the condemning voices drowned her out, leaving her unable to defend herself. Her face turned a shameful shade of blue! Jiang Fan frowned slightly. Insulting him was one thing. Involving Chen Silin, that he couldn¡¯t tolerate. He wrapped his arm around Chen Silin¡¯s waist, pulling her close to protect her, and said domineeringly: ¡°Even if it¡¯s cheating, it shows I have the ability to bribe the Reward and Punishment Hall deacon to rig the ranking in public!¡± ¡°Can any of you do that?¡± ¡°You?¡± ¡°Or you?¡± ¡°What about you all?¡± ¡°If you can¡¯t, then shut up!¡± His domineering words shook the area. Silencing the once chaotic scene. Many female disciples were grinding their teeth in anger, yet couldn¡¯t retort. Because what Jiang Fan said was true, getting a deacon to cheat publicly before the sect master, elders, and countless disciples. What kind of skill would that take? In the crowd. Xu Yining clenched her fists tightly. Watching Chen Silin being tightly protected by Jiang Fan, standing alone against the entire sect, her jealousy peaked. Unable to hold back, she said: ¡°Talking so grandly!¡± ¡°But cheating is cheating!¡± ¡°What makes you qualified to rank above Tang Tianlong?¡± Jiang Fan looked at her coldly. ¡°Because I achieved more kills than him!¡± ¡°Any problem with that?¡± Hearing this. Tang Tianlong laughed angrily: ¡°Jiang Fan, oh Jiang Fan!¡± ¡°Condemned by everyone, despised by all, yet you still argue!¡± ¡°Do you think you can get away with it today?¡± ¡°I tell you, it¡¯s impossible!¡± He strode up to the Reward and Punishment Hall deacon. Scanning the scene, he quickly found the pouch Jiang Fan had just handed over. He grabbed it and held it high in the air, sneering: ¡°Your cheating evidence is all in this pouch!¡± ¡°Still want to argue?¡± He thought Jiang Fan would be worried. Unexpectedly, Jiang Fan remained calm: ¡°With a clear conscience, there¡¯s no need to argue.¡± Still being stubborn at this point? Tang Tianlong laughed angrily, tearing the rope at the pouch¡¯s opening, announcing loudly: ¡°Fine! Since you¡¯re not afraid of embarrassment, I¡¯ll fulfill your wish!¡± ¡°Let the sect master, the elders, and all the disciples see, the true face of this Sect Master Peak disciple!¡± Feng Guchan, of course, seized the opportunity. He fiercely struck at Liu Wuchen, saying: ¡°Everyone, take a good look.¡± ¡°Look at what this disciple of our sect master used to fool us!¡± Liu Wuchen couldn¡¯t help wiping his face. He shot an angry look at Jiang Fan! This guy, was he going to disgrace him and Sect Master Peak completely? With a flick of Tang Tianlong¡¯s wrist, the pouch turned upside down. Round objects began to fall out, hitting the ground with a crisp, tinkling sound. Tang Tianlong didn¡¯t even look, sneering: ¡°Do you all see?¡± ¡°This is the masterpiece of our Sect Master Peak disciple!¡± ¡°Using stones as demon cores?¡± ¡°He¡¯s even capable of that!¡± ¡°Ha ha ha¡­ ha ha¡­ ha¡­¡± He gradually couldn¡¯t laugh anymore. Because, as the contents fell to the ground. Everyone¡¯s expressions changed dramatically! Liu Wuchen¡¯s eyes bulged. Xu Yining¡¯s eyes were wide open. The disciples¡¯ faces froze. The beautiful female disciples all covered their mouths, uttering low cries. Even his own master, Feng Guchan, looked stiff-faced, staring blankly at the items on the ground. Tang Tianlong was puzzled, muttering: ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you all?¡± He followed their gazes and instinctively glanced at the items on the ground. He had thought they were just some stones disguised to fool people. But unexpectedly. The ground was covered with brightly colored, egg-sized round beads. Each one was rich with demon power. If not fresh demon cores, what else could they be? ¡°De¡­ Demon cores?¡± Tang Tianlong¡¯s mind went blank. What Jiang Fan brought back were real demon cores, and there were as many as eight! The Reward and Punishment Hall deacon hadn¡¯t cheated. Jiang Fan hadn¡¯t cheated either! He was truly the first place! The entire place fell deathly silent. The earlier doubts felt like sharp slaps to their faces. The Reward and Punishment Hall deacon, finally getting a chance to speak, said bitterly: ¡°Even if you gave me a hundred guts, I wouldn¡¯t dare help a mere disciple deceive the sect master and the elders!¡± ¡°What enormous benefit would he have to give me to make me take such a risk?¡± Everyone came to their senses. Expressions turned sheepish. Feng Guchan, who had been the loudest, immediately quieted down, not uttering a word. And Tang Tianlong, the ¡°whistleblower,¡± turned red in the face. So they hadn¡¯t cheated after all. He had truly been surpassed by Jiang Fan. Recalling all his boastful words earlier, he wished he could find a hole to crawl into! Today was thoroughly embarrassing! But he still couldn¡¯t accept the fact that he was inferior to Jiang Fan, stubbornly saying: ¡°Who knows where these demon cores came from?¡± ¡°Maybe you bought them, and they¡¯re not from the demon beasts we hunted this time!¡± Hearing this. Not a few embarrassed disciples started to comfort themselves. ¡°That¡¯s right, it just shows Jiang Fan¡¯s cheating methods are more covert.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not that he didn¡¯t cheat, we just can¡¯t prove he cheated!¡± Hearing that. Jiang Fan laughed. Stubborn to the end! Luckily, he had a backup plan! He walked up to the Reward and Punishment Hall deacon. Placing a fist-sized giant demon core in front of him. He said loudly: ¡°Deacon, please tell everyone.¡± ¡°What this is!¡± Chapter 143 - Chapter 143: Chapter 143 Holy Hall Chapter 143: Chapter 143 Holy Hall The deacon of the Reward and Punishment Hall paused. Staring at the unusually large demon core, for a moment he couldn¡¯t recognize it. After a closer look, he widened his eyes in shock and said, ¡°This¡­ this is a Beast King¡¯s Demon Core!¡± ¡°It¡¯s a Beast King¡¯s Demon Core!¡± ¡°Heavens! Did you slay the Beast King of the Hundred Beasts Mountain?¡± In the vast square, a sudden uproar ensued. Fortunately, this place was outdoor. If it had been indoors, the excitement might have blown the roof off. ¡°Isn¡¯t the Beast King at the Core Formation Realm?¡± ¡°He actually slew a Core Formation Realm being?¡± ¡°In our Green Cloud Sect territory, there¡¯s only one Beast King in the Hundred Beasts Mountain!¡± ¡°This means that Jiang Fan did indeed kill the demon beasts of the Hundred Beasts Mountain!¡± ¡°He didn¡¯t cheat; he really killed that many demon beasts!¡± The doubters all fell silent. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co Other demon cores could be bought. But where could one buy a Beast King¡¯s Demon Core? Tang Tianlong¡¯s face turned unsightly. He had intended to sabotage Jiang Fan¡¯s first place. But who knew, instead, he would affirm Jiang Fan¡¯s first place without any dispute! Seeing his favorite disciple so humiliated, Feng Guchan angrily said, ¡°Sect Master, since you knew Jiang Fan was first.¡± ¡°Why did you keep it hidden just now?¡± Had it not been so, how could Tang Tianlong have doubted him so much and ended up being humiliated? Liu Wuchen¡¯s mouth twitched. You ask me, who should I ask? He was more puzzled than anyone. This disciple whom he couldn¡¯t stand had actually achieved such an astonishing feat! Who could he reason with now! However. In front of the entire sect, he naturally could not show his foolishness. He cleared his throat, and said, ¡°Um¡­ wasn¡¯t it to avoid demoralizing your disciple, Tang Tianlong?¡± ¡°Who knew your disciple would insist on digging to the bottom.¡± ¡°Now that he¡¯s embarrassed, you can¡¯t blame this Sect Master.¡± Feng Guchan gritted his teeth. Today, truly, they had brought humiliation upon themselves! Not only had they lost face, but they also allowed the Sect Master Peak to bask in glory! To make matters worse, Jiang Fan was not willing to let it go. He looked at Tang Tianlong with his hands behind his back and said, ¡°Do you have any more doubts?¡± ¡°Second place, Tang Tianlong?¡± The latter statement was truly a killing blow! It drew people¡¯s lips to twitch uncontrollably. Tang Tianlong was indeed enraged, shouting in humiliation, ¡°So what if you have more kills than me?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just a bit more time to cultivate in the Holy Hall!¡± ¡°You, a waste without a Spirit Root, what¡¯s the point of cultivating no matter how long?¡± Jiang Fan shrugged, ¡°Even if I can¡¯t cultivate, can¡¯t I still have two wives?¡± He beckoned to Xu Youran in the crowd. The latter, in front of everyone, shyly ran over to Jiang Fan and complained, ¡°You and Silin going would have been enough, why drag me along.¡± ¡°So many people watching, it¡¯s so embarrassing.¡± Jiang Fan took her into his arms as well and laughed, ¡°This way, those who usually envy and slander you can have a good look at whether you made a wrong choice for your husband!¡± Upon hearing this, Xu Youran¡¯s eyes brightened slightly. She unconsciously lifted her fair neck a little. She was so beautiful, her Spirit Root was also extremely high, yet her fianc¨¦ was the notorious Spirit Rootless Jiang Fan. How could there be a lack of gossip? There was no shortage of jealous attackers who called her blind. She never argued, for Jiang Fan indeed had no Spirit Root, and she couldn¡¯t refute it. But today, she finally felt proud! Who would dare say her fianc¨¦ was unworthy now? Say she lacked discernment? Watching Xu Youran and Chen Silin both getting the spotlight because of Jiang Fan made Xu Yining very uncomfortable. She bit her red lips and stared at them silently. Noticing her expression, Tang Tianlong felt even more disgraced. Before setting out, he had boasted grandly about his superiority. In the end, he made Xu Yining look inferior. He shouted, ¡°Entering the Holy Hall doesn¡¯t mean relaxation!¡± ¡°Cultivation requires guidance!¡± ¡°Can you, a waste without a Spirit Root, provide guidance to them?¡± Then, he turned to Xu Yining and said, ¡°Junior Sister Xu, let¡¯s go! Follow me and I will personally guide your cultivation!¡± ¡°I assure you, a day of training with me will be worth ten days with them!¡± Xu Yining¡¯s eyes lit up. Yes! The future was still uncertain! Tang Tianlong was an exceptional talent. With his personal guidance, how could her progress not surpass theirs? Hearing this, the crowd finally came to their senses. ¡°That¡¯s right, what¡¯s so great about being first place anyway?¡± ¡°Merit points are ultimately for use in the Holy Hall for cultivation. No matter how many merit points Jiang Fan has, can he guide his two wives?¡± ¡°Xu Yining is still fortunate. Although she can only cultivate in the Holy Hall for one and a half days.¡± ¡°But I bet her gains will definitely be much greater than those of Jiang Fan¡¯s two wives!¡± Liu Wuchen, who had just rejoiced in stepping on a Great Elder momentarily, also sighed inwardly upon hearing this: ¡°Jiang Fan entering is purely a waste of merit points.¡± Thinking this, he said, ¡°Jiang Fan, if you don¡¯t mind, I can have Wang Chengjian enter the Holy Hall to guide them for you.¡± This way, not only would merit points not be wasted, but Jiang Fan¡¯s wives would also receive good guidance. But he failed to realize that this was a competition between Jiang Fan and Tang Tianlong, between Xu Yining and the two women. He had to go. ¡°Master, I recently have some insights into the Martial Path, and I want to share them with my two fianc¨¦es, so I must decline.¡± Being rejected made Liu Wuchen raise an eyebrow. But remembering that Jiang Fan had earned him great face just now, he restrained his emotions and nodded, ¡°Then arrange it yourself.¡± After all, after the Holy Hall cultivation, if Jiang Fan¡¯s wives fell short, it would be his face that was lost, not Liu Wuchen¡¯s. Tang Tianlong laughed and said, ¡°Jiang Fan, perhaps you should follow the Sect Master¡¯s arrangement.¡± ¡°Let someone else guide your wives.¡± ¡°At least your wives wouldn¡¯t lose so badly.¡± Jiang Fan glanced at him, calmly shaking the bag full of demon cores, making a jingling sound. This made Tang Tianlong¡¯s face darken, ¡°Just by luck, you got so many!¡± ¡°We¡¯ll see the results in the Holy Hall!¡± Jiang Fan smiled. His harvest would fetch one hundred eighty merit points. Evenly distributed among the three, each could cultivate individually for five days. Enough for the realm of all three to improve, how much depended on the Holy Hall¡¯s mystical power. ¡°Jiang Fan.¡± At this moment, Elder Li Qingfeng of the Heavenly Sword Peak approached with a heavy heart. Though Li Qingfeng had not favored him initially and continuously belittled him for achieving cultivation by exhausting his potential, he had treated Chen Silin and Xu Youran well. Therefore, Jiang Fan still maintained the necessary courtesy, ¡°Greetings, Elder Li.¡± Li Qingfeng hesitated and asked, ¡°Why haven¡¯t I seen my disciple Ding Wanping? Do you have any news of him?¡± He had inquired with the disciples who returned first. He had only learned that Ding Wanping had been favored by a Soul Master and became the Young Master of the Ding Family. Remembering Ding Xuhui¡¯s instructions, Jiang Fan explained the whole situation. On hearing it, Li Qingfeng trembled inwardly, eyes showing a trace of sorrow. Yet, he was helpless. After all, Ding Wanping was a member of the Ding Family. That was their family affair. He, an outsider, had no stake in it. Moreover, it was too late to intervene. ¡°Alas! I always reminded him to widen his mind, avoid arrogance and impatience, or it might bring trouble to himself.¡± ¡°I didn¡¯t expect it to come true in the end.¡± Looking at the composed and steady Jiang Fan in front of him, he couldn¡¯t help but think, if only Ding Wanping had half of Jiang Fan¡¯s steadiness, perhaps he wouldn¡¯t have met this fate. Thinking so, he began to see Jiang Fan in a different light. This unexpected and astounding accomplishment must be tied to his character. He raised his hand and patted Jiang Fan on the shoulder, ¡°You did well this time.¡± ¡°But to be worthy of my two female disciples, you still have a long way to go.¡± ¡°Keep up the good work!¡± Jiang Fan felt a sense of strangeness. Was this really the same Li Qingfeng who couldn¡¯t stand him? Shaking his head. He led the two women to the Holy Hall. In front of the Holy Hall. Two unkempt old men were whispering to each other. One of them was Huang Zhantian from the Scripture Pavilion. Seeing Jiang Fan approaching, he quickly said, ¡°Old Zheng, that¡¯s the kid.¡± Old Zheng was another Supreme Elder, Zheng Qiushuang. He was in charge of guarding the Holy Hall. Looking in the indicated direction, he couldn¡¯t help but reveal a hint of suspicion, ¡°His cultivation is very low, just the fourth layer of Foundation Establishment.¡± ¡°Did you read too many inappropriate books and your eyes got blurry?¡± ¡°You really have high expectations for this kid.¡± Huang Zhantian rolled his eyes, ¡°When have I ever misjudged someone?¡± Zheng Qiushuang curled his lips, ¡°Fine, didn¡¯t they just finish hunting demon beasts?¡± ¡°Let¡¯s see how your favored disciple performed in this action.¡± ¡°Hopefully, it¡¯s not just one merit point.¡± Chapter 144 - Chapter 144: Chapter 144: Rapid Progress Chapter 144: Chapter 144: Rapid Progress Huang Zhantian¡¯s heart skipped a beat. What he valued was Jiang Fan¡¯s comprehension ability of the Cultivation Technique. As for his future in the Martial Path, he truly didn¡¯t have a clear grasp. But he also didn¡¯t want to expose Jiang Fan¡¯s extraordinary aspect to prevent others from getting interested, so he couldn¡¯t say it clearly. He could only stiffen his resolve and say: ¡°Anyway, he has exceptional qualities.¡± ¡°You must vote for him.¡± Zheng Qiushuang remained unmoved and said: ¡°Let¡¯s observe first.¡± He glanced around, seeing that everyone was almost present. He slowly stood up and said: ¡°Line up and register your merit points one by one!¡± Everyone knew this person was a Supreme Elder, who dared to act recklessly? Even someone as proud as Tang Tianlong behaved obediently like a child, standing in line quietly. After registering most of them, Zheng Qiushuang remained expressionless. Only when Tang Tianlong had forty-one merit points did he slightly nod his head, indicating approval. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co Soon, it was Jiang Fan¡¯s turn. Huang Zhantian also craned his neck to look over, muttering: ¡°This kid better not embarrass me.¡± ¡°I went through a lot to recommend him.¡± Zheng Qiushuang then gave Jiang Fan a meaningful glance and said: ¡°How many merit points?¡± Jiang Fan took out the certificate given by the deacon of the Reward and Punishment Hall and placed it before him. Zheng Qiushuang glanced down at it briefly, and couldn¡¯t help but be surprised: ¡°Eighty?¡± Tang Tianlong only had forty! This kid actually had double what Tang Tianlong had. Interesting indeed. No wonder Huang Zhantian had faith in him. ¡°Eighty points, not bad!¡± Zheng Qiushuang smiled slightly. However, when he carefully verified the certificate, his smile froze. Because he overlooked two words before ¡°eighty.¡± They were ¡°one hundred!¡± ¡°One hundred and eighty?¡± Zheng Qiushuang exclaimed softly in disbelief. ¡°How did this happen?¡± A Foundation Establishment Realm demon beast was ten points. One hundred and eighty, didn¡¯t that mean that he alone killed eighteen Foundation Establishment Realm demon beasts? Could it be that the Foundation Establishment demons in Hundred Beasts Mountain had become wooden stakes, standing there waiting for him to kill one with one strike? He even suspected the certificate was fake. Carefully examining it, he found a detailed explanation and couldn¡¯t help muttering: ¡°Eight Foundation Establishment Realm demon beasts.¡± ¡°One Core Formation Realm demon beast.¡± ¡°Wait! Core Formation Realm demon beast?¡± Zheng Qiushuang abruptly raised his head, looking at Jiang Fan in shock as if he had seen a ghost, and asked: ¡°Did you kill a Core Formation Realm demon beast?¡± Jiang Fan was startled by his look and dared not lie, saying: ¡°It was severely wounded.¡± ¡°I just took advantage of the situation to finish it off.¡± But Zheng Qiushuang knew very well. Even a dying demon beast was extremely dangerous; the so-called cornered beast fought fiercely. The closer to death, the more dangerous the beast¡¯s attacks would be. Without real skills, it was simply impossible to kill it. Huang Zhantian squeezed over. Looking at the achievements on the certificate, he couldn¡¯t help but widen his eyes and then proudly said: ¡°Old Zheng, want to say my eyes are failing me again?¡± Zheng Qiushuang stared blankly at Jiang Fan. He had to admit, Huang Zhantian really found an extraordinary youngster. Pouting, he said sulkily: ¡°It¡¯s too early to say that.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s see how he performs in the Holy Hall.¡± Then, he allowed Jiang Fan and the two women to pass. After entering the Holy Hall. A mist surged towards them, shrouding everything around. One could say it was so thick that visibility was next to none. ¡°Mist?¡± Jiang Fan was startled for a moment, quickly recognizing it, and his pupils shrank: ¡°Spiritual qi fog!¡± Only when the spiritual qi had reached its peak of concentration would it condense into fog. This was the place with the most abundant spiritual qi he had ever seen! No wonder everyone wanted to enter the Holy Hall to cultivate! Spending just a few days here, it would be hard not to make a breakthrough! He led the two women to a corner, whispering: ¡°Operate the mental method I imparted to you, and see if there are any weaknesses.¡± With spiritual qi so abundant. The speed of cultivation depended on the Spirit Root and the Cultivation Technique. The Spirit Root increased absorption speed, the Cultivation Technique increased refining speed. The higher the grade of both, the faster the cultivation speed. The two women realized this was an extremely rare opportunity and immediately sat cross-legged to operate the mental method. Usually, they were guided by Li Qingfeng. However, the mental method they practiced was the Profound Level mental method imparted by Jiang Fan, unfamiliar to Li Qingfeng, who couldn¡¯t detect their deficiencies. Now, as the two women practiced, Jiang Fan noticed numerous deficiencies. After pointing them out one by one, their mental method operation speed increased by more than double! ¡°Thank you, my husband!¡± Chen Silin exclaimed excitedly: ¡°After five days, who knows what realm I will reach.¡± Currently, she was at the Ninth Layer of Qi Cultivation. Xu Youran, on the other hand, was at the First Layer of Foundation Establishment. Jiang Fan was also somewhat expectant. He immediately sat cross-legged, beginning to cultivate quietly. All three of them practiced Jiang Fan¡¯s ¡°Dragon Seeking Scripture.¡± The difference was, Jiang Fan had a Transparent Spirit Root, Xu Youran had a Seventh Grade Spirit Root, and Chen Silin had a Sixth Grade Spirit Root. A day and a half later. Jiang Fan opened his eyes, his gaze sharp, feeling the endless spiritual power, and couldn¡¯t help showing joy. ¡°Fifth Layer of Foundation Establishment!¡± Just a day and a half, such results were truly extraordinary. Turning to look at Chen Silin and Xu Youran. Chen Silin successfully reached Foundation Establishment! And Xu Youran reached the Second Layer of Foundation Establishment, catching up with Xu Yining! Although their cultivation speed would slow down gradually, it was likely they could make another breakthrough within this time! At the entrance of the Holy Hall. Most disciples had already left. Tang Tianlong and Xu Yining were among those who cultivated the longest. Xu Yining looked delighted and grateful: ¡°Thank you, Senior Brother Tang, thank you, Senior Brother Tang!¡± With Tang Tianlong¡¯s guidance and the superior environment of the Holy Hall. She broke through her bottleneck, reaching the Third Layer of Foundation Establishment! Tang Tianlong smiled warmly, turning to look at the Holy Hall behind him, snorting through his nose: ¡°In three days, come back here and see!¡± ¡°I want to see if he can also help two women break through a realm like I did!¡± Two days later. Jiang Fan broke through another realm, reaching the Sixth Layer of Foundation Establishment! He tried to continue cultivating but found his meridians aching. This was because of the mixed spiritual power, causing an obstructed flow. In simple terms, his foundation was unstable! After reaching the later stages of Foundation Establishment, each realm required a solid base. Breaking through two layers consecutively was already the limit; he couldn¡¯t keep pushing mindlessly. Helpless, he had to stop cultivating. Seeing that there were still two days left. He recalled the dangerous encounter with the Beast King. ¡°I need to refine my movement technique ¡®Solitary Wild Goose Shadow,¡¯ and ¡®Wandering Dragon Palm¡¯ must not be neglected.¡± So. He switched to cultivating techniques. After more than half a day. With a tip of his toe, he became as light as a wild goose, leaping more than ten feet in a single step! Better than the effect of the high-grade magical artifact Gale Pearl! ¡°Second Layer, Great Success!¡± Jiang Fan exclaimed happily. Next was cultivating the ¡®Wandering Dragon Palm.¡¯ Compared to the movement technique, the ¡®Wandering Dragon Palm¡¯ was much easier. In less than half a day, he mastered the second form. ¡°Dragon Control!¡± As he punched out, a thunderous dragon roar accompanied it. The power was immensely fierce. With the cultivation of the Sixth Layer of Foundation Establishment, no one at the same realm should be able to withstand this punch. The fist power swept forward into the fog. At this moment, only the three of them were left in the Holy Hall, with no one else around. So Jiang Fan didn¡¯t pay attention to his surroundings. Who knew, not far away, a woman¡¯s scream suddenly came: ¡°Ouch! Who is it?¡± ¡°Why aren¡¯t you looking where you¡¯re going?¡± Chapter 145 - Chapter 145: Chapter 145: Nangong Xiaoyuns Tears Chapter 145: Chapter 145: Nangong Xiaoyun¡¯s Tears Uh! Jiang Fan was stunned. How could there still be someone here? It¡¯s already the fourth day! Shouldn¡¯t everyone have left by now? But no matter what, he had hurt someone. He quickly apologized: ¡°Fairy, I¡¯m really sorry. I thought no one was here.¡± Unexpectedly, the other party was not someone who would let it go so easily. She said angrily, ¡°If an apology worked, what would we need fists for?¡± ¡°Stand still and let me hit you back!¡± Jiang Fan felt helpless. She seemed like a young girl; her punch shouldn¡¯t be too hard. Let her hit him back once, then. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co At least this way, they wouldn¡¯t have a prolonged conflict. However, when the punch came, Jiang Fan¡¯s face changed drastically! That punch carried the force of the Core Formation Realm! Was she trying to kill him? Jiang Fan no longer dared to remain still. He quickly dodged and said, ¡°Miss, it was not intentional. There¡¯s no need to hit so hard, right?¡± But the other party was very unreasonable, biting her silver teeth as she said, ¡°I don¡¯t care! You hit me, I¡¯ll hit you back!¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s forehead veins bulged. How could she be so unreasonable? Moreover, Xu Youran and Chen Silin were cultivating not far away. What if they were affected? Thinking of this, Jiang Fan got angry. ¡°Then let¡¯s see if you have the ability!¡± He dodged to another place, drawing away this fierce girl. The latter heard the footsteps and indeed chased after him! She swung her fists wildly in the mist. Every punch made Jiang Fan¡¯s heart race. Fortunately, the thick spirit mist greatly obscured vision, limiting the use of her strength. Otherwise, he would have had trouble. Seeing her unwilling to give up. Jiang Fan no longer hesitated. ¡°Bring it on!¡± The girl had no combat experience and kept swinging her fists. The sound revealed her position. So, Jiang Fan decisively used a movement technique, quickly moving near her position. In the mist, he struck out with a ¡°Dragon Control.¡± Not caring if it hit or not. He punched and quickly ran, not giving her a chance to counter. Thud thud thud¡ª Ah! She missed three punches and got hit once, stomping her feet in anger, yelling: ¡°You bastard! Come out, I promise I won¡¯t kill you!¡± Bang¡ª Jiang Fan followed the sound, hit her again, just right on her arm. She winched in pain, kicked hard. But Jiang Fan had already used his movement technique, running in time, making her kick empty. Like this. They tangled for half a day. Jiang Fan was only accidentally brushed on the shoulder, leaving a bruise. But the silly girl didn¡¯t know how many punches she had taken. Finally, she couldn¡¯t take it anymore. Crying loudly, she ran out of the Holy Hall. At this moment. Huang Zhantian and Zheng Qiushuang were lying on chairs, sunbathing. Huang Zhantian checked the time and said, ¡°It¡¯s almost been five days; that boy should come out now.¡± Zheng Qiushuang chuckled, ¡°Don¡¯t rush! When he comes out, I¡¯ll check out his progress.¡± ¡°If he hasn¡¯t made any progress, don¡¯t blame me for not saving face for you.¡± Just then. The door was pushed open. Nangong Xiaoyun rubbed her eyes, crying as she ran out: ¡°Wah! Wah! Vice Pavilion Master, come quick, someone bullied me! Wah!¡± The two couldn¡¯t help but sit up. Seeing Nangong Xiaoyun in her miserable state, they were startled. Her nose was bruised, her pretty pink dress torn into shreds by the punches, and her braided black hair was in disarray. They almost didn¡¯t recognize that this was the cute girl You Yunzi had brought. As a guest, and also a distinguished guest from Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion. When Nangong Xiaoyun said she wanted to cultivate inside, they naturally allowed her. But how did she end up like this? As the manager of the Holy Hall, Zheng Qiushuang quickly asked, ¡°Miss Nangong, what happened to you?¡± Hearing someone backing her up, Nangong Xiaoyun cried even harder: ¡°Someone hit me inside!¡± ¡°Wah!¡± Uh¡ª Now in the Holy Hall, only Jiang Fan and his two wives remained, right? Both of those wives had low cultivation levels. So the one who beat Nangong Xiaoyun could only be¡­ Jiang Fan! Nangong Xiaoyun cried for a while, not seeing You Yunzi coming, then ran off to get reinforcements while bawling. Watching her back as she left, Zheng Qiushuang was somewhat shocked: ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken.¡± ¡°Nangong Xiaoyun is the number one proud daughter of Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, right?¡± ¡°And not long ago broke through to the Core Formation Realm!¡± ¡°She was beaten by Jiang Fan?¡± Huang Zhantian was equally dumbfounded. Then he wiped his face hard: ¡°Goodness, he can beat Core Formation Realm cultivators now?¡± ¡°What kind of monster have I taken a liking to?¡± Not long after. As the cultivation time ended. A party of three came out. Zheng Qiushuang and Huang Zhantian simultaneously looked at Jiang Fan, thinking he would be somewhat injured after a battle with a Core Formation Realm cultivator. The result astonished the two old men. Aside from his fist being scuffed from too much hitting, there wasn¡¯t a single injury! Zheng Qiushuang patted Huang Zhantian¡¯s back, saying, ¡°Old fellow, this Jiang Fan is indeed remarkable!¡± ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll cast my vote for him.¡± Meanwhile. Tang Tianlong and Xu Yining came together. Some onlooking disciples also arrived one after another. Even Li Qingfeng rushed over to greet their emergence. The formerly quiet entrance to the Holy Hall instantly became lively. Tang Tianlong crossed his arms, speaking in a playful tone: ¡°How did it go? First place?¡± ¡°Don¡¯t tell me after five days of cultivating, your two wives didn¡¯t even break through the first layer.¡± Xu Yining¡¯s eyes sparkled. She said proudly, ¡°Under Senior Brother Tang¡¯s guidance, I¡¯ve already broken through to the Third Layer of Foundation Establishment.¡± ¡°And I only cultivated for a day and a half.¡± ¡°Chen Silin, Sister, you both cultivated for five days. Don¡¯t tell me even you couldn¡¯t surpass me?¡± Li Qingfeng couldn¡¯t understand what was wrong with Xu Yining. Normally, she was quite nice. Although somewhat arrogant, in dealings with others she was quite peaceful. Why did she act like a little pepper every time Jiang Fan was involved? Provoking everyone around. The three girls were all his disciples and were all very talented. He didn¡¯t want them to hurt their relationship, so he tried to give Chen Silin and Xu Youran an easy way out. ¡°Yining, you had Senior Brother Tang¡¯s direct guidance, so naturally, you made progress faster.¡± ¡°They had to explore on their own, so even if their progress wasn¡¯t great, it¡¯s still commendable.¡± ¡°Don¡¯t laugh at them.¡± Xu Yining bit her silver teeth lightly. She had waited three days just to watch their disgrace. Why did she have to let them off so easily? Therefore, she said expressionlessly, ¡°Master, I can follow your command and not laugh at them.¡± ¡°But can you stop others from mocking them?¡± ¡°Face is earned by oneself, not given by others.¡± ¡°They chose the wrong person, found the wrong backer, being laughed at is their own choice, they can¡¯t blame anyone else!¡± Li Qingfeng had a headache. It seemed today, the three girls had to see who would come out on top. Hopefully, Chen Silin and Xu Youran¡¯s progress wouldn¡¯t be too bad, so none of the three would lose face. The onlooking disciples started to talk as well. ¡°There¡¯s a ninety percent chance the two girls didn¡¯t progress.¡± ¡°I also think there wouldn¡¯t be much progress. Although the spiritual energy in the Holy Hall is rich, it requires a strong cultivation technique to harness it.¡± ¡°Unlike Xu Yining, who had a Senior Brother at the Eighth Layer of Foundation Establishment providing guidance, they might not cultivate smoothly on their own.¡± ¡°But they did cultivate for a full five days!¡± ¡°If they didn¡¯t make any progress, that would be too embarrassing.¡± ¡­ Everyone had something to say. Xu Youran¡¯s face flushed, as she said to Xu Yining: ¡°Sister, let it go, why compare among family?¡± ¡°All the jokes would be seen by outsiders.¡± Xu Yining did recognize this sister. She nodded slightly: ¡°Fine, I won¡¯t compare with you.¡± ¡°But Chen Silin!¡± ¡°Today, you can¡¯t escape!¡± Chapter 146 - Chapter 146: Chapter 146 Xu Yinings Collapse Chapter 146: Chapter 146 Xu Yining¡¯s Collapse They were all calling her by name. Chen Silin had no reason to retreat. Moreover, she had no need to retreat. ¡°Xu Yining, you shouldn¡¯t have come.¡± From the beginning, she knew she wouldn¡¯t lose. Because she was Jiang Fan¡¯s woman. Whether it was Xu Youran or her, since they followed Jiang Fan, who hadn¡¯t undergone a complete transformation and soared to great heights? What did Xu Yining have to win against her? The irony was. This position should have been Xu Yining¡¯s. She didn¡¯t want it herself, gave it to her sister, and then ultimately, it fell to her. ¡°What, did you really make a breakthrough?¡± Xu Yining was slightly surprised. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co But she quickly calmed down: ¡°You were in the Ninth Layer of Qi Cultivation before, right?¡± ¡°Even if you had great luck and succeeded in Foundation Establishment, it¡¯s still not as good as my breakthrough from the Second Layer to the Third Layer.¡± Tang Tianlong crossed his arms. Impatiently said: ¡°Jiang Fan, have your woman quickly display her cultivation.¡± ¡°Weren¡¯t you arrogant before? Didn¡¯t you claim to be the first?¡± ¡°Let me see if you can still step on me again!¡± Li Qingfeng sighed slightly. No matter how compared, Chen Silin would lose! Even if she really broke through to Foundation Establishment, there was nothing to show off. Just as Xu Yining said, from the Ninth Layer of Qi Cultivation to Foundation Establishment couldn¡¯t compare to the gap between the Second and Third Layers of Foundation Establishment. Moreover. Foundation Establishment wasn¡¯t that easy! Without the help of the Foundation Establishment Pill, it required a powerful cultivation technique. But Chen Silin¡¯s cultivation technique wasn¡¯t deeply cultivated. Without guidance, breaking through to Foundation Establishment was challenging. Several quite attractive, well-endowed female disciples whispered to each other. ¡°You didn¡¯t see it, when Jiang Fan won first place, how proud Chen Silin was!¡± ¡°She really thought she married an extraordinary husband.¡± ¡°Hmph! She won¡¯t be laughing soon!¡± Chen Silin¡¯s eyes showed helplessness. Since she had to compare, she would do as Xu Yining wished. As her thoughts moved, the spiritual power within her body slowly emerged. Everyone couldn¡¯t help but stare. Feeling the strong spiritual power unique to Foundation Establishment Realm, they were all moved! ¡°Foundation Establishment Realm! She really succeeded in Foundation Establishment!¡± Several beautiful female disciples bit their silver teeth, very unwilling. ¡°She is so lucky, without guidance, she could succeed in Foundation Establishment!¡± ¡°So what if she broke through to Foundation Establishment? She still can¡¯t compare to Xu Yining.¡± ¡°Moreover, she cultivated for five whole days, Xu Yining only took a day and a half, isn¡¯t she ashamed?¡± Tang Tianlong was shocked. ¡°She really broke through to Foundation Establishment Realm! Without Jiang Fan¡¯s guidance, she could actually break through?¡± ¡°Such luck!¡± ¡°But, she still can¡¯t compare to Xu Yining!¡± Though he had already mentally prepared. But realizing Chen Silin broke through to Foundation Establishment was still hard for her to take. The only comfort was. Chen Silin¡¯s five days of cultivation effects were not as good as her day and a half. This gave her some comfort, she sneered: ¡°Not impressive¡­¡± But before she finished speaking. She noticed Chen Silin¡¯s spiritual power was still gushing out, showing no signs of stopping. Very quickly reaching the level of the Second Layer of Foundation Establishment! And only stopped at Perfection! Li Qingfeng was surprised: ¡°Second Layer of Foundation Establishment Perfection?¡± He exclaimed with joy: ¡°Siling, how did you do this?¡± From the Ninth Layer of Qi Cultivation to the Second Layer of Foundation Establishment Perfection in one go, this was too astonishing! Even if he personally guided, he might not achieve such progress! Several beautiful female disciples were stunned speechless! In just five days, she broke through to the Second Layer of Foundation Establishment Perfection? With some more time in meditation, she could break through to the Third Layer of Foundation Establishment! She could catch up with their cultivation soon! But they were old disciples; Chen Silin had only been an entry disciple for a month! Tang Tianlong¡¯s arms dropped from his chest. He looked shocked. ¡°Second Layer of Foundation Establishment Perfection?¡± ¡°Without guidance, how is it possible?¡± ¡°Jiang Fan, did you ask someone to guide her?¡± As soon as he said it, he realized he asked a stupid question. Merit points were limited, how could he spare extra points to ask for guidance for five days? Onlookers were astounded. ¡°From the Ninth Layer of Qi Cultivation, breaking through to the Second Layer of Foundation Establishment in five days!¡± ¡°If there¡¯s no expert guiding, I would stand on my head and pee!¡± ¡°Chen Silin really didn¡¯t misjudge, she got a good man.¡± ¡°Had I known earlier, I would¡¯ve become Jiang Fan¡¯s woman as well.¡± ¡°Her gains far exceed Xu Yining¡¯s!¡± Xu Yining couldn¡¯t accept it. When she was the daughter of the prodigy in Lonely Boat City, Chen Silin was still a mediocre Spirit Root, with no martial prospects, only fit to be a woman of a businesswoman. But since becoming Jiang Fan¡¯s concubine. She soared, advancing step by step, until now, almost on par with her! The dramatic change was like a slap reminding her. Back then, how resolutely she refused Jiang Fan, how foolish it was! The intense thoughts drove her almost irrational. With inexplicable resentment, she rushed forward and struck at Chen Silin¡¯s chest, shrieking: ¡°I don¡¯t believe it! I don¡¯t believe you¡¯re Second Layer of Foundation Establishment!¡± She struck without warning. No one was prepared. Chen Silin was startled by her crazy move and hurriedly raised her arm to block. She was just in the Second Layer of Foundation Establishment, Xu Yining was in the Third Layer of Foundation Establishment, and she had cultivated offensive techniques. How could Chen Silin block her? She could be struck and have her bones broken! Fortunately, Jiang Fan was always on guard. He frowned, about to intervene. But Xu Youran acted first; with a trace of anger on her face, she grabbed Xu Yining¡¯s wrist. Unhappy, she said: ¡°Yining! What are you doing? Calm down!¡± Xu Yining, in a fit of rage, ignored any advice. She screamed sharply: ¡°Let go! It¡¯s none of your business!¡± ¡°And you have no right to intervene!¡± From childhood to adulthood, she never regarded Xu Youran as her sister. Even entering the Green Cloud Sect. Her strength surpassed Xu Youran! Xu Youran, in a hurry, had no choice but to push with her spiritual power. In an instant. Xu Yining, caught off guard, was sent reeling back. She looked at Xu Youran in shock: ¡°You¡­ what realm are you in?¡± In that attack, she had used her full strength. Xu Youran was only supposed to be in the First Layer of Foundation Establishment, how could she repulse her? Li Qingfeng witnessed the entire scene. He couldn¡¯t help but exclaim: ¡°Third Layer of Foundation Establishment Perfection?¡± ¡°Youran, you¡¯ve also made such great progress?¡± The crowd was in an uproar. They looked incredulous. ¡°Not only did Chen Silin make astonishing progress, but Xu Youran also improved greatly!¡± ¡°Who is guiding them, for them to make such remarkable progress?¡± The most shocked of all. Undoubtedly, it was Xu Yining! She stared at Xu Youran, her vision darkening. The only thing she could still be proud of in front of Xu Youran was her strength. But that pride, built over ten years, vanished at this moment! And the cause of it all¡­ Was that she had pushed her fianc¨¦ to her sister! ¡°Why is it like this? Why?¡± Xu Yining broke down, tears streaming down her face. Her breakdown also shamed Tang Tianlong. He had once proudly declared that what he could give Xu Yining would far surpass what Jiang Fan could give his two wives. And what was the result? She lost miserably and was so upset! He quickly comforted: ¡°Junior Sister Xu, with me here, don¡¯t worry¡­¡± Before he finished, Xu Yining, in complete disappointment, interrupted him: ¡°No need.¡± ¡°You can¡¯t possibly beat Jiang Fan!¡± She wiped her tears and ran away. A man¡¯s biggest taboo is being told they¡¯re inadequate! Especially by a beautiful woman! To be told this by Xu Yining in front of everyone, Tang Tianlong laughed in anger: ¡°I¡¯m not as good as Jiang Fan?¡± ¡°I, Tang Tianlong, am not as good as a worthless man with no Spirit Root?¡± This was a massive insult! He was furious. His spiritual power surged, he roared: ¡°Jiang, dare you fight me?¡± Chapter 147 - Chapter 147: Chapter 147 Moon Venerate Chapter 147: Chapter 147 Moon Venerate Jiang Fan sighed. He was at home when trouble came from the sky. But given the other party¡¯s aggressive attitude, he had no reason to back down. He turned his hand to grasp the hilt of the Black Sword on his back and said calmly, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll play with you.¡± He had just broken through to the Foundation Establishment Sixth Layer, requiring a lot of combat to solidify his foundation. Tang Tianlong, who was at the Foundation Establishment Eighth Layer, was an experienced senior disciple with rich combat experience. Using him to hone his spiritual power was just right. ¡°Play with me? Haha! Hahaha!¡± The relaxed tone made Tang Tianlong feel even more insulted. He laughed angrily: ¡°Do you really think you¡¯re stepping on my head?¡± ¡°Fine! Let me teach you your first life lesson ¡ª arrogance always leads to disaster!¡± His spiritual power surged, making his clothes flutter noisily. Just as the two were about to clash. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co Li Qingfeng frowned and said, ¡°Are you planning to cause trouble in front of the two Supreme Elders?¡± Tang Tianlong¡¯s heart trembled. Only then did he realize that Huang Zhantian and Zheng Qiushuang were watching. Frightened, he quickly restrained his spiritual power. Private fights between disciples were forbidden by the sect. Violating the rules in front of the Supreme Elders was clearly disrespectful to them. He glared at Jiang Fan unwillingly. ¡°During the disciple rating, I hope you can be as confident as you are today!¡± In half a month, it would be the disciple rating. And the one doing the rating would be Tang Tianlong! Jiang Fan frowned slightly. He was confident that his current strength would not be embarrassed by Tang Tianlong. However, the power of rating lay in Tang Tianlong¡¯s hands. Unless he could demonstrate absolute superiority, Tang Tianlong would have the opportunity to give him a maliciously low rating. Therefore, he needed to continue strengthening his power. Before that, he had to find a way to engage in a lot of practical combat to solidify his foundation. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, my husband, for causing you trouble.¡± Chen Silin looked guilty. Her conflict with Xu Yining had eventually implicated Jiang Fan. Given Tang Tianlong¡¯s intense anger, one could imagine the difficulties Jiang Fan would face in the upcoming disciple rating. Jiang Fan was unconcerned. He reached out to smooth the wrinkle on her forehead, speaking gently, ¡°Since you see me as your husband, I will take on the responsibility of being your husband.¡± Chen Silin was moved. Although she was a concubine, Jiang Fan had never belittled her. He treated her no less favorably than Xu Youran. Making her feel respect and love everywhere. ¡°Meeting you is my good fortune.¡± Her voice choked slightly. Her eyes shimmered with tears. Why did she start crying while talking? Jiang Fan was a bit at a loss, so he quickly changed the subject, ¡°Your cultivation realms have improved, but you can¡¯t neglect the cultivation techniques.¡± Not only did Jiang Fan have to face the disciple rating, but they would also. Today, they had made a splash following Jiang Fan, making many people envious. If they made mistakes in the disciple rating, gossip would ensue. After a moment of thought. Jiang Fan took out the first volume of ¡°Sword Heart Engraving¡± and handed it to Xu Youran, ¡°You two practice for a while. If you don¡¯t understand something, come to me.¡± This Swordsmanship, even Huang Zhantian couldn¡¯t comprehend. It was uncertain whether the two women could. Seeing yet another cultivation technique without a grade, Xu Youran muttered, ¡°Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s another incredibly powerful technique.¡± The cultivation techniques Jiang Fan had given her before were always astonishing. Li Qingfeng was somewhat speechless. Jiang Fan was so generous with his two female disciples. As their master, he couldn¡¯t pretend not to see it, right? Otherwise, what would others say about him? Helpless, he could only pull out a silver coin from his sleeve and throw it to Jiang Fan, saying grumpily, ¡°We¡¯re even now.¡± Jiang Fan took it and saw that it was a coin engraved with the characters ¡°Martial Soul.¡± Although he didn¡¯t know what it was, he still cupped his hands in thanks. Then he held the hands of the two women and said goodbye, ¡°Remember, if you don¡¯t understand something, come to me anytime.¡± Xu Youran nodded. Chen Silin seemed hesitant as if she wanted to tell Jiang Fan something. Affected by the crowd, she ultimately held back. After the two women returned to Heavenly Sword Peak, they immediately went into seclusion together to study the ¡°Sword Heart Engraving¡± given by Jiang Fan. Xu Youran was reading with interest. Chen Silin, however, was restless. Because a voice had suddenly appeared in her mind. ¡°You little girl, didn¡¯t I warn you not to reveal my existence?¡± ¡°What, do you want to tell that rotten brat about me?¡± Chen Silin¡¯s face turned pale. She glanced at Xu Youran cautiously. Seeing that the latter hadn¡¯t noticed, she defended herself in her mind, ¡°It was Jiang Fan who sensed your existence and gave me a prescription, which allowed you to awaken.¡± This voice was none other than the Innate Fetus Jiang Fan had once diagnosed. However, unexpectedly for Jiang Fan. This Innate Fetus didn¡¯t grant Chen Silin some immense ability. Instead, it held¡­ a mysterious consciousness! She claimed to have reincarnated with her memories and became Chen Silin¡¯s twin sister. But due to certain reasons, the Fetus had disintegrated. Even her soul was absorbed by Chen Silin. Awoken gradually by the nourishment of Jiang Fan¡¯s prescription for a month. Recently, Chen Silin¡¯s breakthrough in the Foundation Establishment had fully awakened her. Her tone softened a bit, and she snorted lightly, ¡°I will find another way to thank him.¡± ¡°But, my existence must not be revealed.¡± ¡°Because no man in this world is good!¡± Chen Silin was speechless and said, ¡°Sister, Jiang Fan is different from other men.¡± ¡°He treats me very well. Even though I am a concubine, he has never mistreated me.¡± This made her even angrier. ¡°You must break off the engagement with him immediately!¡± ¡°I am the dignified Moon Venerate, and yet I am a concubine to a man without a Spirit Root?¡± ¡°If this gets out, how will I have the face to return to the heavens? I might as well just dissipate!¡± Chen Silin ignored her and snorted: ¡°I have decided to stay with him for this life!¡± ¡°No matter how many prodigious talents you speak of in your world.¡± ¡°But when I was just a merchant¡¯s daughter in Lonely Boat City, it was Jiang Fan who gave me the Spirit Root. When I was at my lowest, it was he who provided me with a sky free from rain and wind.¡± ¡°In this life, I only want him.¡± With that, she impatiently said, ¡°Alright, I won¡¯t argue with you.¡± ¡°I will definitely tell Jiang Fan about your existence. He is my husband, and I don¡¯t want to keep secrets from him.¡± ¡°Now I need to practice swordsmanship. This is the technique my husband gave me, and I want to train well for him.¡± The Moon Venerate was exasperated! Why did she meet someone so stubborn? Any man she casually recommended would be ten thousand times better than Jiang Fan. Why was she insisting on him? Grinding her teeth, she said, ¡°You are too na?ve!¡± ¡°He gives you any useless sword technique, and you are overjoyed?¡± ¡°If you really want to practice swordsmanship, I can give you a book anytime.¡± She didn¡¯t believe that a nobody without a Spirit Root like Jiang Fan could give Chen Silin a good cultivation technique. Seeing Chen Silin still ignoring her. The Moon Venerate also looked at ¡°Sword Heart Engraving¡± through Chen Silin¡¯s eyes and snorted lightly: ¡°Don¡¯t believe me? Then I¡¯ll make you lose hope and see how useless this sword technique is.¡± ¡°The name ¡®Sword Heart Engraving¡¯ is ordinary.¡± ¡°The cultivation method is ordinary.¡± ¡°The power is ordinary.¡± However, as Chen Silin¡¯s eyes moved to the illustrations above. She was stunned. ¡°Wait!¡± ¡°The characters on this meteorite, why do they look familiar?¡± After thinking for a while, her eyes suddenly widened. She took a sharp breath! Chapter 148 - Chapter 148: Chapter 148 Liu Qingxians Intentions Chapter 148: Chapter 148 Liu Qingxian¡¯s Intentions Detecting the abnormality in the Moon Venerate. Chen Silin couldn¡¯t help but feel uneasy: ¡°Is there something wrong with this cultivation technique?¡± The Moon Venerate stared at the cultivation technique, her tone filled with disbelief. ¡°I can¡¯t believe I can see the Sword Venerate¡¯s Legacy Technique in such a remote place!¡± ¡°Truly unbelievable!¡± Who was the Sword Venerate? Chen Silin was puzzled for a moment, but seeing her high and mighty elder sister so astonished, the Sword Venerate¡¯s status was evidently high. The legacy technique he left behind couldn¡¯t possibly be low in value. Unable to hold back, a hint of joy appeared at the corners of her mouth as she thought, ¡°Well, so what if it¡¯s the Sword Venerate¡¯s legacy technique?¡± ¡°In the eyes of the Moon Venerate, it¡¯s just a trivial sword technique.¡± The Moon Venerate¡¯s mouth twitched. This girl, reversing the situation to mock her. But when it came to swordsmanship, she could never compare to the Sword Venerate. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co What qualifications did she have to say the Sword Venerate¡¯s legacy technique was inadequate? With a stern face, she said, ¡°This boy¡¯s luck is really strong, the Sword Venerate¡¯s swordsmanship is a secret not passed on.¡± ¡°Aside from the Sword Venerable Palace, outsiders absolutely cannot cultivate it!¡± ¡°He unexpectedly picked up one of the scrolls.¡± Chen Silin proudly said, ¡°So, should I continue cultivating it?¡± The Moon Venerate glared at her: ¡°Are you done yet?¡± ¡°Although this is a basic sword technique, the Sword Venerate¡¯s legacy technique is rare and should not be missed.¡± ¡°Sit down, I¡¯ll teach you how to cultivate it!¡± Despite swordsmanship not being her specialty. With her extensive experience, guiding basic sword techniques posed no difficulty. Meanwhile. Jiang Fan returned to the Sect Master Peak, heading straight to his cave dwelling. He was away for many days. Did the little Qilin starve to death? The top-grade Black Soul Bone Healing Ointment he left for it might not have been enough. However. As soon as he opened the door, an overwhelming medicinal fragrance greeted him. The ground was littered with various Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures that had been gnawed on and discarded randomly. Among them were Land Coral and Black-striped Ganoderma for refining Foundation Establishment Pills, as well as White Tiger Roses for top-grade Black Soul Bone Healing Ointments! All of which had been gnawed on and discarded like garbage. As a Soul Master, seeing such heavenly treasures being wasted was heart-wrenching. The Fire Dao boiled within him: ¡°Little Qilin! Come out here!¡± Thud, thud, thud¡ª A cute little beast with brown fur emerged, holding a giant ginseng as thick as an arm in its mouth, galloping towards him. Seeing Jiang Fan from afar, it happily leaped into his arms, emitting a pitiful whimper. ¡°Boo hoo! Master, you finally returned!¡± ¡°Do you know what kind of days I¡¯ve been through these past few days?¡± ¡°When I was hungry, I ate Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures; when I was thirsty, I drank Wolf Head Honey. I was so pitiful, boo hoo hoo!¡± Pitiful? Jiang Fan was stunned. Then he recalled the past days, where he endured rough conditions, chased by the Beast King. His face instantly darkened. He grabbed the fur on the little Qilin¡¯s neck and said through gritted teeth, ¡°I should have brought you along too!¡± Then, pointing at the wasted Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures on the ground, he frowned: ¡°Where did you get these?¡± The little Qilin shrank its neck and said, ¡°I picked them!¡± What? Where could so many Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures be picked? Jiang Fan¡¯s heart raced: ¡°Are there so many Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures near the Green Cloud Sect?¡± The little Qilin nodded: ¡°Yes, yes, there are many, I couldn¡¯t pick them all.¡± What? Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes shone with excitement, urging: ¡°Quick! Take me there!¡± Are the people of the Green Cloud Sect so indifferent to Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures? No one picked them? This was a fortune! The little Qilin proudly said, ¡°Alright, Master, follow me!¡± ¡°It¡¯s within the sect¡¯s territory, there are many Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures inside, but you have to be careful when picking them, the two old men at the entrance are very fierce.¡± Wait a minute! Jiang Fan felt a chill and suddenly realized where the Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures came from. The Medicine Garden! His face turned dark once again: ¡°You call stealing ¡®picking¡¯?¡± Those are the core resources of the Green Cloud Sect! Such a large number of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures being stolen would certainly arouse great anger among the sect members! If they traced it back to him¡­ Thud, thud, thud¡ª The sudden knocking on the door startled Jiang Fan. He quickly gathered the leftover Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures and hid them in a corner before opening the door. Waiting outside was the cold-faced Liu Qingxian. ¡°What? Hiding a woman in there, took you so long to open the door?¡± Liu Qingxian glanced coldly into the house. Jiang Fan calmly closed the door, asking, ¡°Senior Sister, what do you need?¡± Liu Qingxian gave a sarcastic smile: ¡°How dare I order you around?¡± ¡°Only your wife has the authority to order you.¡± Jiang Fan didn¡¯t know whether to laugh or cry. She was still upset about the previous incident when Xu Youran refused the resources she sent. But he didn¡¯t think he was wrong. If given another chance, he would still side with Xu Youran. Therefore, he had no intention of apologizing, merely smiling, ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll go back to cultivating, Senior Sister.¡± He turned to go back inside. This attitude made Liu Qingxian tremble with anger. She had been waiting for Jiang Fan to come back and comfort her. But after returning, he went straight to the Holy Hall with his two wives to cultivate. After waiting for him to return to Sect Master Peak, he still hadn¡¯t sought her out. Bringing herself to seek him out, and he still acted unconcerned. ¡°Jiang Fan! I¡¯ve been worrying about you for nothing!¡± Tears welled up in Liu Qingxian¡¯s eyes, and she threw a silver coin to the ground in anger. ¡°Just consider my good intentions wasted!¡± Jiang Fan was stunned. What had he done to her? Seeing the coin, he was taken aback. It looked just like the one Li Qingfeng had given him. He couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Senior Sister, what is this?¡± Liu Qingxian, with red eyes, turned and left. At this moment. A bird flew over. It was Su Qiuning from Medicine Peak, who, upon seeing Liu Qingxian from afar, called out, ¡°Senior Sister Liu, so you are here!¡± ¡°Master sent me to ask if you are taking the Thorny Valley task.¡± Liu Qingxian wiped her eyes and, with a hint of sobbing, said, ¡°No.¡± She then walked away. Su Qiuning looked puzzled. She quickly noticed Jiang Fan on the ground and cheerfully flew over, her eyes shy, ¡°Junior Brother Jiang, so you¡¯re staying here.¡± ¡°What happened to Senior Sister Liu?¡± Jiang Fan shook his head and picked up the silver coin, puzzled: ¡°How would I know?¡± Seeing the coin, Su Qiuning was surprised: ¡°Ah? Isn¡¯t this a Martial Soul Coin from Medicine Peak?¡± ¡°But this one was given to Senior Sister Liu, wasn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°How did it end up here?¡± Oh? Could this thing be valuable? ¡°What is a Martial Soul Coin?¡± Jiang Fan asked, puzzled. Su Qiuning suddenly realized Jiang Fan was still in the novice phase. Looking at the coin with envy, she said: ¡°With a Martial Soul Coin, you can enter the Martial Soul Hall once, it¡¯s a dream place for disciples, comparable to practicing in the Holy Hall!¡± She explained with enthusiasm, her words filled with longing. ¡°In the Martial Soul Hall, you can spar with the projections of countless geniuses.¡± Upon hearing this, Jiang Fan¡¯s interest was piqued. He needed a place to solidify his foundational skills. ¡°But the biggest advantage is that the Martial Soul Hall can complete fragmented techniques!¡± What? Jiang Fan found it incredible that fragmented techniques could be completed. Was that possible? Seeing his astonished expression, Su Qiuning covered her mouth and laughed: ¡°I didn¡¯t believe it at first either.¡± ¡°Until my master told me, the Martial Soul Tower is an object from the heavens, sealed with countless techniques, encompassing all martial arts.¡± ¡°If you can demonstrate some of its fragmented moves, it will resonate with the technique and manifest.¡± ¡°Some senior brothers and sisters obtained their profound-level high techniques this way.¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s heart raced! Didn¡¯t he have a fragmented Earth-level Finger Technique? If this Finger Technique were completed, wouldn¡¯t that mean having a complete Earth-level Finger Technique? The Green Cloud Sect didn¡¯t even have a complete Earth-level Technique, right? Su Qiuning, looking at the Martial Soul Coin in Jiang Fan¡¯s hand, frowned in confusion: ¡°Strange! Why would Senior Sister Liu throw it away?¡± ¡°It wasn¡¯t easy for her to obtain this coin!¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s heart trembled. He suddenly understood Liu Qingxian¡¯s sentiments. Chapter 149 - Chapter 149: Chapter 149 Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion Auction Chapter 149: Chapter 149 Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion Auction Liu Qingxian worried that Jiang Fan might not pass the disciple grading. So she gave him a coin to help him improve his strength as much as possible. Thinking of this, he couldn¡¯t help but feel a warmth in his heart. She had always been silently caring for him. Find an opportunity to make her happy, he thought. Su Qiuning, puzzled, said, ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be this way!¡± ¡°A Martial Soul Coin, each elder gets only one a year.¡± ¡°Senior Sister Liu took many dangerous missions from Medicine Peak to get the coin from my master.¡± ¡°A few days ago, she went to Thorny Valley and got seriously injured.¡± ¡°My master personally took care of her for a few days and just managed to save her life.¡± ¡°How could she just lose it like that?¡± What? Jiang Fan¡¯s pupils contracted. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co She got injured because of this? But she said nothing about it? Just heavily tossed the coin on the ground. A huge wave of guilt surged in his heart. However. Su Qiuning¡¯s next words stirred countless ripples in Jiang Fan¡¯s heart. She frowned, ¡°We all thought she wanted to enhance herself desperately to avoid losing to Nangong Xiaoyun.¡± ¡°After all, she is such a proud person, she would never allow herself to lose.¡± ¡°But why did she give up the coin?¡± ¡°Junior Brother Jiang, do you know why?¡± Hiss¡ª Jiang Fan¡¯s heart felt like it was stabbed with a cold dagger. The pain was excruciating! Liu Qingxian was very proud; he knew that from their first meeting. She would never allow herself to lose to anyone. That was her pride. Pride rooted deep in her bones! But for Jiang Fan to gain a bit of strength, she put aside that pride. What had Jiang Fan done in return? He hadn¡¯t cherished her efforts at all. At this moment. Jiang Fan wished to slap himself: ¡°You fool! What have you done?¡± He didn¡¯t hesitate any longer. He used his movement technique and quickly chased after her! He finally caught up with her in front of her cave. When Liu Qingxian turned her head and saw that Jiang Fan had caught up, a flicker of light appeared in her reddened eyes. But remembering his previous attitude, she hardened her face and quickened her pace toward the cave. Jiang Fan hurriedly blocked her path. With her face tense, Liu Qingxian coldly said, ¡°Move aside!¡± Jiang Fan, not knowing how to cheer up a girl, scratched his head and said, ¡°Senior Sister Su told me everything.¡± ¡°Thank you, Senior Sister.¡± ¡°In the sect, apart from Youran and Siling, only Senior Sister treats me the best.¡± Upon hearing this, Liu Qingxian felt even more aggrieved. Tears welled up in her eyes, trembling as they were about to fall. Yet, she became more stubborn, biting her white teeth slightly: ¡°Who treated you well?¡± ¡°I just don¡¯t want a Nine-grade Spiritual Root to leave Green Cloud Sect, that¡¯s all!¡± ¡°Don¡¯t be self-indulgent!¡± Jiang Fan felt awkward. He thought for a while, took out a green eyeball of a White Crystal Beast, and placed it in Liu Qingxian¡¯s hand: ¡°This is for you, consider it my compensation!¡± ¡°I don¡¯t want it!¡± Liu Qingxian decisively threw it away. ¡°This is the eye of the Beast King, a natural High Grade Magical Artifact, take it.¡± Jiang Fan insisted, putting it back in her hand. Liu Qingxian still decisively threw it away: ¡°I just don¡¯t want it!¡± ¡°It¡¯s also called Gale Pearl, wearing it will greatly increase your speed.¡± Jiang Fan shoved it into her hand for the last time. Liu Qingxian threw it away again, angrily saying: ¡°I said! I don¡¯t want it!¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s head hurt, he muttered: ¡°An angry woman is like a pig during the New Year, you just can¡¯t hold her down.¡± Upon hearing this, Liu Qingxian¡¯s eyes widened. She felt both amused and infuriated! ¡°Are you saying I¡¯m a pig?¡± She clenched her pink fists, wanting to punch his harmless-looking face! Jiang Fan wiped his face, feeling helpless. Why is it so hard to please women? ¡°Alright, if you don¡¯t want it, I will¡­¡± Jiang Fan retracted Gale Pearl. He pondered on whether to sell it or give it to someone else. But Liu Qingxian quickly grabbed it back, snorting: ¡°Who said I don¡¯t want it?¡± Despite her face still looking a bit angry, her heart blossomed with joy. This was a gift from Jiang Fan! She threaded it with a string and wore it around her neck. Although the bead was too large and not very attractive, it didn¡¯t stop her from showing a delighted smile. ¡°Senior Sister isn¡¯t angry anymore?¡± Jiang Fan was baffled. She seemed impossible to please a moment ago. Now, she was fine all by herself. He really couldn¡¯t figure her out. ¡°Who said I¡¯m not angry?¡± Liu Qingxian deliberately hardened her face. Jiang Fan didn¡¯t know whether to laugh or cry. Knowing she was in a better mood. However, the favor of the Martial Soul Coin weighed heavily on him. Especially since Liu Qingxian was about to face off against Nangong Xiaoyun. After some thought, he said, ¡°Senior Sister, in your match with Nangong Xiaoyun, how confident are you of winning?¡± At the mention of her, Liu Qingxian frowned: ¡°That clingy brat!¡± ¡°Just because I thwarted her once, she¡¯s been holding a grudge for a year.¡± ¡°Now she¡¯s returned to provoke again, can¡¯t avoid her!¡± Uh¡ª To see Liu Qingxian avoid, it was clear she had no confidence! Knowing Liu Qingxian was already at Ninth Layer Perfection of Foundation Establishment Realm, an idea came to Jiang Fan. The Demon Core of the White Crystal Beast was one of the main materials for refining a Core Formation Realm Spirit Pill, if he could gather the other main material, Yellow Springs Purifying Water. He could refine a Core Formation Realm Spirit Pill. Pathway Powder. As the name suggests, unlike ordinary Core Formation Realm Spirit Pills. This was a shortcut breakthrough method. Few dared to try it, but the success rate was higher than that of traditional Spirit Pills! Jiang Fan pondered: ¡°Senior Sister, could you delay the match for a bit?¡± ¡°Give me some time to see if I can help you break through to Core Formation Realm.¡± Finding Yellow Springs Purifying Water was no easy task. Even more difficult in a short time, so he couldn¡¯t offer a definite answer. ¡°Help me breakthrough to Core Formation Realm?¡± Liu Qingxian¡¯s beautiful snowy eyes sparkled with satisfaction. It seemed Jiang Fan cared about her too. ¡°I¡¯ll figure it out myself, you just focus on your own strength and don¡¯t let Tang Tianlong take advantage to get you a failing grade.¡± She accepted his concern. But how could Jiang Fan, only at a few layers of Foundation Establishment Realm, help her break through to Core Formation? At this moment. A figure in green robes approached gracefully, calling from afar: ¡°Junior Sister, let¡¯s go.¡± It was Wang Chengjian. Suddenly, he noticed Jiang Fan¡¯s presence and frowned slightly. ¡°Jiang Fan? What are you doing here?¡± ¡°Are you prepared for the disciple grading?¡± ¡°Thank you for your concern, Big Senior Brother, I have my plans,¡± said Jiang Fan expressionlessly. Wang Chengjian couldn¡¯t find fault in his words and decided to ignore him. He turned to Liu Qingxian: ¡°The Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion¡¯s roaming auction has arrived in Green Cloud City.¡± ¡°I am acquainted with their vice president, let¡¯s go ask if there are any Core Formation Realm Spirit Pills in this auction.¡± It turned out, it wasn¡¯t just Jiang Fan. Wang Chengjian also wanted to help Liu Qingxian win the upcoming duel. Liu Qingxian was immediately interested: ¡°Should we bring some gifts to show respect?¡± Wang Chengjian waved and smiled: ¡°No need to be so polite, instead of bringing gifts, prepare some rare treasures to show him.¡± ¡°If he likes it and allows it to be auctioned, he will be delighted.¡± ¡°And naturally, he will reveal the information we want.¡± Really? Liu Qingxian had a hard time; the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion¡¯s roaming auction was exclusive to the pavilion. They held auctions year-round within the Nine-Sect jurisdictions. The auctioned treasures were all top-grade items. Where could she find a top-grade treasure? However, Wang Chengjian patted his chest: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I prepared a Ninth Layer Perfection Foundation Establishment Realm beast¡¯s Beast Core, almost reaching Core Formation.¡± ¡°That vice president will surely be impressed.¡± Hearing this, Liu Qingxian felt relieved and nodded joyfully: ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go!¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes also lit up. The Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion¡¯s auction? The chances of finding Yellow Springs Purifying Water increased significantly! He happened to have many materials from the White Crystal Beast that he could sell. ¡°Senior Sister, I¡¯ll go with you.¡± Wang Chengjian frowned deeply. He had finally found an opportunity to be alone with Liu Qingxian. Jiang Fan just had to interfere. But he couldn¡¯t chase him away, so he said: ¡°You can come with us.¡± ¡°However, the vice president doesn¡¯t like strangers.¡± ¡°I can¡¯t take you to see him.¡± Jiang Fan was speechless. Who needs your favor? A Ninth Layer Perfection Foundation Establishment Realm beast¡¯s Demon Core could impress that vice president. Surely his own Beast King materials with Demon Emperor bloodline. Wouldn¡¯t leave him indifferent? Chapter 150 - Chapter 150: Chapter 150: Appraising Treasures Chapter 150: Chapter 150: Appraising Treasures Green Cloud City, Plaza. The staff of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion Auction House were busily setting up the auction venue. In a few days, they would officially hold a grand auction. The core members of the auction house were resting in a nearby villa. ¡°I am Wang Chengjian from the Green Cloud Sect, and I have contacted Vice President Su. Please grant me access.¡± The guards near the villa were strictly on duty. Not even a fly could hope to get in. Wang Chengjian handed the guard captain at the gate a crystal stone, and the latter finally showed a polite expression: ¡°Vice President Su has already instructed us. Young Master Wang, please come in.¡± Suddenly, he noticed two others behind Wang Chengjian. His brows furrowed: ¡°Vice President Su didn¡¯t mention that there would be others. I dare not let them pass casually.¡± Wang Chengjian, helpless, took out several more crystal stones and whispered: ¡°This is the daughter of the Green Cloud Sect Master. Please be accommodating.¡± Upon learning Liu Qingxian¡¯s identity, the guard captain no longer obstructed them. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co Such a status entitled her to meet Vice President Su. Then he looked at Jiang Fan: ¡°And this is?¡± Wang Chengjian displayed an indifferent attitude: ¡°An ordinary disciple.¡± The guard captain imposed his authority: ¡°You two may go in.¡± ¡°He cannot.¡± Liu Qingxian frowned slightly. Jiang Fan had come with them; how could they leave him alone here? ¡°Junior Brother Wang, can you think of a way¡­¡± She pleaded with Wang Chengjian. But Jiang Fan interrupted: ¡°Senior Sister, you go ahead. It¡¯s alright.¡± He hadn¡¯t expected Vice President Su to be so hard to meet. But it didn¡¯t matter. He only came today to inquire about the Yellow Springs Purifying Water in advance. When the official auction happened, he would take another look. He bid farewell and turned to leave. However, since he was in Green Cloud City, he might as well visit various shops selling Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures. Perhaps he could find the Yellow Springs Purifying Water. Before long. He arrived at a treasure pavilion named ¡°Myriad Treasures Building.¡± Specializing in selling all kinds of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, divine weapons, etc. This was the most luxurious treasure building in Green Cloud City. What other stores had, it had. What they didn¡¯t have, it also had. If he couldn¡¯t find the Yellow Springs Purifying Water here, there was no need to look elsewhere. But just after entering, he unexpectedly encountered Wen Hongyao. At this moment, she was being cajoled by a female disciple in Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion attire, holding her arm. ¡°Aunt, please help me. If I can¡¯t find good treasures, Vice President Su will demote me.¡± Wen Hongyao sighed: ¡°Haven¡¯t I already taken you around?¡± ¡°If there are no good treasures, what can I do?¡± ¡°Do you expect me to auction off my old bones at your auction house?¡± Regarding her niece, Wen Shengnan. She was willing to help, but unfortunately, she had nothing valuable enough for the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion Auction House. She tried to find one or two items in the city, but without success. Just then. She saw Jiang Fan walking toward her, and her face lit up with affection. Before Jiang Fan could greet her, she beamed: ¡°Jiang, what a coincidence!¡± Wen Shengnan curiously scrutinized Jiang Fan. What a strange sight! Her usually strict aunt was being so friendly to a young disciple? ¡°Disciple Jiang Fan greets Elder Wen.¡± Jiang Fan politely greeted her. Wen Hongyao grew more pleased with Jiang Fan the more she looked at him, and she asked with a smile: ¡°What brings you here?¡± Jiang Fan answered truthfully: ¡°I am looking for news about the Yellow Springs Purifying Water.¡± Wen Hongyao frowned and muttered: ¡°That is a rare item, and it is very hard to find.¡± Unexpectedly. Wen Shengnan, by her side, stroked her chin and said: ¡°You need the Yellow Springs Purifying Water?¡± ¡°What a coincidence. The upcoming Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion auction has a bottle.¡± What? Jiang Fan was taken aback. He didn¡¯t know how to find news about the Yellow Springs Purifying Water. And yet, this girl knew? Wen Hongyao introduced: ¡°This is my niece, a supervisor at the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion Auction House.¡± ¡°If she says it is there, it must be there.¡± She then added: ¡°However, the Yellow Springs Purifying Water is very expensive. Do you have enough money?¡± ¡°If you don¡¯t, I can lend it to you.¡± She cherished Jiang Fan¡¯s medicine refining talent too much. Wen Shengnan was dumbfounded: ¡°Aunt, if someone has taken over your body, just blink.¡± Her stingy and severe aunt. Had never shown her niece such kindness! Wen Hongyao glared at her and said: ¡°Jiang Fan is a very capable disciple.¡± ¡°If you had half his ability, you wouldn¡¯t be begging everyone for treasures.¡± Wen Shengnan was speechless. She hadn¡¯t done anything but got a scolding. Irritated, she sized up Jiang Fan: ¡°Really? Show me what you are capable of?¡± Jiang Fan¡¯s mouth twitched slightly. Unexpectedly involved in this, he cupped his hands and smiled: ¡°Elder Wen praises too much.¡± Wen Shengnan pursed her lips, intending to make a snide remark further. But then. A gong sounded inside the Myriad Treasures Pavilion. The customers in the pavilion immediately became energized, and even the passing martial artists flocked in. In the blink of an eye. The previously quiet Myriad Treasures Pavilion was thronged with people. If not for Elder Wen¡¯s strong presence deterring others from approaching, the three of them would have been separated by the crowd. ¡°Aunt, what is going on?¡± Wen Shengnan asked in astonishment. Wen Hongyao calculated the time with her fingers and realized: ¡°Every ten days, the Myriad Treasures Pavilion offers a batch of Heavenly Materials and Earthly Treasures, panacea at a special price.¡± ¡°Today happens to be the day.¡± ¡°You guys can see if there is anything you need. If so, you can save quite a bit of money.¡± Really? Jiang Fan showed a trace of curiosity. However, he also understood. Typically, the items on special offer were either niche or of little value, difficult to sell. There were many pitfalls among them. One needed keen eyes to find good deals. Wen Shengnan crossed her arms and chuckled: ¡°That is indeed fortunate.¡± ¡°Evaluating the value of items is my job.¡± She glanced at Jiang Fan. Intending to show her ability in front of him, she confidently said: ¡°Junior Brother, if you spot anything, I will help you evaluate it.¡± Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t help but smile wryly. He had no desire to hunt for bargains. But the other party had offered, so he couldn¡¯t refuse her kindness, thus he said: ¡°Thank you, Senior Sister.¡± Before long. Four brawny men from the Myriad Treasures Pavilion carried out a huge, three-zhang wide round plate from the back hall. The plate was filled with an array of dazzling items. As Jiang Fan had analyzed, they were all rare or overvalued items, unsellable goods, or near-expiry panacea, etc. As soon as they appeared, the martial artists scrambled to purchase them. Wen Shengnan observed calmly, her eyes sharp and focused. Suddenly, she grabbed a jade bottle, her eyes lighting up: ¡°A Mid-grade Foundation Establishment Pill? At half price?¡± ¡°Junior Brother, you are in luck.¡± ¡°Mid-grade Foundation Establishment Pills are rare.¡± ¡°At half price, it¡¯s a steal.¡± Jiang Fan took one glance. And then, with a blank expression, said: ¡°The quality is too poor. Even at a 30% discount, it¡¯s a loss.¡± Hmm? Wen Hongyao was surprised. With her eyes, the pill¡¯s smooth and glossy surface, ample spirit light, didn¡¯t seem like poor quality? Wen Shengnan was taken aback. She couldn¡¯t help but laugh: ¡°Do you know more about pills, or do I?¡± Chapter 151 - Chapter 151: Chapter 151 Unexpected Bargain Chapter 151: Chapter 151 Unexpected Bargain The chief¡¯s daily work involved evaluating various treasures. The treasures she had seen, not to mention ten thousand, numered eight to nine thousand at least. For a mid-grade Foundation Establishment Pill, she had handled no less than a hundred of them. She could accurately judge the quality with just one glance. The current mid-grade Foundation Establishment Pill had a rich fragrance, a bright color, and fine, glossy texture. One look and it was clearly of top quality. Jiang Fan shrugged: ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m not interested. Whoever wants it can take it.¡± At this moment, a one-eyed martial artist also took notice of the item and urged: ¡°Miss, are you taking this bottle of Foundation Establishment Pills or not?¡± Wen Shengnan released her hand, and the other party promptly took it. He then paid one hundred crystal stones and handed them over on the spot. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co ¡°Haha! Got it! With such high quality, I can resell it for two hundred crystal stones! I¡¯m rich!¡± He inspected the jade bottle with great satisfaction. Wen Shengnan spoke with a hint of derision: ¡°Aunt, did you see that?¡± ¡°I wanted to help him, but he didn¡¯t even take the opportunity handed to him.¡± Wen Hongyao excused Jiang Fan¡¯s behavior: ¡°He¡¯s not a Soul Master, how would he understand the intricacies of pills?¡± ¡°Besides, why didn¡¯t you buy it for him just now?¡± ¡°Why let it go to someone else?¡± Wen Shengnan, who had inexplicably received another lecture, wore a look of frustration on her face. She retorted disdainfully: ¡°He acts all high and mighty, what can I do?¡± At this time, the one-eyed martial artist chuckled and announced: ¡°Everyone, I¡¯m offering this pill for sale on the spot, who wants it?¡± Many martial artists cast envious glances. During every special sale, there were always a few lucky ones like this. This Foundation Establishment Pill was one of the most profitable items in this event. ¡°One hundred and fifty crystal stones, and it¡¯s yours.¡± A martial artist who needed a mid-grade Foundation Establishment Pill was tempted. ¡°One hundred and fifty¡­ fine, one hundred and fifty it is.¡± The one-eyed martial artist calculated. Since it was a special sale item, it was bound to have some flaws, making it difficult to sell for a full two hundred crystal stones. One hundred and fifty seemed a bit low, but as the saying goes, better a penny in hand than two pennies in promise. The fifty crystal stones already earned were his; continuing to hold onto it risked being robbed or losing it, a risk he couldn¡¯t afford. So he agreed. ¡°First, I want to inspect the pill.¡± The other party requested. The one-eyed martial artist laughed: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, even though I, Liu He, have only one eye, it¡¯s sharper than two eyes.¡± He opened the jade bottle on the spot and poured the mid-grade Foundation Establishment Pill into his palm. Before he could take a closer look, the pill unexpectedly split in two the moment it touched his hand. All the martial artists on site were stunned. ¡°The pill cracked? This¡­ this is a defective product!¡± ¡°It¡¯s because during the solidifying stage, the fire was too intense, making the pill overly dry and brittle.¡± ¡°Such a defective product has lost most of its efficacy; even ten crystal stones might not fetch a buyer!¡± ¡°He spent a hundred crystal stones on this, and Myriad Treasures Pavilion must be laughing behind his back.¡± The one-eyed martial artist was dumbstruck on the spot. His chest heaved with anger, his body staggered, and he looked as if he was about to faint. Wen Shengnan¡¯s face stiffened. She had indeed misjudged! Just as Jiang Fan said, this pill was poor in quality, and even threefold was a heavy loss. ¡°We all make errors occasionally, this doesn¡¯t mean anything.¡± Wen Shengnan defended herself with a flushed face. Jiang Fan simply smiled. At this time, more than half of the items in the round tray had been bought. Only some unwanted objects were left. A few brawny men, seeing it was almost over, prepared to carry the tray back. Suddenly, Jiang Fan noticed a piece of withered Spirit Ginseng in the tray. Several of its roots were broken. Spirit Ginseng was mostly given as gifts rather than for use. Therefore, its completeness was highly required. Otherwise, it couldn¡¯t be given away. Nobody asked about this Spirit Ginseng for the same reason. ¡°How much for the Spirit Ginseng?¡± Jiang Fan picked up the withered Spirit Ginseng and asked. The brawny man in charge of the pricing looked at Jiang Fan, who appeared very young but wore the Green Cloud Sect attire. His gaze flickered, and he said: ¡°One hundred crystal stones.¡± The frequenters of the special sales all grimaced instantly. ¡°These wretched Myriad Treasures Pavilion guys are black-hearted all the way through.¡± ¡°This broken Spirit Ginseng has gone through more than ten rounds of special sales, and even at ten crystal stones, no one buys it.¡± ¡°They see this young master looks easy to deceive and from the Green Cloud Sect, wealthy, so they want to fleece him hard.¡± An old, kind-hearted martial artist warned: ¡°Young man, a hundred crystal stones can buy a complete Spirit Ginseng of this size and quality.¡± ¡°It¡¯s not worth picking a defective one here.¡± ¡°You should instead¡­¡± He intended to continue, but the brawny man cast a fierce look that scared him into silence. Then, rubbing his hands with a grin, he said: ¡°Young master, you indeed have a keen eye. Though this Spirit Ginseng doesn¡¯t look good, it is quite old.¡± ¡°At one hundred crystal stones, you¡¯re making a huge profit!¡± Jiang Fan nodded in agreement: ¡°It really is a good thing.¡± ¡°Alright, one hundred crystal stones, I¡¯ll take it!¡± Hey! Wen Shengnan hurriedly stopped him, looking at him as if he was a fool: ¡°Are you deaf?¡± ¡°Others kindly warned you that this item isn¡¯t worth much.¡± ¡°Why are you going the opposite way?¡± Jiang Fan waved his hand: ¡°Don¡¯t interfere!¡± Saying this, he handed over a hundred crystal stones and completed the transaction. Wen Shengnan was furious and ranted: ¡°Aunt, look at this guy!¡± ¡°Is this what you call capable?¡± ¡°Clearly, he¡¯s a fool.¡± Jiang Fan, tucking the Spirit Ginseng into his sleeve, was irritated. He planned to examine the Spirit Ginseng thoroughly when no one was around, as one should not flaunt one¡¯s wealth. But being mocked by Wen Shengnan, who could tolerate that? ¡°And you, a chief of the auction house, couldn¡¯t see the peculiar nature of this Spirit Ginseng?¡± Jiang Fan took out the Spirit Ginseng and challenged her. Hey! Questioning me? Wen Shengnan had already been embarrassed once earlier. If she were embarrassed again, she wouldn¡¯t be able to face her job as a chief. ¡°Then please, show us the extraordinary aspect of this Spirit Ginseng, Mr. Capable.¡± Wen Shengnan challenged with resentment. Wen Hongyao frowned: ¡°Shengnan, don¡¯t be rude!¡± ¡°It¡¯s Jiang¡¯s choice to buy what he wants, why do you care?¡± She had to speak up. She hadn¡¯t intervened with the Foundation Establishment Pill earlier because she was not a Soul Master and had no say in Spirit Pills. But Spirit Ginseng was an herb. As the Peak Master of Medicine Peak, who knew better about Spirit Ginseng than her? This clearly poor-quality Spirit Ginseng was indeed worthless. Wen Shengnan¡¯s public reveal would embarrass Jiang Fan. ¡°Aunt! Young should be polished. Jiang needs a good lesson.¡± Wen Shengnan disregarded and said: ¡°All right, show us the extraordinary aspect of this Spirit Ginseng then.¡± The brawny man from Myriad Treasures Pavilion, who sold the Spirit Ginseng, was joyfully counting the crystal stones. Upon hearing this, he also cracked a grin. Having sold an unwanted item for such a high price after half a year, he would earn at least thirty crystal stones as commission. It was a massive profit! Jiang Fan didn¡¯t waste words. He placed the Spirit Ginseng on the table, pulled out the Black Sword from his back, and scraped the surface of the Spirit Ginseng with the blade. He peeled off a layer of dried bark. Revealing the dried, yellowish flesh of the Spirit Ginseng. Wen Shengnan craned her neck and raised an eyebrow, saying: ¡°Do you mean to say this flesh is special?¡± At this moment, Jiang Fan threw the flesh of the Spirit Ginseng aside. As if tossing garbage. Wen Shengnan was stunned, staring at Jiang Fan as if she were looking at a fool. She whispered: ¡°Aunt, is there something wrong with Jiang Fan¡¯s head?¡± ¡°He threw away the Spirit Ginseng, so what¡¯s he going to show?¡± Wen Hongyao was also confused. She didn¡¯t understand what Jiang Fan intended. Until, Jiang Fan¡¯s gaze focused on the table full of Spirit Ginseng bark. A smile flashed in his eyes, and he said: ¡°Seems I¡¯ve made quite a profit.¡± C Chapter 152 - Chapter 152: Chapter 152 Vice President Su Chapter 152: Chapter 152 Vice President Su The crowd was puzzled. Jiang Fan suddenly swept his sleeve and gathered all the dry skin on the table into his palm. Then he circulated his spiritual power, and a ball of flame immediately rose in his palm. With a crackling sound. The dry skin began to burn, turning into spirals of black smoke that dispersed into the air. Until there were no impurities left. Jiang Fan extinguished the flame and opened his palm. The crowd looked over in astonishment. They saw the pile of dry skin in his palm had been mostly burned away. Only some sparkling gold dust remained. Wen Hongyao fixed her gaze and seemed to have discovered something; her eyes suddenly changed. She quickly stepped forward with the aid of her cane, inspected closely, and exclaimed, ¡°Sky-shaking powder?¡± ¡°It¡¯s really sky-shaking powder!¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co ¡°There was some sky-shaking powder hidden in the skin of that spirit ginseng!¡± Upon hearing the name sky-shaking powder, the whole place burst into an uproar. ¡°No way! Is that the legendary powder that explodes upon contact with water and can kill even those in the Core Formation Realm?¡± ¡°This item is so rare that even a single grain is worth a fortune!¡± ¡°This small amount could sell for at least ten thousand crystal stones!¡± ¡°Heavens! What opportunity did I miss? Such expensive materials were right in front of me, and I didn¡¯t notice!¡± Loud sounds of people slapping their thighs echoed in the venue. The burly man who counted the crystal stones stood there in a daze. He felt a strong urge to spit blood. It turned out he wasn¡¯t the one who made a profit off Jiang Fan. It was Jiang Fan who profited greatly from the Myriad Treasures Pavilion! Wen Shengnan stood there slack-jawed. She looked at Jiang Fan in disbelief. If the Foundation Establishment Pill was a stroke of luck for Jiang Fan, something stumbled upon by chance, then the sky-shaking powder was definitely not a coincidence! ¡°Aunt, this guy¡­no, this Young Master Jiang¡­¡± Wen Shengnan muttered. Wen Hongyao no longer concealed anything, saying, ¡°This youngster has an almost demon-like talent when it comes to medicinal herbs.¡± ¡°Now you believe it, don¡¯t you?¡± Wen Shengnan nodded dumbfoundedly. Even her aunt hadn¡¯t spotted the presence of sky-shaking powder, yet Jiang Fan identified it at a glance. Calling his talent demonic was not an exaggeration at all. She finally understood why her Aunt favored Jiang Fan so much. Who wouldn¡¯t treasure such a prodigy? Just then, a person in charge from the Myriad Treasures Pavilion rushed over upon hearing the news, regretting deeply as he looked at the sky-shaking powder in Jiang Fan¡¯s hand. After looking at Jiang Fan¡¯s attire and realizing he was a disciple of the Qingyun Sect, the person had no choice but to accept it. He clasped his hands and said, ¡°Young Master, we are willing to buy back the sky-shaking powder at a high price.¡± ¡°One thousand crystal stones, how does that sound?¡± One thousand? Jiang Fan laughed angrily and said, ¡°Since I could separate the sky-shaking powder from the spirit ginseng, do you think I wouldn¡¯t know what it is or how much it¡¯s worth?¡± Embarrassed, the person in charge laughed again, clasped his hands, and said, ¡°Eight thousand then?¡± The market price should be around ten thousand crystal stones. Eight thousand was somewhat low. But buyers capable of purchasing sky-shaking powder were very few, and selling it would take a lot of time. And with the auction approaching, he needed to gather funds to buy the Yellow Springs Purifying Water. ¡°Junior Brother Jiang, unique goods can always fetch a high price. Sky-shaking powder is extremely rare, why not bring it to the auction? The price will surely exceed ten thousand crystal stones.¡± Wen Shengnan saw Jiang Fan was considering and quickly stepped forward to stop him. Jiang Fan also thought it made sense, so he cheerfully agreed, saying, ¡°By the way, I also have some materials I want to sell through your auction house.¡± ¡°Take a look and see if they catch your eye.¡± Oh? Wen Shengnan was surprised. Jiang Fan had good things on him? But he was just a disciple. Considering his outstanding talent, Wen Shengnan didn¡¯t think any further and said, ¡°Come with me to the auction house; this is not the place to talk.¡± With her personally leading the way, Jiang Fan easily entered the residence where the high-ranking members of the auction house were temporarily resting. As they walked, Wen Shengnan explained, ¡°At the touring auction, there¡¯s a president, two vice presidents, plus six chief stewards.¡± ¡°I am one of the three chief stewards under Vice President Su. I am usually responsible for liaising with various major forces and seeking top-grade treasures.¡± Jiang Fan nodded lightly. Wen Shengnan¡¯s brows furrowed with concern, saying, ¡°I haven¡¯t been performing well lately and have not been able to find any superior treasures. Vice President Su has been quite critical of me.¡± ¡°This time, coming to Qingyun City, I still haven¡¯t found any suitable treasures to present to the auction house.¡± ¡°I¡¯m afraid¡­ sigh¡­¡± She sighed repeatedly, feeling very pessimistic about her future. Jiang Fan understood. There was competition among the two vice presidents and the six chief stewards. Whoever could find more treasures would gain higher status, benefits, and honors at the auction. He chuckled and said, ¡°If you can present the items I have to Vice President Su, I believe your troubles will be resolved easily.¡± Wen Shengnan thought Jiang Fan was talking about the sky-shaking powder and cheerfully replied, ¡°There shouldn¡¯t be any issue.¡± ¡°The sky-shaking powder is certainly a treasure.¡± ¡°Come, I¡¯ll take you to see Vice President Su.¡± At that moment, in a sitting room, Vice President Su Xiangquan was receiving Wang Chengjian and Liu Qingxian. He was about seventy years old. His eyes were like an eagle¡¯s, his face was chiseled, and his lips were thin and narrow. His eye sockets were deep. He gave off a very mean impression. This was indeed the case. He held his tea, glanced indifferently at the Beast Core in the Foundation Establishment Realm on the table, and said, ¡°Young Master Wang, this is the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion¡¯s touring auction; we only sell the world¡¯s top treasures.¡± ¡°If this Beast Core in the Foundation Establishment Realm is brought to auction, it would lower our auction¡¯s prestige.¡± Wang Chengjian¡¯s face stiffened slightly. He added, ¡°Vice President Su, this is not an ordinary Foundation Establishment Beast Core.¡± ¡°This demon beast was very close to reaching the Core Formation Realm. The demon core is different from ordinary ones.¡± Su Xiangquan took a sip of tea indifferently. He said blandly, ¡°Very close to reaching the Core Formation Realm?¡± ¡°But it¡¯s still in the Foundation Establishment Realm, isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Young Master Wang, please take this to some store in the market to sell.¡± ¡°When you have a Core Formation Beast Core, then come back.¡± Wang Chengjian came confidently but left quite dejectedly. Especially in front of Liu Qingxian. He felt very embarrassed. He reluctantly said, ¡°In that case, I bid you farewell.¡± After a pause, he remembered his primary purpose for coming, which was to inquire about a Spirit Pill in the Core Formation Realm for Liu Qingxian. He then said, ¡°By the way, Vice President Su, this young lady is the daughter of our Green Cloud Sect Master.¡± ¡°She is currently looking for a Spirit Pill in the Core Formation Realm.¡± ¡°I wonder if this auction has any available¡­¡± Su Xiangquan¡¯s expression hardened and he said, ¡°That is confidential information of the auction. The president forbids leaking; I cannot tell you.¡± Once again, they faced cold treatment. Wang Chengjian had no more face to stay. He grabbed his demon core, saying, ¡°Junior Sister Liu, let¡¯s go.¡± Liu Qingxian also resigned herself to getting up. This Vice President Su was really difficult to deal with! Arrogant and rude. It seemed impossible to learn any inside information, so she also prepared to leave. As she bent over, the Gale Pearl, which was too large and buried in her collar, slipped out and hung in the air in front of her chest. She quickly grabbed it, trying to tuck it back in. But the calm tea-drinking Su Xiangquan¡¯s eyes suddenly sharpened, and he sprang up, asking in astonishment, ¡°Miss Liu, can you let this old man take a look at the bead on your neck?¡± Liu Qingxian was momentarily puzzled. A gift from Jiang Fan? At the time, she had been angry and hadn¡¯t even listened to Jiang Fan¡¯s introduction of the item. She hesitantly took it off and handed it to Su Xiangquan. Su Xiangquan held it in his palm, inspecting it closely. Finally, after infusing a bit of spiritual power, a wisp of black smoke rose from the bead¡¯s surface. His pupils contracted, and his old face lit up with joy. Liu Qingxian was even more puzzled: ¡°Vice President Su, is this item very valuable?¡± Su Xiangquan played with the Gale Pearl. Upon hearing, he was stunned and looked surprised: ¡°You wear this item on you but don¡¯t know what it is?¡± Chapter 153 - Chapter 153: Chapter 153 Delivered to the Door Chapter 153: Chapter 153 Delivered to the Door Liu Qingxian looked perplexed. She shook her head slightly and said, ¡°A gift from a friend, I forgot what it is.¡± A gift? Su Xiangquan was astonished. His eyes flashed as he probed, ¡°Miss Liu, this friend of yours must be very wealthy or noble, right?¡± Wealthy or noble? Jiang Fan? Someone who went out to hunt demon beasts without even decent resources? She shook her head, took back the Gale Pearl, and hung it around her neck again, saying, ¡°Vice President Su, what exactly is this?¡± Su Xiangquan reluctantly looked at the Gale Pearl. His previous arrogance changed as he rubbed his hands and said, ¡°Miss Liu, this is the Gale Pearl.¡± ¡°It is the eye of the White Crystal Beast, a rare demon beast of the Demon Emperor¡¯s bloodline.¡± ¡°Once activated, it can make you as light as a swallow, as if you had mastered an advanced movement technique.¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co ¡°Market price, ten thousand crystals.¡± What? Liu Qingxian¡¯s beautiful snow-like eyes widened as she held the greenish gem, exclaiming: ¡°How much? Ten thousand crystals?¡± Ten thousand crystals, even for the daughter of a Sect Master like her. That was an astronomical number! Su Xiangquan waved his hand, ¡°Ten thousand crystals is the market price.¡± ¡°This item, however, is priceless. In an auction, it would fetch far more than ten thousand!¡± What? Liu Qingxian looked at the Gale Pearl again and again, unable to believe, ¡°Vice President Su, are you sure you¡¯re not mistaken?¡± ¡°This is just an ordinary gift, how could it be such an expensive treasure?¡± Su Xiangquan said meaningfully, ¡°It¡¯s impossible to be mistaken.¡± ¡°What¡¯s possible is that Miss Liu doesn¡¯t seem to understand the strength of that friend of yours.¡± ¡°To casually give a priceless treasure worth ten thousand crystals, this is no ordinary person.¡± Liu Qingxian was left speechless. Jiang Fan actually gave her a treasure of incalculable value. This stirred countless waves in her heart. To give such an expensive gift for no reason. Was he trying to express something? At this thought, her heart began to race. ¡°Junior Sister, which senior gave this to you?¡± Wang Chengjian asked nervously. For no apparent reason, who would give her such a precious gift? Even those few elders couldn¡¯t be so generous, right? Su Xiangquan also smiled and said, ¡°Miss Liu, could you introduce me to this distinguished person?¡± He noticed that this Gale Pearl was quite fresh, taken down not long ago. It indicated that this person might have just slain it. He might have another Gale Pearl and other equally valuable demon beast materials. Their questions brought Liu Qingxian back to her senses. Just as she was about to refuse and keep Jiang Fan¡¯s secret. Out of nowhere, she froze in place. Jiang Fan was walking in with a woman in her thirties, coming straight to Su Xiangquan. Uh¡ª He delivered himself to the door? ¡°Vice President Su.¡± Wen Shengnan returned, looking exuberant. Su Xiangquan, who had been smiling just a moment ago, turned sour upon seeing Wen Shengnan. He asked coldly, ¡°How did it go in the city?¡± Wen Shengnan cupped her hands, ¡°Mission accomplished!¡± ¡°Is that so?¡± Su Xiangquan raised an eyebrow, ¡°Did you find something good?¡± ¡°Show me.¡± Wen Shengnan quickly turned to Jiang Fan, ¡°Junior Brother Jiang, show Vice President Su.¡± This time, he was confident that Su Xiangquan would acknowledge it. This would somewhat ease the crisis. Jiang Fan nodded and did not immediately take out the White Crystal Beast. For some reason, he felt an oddly mocking look in Su Xiangquan¡¯s eyes toward Wen Shengnan. So he only took out the Sky-shaking powder to test the situation first. Seeing this, Su Xiangquan showed a hint of surprise. ¡°Sky-shaking powder? Not bad, not bad, you did find something good.¡± Su Xiangquan took the Sky-shaking powder, carefully evaluated it for a while, then said, ¡°And its purity is very high, with no impurities.¡± ¡°It seems to have been refined by a Soul Master.¡± ¡°In any case, it¡¯s a good item.¡± Huh? Wen Shengnan found it strange. This item hadn¡¯t been refined by anyone else; it was solely done by Jiang Fan. But this oddity was quickly forgotten in her pleasant mood. She looked hopeful and said, ¡°Vice President Su, can this be auctioned?¡± Su Xiangquan nodded, then suddenly changed the subject and called out to the door: ¡°Meng Tingting, come over here.¡± Soon, a charmingly dressed woman in a red dress walked in with a smile, bowed, and said, ¡°Vice President Su, what can I do for you?¡± Su Xiangquan gestured to the Sky-shaking powder in his hand, ¡°You did well.¡± ¡°You found Sky-shaking powder. I will credit you with a major contribution.¡± ¡°Take this young master to discuss the specifics.¡± As he spoke, he gave Jiang Fan a warm smile. Liu Qingxian frowned slightly. Stealing credit? Though this was common in the Martial Path Realm. Such a blatant theft was rare. It made Wen Shengnan doubt her ears. She quickly said, ¡°Vice President Su, Young Master Jiang is someone I brought!¡± ¡°Why give credit to Meng Tingting?¡± Su Xiangquan replied coldly, ¡°Meng Tingting needs a bit more credit to be promoted to Five-star Chief.¡± ¡°You, as a One-star Chief, whether you have more or less credit, it doesn¡¯t matter.¡± What? Wen Shengnan couldn¡¯t bear it anymore. This kind of thing had happened many times before; otherwise, she would have been a Two-star Chief long ago. ¡°Vice President Su, I don¡¯t agree!¡± Su Xiangquan didn¡¯t care about her, ¡°Don¡¯t agree, huh?¡± ¡°It¡¯s just as well, I have something to announce.¡± ¡°I don¡¯t keep idle people under my command.¡± ¡°I¡¯ve already applied to the president to transfer you out from under me.¡± ¡°The president has agreed and transferred you to Vice President Chen¡¯s command. From now on, you¡¯re no longer my chief.¡± ¡°If you have any grievances, take them to Vice President Chen.¡± What? Transfer her directly? To Vice President Chen, whose performance had always been poor? That was equivalent to crushing her future. Even more infuriating, she was transferred and had her credit stolen before leaving. But she was just a chief. No matter how aggrieved, she didn¡¯t dare to speak up. She could only hold back her tears and leave in anger. Jiang Fan watched coldly. He immediately took back the Sky-shaking powder from Su Xiangquan and chased after Wen Shengnan. ¡°Senior Sister Wen, wait.¡± This Su Xiangquan, his character was truly questionable. Jiang Fan was worried that any auctioned treasures would be embezzled by him. Moreover, Wen Shengnan was Wen Hongyao¡¯s niece. Out of respect for Wen Hongyao, he had to support Wen Shengnan. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you to see Vice President Chen.¡± ¡°I¡¯ll help you secure a token of allegiance.¡± He planned to bring out some Beast King materials so that Wen Shengnan could gain a foothold with the new supervisor. Wen Shengnan felt greatly comforted, with a hint of a sob, she gratefully said, ¡°Thank you, Junior Brother Jiang¡­¡± Meng Tingting, seeing that her prize was flying away, hurried over and intimately grabbed his arm. Her full chest deliberately rubbed against his arm as she whined, ¡°Young Master Jiang, let¡¯s discuss this nicely.¡± ¡°The Sky-shaking powder will still be auctioned no matter who gets it.¡± ¡°Let¡¯s find somewhere private and talk it over slowly, okay?¡± She spoke seductively, with a tempting tone. ¡°Outrageous!¡± Jiang Fan felt disgusted, shook his body, and made her fall to the ground with a thud. She gasped in pain. ¡°The outrageous one is you!¡± Su Xiangquan quickly helped Meng Tingting up and glared angrily, ¡°I, Su Xiangquan, showed you favor by wanting your Sky-shaking powder!¡± ¡°But you don¡¯t appreciate it!¡± ¡°When I contact the owner of the White Crystal Beast, your Sky-shaking powder might not even be qualified for auction.¡± Jiang Fan paused for a moment. Noticing the Gale Pearl on Liu Qingxian¡¯s neck, he suddenly understood. He said meaningfully, ¡°No need.¡± ¡°You won¡¯t be able to contact him.¡± With that, he left with Wen Shengnan to see Vice President Chen. Su Xiangquan, glaring at Jiang Fan¡¯s back, muttered, ¡°Refusing a toast only to be forced to drink! My things!¡± ¡°Only Vice President Chen with no achievements would fancy your Sky-shaking powder!¡± ¡°Here, good things are as common as dirt.¡± He took several deep breaths to calm himself. Then he put on a smile again and said sincerely, ¡°Miss Liu, please tell me who that distinguished person is who gave you the gift?¡± ¡°I wish to visit and pay my respects. Please give me a chance.¡± Liu Qingxian¡¯s face had already turned cold. Trying to seduce Jiang Fan but cursing him when it failed? Upon hearing Su Xiangquan¡¯s request, she couldn¡¯t help but smile gloatingly: ¡°That distinguished person.¡± ¡°Didn¡¯t he just leave?¡± Chapter 154 - Chapter 154: Chapter 154 Please Come Back Chapter 154: Chapter 154 Please Come Back Just left? Su Xiangquan froze for a moment. Wasn¡¯t it just Wen Shengnan and the young Green Cloud Sect disciple she brought over? Wait! He exclaimed, ¡°The Gale Pearl around your neck, did Young Master Jiang just give it to you?¡± Seeing his shocked expression, Liu Qingxian felt a bit vindicated. Teasingly, she said, ¡°Vice President Su, you just handed a client bearing great treasures to Vice President Chen.¡± With that, she lifted her snow-white neck and walked away with a big smile on her face. Wang Chengjian¡¯s face was dark. He had never imagined. That Gale Pearl was actually given by Jiang Fan! ¡°Where did he get it from?¡± ¡°Someone must have given it to him! How could he possibly kill the White Crystal Beast on his own?¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co Meanwhile. Wen Shengnan, with reddened eyes, arrived shamefully at Vice President Chen¡¯s place. Vice President Chen was a beautiful woman in her fifties, with a name as beautiful as her, Chen Luoyue. In terms of qualifications and connections, she was far inferior to Vice President Su. Therefore, at the traveling auctions in various places, Vice President Su easily gathered a large number of valuable auction items. In contrast, she had very few. She had long accepted her fate. At this moment, she was instructing her two overseers. ¡°Alan, you go visit Elder Zhao from Carefree Peak. I have met him a few times. Ask him on my behalf if he has any items for auction.¡± ¡°Xiaochun, you go to the Luo Family. They are a big family in the city and must have valuable treasures.¡± Overseer Xiaochun looked troubled. ¡°Vice President Chen, the Luo Family, Yuner has already communicated. They are willing to bring out some heirlooms for auction.¡± ¡°But she was transferred to President Su. If I go to the Luo Family again, they might not entertain me.¡± Just then. Wen Shengnan arrived, feeling anxious and bowing at the door, ¡°Vice President Chen, subordinate Wen Shengnan, reporting.¡± Alan and Xiaochun, upon hearing this, pursed their lips. ¡°Vice President Su is too much!¡± ¡°Taking away our vice president¡¯s most capable subordinate, Yuner, is one thing, but transferring his most incompetent subordinate to us is another.¡± ¡°Our days ahead will be increasingly difficult.¡± A trace of deep helplessness also crossed Chen Luoyue¡¯s graceful and elegant face. What could she do? Su Xiangquan was more experienced. The president favored him in everything. ¡°Come in,¡± Vice President Chen sighed. She didn¡¯t blame Wen Shengnan for anything. The transfer of overseers was beyond Wen Shengnan¡¯s control. Wen Shengnan walked in cautiously, feeling the rejection from the other two overseers, aware that she needed to bring some achievements. Otherwise, it would be difficult to gain their approval in the future. ¡°Vice President Chen, I have brought a guest who has something he wants to consign for auction.¡± Oh? Chen Luoyue¡¯s eyes lit up. She quickly regained her composure, her eyes dimmed. Wen Shengnan had obviously taken this person to Su Xiangquan first. If his treasure was truly valuable, how could Su Xiangquan let it go? Most likely, Su Xiangquan didn¡¯t find it worthwhile. Wen Shengnan then brought it to try her luck here, hoping she would find it valuable. Thinking of this, she lost interest. She had no intention of appraising it. To avoid embarrassing Wen Shengnan, she said, ¡°Let him in.¡± Wen Shengnan immediately informed Jiang Fan outside the door. Jiang Fan walked in, cupping his fist, ¡°I am Jiang Fan, meeting Vice President Chen.¡± Catching sight of the visitor, a young disciple, confirmed her suspicions. Unenthusiastically, she asked, ¡°Young Master Jiang, what do you want to consign for auction with us?¡± Jiang Fan took out only the Sky-shaking powder to test Chen Luoyue¡¯s character. Chen Luoyue¡¯s vision was no less than Su Xiangquan¡¯s. With just one glance, she recognized it. Her spirit suddenly lifted, showing a look of surprise, ¡°Sky-shaking powder? And of very high purity, it¡¯s a rare item!¡± ¡°Alan, quickly serve tea for Young Master Jiang.¡± Alan quickly stood up to greet him. She no longer looked at Wen Shengnan with the same disdain as before. Wen Shengnan let out a slight sigh of relief. Feeling increasingly grateful to Jiang Fan for his support, otherwise today would have been very embarrassing. ¡°Please sit, Young Master Jiang.¡± Chen Luoyue warmly greeted Jiang Fan, asking, ¡°What price do you have in mind?¡± Jiang Fan said, ¡°Ten thousand.¡± Chen Luoyue carefully examined the Sky-shaking powder for a moment, saying, ¡°Too little, this item should fetch twelve to thirteen thousand.¡± ¡°If you trust me, I will arrange for this item to be put up for auction.¡± ¡°Also, the handling fee can be reduced a bit.¡± Seeing her so sincere, Jiang Fan felt relieved. He could entrust her with the materials of the Beast King. At this moment. Su Xiangquan came rushing over anxiously. ¡°Young Master Jiang, Young Master Jiang¡­¡± He ran over, panting, saying, ¡°We can discuss this, let¡¯s discuss it properly!¡± Jiang Fan said indifferently, ¡°There is nothing to discuss between us.¡± ¡°I support Senior Sister Wen, that¡¯s why I came to the auction house.¡± ¡°Wherever she goes, I will go.¡± Su Xiangquan regretted deeply. Knowing that Wen Shengnan had brought back a big patron, he wouldn¡¯t have transferred her away for anything. He hurriedly said, ¡°Then I will go and ask the president to transfer her back immediately.¡± ¡°I implore Young Master Jiang to give us a chance.¡± Bang¡ª Chen Luoyue could no longer bear it. She slammed her palm on the table! ¡°Su Xiangquan! You are going too far!¡± ¡°It¡¯s just some Sky-shaking powder, is it worth going to such lengths?¡± In the past, she tolerated him throwing his weight around. This time he had transferred her most capable subordinate and foisted his underperforming subordinate onto her. Now, with that subordinate bringing in a bit of merit, Su Xiangquan wanted to take it back. What did he take her, Chen Luoyue, for? What she couldn¡¯t bear the most was. Wen Shengnan had brought only the Sky-shaking powder! Although it was valuable, it was not a priceless treasure. Was it worth it to snatch such merit? Su Xiangquan was suffering in silence. Was a bit of Sky-shaking powder worth such a fuss? He was aiming for the materials of the Beast King in Jiang Fan¡¯s hands. So, he humbly said, ¡°Vice President Chen, this time it is my fault.¡± ¡°How about this, I will transfer a few treasures under your account.¡± ¡°I just hope you allow Wen Shengnan to return.¡± Chen Luoyue¡¯s face remained stern. Was this a matter of merits? It was a matter of respect or lack thereof for her. Wen Shengnan also spoke up at this point, requesting, ¡°Vice President Chen, I don¡¯t want to go back. Please, don¡¯t agree.¡± A good horse does not turn to graze on old pastures. Moreover, if she returned, she wouldn¡¯t be utilized well. She would merely be making a wedding dress for Meng Tingting. In her anxious state, Chen Luoyue finally refused Su Xiangquan, saying expressionlessly: ¡°Shengnan just came under my command, it makes no sense to transfer her again.¡± ¡°All right, I have a guest to entertain, I won¡¯t be seeing you out, Vice President Su!¡± Su Xiangquan¡¯s face stiffened, displeased, ¡°Vice President Chen, are you really not giving me this face?¡± Hmm? Chen Luoyue¡¯s delicate brows furrowed. What was truly going on here? Was Su Xiangquan really ready to fall out with her over some Sky-shaking powder? Was it worth it? Seeing all this, and determined that Chen Luoyue was trustworthy. Jiang Fan untied a small bundle, saying: ¡°Vice President Chen, I have some materials here, I would like you to help consign.¡± Chen Luoyue was taken aback. More items? How come Wen Shengnan didn¡¯t mention this? She looked at Wen Shengnan, who seemed even more bewildered. But considering that he hadn¡¯t shown them first, the value was probably lower than the Sky-shaking powder. She nodded slightly, ¡°Okay, open it and let¡¯s take a look.¡± Under everyone¡¯s focus, Jiang Fan opened the bundle. A bright green orb. Came into view. Chapter 155 - Chapter 155: Chapter 155 Regret Deeply Chapter 155: Chapter 155 Regret Deeply Su Xiangquan¡¯s breathing was rapid. Another Gale Pearl! It really was another Gale Pearl! This young man indeed had materials from the White Crystal Beast. Wen Shengnan didn¡¯t recognize it at first and was momentarily stunned: ¡°What is this, Junior Brother Jiang?¡± Chen Luoyue, on the other hand, had her beautiful eyes rounded. Covering her red lips, she couldn¡¯t believe it: ¡°Could this be the legendary eye of the White Crystal Beast with the Demon Emperor¡¯s bloodline?¡± ¡°The natural High-Grade Magical Artifact, the Gale Pearl?¡± Ah? Wen Shengnan gasped: ¡°The Gale Pearl? The one worth ten thousand crystal stones by legend?¡± She looked at Jiang Fan in shock. Finally understanding why Jiang Fan said he would help her make an entrance! This Gale Pearl was enough to be the finale item at this auction! Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co And she, who found such a client, undoubtedly had the greatest merit! Jiang Fan nodded and said, ¡°Vice President Chen, are you interested?¡± Chen Luoyue snapped back to reality. Finally, she understood why Su Xiangquan was in such a hurry to get Wen Shengnan back. Because Wen Shengnan had brought a wealthy benefactor! She hurriedly nodded, her face brimming with undisguised delight: ¡°Of course! Of course!¡± ¡°Thank you, Young Master Jiang, for your trust. I will certainly sell this for a great price!¡± Immediately. She also realized, like Su Xiangquan, that this eyeball was very fresh. This indicated that the other party still had other treasures. The White Crystal Beast was a treasure trove, everything was priceless. She hoped eagerly: ¡°Young Master Jiang, do you have anything else you want to auction?¡± Jiang Fan replied without hesitation: ¡°Not for now.¡± He only sold one Gale Pearl to get some money to buy the Yellow Springs Purifying Water. The remaining essence meat, beast whip, and stomach could be kept for later use. No need to convert everything into crystal stones. For now? Chen Luoyue naturally heard the underlying meaning and said joyfully: ¡°Alright, then for now, we¡¯ll only consign the Gale Pearl.¡± As for the future. She looked at Wen Shengnan with a strong smile: ¡°Shengnan, I will request the president to promote you to Three-Star Chief.¡± Since Jiang Fan clearly said that wherever Wen Shengnan went, he would follow. She just needed to keep Wen Shengnan close, and there would be no worry about Jiang Fan coming back to support them. Wen Shengnan was overwhelmed with joy: ¡°Three-Star Chief? Me?¡± After years of diligent work, she was still a pitiable One-Star Chief. Even a promotion to Two-Star Chief was far away. Now, just because she brought Jiang Fan as a client, her career soared skyward. She quickly bowed: ¡°Thank you, Vice President Chen, for the promotion.¡± Then she solemnly bowed to Jiang Fan, grateful from the bottom of her heart: ¡°Thank you, Young Master Jiang, for your great kindness.¡± Jiang Fan waved his hand and said: ¡°No need to be polite.¡± ¡°I am an old acquaintance of your aunt.¡± At this moment, Wen Shengnan was also filled with infinite gratitude towards her aunt. She brought her a great benefactor destined for her life! Suddenly, Wen Shengnan remembered Jiang Fan¡¯s purpose and hurriedly said: ¡°Vice President Chen, Young Master Jiang is here to bid for the Yellow Springs Purifying Water.¡± Chen Luoyue realized and did not hide: ¡°The Yellow Springs Purifying Water is indeed part of this auction.¡± ¡°Moreover, it was entrusted to me by an elder of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion.¡± Got it, then she was reassured. Jiang Fan said: ¡°I will come back during the official auction.¡± Chen Luoyue¡¯s beautiful eyes flashed as she thought of doing Jiang Fan a favor. ¡°Young Master Jiang, how much Yellow Springs Purifying Water do you need?¡± ¡°When the elder entrusted it to me, he gave a small bottle of Yellow Springs Purifying Water as a gift.¡± ¡°If Young Master Jiang doesn¡¯t need much, I shall give it to you.¡± The Yellow Springs Purifying Water was indeed valuable. But its usage was very niche, and she had little use for it. Besides, it was only a small bottle, at most, it could sell for seven or eight hundred crystal stones. It was better to give it to Jiang Fan as a favor. Jiang Fan¡¯s eyes lit up, and he said: ¡°Just ten drops will be enough.¡± Chen Luoyue searched her sleeve for a small black medicine bottle and threw it to him: ¡°It¡¯s yours.¡± Jiang Fan caught it. It felt heavy, as if he was holding a small bottle of gold rather than liquid. Opening it, he saw clear, viscous drops inside. It was indeed the Yellow Springs Purifying Water! He was delighted. Without waiting for the official auction, he could now refine the Pathway Powder! But not wanting to owe Chen Luoyue a favor, he pondered briefly and said: ¡°Vice President Chen, do you have a secret room I can borrow for a while?¡± Chen Luoyue didn¡¯t know what Jiang Fan intended to do. But such a small request, she naturally agreed. Thus. Jiang Fan entered the secret room with the demon core of the White Crystal Beast and the Yellow Springs Purifying Water. Chen Luoyue was in a great mood. Outside the secret room, she sipped spirit fruit tea and chatted enthusiastically with Wen Shengnan. This made Alan and Xiaochun immensely envious. It had been a long time since they saw Vice President Chen so happy with a subordinate. The reason was that Wen Shengnan brought an astonishing client. ¡°Shengnan, how did you meet Young Master Jiang?¡± Chen Luoyue asked curiously. Wen Shengnan dared not hide anything. So she explained how they met. After hearing it, Chen Luoyue clicked her tongue in wonder: ¡°I heard that your aunt is difficult to get along with and treats juniors harshly.¡± ¡°Yet she treats Young Master Jiang with such warmth.¡± Wen Shengnan agreed deeply: ¡°Isn¡¯t it?¡± ¡°Aunt said he was capable, and I didn¡¯t believe it at first.¡± ¡°Later, I was completely convinced. In the way of refining medicine, he has unparalleled talent, even surpassing my aunt.¡± Chen Luoyue was deeply impressed. But then she showed a look of surprise: ¡°But what is he doing now?¡± ¡°Yellow Springs Purifying Water is only needed by Soul Masters for alchemy.¡± ¡°Usually, only Soul Masters of various sects would send disciples to bid for it.¡± Wen Shengnan also looked puzzled: ¡°That, I do not know.¡± ¡°Could it be that, besides being good at refining medicine, he¡¯s also a Soul Master?¡± She couldn¡¯t help but laugh at the thought. Are Soul Masters that common? Which Soul Master wasn¡¯t treasured and treated like an ancestor by great powers? If Jiang Fan were a Soul Master, would he still need to be a disciple? He could directly enjoy the treatment of an elder in the Green Cloud Sect. Chen Luoyue also teased: ¡°You really know how to dream, to have a Soul Master support you like this?¡± Even she was not qualified to interact with those lofty Soul Masters. Creek¡ª At this moment, the stone door opened. Jiang Fan held two jade bottles in his hand. He put one back into his pocket. The other he placed in front of Chen Luoyue, saying: ¡°As a token of thanks, this bottle of spiritual medicine is for you, fifty-fifty split.¡± Using the materials just now, he had produced two bottles of Pathway Powder. Chen Luoyue provided the Yellow Springs Purifying Water, so she deserved one-fourth. That settled their accounts. With that, Jiang Fan left. Chen Luoyue looked at the medicine bottle left by Jiang Fan with a puzzled expression. Wen Shengnan also looked curiously: ¡°What is this? I¡¯ve never seen it before.¡± Chen Luoyue examined it carefully, but even with her experience, she couldn¡¯t recognize it: ¡°It looks familiar, like I¡¯ve seen it in a book.¡± She closed her eyes and tried hard to recall. Suddenly. She opened her eyes wide, her face showing intense astonishment! Then she grabbed Wen Shengnan¡¯s shoulders tightly, her eyes burning as if to melt Wen Shengnan. She hastily said: ¡°Shengnan, who did you bring back for me?¡± Chapter 156 - Chapter 156: Chapter 156 One Step to Heaven Chapter 156: Chapter 156 One Step to Heaven Wen Shengnan was terrified by her actions. He thought it was the medicine bottle that had gone wrong, nervously saying, ¡°Vice President, Vice President, please calm down.¡± ¡°Did I do something wrong?¡± How could Chen Luoyue calm down? Her chest was violently heaving, and her face was brimming with excitement as she still tightly grabbed Wen Shengnan, shaking her, saying, ¡°You didn¡¯t do anything wrong!¡± ¡°You did excellent, truly excellent!¡± ¡°I will immediately go to the president to apply for your promotion to Five-Star Chief!¡± ¡°And when I step down as vice president, you will take over directly!¡± What? Alan and Xiaochun, standing by her side, were so shocked their jaws almost dropped. Wen Shengnan¡¯s application for Three-Star Chief had not yet been approved. And now she was going to be promoted from One-Star Chief directly to Five-Star Chief. And also become the designated successor of the vice president! Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co Not to mention them. Even Wen Shengnan herself was flabbergasted. She even suspected that Chen Luoyue might have gone mad. ¡°Vice President, what on earth is going on?¡± Chen Luoyue finally let go of her. She picked up the medicine bottle, held it in the palm of her hand, and her eyes kept glowing. ¡°Do you know what this is?¡± Wen Shengnan shook her head. What could it be? To make Vice President Chen so crazy. Could it be some deadly poison? ¡°It¡¯s Pathway Powder, the legendary Pathway Powder!¡± Chen Luoyue shouted excitedly. She had only seen it in an ancient book, so she didn¡¯t recognize it at first. It¡¯s a kind of long-lost spiritual medicine. No one can refine it today. Wen Shengnan was puzzled. ¡°Pathway Powder? My knowledge is limited. What is this powder for?¡± ¡°Breaking through the Core Formation stage.¡± Chen Luoyue replied with four words. Wen Shengnan¡¯s pupils gradually contracted until they were as small as a needle¡¯s tip. Her body trembled violently as she staggered back and fell onto a rock, not even feeling the pain. Her mind went blank. ¡°Isn¡¯t the elixir for breaking through the Core Formation Realm something only Three-Star Soul Masters possess?¡± ¡°Jiang Fan is a¡­¡± Chen Luoyue swiftly covered her mouth, sternly saying, ¡°Do you want to reveal his identity?¡± Not to mention, whether this would offend the other party. Once exposed, there would be countless people currying favor, and they would have no place left. Wen Shengnan quickly realized this. She immediately kept quiet, but her body continued to tremble. ¡°So, all this time, the one supporting me was a¡­¡± Thinking of this, she felt her whole body become light as if she were walking on cotton. Chen Luoyue was extremely jealous, saying, ¡°Your Wen family must have benefited immensely from your ancestors to associate with such a powerful figure!¡± ¡°When you rise to power in the future, don¡¯t forget to lift me up.¡± Forming a connection with a Three-Star Soul Master, it¡¯s hard not to soar to great heights! This was why she promoted Wen Shengnan immediately. Meanwhile, Jiang Fan. Returned with the Pathway Powder in hand. Just as he stepped onto the sect¡¯s stairs. He was suddenly pulled into a corner by Liu Qingxian. She removed the Gale Pearl from her neck, stuffed it into Jiang Fan¡¯s hand, and said solemnly, ¡°This is too precious, I can¡¯t accept it.¡± After much thought, she decided to return it to Jiang Fan. This item was just too valuable. She couldn¡¯t accept it. Jiang Fan was stunned, saying, ¡°Why?¡± Did she not accept it before? Why return it now? Liu Qingxian stuttered. This item was worth ten thousand crystal stones! It was enough to be her dowry. Why did Jiang Fan give such a thing to her? Unable to understand, she returned it saying, ¡°Anyway, I will not accept it.¡± Alright then. Jiang Fan did not insist. He took out two Martial Soul coins, saying, ¡°Let¡¯s go to the Martial Soul Hall.¡± ¡°I will do my best to help you defeat Nangong Xiaoyun.¡± To improve Liu Qingxian¡¯s strength, effort must be made on her realm as well as her cultivation techniques. The Martial Soul Hall can help complete her cultivation techniques. If Liu Qingxian has any fragmented moves, he can try to help her comprehend them together. However, Liu Qingxian¡¯s attention was immediately drawn to the two Martial Soul coins. ¡°How do you have another one?¡± One of them was indeed hers. But where did the other come from? Jiang Fan scratched his head, saying, ¡°Elder Li Qingfeng gave it to me.¡± Liu Qingxian was incredulous, ¡°Elder Li has no good impression of you!¡± ¡°With only one Martial Soul coin, he would never give it to you?¡± Jiang Fan thought for a moment and said, ¡°Could it be because I helped his disciples Xu Youran and Chen Silin achieve great gains in the Holy Hall, and this is his reward?¡± Liu Qingxian couldn¡¯t help but recall Xu Youran¡¯s aggressive behavior, her face turning cold, ¡°So, she made significant progress in the Holy Hall?¡± Jiang Fan nodded, ¡°She broke through from the first layer of Foundation Establishment to the third layer of Foundation Establishment, quite impressive.¡± Creak¡ª¡ª Liu Qingxian was furious. She worked hard to help Jiang Fan earn Martial Soul coins. But he was aiding other women to improve their strength! This is outrageous! She glanced at the Gale Pearl in Jiang Fan¡¯s hand and snatched it back, putting it around her neck again. She gritted her teeth, saying, ¡°This is what I deserve!¡± No matter Jiang Fan¡¯s intentions. She just wore it! So what? ¡°Let¡¯s go! To the Martial Soul Hall!¡± Jiang Fan touched his nose. What was wrong with her again? Who had angered her? They arrived at the Martial Soul Hall. This place was usually deserted because an elder only receives one coin a year. However. Today, someone else was present. And they were none other than Nangong Xiaoyun and You Yunzi. ¡°What use do you have coming to the Martial Soul Hall? Isn¡¯t your cultivation technique the best at the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion?¡± You Yunzi followed behind, helpless. Nangong Xiaoyun, with a bruised face, said angrily, ¡°Since you¡¯re not helping me get revenge, I¡¯ll do it myself!¡± ¡°I remember that fragment of a move from that scoundrel. I¡¯m here to the Martial Soul Hall to complete it!¡± ¡°Once I find someone using that technique, I¡¯ll expose the scoundrel!¡± You Yunzi sighed helplessly, ¡°It¡¯s not that I¡¯m not helping you.¡± ¡°You, a proud daughter of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, got beaten up within the Green Cloud Sect. How could I mention it without feeling embarrassed?¡± ¡°How can I spread this around?¡± He felt quite humiliated. Seeing Nangong Xiaoyun return in such a miserable state, he was also quite angry. He had thought of calling Liu Wuchen over to scold him thoroughly. But on second thought, he didn¡¯t dare to mention it at all. Wouldn¡¯t it bring shame if he spoke of it? ¡°I don¡¯t care! I must find out who this scoundrel is!¡± ¡°Daring to beat me like this, I won¡¯t let it go! Hmph!¡± Nangong Xiaoyun stamped her foot, grinding her teeth. Suddenly. She looked up to find Liu Qingxian and Jiang Fan standing in front of the hall. She stared at them with a strange look on her face. Liu Qingxian was surprised and almost didn¡¯t recognize Nangong Xiaoyun, ¡°Who beat you up?¡± She was astonished. Nangong Xiaoyun had broken through to the Core Formation Realm. Besides a Core Formation Realm elder, who could beat her like this? But. Why would a Core Formation Realm elder hit her? Jiang Fan was also surprised, ¡°Nangong Xiaoyun? Who beat your face like that?¡± When they saw her in Cloud Sun City, wasn¡¯t she still quite pretty? Who hit her so hard? Made her face so bruised and swollen? Nangong Xiaoyun¡¯s expression froze, quickly saying, ¡°Who, who said I was beaten up by someone?¡± ¡°I accidentally fell!¡± ¡°Yes, I fell!¡± You Yunzi¡¯s old face was stiff, still being seen. He awkwardly changed the subject, looked at Jiang Fan, and smiled, ¡°Young friend, what brings you here?¡± Jiang Fan pointed to Liu Qingxian beside him, saying, ¡°Accompanying her in her cultivation.¡± Nangong Xiaoyun was instantly dissatisfied. In her and You Yunzi¡¯s understanding, Jiang Fan was considered an elder-level figure. He just appeared young. Him accompanying Liu Qingxian to the Martial Soul Hall was obviously guiding her. ¡°Vice Pavilion Master, you should guide me too!¡± ¡°That would be fair!¡± You Yunzi was both crying and laughing. However, since Liu Qingxian did not comply with the code of conduct and invited an elder of the sect to guide her, He could only put aside his pride and guide Nangong Xiaoyun properly. He was confident. As for the comprehension of cultivation techniques, Jiang Fan was definitely far behind him. Chapter 157 - Chapter 157: Chapter 157: You Yunzis Shock Chapter 157: Chapter 157: You Yunzi¡¯s Shock Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t help but frown. Nangong Xiaoyun was already so formidable, yet the Vice Pavilion Master of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion was personally advising her. Isn¡¯t this a bit unsporting? It seemed that he had to fully assist Liu Qingxian. Otherwise, it would be too difficult for her to win. The group of four entered the Martial Soul Hall. Inside, there were ancient statues exuding immense majesty. Liu Qingxian was there to accompany Jiang Fan for training, her attention entirely on him. She introduced: ¡°Standing in front of the statue, it will project an apparition to spar with you. If your fragmented move is incomplete and this statue happens to have it, it will fill it in for you.¡± ¡°But be aware, the Cultivation Technique appears in layers.¡± ¡°Only after finishing the First Layer will the next layer appear.¡± ¡°The maximum time one can stay in the Martial Soul Hall is three days. How many layers you can learn depends on your comprehension.¡± Jiang Fan nodded thoughtfully. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co So, it wasn¡¯t entirely about completing the Cultivation Technique. One also needed strong comprehension. ¡°Let¡¯s go to the other side.¡± Jiang Fan glanced at Nangong Xiaoyun and You Yunzi, then pulled Liu Qingxian to a spot behind a statue. Liu Qingxian¡¯s heart slightly raced, she broke free from his hand, and murmured unnaturally: ¡°If we¡¯re going to train, why be so secretive.¡± Jiang Fan discreetly took out some Pathway Powder, stuffed it into her hand, and whispered in her ear: ¡°Try it out first, see if you can break through to the Core Formation Realm.¡± Feeling the warm breath in her ear, Liu Qingxian¡¯s body stiffened. Her heartbeat quickened. She tried to steady herself, and asked: ¡°What¡¯s in this bottle?¡± ¡°Pathway Powder, a Spiritual Medicine for breaking through to the Core Formation Realm.¡± Jiang Fan replied. What? Liu Qingxian was shocked, she screamed: ¡°Break through to the Core Forma¡­ mmm mmm¡­¡± Jiang Fan quickly covered her lips and said: ¡°Do you really want Nangong Xiaoyun to hear?¡± He was speechless. He had brought Liu Qingxian to a secluded corner because he wanted her to secretly break through to the Core Formation Realm. So that when they faced off in the future, it would catch the opponent off guard. This would increase his chances of winning by a bit. Now it was too late. It¡¯s likely that Nangong Xiaoyun already heard, it couldn¡¯t be hidden anymore. ¡°Oh?¡± You Yunzi indeed sensed it, showing a look of astonishment: ¡°Liu Qingxian is breaking through to the Core Formation here?¡± Nangong Xiaoyun¡¯s eyes widened: ¡°Impossible, right? Now?¡± ¡°How could the Green Cloud Sect have Spiritual Pills for breaking through to the Core Formation Realm?¡± Within the entire Nine-Sect realm, all the Spiritual Pills for the Core Formation Realm came from one place. The Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion. After all, it¡¯s a third-grade Spirit Pill, and ordinary One-star or Two-star Soul Masters simply couldn¡¯t refine it. And it had been years since the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion produced such Spirit Pills. Where on earth did the Green Cloud Sect get it from? Nangong Xiaoyun muttered: ¡°Could it be a tactic to disturb my cultivation?¡± You Yunzi slowly nodded: ¡°Train diligently. Even if there really is a Spirit Pill, breaking through to the Core Formation Realm is not guaranteed, the pill has at most a thirty percent chance.¡± On the other side. Liu Qingxian realized her mistake, stuck out her tongue in embarrassment. She failed to notice that Jiang Fan¡¯s hand was still covering her mouth. When she stuck out her tongue, it touched Jiang Fan¡¯s palm. Jiang Fan felt like he¡¯d been electrocuted, he quickly pulled back his hand. His palm tingled and made him feel strange, he coughed lightly and said: ¡°Go ahead and take it.¡± Liu Qingxian¡¯s face turned even redder. Her mind was in a whirl, she quickly turned her attention away, and said: ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll try to break through first.¡± The two no longer whispered. Since they were already exposed, they might as well break through openly. After swallowing a bottle of powder, Liu Qingxian immediately sat crossed-legged, running her mental method to gather the surrounding Spiritual Energy. The medicinal effect quickly took hold. Liu Qingxian¡¯s body emitted a huge amount of white smoke, her skin turned a crimson red, like iron heated in a forge. A powerful aura spread and contracted around her. This was the sign of breaking through to the Core Formation Realm. You Yunzi sensed it from afar, and was shocked: ¡°She really is breaking through!¡± Nangong Xiaoyun¡¯s eyes snapped open. She was stunned: ¡°Does Jiang really have Spiritual Pills for the Core Formation Realm?¡± ¡°But, why are his pills so effective? Just one pill and she can form a core?¡± ¡°I had to take three pills to barely succeed.¡± You Yunzi also found it incredible, muttering to himself: ¡°This Elder Jiang is truly unfathomable!¡± ¡°What he possesses must be an even more powerful kind of Spirit Pill.¡± Suddenly. You Yunzi¡¯s expression changed slightly. ¡°No good, the breakthrough is failing.¡± ¡°The aura is unstable, it¡¯s a sign of insufficient gathered Spiritual Energy, indicating a failed Core Formation.¡± ¡°She either needs a very strong mental method, or be in a place with extremely dense Spiritual Energy, otherwise, failure is unavoidable.¡± Yet now it was too late to change locations for the breakthrough. As for the mental method, it was even more unlikely. ¡°What a pity.¡± You Yunzi sighed. Liu Qingxian herself felt the situation, her face anxious. She was just a step away from breaking through to the Core Formation Realm. It was the closest she had ever been over the years. Now she just lacked sufficient Spiritual Energy! No matter how hard she tried to absorb more Spiritual Energy, it was far from enough to meet the needs of Core Formation. The Spiritual Energy required for Core Formation was much more than expected. Jiang Fan also saw the danger. It seemed that Liu Qingxian¡¯s mental method couldn¡¯t support the Spiritual Energy needed for Core Formation. ¡°Stay calm, keep cultivating, leave the rest to me.¡± Jiang Fan placed his palm on her head, and his transparent Spirit Root silently began to function. The powerful Spirit Root, like a towering tree with countless roots, gathered all the surrounding Spiritual Energy. In an instant. The Spiritual Energy density increased several times, almost forming a mist! And the Spiritual Energy kept gathering. In such a vast amount of Spiritual Energy, even though Liu Qingxian¡¯s mental method was slightly lacking, any absorption now was several times more effective than before. Thus, her dissipating aura reappeared and continued to strengthen. The seemingly failing Core Formation was successfully salvaged! You Yunzi, witnessing this scene, was filled with shock, he gasped: ¡°What a terrifying Spirit Root!¡± ¡°It can draw such an enormous cloud of Spiritual Energy!¡± Nangong Xiaoyun wrinkled her delicate nose, somewhat unwilling: ¡°No matter how powerful, can it be stronger than our Pavilion Master?¡± You Yunzi¡¯s old eyes were filled with astonishment as he shook his head: ¡°In terms of strength, Elder Jiang naturally cannot compare to our Pavilion Master.¡± ¡°But in terms of Spirit Root, it¡¯s hard to say.¡± What? Nangong Xiaoyun¡¯s already round eyes widened like walnuts. ¡°What!¡± ¡°But¡­ but our Pavilion Master has a Nine-grade Spirit Root! Nine-grade!¡± You Yunzi couldn¡¯t suppress the shock in his heart, muttering: ¡°Who exactly is this Elder Jiang!¡± As time passed. Half a day later. A faint rumbling sound came from Liu Qingxian¡¯s abdomen. It was the sign of her Spirit Pond breaking and transforming into an inner core! She suddenly opened her eyes. Her beautiful snowy eyes were filled with uncontrollable joy. ¡°I¡¯ve formed a core!¡± ¡°Jiang Fan, I¡¯ve formed a core!¡± In extreme delight, she jumped up and grabbed Jiang Fan¡¯s hand, unable to contain her excitement. It was like a child receiving a long-desired toy. She expressed pure joy from the bottom of her heart. However. She suddenly realized that Jiang Fan¡¯s gaze at her body was somewhat evasive, not quite right. Chapter 158 - Chapter 158: Chapter 158 Understanding the Cultivation Technique Chapter 158: Chapter 158 Understanding the Cultivation Technique Lowering her head. She found herself drenched in sweat. Her long purple silk dress clung to her body, revealing her perfect figure in full detail. Her heaving chest rose and fell with her movement, creating a ripple that made one¡¯s blood boil. For she was too engrossed. She actually clutched Jiang Fan¡¯s arm, looking like she was about to embrace him. Her face instantly flushed red, and she quickly let go, turning around and huffed, ¡°Haven¡¯t you ever seen a woman before?¡± Despite her embarrassment and annoyance, she felt an inexplicable sense of pride. I¡¯m not any worse than Xu Youran! Hmph hmph! Jiang Fan awkwardly said, ¡°Congratulations on your breakthrough to the Core Formation, Senior Sister.¡± ¡°For the next few days, you should train on your own first.¡± ¡°If you need any help, just let me know at any time.¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co A Martial Soul Coin could only be used for three days. He still had two and a half days left. It should be enough time for him to stabilize his realm. If he was lucky enough, he might even complete that Earth-level Finger Technique. Therefore, he immediately located a nearby statue. Standing in front of it, the statue emitted a faint red glow, enveloping Jiang Fan within it. Liu Qingxian secretly glanced over. Although she could no longer see Jiang Fan¡¯s figure, she still stared in a daze, her face still glowing with a faint blush. She touched the Gale Pearl around her neck. From deep within her, a vague sense of excitement arose. Two days later. Jiang Fan had consecutively challenged dozens of statues. Each statue¡¯s projection had been exceptionally powerful. Without using the Purple Sword, it was very difficult for him to win. But he reaped great rewards. His realm at the Sixth Layer of Foundation Establishment had not only stabilized but had also reached Perfection. With a bit more training, he could break through to the Seventh Layer of Foundation Establishment! The only pity was. He had bad luck. He couldn¡¯t complete that Earth-level Finger Technique. After adjusting his breath for a while, he got up to check Liu Qingxian¡¯s progress. He found her standing before a large statue, looking slightly anxious, clumsily practicing an unfamiliar Cultivation Technique. ¡°Senior Sister, did you manage to complete the technique?¡± Jiang Fan walked over with admiration. He lifted his eyes. In front of the statue, a cultivation technique condensed from light appeared. ¡°¡®Heavenly Battle Nine Forms,¡¯ High Profound Level Technique.¡± Jiang Fan muttered in amazement. High Profound Level techniques were considered top-tier secret arts within the Green Cloud Sect. Being able to complete a whole one was a stroke of immense luck. However, Liu Qingxian discovered it too late. She had just begun her training. And there was only half a day left. Even achieving the second form would be difficult, let alone the remaining seven forms? Liu Qingxian excitedly but anxiously said, ¡°This is a technique once practiced by a Nascent Soul expert.¡± ¡°Its power is unparalleled, not inferior to your ¡®Sword Heart Engraving¡¯!¡± ¡°Unfortunately, it has long been lost, with only the first form¡¯s fragmented move remaining.¡± ¡°I never expected that this statue would actually complete it!¡± She only had the attitude of trying her luck. Never did she think she would truly encounter it. Jiang Fan was stunned. A technique once practiced by a Nascent Soul Level titan? Even his heart couldn¡¯t help but stir! ¡°I¡¯ll give it a try too!¡± Jiang Fan carefully read the technique¡¯s content. Liu Qingxian said, ¡°You haven¡¯t even learned the first form; it¡¯ll be hard to learn it.¡± At least she had practiced the fragmented move and had a foundation. That¡¯s why she dared attempt the second form. Jiang Fan had nothing at all; half a day wouldn¡¯t be enough to comprehend the first form. It was just a complete waste of time. Jiang Fan said nothing and immediately began to comprehend. On the other side, Nangong Xiaoyun. After persistent attempts, finally let out a shout of joy. ¡°Haha! I finally completed the technique!¡± Gazing at the statue before her, which had completed a technique titled ¡®Heavenly Ruined Finger.¡¯ She let out a jubilant cheer. ¡°Hahaha! You bastard, you can¡¯t escape now!¡± ¡°Once I finish training, I will match it against each, and I will pull you out for sure!¡± Yet. Just as she wanted to comprehend it, she was shocked by the technique¡¯s description. ¡°A Lower Earth Level technique? Vice Pavilion Master, am I seeing this right?¡± You Yunzi also revealed a look of heated admiration, saying, ¡°The Green Cloud Sect actually has an Earth-level Finger Technique!¡± Even within the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, Earth-level techniques were extremely rare. Very few cultivators had them! Unfortunately, there was only half a day left. He didn¡¯t have the time to comprehend it. ¡°Vice Pavilion Master, help me comprehend it quickly!¡± Nangong Xiaoyun also realized time was tight and urged. You Yunzi smiled bitterly, ¡°What¡¯s the use of urging me?¡± ¡°Without three to five years, an Earth-level technique is extremely difficult to master.¡± ¡°Let alone in half a day!¡± ¡°I¡¯m afraid you won¡¯t find that person.¡± Nangong Xiaoyun clenched her fists unwillingly. At this moment. She noticed Jiang Fan was comprehending a technique and couldn¡¯t help huffing, ¡°Vice Pavilion Master, you should learn from Elder Jiang.¡± ¡°He hasn¡¯t given up, has he?¡± You Yunzi¡¯s mouth twitched, ¡°You¡¯re giving me a lecture now?¡± Looking up, he saw Jiang Fan comprehending a High Profound Level technique. He shook his head, ¡°It¡¯s pointless.¡± ¡°The hardest part of a technique is the beginning; if he had practiced the first layer, having a foundation, he could try the second layer.¡± ¡°But he hasn¡¯t practiced it at all; just understanding the technique¡¯s contents will take a long time.¡± But before the words had barely fallen, Jiang Fan suddenly opened his eyes, circulated his spiritual power, and moved it through his body in a peculiar manner. Then he raised his palm and launched a strike forward. Pfft¡ª A dull sound resonated. The air swirled, and a strong gust of wind blew! The first form, successfully attained! You Yunzi¡¯s expression froze, ¡°He¡­he made it?¡± Nangong Xiaoyun was also shocked. How difficult could it be to comprehend a High Profound Level technique¡ªhow could she not know? She was merely prodding You Yunzi intentionally just now and never thought that Jiang Fan could master the first form in half a day. But only a single incense stick had burned. Jiang Fan comprehended it! Liu Qingxian was also taken aback, ¡°Jiang Fan, you¡­¡± Jiang Fan didn¡¯t speak and continued to comprehend the second form. Shortly after, he opened his eyes again and kicked out one leg. His leg was like a long whip, tracing a long afterimage, making the air crackle. You Yunzi and Nangong Xiaoyun were dumbfounded. ¡°Vice Pavilion Master, how does Elder Jiang¡¯s comprehension compare to yours?¡± You Yunzi collected his shocked expression and frowned, ¡°Do you really believe anyone could comprehend a High Profound Level technique so quickly?¡± Nangong Xiaoyun furrowed her brows, ¡°You mean he actually practiced it before?¡± You Yunzi didn¡¯t answer. Implying consent. Next, Jiang Fan cultivated swiftly. ¡°Sky Opening!¡± He struck forward with his elbow, causing the air to buzz loudly. If it hit someone, they¡¯d at least suffer from broken bones. ¡°So, it¡¯s a close combat technique.¡± After mastering the last form, Jiang Fan finally understood the true purpose of the ¡®Heavenly Battle Nine Forms.¡¯ Using the body as a weapon for close combat. This close combat skill required a strong physique to be effective; otherwise, it wouldn¡¯t have much power. Seeing Liu Qingxian still diligently comprehending the second form, he couldn¡¯t help but advise, ¡°Why not change to a different technique?¡± ¡°This one isn¡¯t very suitable for women.¡± Having watched Jiang Fan complete the entire set, Liu Qingxian also realized that the technique passed down by the Nascent Soul expert wasn¡¯t suitable for her. But, after finally encountering a High Profound Level technique, she didn¡¯t want to miss it. ¡°Little Friend Jiang, are you interested in comprehending this Earth-level technique?¡± You Yunzi smiled meaningfully. He absolutely did not believe Jiang Fan was genuinely comprehending earlier. He had certainly practiced it before. To verify his guess was simple; let Jiang Fan try this Earth-level technique. If he learned even a bit of it, You Yunzi would admit that Jiang Fan¡¯s comprehension surpassed his own. Oh? Jiang Fan curiously walked over. Once he saw it, he was surprised, ¡°A Lower Earth Level technique, ¡®Heavenly Ruined Finger¡¯?¡± Looking further at the contents, Jiang Fan was even more astonished. Isn¡¯t this the Finger Technique he had comprehended from the Moke Stone Wall? Nangong Xiaoyun huffed angrily, ¡°The person who hit me used this Finger Technique!¡± ¡°If you can help me comprehend it and catch that person, I¡¯ll reward you handsomely!¡± Uh¡ª Jiang Fan¡¯s whole body stiffened. Wait! The person who hit Nangong Xiaoyun, was me? Chapter 159 - Chapter 159: Chapter 159 Double Womens Duel Chapter 159: Chapter 159 Double Women¡¯s Duel ¡°No way?¡± ¡°Was it me who beat Nangong Xiaoyun black and blue?¡± Seeing Jiang Fan¡¯s strange expression, Nangong Xiaoyun asked suspiciously, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± ¡°Have you seen this finger technique?¡± Jiang Fan quickly shook his head, ¡°Never seen it, of course, I¡¯ve never seen it.¡± How could he dare to admit that? That day, relying on the mist to cover him, this girl couldn¡¯t exert her real strength and kept shouting, revealing her position. This way, Jiang Fan could move freely with his movement technique, teaching her a lesson punch after punch. If it were a direct fight, the one black and blue would probably have been Jiang Fan himself! Nangong Xiaoyun didn¡¯t suspect too much either. In her mind, Jiang Fan still seemed very polite. Not like a ruthless thug. ¡°So, can you comprehend it?¡± Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co Nangong Xiaoyun wasn¡¯t very hopeful. Because only two hours were left. Even an Immortal couldn¡¯t possibly comprehend it, right? Jiang Fan touched his nose, saying, ¡°It shouldn¡¯t be a problem.¡± Understanding an Earth-level cultivation technique was indeed challenging. Even someone like him felt the pressure. But the point was. He already knew the first form. Now he just needed to learn the second form. Because once the content of the third form appeared, he just needed to remember it and could continue comprehending it anytime outside the Martial Soul Hall. You Yunzi exclaimed, ¡°Little Friend Jiang, are you sure you understand this is an Earth-level technique?¡± Jiang Fan said, ¡°I¡¯ll give it a try.¡± Then, he started pretending to comprehend it. An hour later. He operated his spiritual power and pointed a finger through the air. Whoosh¡ª¡ª The immensely powerful finger force sparked the air! The finger force pierced through and struck the distant wall, leaving a through-and-through hole! ¡°Hiss!¡± You Yunzi took a deep breath, shocked, ¡°You¡­ you actually comprehended it!¡± If Jiang Fan had previously trained a high Profound level technique, he couldn¡¯t have also trained an Earth-level technique beforehand, right? Wait a minute! You Yunzi squinted his eyes, ¡°Could it be, you trained this fragmented technique beforehand?¡± In other words. It was him who beat Nangong Xiaoyun black and blue. Jiang Fan felt a tingle on his scalp and quickly said, ¡°Vice Pavilion Master You, you¡¯re overthinking.¡± Then he started to comprehend the second form that appeared. Time ticked away bit by bit. Seeing that time was running out, Jiang Fan still didn¡¯t seem to comprehend it. You Yunzi grew more suspicious. But just as the ending bell rang. Jiang Fan suddenly opened his eyes. ¡°Purple Energy Comes from the East!¡± He pointed through the air again. A beam of purple light shot out from his index finger. This move was several times stronger than the first! If he encountered a Beast King like the White Crystal Beast again, he was confident that this finger could pierce its body, inflicting severe damage! Jiang Fan showed a joyful expression. But You Yunzi took a sharp breath, ¡°Little Friend Jiang, you¡­ you¡­¡± He was already too shocked to speak. In just an hour and a half, he comprehended a layer of an Earth-level technique! For normal people, it would take at least a year and a half! If he hadn¡¯t seen it with his own eyes, he wouldn¡¯t believe it even if you killed him! Nangong Xiaoyun was also amazed and whispered, ¡°Vice Pavilion Master, is his comprehension really high?¡± You Yunzi¡¯s eyes were filled with shock, ¡°His comprehension is not just high.¡± ¡°It¡¯s monstrous!¡± ¡°Hiss! What kind of monstrous elder is Green Cloud Sect hiding?¡± He felt a chill down his spine. ¡°Everyone always thought that Green Cloud Sect was the weakest.¡± ¡°But now it seems, Green Cloud Sect is merely hiding its strength!¡± Suddenly. The bell rang, reminding everyone in the hall that the time for the Martial Soul Coin was over. Jiang Fan quickly looked at the statue. Just in time for the content of the last form of the ¡°Heavenly Ruined Finger¡± to appear. He glanced at it and memorized it deeply. Only then did he leave the Martial Soul Hall contentedly. You Yunzi¡¯s heart couldn¡¯t calm down from the shock. About Jiang Fan, he felt it necessary to inform the Pavilion Master immediately. ¡°Xiaoyun, we¡¯ve been out long enough, we should go back.¡± Nangong Xiaoyun raised her eyebrows, ¡°No way! I haven¡¯t found that bastard yet!¡± You Yunzi¡¯s face turned serious, ¡°No more nonsense!¡± Nangong Xiaoyun was extremely unwilling, gritted her teeth, and said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll leave after sparring with Liu Qingxian!¡± The main purpose of this trip was to defeat Liu Qingxian and avenge her previous defeat! You Yunzi nodded, ¡°As soon as possible, no more delays.¡± Nangong Xiaoyun then looked at Liu Qingxian with fighting intent, ¡°Dare to spar with me?¡± Liu Qingxian had been avoiding her lately. Seeing that she couldn¡¯t avoid it any longer. She raised her neck slightly, saying, ¡°You, a defeated opponent, dare to shout?¡± Nangong Xiaoyun was so angry that she shouted, ¡°You are the defeated opponent!¡± ¡°We obviously only had a draw!¡± Liu Qingxian laughed, ¡°Enjoying the top resources of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, but only tying with me, how is that different from losing?¡± Nangong Xiaoyun¡¯s chest heaved, and she clenched her fists. This was exactly her shame. The proudest daughter of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion, lost to a female disciple of a lower sect. If that¡¯s not a great shame, then what is? ¡°Fight! Let¡¯s fight now!¡± She was furious, wanting to avenge herself immediately. Liu Qingxian hesitated. She had just broken through Foundation Establishment, and her cultivation technique might not be as good as the other¡¯s. In a real fight, her chances of winning weren¡¯t great. At this time, Jiang Fan reminded, ¡°Miss Nangong, we have just broken through Core Formation, and our realms are not stable.¡± ¡°Even if you win, it will be an unfair victory.¡± ¡°How about resting for half a day?¡± Resting was secondary. The main thing was, he wanted to pass some cultivation techniques to Liu Qingxian to increase her chances of winning. You Yunzi saw Jiang Fan¡¯s intention and laughed, ¡°Little Friend Jiang.¡± ¡°In just half a day, you intend to teach her a cultivation technique?¡± Cultivation techniques ultimately depended on personal comprehension. Even if someone taught it, the other person needed enough comprehension. Unless, the one teaching had an extremely deep understanding of the cultivation technique. For example, when he taught disciples, his few decades of cultivation techniques allowed disciples to quickly comprehend. But that was just a lower Profound level technique. And he had cultivated it for decades, understanding it fully. But how long had Jiang Fan been comprehending the ¡°Heavenly Ruined Finger¡±? He probably hadn¡¯t fully understood many parts himself, teaching others would be extremely difficult? Jiang Fan didn¡¯t deny it and said, ¡°Let¡¯s give it a try.¡± Although he had only cultivated two forms, he believed he had understood them fully. As long as Liu Qingxian¡¯s comprehension wasn¡¯t too bad, comprehending the first form shouldn¡¯t be a problem. You Yunzi smiled, ¡°Alright, half a day it is.¡± ¡°We are not in a rush.¡± ¡°How about it, Xiaoyun?¡± Nangong Xiaoyun crossed her arms in front of her chest, proudly saying, ¡°No problem.¡± ¡°Not to mention giving her half a day, even half a year wouldn¡¯t matter.¡± Jiang Fan nodded and took Liu Qingxian to a nearby secret room for disciples to spar. ¡°Senior Sister, time is short, if you put your heart into it, it should be fine.¡± Liu Qingxian worriedly asked, ¡°Can I make it?¡± ¡°My comprehension is far below yours, even if you explain it clearly, I might not understand.¡± Jiang Fan didn¡¯t say any more. He began patiently explaining his understanding of the first form. Initially, Liu Qingxian had a slight resistance, thinking she wouldn¡¯t understand. But as she listened, she found Jiang Fan¡¯s explanation clear and easy to understand. Unknowingly, she was drawn in. ¡°Okay, digest this, then try again,¡± Jiang Fan said. Huh? Liu Qingxian was stunned, ¡°The first form is done? So quickly?¡± Through the entire process, she didn¡¯t find anything difficult to understand. Like a brilliant teacher instructing students, it gave her a sense of enlightenment. She immediately closed her eyes and carefully digested Jiang Fan¡¯s understanding. An hour later. She began to try cultivating it. However, saying it was easy, doing it was difficult. She failed several times. Seeing time slipping away, Jiang Fan couldn¡¯t help but worry. After hesitating for a moment, he said, ¡°Senior Sister, if you don¡¯t mind, I can teach you hand by hand.¡± Hand by hand? Liu Qingxian felt embarrassed, instinctively wanting to refuse, but thinking of the imminent spar. After some thought, she nodded, ¡°Hmm.¡± Without hesitation. Jiang Fan came behind her, one hand on her lower abdomen Dantian, the other holding her jade-like hand, saying, ¡°Carefully sense the flow and pattern of my Spiritual Energy!¡± He let out a wisp of Spiritual Energy into her abdomen, flowing through her meridians. At the same time, holding her hand, he drew intricate patterns in the air. Liu Qingxian¡¯s face turned red. At this moment, she was entirely embraced by Jiang Fan. Making her heart race and body stiff. Right now. The news about her and Nangong Xiaoyun¡¯s upcoming fight spread quickly. Disciples and elders from various peaks hurried over. After all, they were both renowned Proud Daughters of the Nine-Sept, their duel was a once-in-a-lifetime event! Liu Wuchen even rushed over with Wang Chengjian. Knowing that Liu Qingxian was cultivating in the secret room, Wang Chengjian worriedly said, ¡°Senior Sister must be training against the clock now, right?¡± ¡°I¡¯ll go help her!¡± With an encouraging smile, he pushed open the secret room¡¯s door, saying, ¡°Senior Sister, Senior Brother is here to assist you¡­¡± His voice suddenly stopped. He stood there like a statue, unmoving. Liu Wuchen frowned slightly, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Chapter 160 - Chapter 160: Chapter 160: Quick Battle, Quick Decision Chapter 160: Chapter 160: Quick Battle, Quick Decision What did Wang Chengjian see? So surprised? Liu Wuchen walked over in astonishment, looked inside, and was also dumbfounded on the spot. His daughter, who was diligently cultivating. Was actually hugging Jiang Fan in the secret room? He couldn¡¯t help but scold, ¡°Qingxian, what are you doing?¡± Under Jiang Fan¡¯s guidance, Liu Qingxian, who had just found some sensation, was suddenly awakened from her focused cultivation. Being forced to interrupt her cultivation, her mood naturally wasn¡¯t good, and she snapped, ¡°Can¡¯t you see I¡¯m cultivating?¡± Cultivating? Liu Wuchen was so angry he pointed and gestured, but couldn¡¯t say a word. Wang Chengjian wore a grim face and said, ¡°Senior Sister, if you really want to cultivate, I¡¯ll accompany you.¡± ¡°Jiang Fan, you can leave.¡± This time, Liu Qingxian realized what they had misunderstood. Source: Webnovel.com, updated on ????????????????????.co She couldn¡¯t help but feel embarrassed and angry, ¡°All of you, get out!!!¡± With a bang, she shut the door. Then continued to cultivate that Earth-level Finger Technique. Wang Chengjian¡¯s face turned extremely ugly. How on earth was he inferior to Jiang Fan? Could it be just because Jiang Fan gave her a Gale Pearl, she was so affectionate with him? Liu Wuchen was also furious. ¡°You knew my daughter has a duel with someone and yet you still disturbed her cultivation!¡± ¡°If she loses, I¡¯ll make you pay!¡± While the two were in a foul mood. Vice Pavilion Master You walked over, holding a horsetail whisk. Liu Wuchen hurriedly restrained his anger and respectfully saluted, ¡°Vice Pavilion Master You.¡± This Vice Pavilion Master You¡¯s strength was unfathomable. And his status was higher than Liu Wuchen¡¯s. More importantly, Vice Pavilion Master You didn¡¯t think much of the Green Cloud Sect. Since he came here, he had never shown a good face. ¡°Sect Master Liu, a true master doesn¡¯t reveal himself, if he does he is not a true master.¡± Vice Pavilion Master You¡¯s face was full of a friendly smile. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t come to the Green Cloud Sect in person, I would¡¯ve been fooled by you.¡± Hmm? Liu Wuchen was filled with question marks. What did I fool you about? He carefully accompanied with a smile, ¡°Why do you say that, Vice Pavilion Master You?¡± Vice Pavilion Master You laughed heartily and pointed at him, ¡°See, still trying to hide!¡± ¡°The elder of your sect, I have already experienced his prowess.¡± ¡°He truly is a peerless master!¡± ¡°I admit defeat with humility.¡± Liu Wuchen was stunned. A peerless master? Admit defeat with humility? What a joke! Since when did the Green Cloud Sect have such an extraordinary elder? He laughed it off and said, ¡°Vice Pavilion Master You, stop making fun.¡± Vice Pavilion Master You shook his head, chuckling, ¡°I¡¯ve already said this much, why does the sect master continue to hide?¡± ¡°With such an elder in your sect, your future prospects are limitless!¡± After saying that, he walked away. Leaving Liu Wuchen deep in thought. ¡°When did our Green Cloud Sect have such an elder?¡± ¡°But, Vice Pavilion Master You wouldn¡¯t say this without reason.¡± ¡°Wait!¡± He suddenly froze, his face turning grim: ¡°Could it be he¡¯s talking about the Great Elder?¡± ¡°The strongest elder in the sect, without a doubt, is him.¡± At this thought, Liu Wuchen¡¯s heart suddenly sank. The Great Elder being so appreciated by Vice Pavilion Master You? He felt an unprecedented threat. Because the Nine-Sect Masters¡¯ positions were decided by the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion. If Vice Pavilion Master You said a few good words in front of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion Master¡­ Just the thought of it made Liu Wuchen shiver. Right at this moment. The Great Elder also arrived after hearing the news. The Sect Master¡¯s daughter was to spar with the number one proud daughter of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion. How could he, a troublemaker¡­ no, the Great Elder, miss such an important occasion? ¡°Sect Master, your daughter¡¯s talent is exceptional, breaking through to the ninth layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm early on. She is the backbone of our Green Cloud Sect.¡± ¡°I believe this time, she will undoubtedly win.¡± He started with a skilled round of sarcasm. Liu Wuchen wore a sullen face, saying nothing, just staring at him intently. Tang Tianlong, following the Great Elder, couldn¡¯t help but shiver. He whispered, ¡°Master, the sect master seems off today.¡± In the past, whenever someone belittled the disciples of Sect Master Peak, Liu Wuchen would always retaliate. But today was different, he remained silent. And was staring with an unsettling gaze. The Great Elder also felt it was odd, ¡°Is this guy angry?¡± ¡°Is it necessary? Just joking about his daughter¡¯s defeat.¡± ¡°Could it be, he actually has hope for his daughter¡¯s duel?¡± Indeed, he wanted to laugh at Sect Master Peak, to see Liu Wuchen humiliated. But he couldn¡¯t. Because in this duel, it was normal for Liu Qingxian to lose. After all, the opponent was the number one proud daughter of the Heavenly Mechanism Pavilion. There was nothing shameful about losing to her. He couldn¡¯t understand why Liu Wuchen had such a big reaction. ¡°Ignore him, I brought you here to take a good look at Liu Qingxian¡¯s technique.¡± ¡°You are not far from the ninth layer of the Foundation Establishment Realm. I hope you can defeat her and overshadow Sect Master Peak.¡± ¡°And to win, you must be familiar with her technique to secure victory in every battle.¡± Liu Qingxian rarely made a move. Now was a rare opportunity. Tang Tianlong nodded deeply. ¡°What Master said is true. Both of us use high-level Profound Techniques. If I understand her technique, my winning odds increase by two points.¡± As time passed. More and more disciples gathered in front of the Martial Soul Hall, becoming almost impenetrable. Inside the secret room. After Jiang Fan spent half a day teaching her hand on hand. Liu Qingxian finally managed to perform the first move of the ¡°Heavenly Ruined Finger¡± proficiently. ¡°Hoo!¡± Feeling the turbulent air in front of her, she brushed aside her hair lifted by the strong wind, revealing an incredibly beautiful and excited face. ¡°Is this an Earth-level technique?¡± ¡°Jiang Fan, you really taught me an Earth-level technique!¡± Her joy was uncontrollable. Jiang Fan was enveloped in Liu Qingxian¡¯s fragrance, making him distracted. To avoid the atmosphere becoming ambiguous, he quickly said, ¡°The duel is about to begin, let¡¯s go out.¡± Liu Qingxian nodded, her eyes burning with intense fighting spirit: ¡°Nangong Xiaoyun, this time I will make you cry again!¡± As the two left the secret room. The crowd immediately burst into an uproar. ¡°I really hope Senior Sister Liu wins.¡± ¡°Alright, is the outcome of this duel the point? The result is already inevitable.¡± ¡°Exactly, watching the duel between two stunning beauties is the focus.¡± ¡°Witnessing this epic battle is enough for us to boast for years.¡± Seeing Liu Qingxian finally appear. Nangong Xiaoyun couldn¡¯t hold back, stepping forward with her delicate face full of determination to avenge her previous humiliation: ¡°Liu Qingxian, this time I¡¯ll make you taste the bitterness of defeat!¡± Liu Qingxian fearlessly met her challenge. Her beautiful eyes revealed a hint of amusement, ¡°Do you think you¡¯re sure to win?¡± Oh? Vice Pavilion Master You, who was watching, revealed a surprised look. After half a day of cultivation, Liu Qingxian seemed much more confident? Could it be she really mastered the ¡°Heavenly Ruined Finger¡±? But upon further thought, he shook his head slightly. Still the same point. Even Jiang Fan himself hadn¡¯t mastered it fully, how could he teach it to someone else? This battle, still, had no suspense. He picked up the tea bowl, moistened his throat, and said: ¡°Xiaoyun, finish this quickly.¡± There was a huge gap between them. A few moves would determine the outcome!