The Sword God of the Universe

Yuan Jihu might appear rough, but he had a discerning heart. He explained that he had visited the Zhang Family first before learning that Jing Yan had gone to see Gao Lan. He was clarifying this point because he feared Jing Yan might suspect him of having his men follow Jing Yan.

Jing Yan observed Yuan Jihu's friendly and kind demeanor and felt genuinely puzzled. He still couldn't be certain why Yuan Jihu had changed his attitude toward him. However, Jing Yan also felt it was inappropriate to directly inquire about it.

"Is Mr. Jing Yan from Donglin City?" Yuan Jihu paused slightly before asking with a tentative smile.

"Yes, I am from Donglin City." When he heard Yuan Jihu's question, Jing Yan suddenly understood—Yuan Jihu must have investigated him.

"Donglin City is a wonderful place! Although I have never visited, I have often heard of it. The Black Stone Mountain Range there attracts countless adventurers every day to enter and hunt."

"I was told by the Chief Manager of my house that Mr. Jing Yan is a member of the Donglin City Jing Family, and the current City Lord of Donglin City is also held by a member of the Jing Family!" Yuan Jihu asked casually but his questions were very targeted.

Through the City Lord Mansion, he had investigated Jing Yan's background and the information he gathered was indeed astonishing. While he was aware that such information was typically accurate, he also knew there was a chance it could be incorrect.

To reaffirm the veracity of this information would take a few more days, and he couldn't wait any longer. If the news were true, he must reconcile with Jing Yan as soon as possible.

In front of Jing Yan, he felt it wasn't appropriate to directly ask about Jing Yan's relationship with the Prince. Therefore, asking if the City Lord of Donglin City was a member of the Jing Family was a better approach.

"The current City Lord of Donglin City is Elder Jing Tianying from my Jing Family," Jing Yan replied with a twinkle in his eyes and a smile.

Yuan Jihu's thoughts were clear to Jing Yan after a brief contemplation.

"With Mr. Jing Yan in the Jing Family, it's certain to thrive and stand tall in Lanqu County City in the future. That shouldn't be difficult!" A glimmer of excitement flashed in Yuan Jihu's eyes.

The City Lord of Donglin City was truly a member of the Jing Family. That meant the information he had received was accurate.

"Thank you for your kind words, Lord Xie!" Jing Yan thanked him with a bow.

"Mr. Jing Yan, as a distinguished guest of Haofeng City and having traveled from afar, there have been some discourtesies on my part as the City Lord of Haofeng City. I hope Mr. Jing Yan can be magnanimous and not take offense," Yuan Jihu said with a sincere gaze at Jing Yan.

"You are too polite, City Lord," Jing Yan responded with a wave of his hand.

Jing Yan also fully understood that Yuan Jihu was being so courteous now because he knew Jing Yan's background. Had it not been for such a background, Yuan Jihu would certainly not have shown him such respect.

But Jing Yan didn't want to create any conflict with Yuan Jihu; naturally, he wouldn't expose the situation. If everyone was happy, there was no problem.

"Mr. Jing Yan, I once entered an Ancient Cave Mansion and obtained a special fruit there. This fruit should be helpful to you, and I ask you to accept it!" Yuan Jihu suddenly took out a red box and handed it to Jing Yan.

Jing Yan's expression became focused as he looked at Yuan Jihu.

Almost without hesitation, Jing Yan thought to refuse. The object Yuan Jihu offered was certainly not ordinary; it likely was a treasure of immense value. However, if Jing Yan accepted this gift, the nature of their relationship would change.

It was easy to understand; once Jing Yan accepted the gift, he wouldn't be able to refuse too strongly should Yuan Jihu ask for his help in the future. Jing Yan couldn't allow himself to eat his fill and then deny the debt.

So, without any delay, Jing Yan intended to refuse the gift.

"This fruit is called the Dao Essence Fruit. I have consulted some Ancient Classics and gathered some clues. If a Martial Artist consumes the Dao Essence Fruit for cultivation, the effects can increase several times over a certain period." Before Jing Yan could decline, Yuan Jihu added another detail.

He feared Jing Yan might not recognize the worth of the Dao Essence Fruit, so he explained it quite thoroughly.

It wasn't that Yuan Jihu underestimated Jing Yan, but the Dao Essence Fruit was truly extinct on the continent, unseen even in places like the Black Stone Mountain Range or the Moonlight Forest.

Hearing the name Dao Essence Fruit, a flicker of intent passed through Jing Yan's heart.

The Qiankun Pill Path inside him activated for a moment, and his spirit shook violently.

Dao Essence Fruit?

There was actually a Dao Essence Fruit!

Jing Yan felt his heart pounding with excitement!

The Dao Essence Fruit did indeed help Martial Artists improve their cultivation efficiency, and Yuan Jihu was right about that. But for Jing Yan, the value of the Dao Essence Fruit was much more than that.

Jing Yan became hesitant.

It could be said that if it were any other treasure, no matter how precious, Jing Yan wouldn't pay much attention. With his Alchemy Ability, how many resources couldn't he earn in the future?

However, the Dao Essence Fruit was an extinct item, likely only to be found in some Ancient Cave Mansions or relics. If he refused Yuan Jihu's gift now, finding another Dao Essence Fruit later might be more difficult than reaching the heavens.

Jing Yan raised his brows, looked at Yuan Jihu, and after a moment said, "Then, I must thank Lord City Lord for your generous gift."

Jing Yan accepted the Dao Essence Fruit!

It was indeed difficult to refuse, and owing Yuan Jihu a favor was worth it because, with the Dao Essence Fruit, Jing Yan's realm could at least advance by one rank in a very short time.

Seeing Jing Yan accept the Dao Essence Fruit, Yuan Jihu was overjoyed, his demeanor completely rejuvenated. From the moment Jing Yan took the Dao Essence Fruit, their relationship truly deepened. The incident of his elimination of Gao Lan seemed inconsequential since if he hadn't intervened, the outcome would have been the same, and he certainly couldn't have troubled Jing Yan.

Just as the Song Family Patriarch said, if Yuan Jihu fought Jing Yan, it was highly probable that he would be defeated.

In Yuan Jihu's opinion, although the Dao Essence Fruit was precious, it was completely worth it compared to securing Jing Yan's favor.

...

Zhang Family Mansion!

Zhang Yibing and the others were waiting anxiously. They had no idea what might happen after Yuan Jihu left the Zhang Family to find Jing Yan at the Gao Lan Mansion.

Would Yuan Jihu and Mr. Jing Yan come to blows directly?

Although Yuan Jihu's attitude when he visited the Zhang Family was quite different, Zhang Yibing and the others couldn't grasp his intentions, and no one was sure what Yuan Jihu was actually thinking.

"When will the person sent to gather information return?" Zhang Yibing stamped his foot impatiently and demanded.

Right after Yuan Jihu left, he had sent someone to the Gao Lan Mansion to gather information. However, considering Yuan Jihu's rapid speed of travel, it was certain that the person from the Zhang Family wouldn't return so quickly.