Shrouding the Heavens

Ye Fan didn't want to get entangled with the people from the Qingxia sect. He took Wang Shu and the uneducated youth aside, standing at a distance.

By the lakeside, green trees shaded the area. Pavilions dotted the landscape, adding to the picturesque atmosphere. There were no noisy discussions. People felt peaceful here, speaking only in low voices.

Distinguished individuals from around Pingyan City had all gathered. For instance, the Rongxiang Gambling Stone Workshop and some sects had powerful experts attending in person.

Ye Fan observed carefully and was surprised to spot the big-mouthed Tu Fei.

This guy is a blabbermouth who dares to say anything and can say everything."He's definitely up to no good showing up here," Ye Fan couldn't help but frown.

Tu Fei stood with a few young men. Each one either looked fierce or exuded a rogue-like menace. They were completely devoid of elegance and, at a glance, resembled bandits.

Those must be the little bandits the old men mentioned.Ye Fan shifted his steps, moving away from that spot. He didn't want that blabbermouth to notice him; otherwise, many troublesome events would surely arise. With those guys around, trouble was likely. At the very least, Tu Fei was definitely not an easy person to deal with.

"The Yaochi Saintess is visiting Pingyan City. I wonder what her purpose is. Is it really just a patrol, as simple as that?"

"Hard to say. Jade Lake has always been low-key, and outsiders find it hard to understand their matters."

Everyone speculated, eyes fixed, staring at the pavilion by the lake.

The Yaochi Saintess was enveloped in mist and haze, her true appearance unclear, which only increased people's longing to catch a glimpse of her divine beauty.

Her beautiful body, shaped in golden proportions, appeared flawless from every angle. However, the most captivating aspect was the obscurity. Not seeing her clearly made one even more drawn to her. Her voice was gentle, as melodious as a heavenly tune. It was like a warm breeze entering one's heart, striking a chord, possessing a peculiar, captivating magic.

Only after she finished speaking did many awaken as if from a dream, realizing she had spoken. Jade Lake intended to display a few stones for everyone to evaluate, offering significant rewards for keen insights.

This woman is formidable!Ye Fan was astonished. The ripples of her words spread out, containing the power of the Dao and instinctively fostering goodwill in those who heard her. As for the exact quality of her voice, it was gradually forgotten, leaving only the memory of its unparalleled beauty and melodiousness.

A very unusual sensation. Is this what those old Elders call Immortal Charm?Ye Fan muttered to himself.

The Yaochi Saintess evoked a particularly unique sensation. Everything, from her immortal body to her voice, felt hazy and somewhat unreal, as if she resided in heavenly watchtowers far among the clouds.

Yes, overall, it could be summed up in one word: "hazy."

At her gesture, several white-robed maidens, like graceful butterflies, stepped over the waves. They retrieved nine stones from the sapphire-like small lake, laying them out in a row on the shore.

The nine stones varied in size. The largest weighed up to two thousand jin, while the smallest was only palm-sized. They appeared very ordinary, without any remarkable features.

"Everyone may come forward and examine these Sources for any peculiarities." The Yaochi Saintess was truly ethereal, almost illusory, her voice like immortal music.

"Just listening to her voice is intoxicating. If only one could take her home, life would hold no more regrets," grumbled big-mouthed Tu Fei, his words heard by those nearby.

Not far away, the few old men Ye Fan had seen earlier chuckled lightly, whispering among themselves.

"These little bandits sure came to make trouble."

"They don't dare; they're just here for the excitement. Jade Lake's Grand Elders are present, after all."

"This generation's Yaochi Saintess is extraordinarily talented, unmatched among her peers, capable of sweeping across the northern region even without protection."

Many people pushed forward, eager to examine the stones, all wanting to understand them clearly.

Ye Fan remained still, fearing that people from the Ji Family and Flickering Light Sacred Land were also present. If discovered, he would be in serious trouble.

"It's like something is calling to me," the uneducated youth mumbled in confusion.

"I also feel something strange. My body feels uneasy, my blood rushing, and it seems there's some special demonic might ahead of us," Wang Shu also appeared puzzled.

Ye Fan was shocked internally and said, "Do you have a special feeling?"

"Yes, it feels both familiar and unfamiliar, very strange," Wang Shu described meticulously.

"It's related to the nine stones up front," the uneducated youth, with eyes wide open, stared at the stones by the lake.

Don't make a sound!A thought struck Ye Fan. He had heard Fifth Grandpa Zhang vaguely mention that the ancestral bloodline of Wang Shu and the uneducated youth was highly unusual. Perhaps this was due to their innate spiritual perception.

In the stone village, there were three surnames in total. One was Zhang, descendants of the Heavenly Source Master. The other two surnames were Wang and Lei. According to legend, the ancestors of the Wang and Lei families were orphans adopted late in life by the Heavenly Source Master, possessing special bloodlines, though Fifth Grandpa Zhang had not disclosed the specifics.

Although Ye Fan practiced the Heavenly Source Book, he experienced no special sensations. Yet, these two felt restless and unsettled, which shocked him deeply.

No, I must find a way to go forward and take a look. Although I'm not yet proficient in the Heaven and Earth Changing Technique from the Heavenly Source Book, I've grasped some of its rudiments.

Ye Fan retreated and then employed the Miao Skill. The bones throughout his body crackled. His shoulders widened, and his cheekbones and other facial features bulged slightly. His appearance transformed from refined to rugged. His face became as sharp as if carved by a knife, exuding a fierce aura entirely different from before.

It won't hold for long, but it should suffice to conceal me temporarily.

Beside him, the uneducated youth and Wang Shu were dumbfounded, mouths agape, wanting to say something, but Ye Fan stopped them, saying, "You two go up later as well. No matter what you discover, don't make a sound. We'll discuss it when we get back."

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The two nodded, squeezing into the crowd separately.

Big-mouthed Tu Fei also approached. He circled the nine stones, observing them for a long time, then asked, "Fairy of Jade Lake, if I articulate something meaningful, do you have any rewards?"

"We'll invite you to stay at Jade Lake for a while to fulfill some of your wishes," a female disciple from the Jade Lake Sacred Land responded.

"My grandpa often reminisces, always saying that Jade Lake is a good place, but I don't dare to go. I'm afraid if I go there, I'd become a prisoner, never able to leave."

"Are you here to cause trouble, you little bandit?" a middle-aged woman's voice came from the pavilion.

"I'm not causing trouble; I'm just here to take a look." Tu Fei stepped back a few steps and said, "My grandpa told me to send his regards to you."

"Then be honest and behave yourself." After these words came from the building, there was silence.

Ye Fan was intrigued.Being invited to stay at Jade Lake is an excellent opportunity, especially since he was struggling with the nine secret arts of the Dao Palace secret realm.However, the current timing was unsuitable, as he hadn't fully mastered the Heaven and Earth Changing Technique, making travel inconvenient.

The nine stones were dull in color. Even though they were fished out from the lake, they carried a bit of an earthy feel, as if they had been newly mined.

Ye Fan ran his hand over them, feeling a particular sensation. These pieces of Source truly seemed to possess a strange power, unsettling his Heart Spirit.

Suddenly, a thought struck him:This is the aura of the Great Primordial Mine!He had once cut similar stones in the ninth courtyard of the Rongxiang Gambling Stone Workshop. However, the aura of these nine stones before him was far more intense, on a completely different scale.

"I felt it too. These stones must have been transported from that Ancient Desolation Forbidden Land," big-mouthed Tu Fei remarked, adding, "I wonder if that's really the case?"

The Yaochi Saintess had already returned to her pavilion. A female disciple next to her nodded and asked, "Do you have any other special feelings?"

"None," Tu Fei stepped forward a few paces, his big mouth acting up again, saying, "Are Jade Lake disciples really forbidden from marrying? I've heard that in the distant past, one or two sacred ladies became wives."

The crowd behind them exclaimed in shock. This was a taboo topic hardly anyone dared to mention, and this guy dared to ask about anything.

The female disciples of Jade Lake did not get angry, merely shook their heads with a smile, saying nothing.

"Tu Fei, stop playing the fool here. As a descendant of the Thirteen Bandits, you're brazen enough to show your face here. Be careful, you might not get out of Pingyan City alive," someone sneered.

"Which one of you is spouting nonsense?" Tu Fei looked around, searching the crowd.

"Don't defile the fairy of Jade Lake with your foul language," the voice came again, shifting left and right. It was clearly a young expert, making it hard to pinpoint their exact location.

"Hypocrites, I'm just voicing what many are thinking. What's wrong with that? The Jiang Family's Sacred Master even said so," Tu Fei replied dismissively.

"Nonsense, how could the Jiang Family's Sacred Master say such a thing?" someone reprimanded from the shadows.

This was another person, not the previous voice. Many speculated that it was likely a young elite from the Jiang Family.

"I remembered wrong, it was the Flickering Light Sacred Master who said it," Tu Fei slapped his forehead and added, "The Flickering Light Sacred Master once said, 'A man who doesn't desire to conquer the sacred lady isn't a good man.'"

Upon hearing this, the entire crowd was in an uproar. Tu Fei was absolutely outrageous, daring to utter such words. Many people were laughing so hard they couldn't stay upright. This guy was absolutely shameless.

The Flickering Light Sacred Land had more than one person present, and upon hearing this, they all flew into a rage. This bastard was too much, slinging mud so recklessly.

Several had an urge to rush forward and slap him. This big mouth spun such lies, truly inciting a desire to kill.

"Stop your nonsense!" If they could have fought at the Yaochi Immortal Stone Workshop, a massive battle would likely have been unavoidable.

"Did I say anything wrong?" Tu Fei insisted confidently. "Look at your Flickering Light Sacred Land. It's understandable to have sacred ladies, but you also have to produce a Saint Heir. Historically, they usually end up married to the Saint Heir, the future Sacred Master. Isn't it obvious? A Saint Heir who cannot conquer the sacred lady isn't a good Saint Heir and won't become a Sacred Master."

The crowd was completely befuddled. This big mouth truly knew no bounds, even understanding things in this way. Many held back their laughter, fearing to offend the Flickering Light Sacred Land.

"Tu Fei, you're really courting death!" Two young men, both exquisitely handsome and graceful, emerged from the crowd.

"Your Saint Heir is here and silent, so what are you two trying to prove?" Tu Fei was obviously intent on provoking the Flickering Light Sacred Land. He shook his head and sighed, "Your Sacred Master is truly wise; his words are so reasonable. A man who doesn't desire to conquer the sacred lady isn't a good man. Since you're standing up for others, you're doomed not to be the Saint Heir because you're not good men."

The crowd was beside themselves with laughter and tears; this big mouth was truly too unscrupulous.

"Tu Fei, cease your nonsense, or you will be expelled immediately," a Jade Lake Grand Elder spoke.

"Alright, I won't say anymore," Tu Fei悻悻地 closed his mouth.

Ye Fan found it curious that Tu Fei avoided provoking Jade Lake but was scathing toward the Flickering Light Sacred Land, displaying a clear difference in attitude.

At this moment, the uneducated youth and Wang Shu had already touched the nine stones. In the depths of their eyes, one could see their unrest. However, they said nothing and silently retreated as instructed by Ye Fan.

Ye Fan didn't leave but stood before the stones, continuing to observe closely.

Suddenly, the crowd parted, and a man and a woman approached. The man was as splendid as a jade tree in the wind, incredibly handsome, while the woman moved gracefully like a fairy, eclipsing the brilliance of bright pearls and beautiful jade.

The two were pristine and untouched by dust, as if purifying the mundane world. Their steps light, they brought forth wisps of Immortal Qi, truly resembling gods.

"The Flickering Light Saint Heir and Sacred Lady!" someone exclaimed.

Encountering Yao Xi is not a good thing.He quietly retreated a few steps, blending into the crowd.

"Tu Fei, I know you've brought quite a few people intending to harm us, but I fear you will be disappointed," the Flickering Light Saint Heir smiled radiantly, like a sun shining in the sky.

Some people don't need to try to impress; even a casual gesture reveals their extraordinary nature. Without question, the Flickering Light Saint Heir was such a person—outstanding, like a crane among chickens, uncommon and transcendent.

Yao Xi, on the other hand, was breathtakingly beautiful. Her poise was even more exceptional, like a Divine Moon suspended in space, shimmering with radiant light that made those around feel inferior. Every inch of her skin seemed otherworldly, sparkling and carrying the breath of the immortal world.

Tu Fei was indifferent, saying, "Flickering Light Saint Heir, what should I say to you? You are far less wise than your Sacred Master. You really aren't a good man. You won't have a chance in the future; the genius from our line is far sharper."

Many in the Flickering Light Sacred Land had the impulse to beat him and then kill him. Yet, the Flickering Light Saint Heir kept his serene smile, silently observing Tu Fei.

"Let me put it more clearly," Tu Fei coughed, saying, "You won't become the Sacred Master of the Flickering Light Sacred Land. Do you know why? Because you can't make the Sacred Lady your wife; she no longer belongs to you."

Nearby, several young disciples of Flickering Light nearly lunged forward to trample him on the ground.

"I'm speaking the truth. Don't dislike it. Those in our line have the sharpest eyes, the best judge of people," Tu Fei stated seriously. "Fairy Yao Xi doesn't belong to Flickering Light. Sooner or later, she will join our line."

"You're quite the joker," the Flickering Light Saint Heir chuckled, then shook his head. "I know your intent. With the people you've brought, you can't kill us. If you don't believe me, just try when we leave Pingyan City."

"You still haven't understood my meaning," Tu Fei, his big-mouth nature resurfacing, said. "Haven't you heard? Fairy Yao Xi already gifted her fragrant robe to the genius of our line..."

Yao Xi's delicate eyebrows arched slightly, like thin smoke veiling a bright moon, or flowing light accompanying moonlight. She seemed to dwell in the immortal world. Her red lips parted as she said, "Tu Fei, it seems your time is short!"

Those familiar knew that the Flickering Light Sacred Lady's killing intent was at its peak. If it weren't for being in the Yaochi Immortal Stone Workshop, she probably would have already wielded her divine sword.

"It's truly strange. Weren't you and our genius, young brother Ye Fan, already 'all mixed up' long ago? We're on the same path now, yet why do I sense a strong murderous intent?"