Ch. 153 - Gratitude & Grudges

"Don't worry. There's nothing between me and her," Ye Fan transmitted a voice message, saying only this one sentence.

"That would be for the best," Ji Hui replied without elaborating and walked in first.

Once inside and seated, Ji Hui showed great concern for Ji Ziyue’s experiences on the journey and inquired in detail, carefully learning every aspect.

"Peacock Monarch is too arrogant, he wanted to kill Haoyue and even abduct you. Unbelievable..."

Ji Hui, with her silvery white hair dancing, said, "The Patriarch and the Radiant Light Sacred Lord have both emerged from seclusion specifically because of him. Even if they can't kill him, they’ll make him pay a heavy price."

Ancient superpowers that had survived since the Desolate Era could not be insulted lightly. Peacock Monarch had provoked Radiant Light Sacred Ground eight hundred years ago, and now he dared to attack the Ji Clan. These two ancient lineages were truly enraged. It was rare for their two overlords to act together.

Later, Ji Ziyue went to clean up. After days of fleeing, she was in tattered clothes and looked disheveled, she indeed needed to freshen up.

"Youth, what do you want? The Ji Clan can compensate you." Ji Hui turned to Ye Fan. Her expression was calm and showed no warmth.

There was no friendliness or deep emotion, her intention was clear: the Ji Clan was too lofty to be touched. Even if they owed a favor, they would repay it through other means.

Ye Fan was more than happy with that. He never intended to join the Ji Clan. Once his injuries healed, he planned to leave immediately.

"The Ji Clan never owes anyone. No matter what kind of favor it is, we can repay it." Ji Hui, afraid Ye Fan wouldn’t catch the subtext, emphasized: "What do you want? In this world, apart from the sun and moon, there’s nothing we can’t offer. We will completely settle the debt."

Considering the warning she gave not long ago, her meaning now was crystal clear, take something and get out.

Ye Fan was somewhat annoyed. After traveling thousands of miles and risking his life to protect Ji Ziyue, this was the reception he got. So he spoke rather rudely: "Actually, I've always wanted to see the legendary Desolate Tower. Just a glimpse would be nice."

Didn’t she say the Ji Clan could provide anything but the sun and moon? Then show me the Desolate Tower, Ye Fan scoffed to himself.

Ji Hui's face froze, then she smiled faintly. "Tell me, what do you really want?"

"I don’t need anything. At most, I’ll stay another day to recover, and then I’ll leave. Don’t worry."

Ji Hui’s expression turned cold. "Young man, don’t waste your thoughts. We repay favors. We won’t owe anyone."

At this point, the old woman no longer bothered to conceal anything. Her pride was evident. She couldn’t tolerate Ji Ziyue, the family’s jewel, getting too close to this boy.

"You’d best decide quickly. Then I’ll have someone escort you away," she said with obvious impatience.

Ye Fan nodded. "Fine."

"I’ll give you a spirit weapon, obtained from the Demon Emperor’s tomb. It should be more than enough to repay your favor," Ji Hui said bluntly.

Her tone suggested Ye Fan was getting a huge bargain, as though receiving a spirit weapon meant he owed the Ji Clan something instead.

Ye Fan grew more disgusted. He had once possessed three spirit weapons, though they were taken by a shameless Daoist, he had held them.

"If you insist on giving me something, then give me 80 or 100 blocks of Source. Or a few carts of spirit herbs, that works too."

Since she was being so cold, Ye Fan didn’t bother with pleasantries. If they insisted on ‘repaying kindness,’ then they could pay properly.

"You really have the nerve!" Ji Hui's face turned stern, but then she nodded. "If you don’t want a spirit weapon, I’ll give you one block of Source."

One block? Ye Fan muttered inwardly, so damn stingy!

"Ji Ren, take him to retrieve the Source," Ji Hui ordered.

A steward in his sixties respectfully agreed, motioning for Ye Fan to follow, then led him outside.

They arrived at a courtyard with a glittering jade carriage. Though it looked only five or six meters long, it emanated a powerful presence.

Ye Fan followed the steward Ji Ren into the carriage. The moment he entered, he was surprised, it was vast inside, nothing like a carriage. It resembled a massive cave mansion.

Inside, it was warm and radiant, dreamlike. It was carved entirely from jade and refined into a carriage, truly extraordinary.

"Even just this jade carriage is worth a fortune. Not even ordinary sects could match it," Ji Ren commented.

Ye Fan understood now. Ji Hui had sent the steward here to show him the immense disparity between them, to discourage any ambitions.

Ji Ren brought Ye Fan to a treasure vault filled with godlight and countless weapons. Some radiated killing intent, others glowed with spiritual light, and some looked ancient and simple.

"This is the only block of Source left, but it’s enough to repay your favor," Ji Ren said coldly, retrieving a jade box and handing it over.

This wasn’t gratitude, it was a transaction. Even a steward treated Ye Fan like this. He was irritated but decided to take it. Refusing might only cause more trouble.

When he opened the box, a surge of pure life force burst out. A fist-sized Source crystal gleamed with brilliant light, mist swirling inside.

Such a large, pure Source was indeed precious, clearly formed before the desolate era, rich in life essence. Even the cold Ji Ren showed a hint of desire in his eyes.

Back in the hall, Ji Ziyue had finished freshening up and was talking with Ji Hui, smiling.

Ji Hui simply nodded at Ye Fan without another word.

Just then, someone came to report: Hua Yunfei of Supreme Mystery requested an audience.

"That child? Invite him in quickly," Ji Hui’s face lit up with a smile.

Moments later, Hua Yunfei, dressed in flowing blue robes like drifting clouds, entered the hall, exuding a transcendent aura. He bowed deeply to Ji Hui.

"Good child, no need to be so formal," Ji Hui smiled warmly and personally helped him up.

Ye Fan was speechless. Moments ago, this old woman was cold to him; now she was beaming with joy. The contrast was jarring.

Ji Ziyue showed a strange expression and asked, "Auntie, you know him?"

Ji Hui smiled. "How could I not? My mother’s surname was Hua, from Supreme Mystery. Strictly speaking, Yunfei is not an outsider, you should call him cousin."

“Cousin my foot…” Ji Ziyue muttered under her breath, too quietly for others to hear.

"Two years ago, when your brother Haoyue sparred with Yunfei, I arranged it," Ji Hui said proudly. "Both are rare geniuses, Haoyue has the God-King Physique, and Yunfei is immensely talented. He only lost by a single move."

Ji Ziyue muttered again softly.

"What are you mumbling about?" Ji Hui scolded, then turned to Hua Yunfei. "Why have you come here?"

"Peacock Monarch’s actions shocked the Southern Region. Brother Haoyue's fate is uncertain, and Miss Ziyue was missing. I wanted to help, so I led a group here. When I learned you were here, I came to pay respects," Hua Yunfei said calmly. "I’m glad Miss Ziyue is safe."

"Too bad we still don’t know who really tried to kill me," Ji Ziyue murmured.

"Good child, such a thoughtful gesture," Ji Hui said kindly, holding Hua Yunfei’s hand. "Call me Auntie too. Don’t be a stranger. It must’ve been hard, traveling tens of thousands of miles to help."

"Auntie…" Ji Ziyue muttered bitterly. Ye Fan had risked his life to bring her back and was now ignored. Hua Yunfei, who did nothing, was warmly embraced. She couldn’t bear it.

"Don’t worry. The Ji Clan doesn’t owe anyone. I’ve already compensated him," Ji Hui said calmly.

"Brother Ye…" Hua Yunfei looked surprised. "You’re here too?"

"I’m traveling and happened to pass by," Ye Fan replied.

Hua Yunfei transmitted a secret message: "Brother Ye, are you leaving Supreme Mystery secretly?"

"Not at all."

"With your unique physique, you’ll shine if you stay in Supreme Mystery. I’m sure the chief would groom you."

"I’m just going out for some experience. Maybe I’ll return to Dull Peak someday," Ye Fan said, not expecting to meet Supreme Mystery’s top disciple here.

Hua Yunfei nodded and said no more.

"Ji Ren, treat this young hero well," Ji Hui instructed. Then she took both Ji Ziyue and Hua Yunfei by the hand, smiling. "Let’s go to the back courtyard. I have things to tell you."

"Auntie…" Ji Ziyue protested, but couldn’t resist as she was pulled away.

Ye Fan thought only one thing: Screw this!

"Brother Ye, this way," the steward Ji Ren said flatly. "We’ve prepared a room for you. Let us know if you need anything."

"Nothing needed." Ye Fan entered the room, took out the Jade Purification Vase, drank several gulps of divine spring water, and silently activated his techniques.

His unique physique healed quickly. By tomorrow, even if not fully recovered, he could travel alone again.

The Ji Clan’s elders had gathered from elsewhere. With everyone together, Ji Hui was finally at ease.

Time flew. By the next day, Ye Fan felt refreshed and nearly recovered. He decided to leave.

This time, Ji Ziyue did not stop him. She personally escorted him and secretly transmitted a message: "This incident is too serious. Even the Patriarch was alarmed. You carry too many secrets. If you return with me, he’ll likely discover them. You saved my life, I can’t let you suffer. The only solution is to let you go."

She handed Ye Fan a jade pendant and whispered, "This is a spirit jade. It can erase marks others have left on you. Kid, be careful."

"Take care. Until we meet again." Ye Fan waved and dashed off into the distance.

"He’s gone. Stop looking. He’s already vanished," Ji Hui came forward and pulled Ji Ziyue toward the jade carriage.

Ye Fan moved fast, like a flicker of light. He didn’t pause, pushing the old lunatic’s footwork to the limit. Only two days later did he relax, confirming no one followed him.

But on the fifth day, trouble finally arrived. He sensed murderous intent.

An old voice echoed in his ears: "Young man, you took something extra. Better stay behind."

Ahead stood a familiar figure, Ji Ren, the steward under Ji Hui, blocking his path.

"What do you mean?" Ye Fan asked.

"The Grand Void Technique is not something you can learn!" Ji Ren stood hunched, his tone icy cold, filled with killing intent.

"The Grand Void Technique is the core essence of the Void Scripture. It cannot fall into outsider hands. Miss Ziyue was too naive to give it to you. I must take it back," Ji Ren said grimly. "Even if the Radiant Light Sacred Lord obtained it, we’d try to retrieve it, let alone you!"

"Truly biting the hand that fed you!"

"Accept your fate…" Ji Ren advanced toward him.

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