Ye Fan flew high into the sky and gazed into the distance. He scanned his surroundings but did not see anything. He left with doubts.
More than a month had passed, but the stone stronghold had not changed much. When Ye Fan returned, Wang Shu and Dumbo were pleasantly surprised.
"Little Brother Ye, you're finally back. I thought you'd gone far away."
"Little Brother Ye, where did you go? Why did you leave for such a long time?"
These days, Ye Fan had been living in the ancient mine deep in the mountains, isolated from the world. He was very happy to see them again. He smiled and said, "I said I'd come back, and I'll definitely come back. When the time comes, I'll take you guys to gamble on stones and let you guys have a taste of your long-cherished wish."
When Zhang Wuye heard the news, he quickly rushed over. His old face was full of excitement as he said in a trembling voice, "You're back … It's good that you're back."
These days, he had been sighing and full of sorrow. He blamed himself and always muttered to himself that it would have been better if he had stopped Ye Fan. In his opinion, more than a month had passed, and Ye Fan had certainly met with misfortune. Like the ancestor from a thousand years ago, he must have been trapped and died in the Purple Mountain.
"Let's properly celebrate today." Zhang Wuye's depression was swept away, and the wrinkles on his old face melted away. "Dumbo, Wang Shu, you two go slaughter the sheep and give Little Brother Ye a welcome dinner."
Ye Fan was also very happy. "Today is indeed worth celebrating. We have to get drunk."
Although the people present were very happy, only Ye Fan and Zhang Wuye understood how exciting this was. He had brought out the Heavenly Tome of Source. If news of this got out, it would be enough to shake the entire Northern Region.
This was because in the near future, it was very likely that a Yuan Taoist Master would be born.
When the crowd dispersed, Zhang Wuye directly pulled Ye Fan into the courtyard and locked the door. With an excited expression, he said with a trembling voice, "You … really …"
With a flash of silver light, the Heavenly Tome of Source appeared in Ye Fan's hand. The silver light was hazy, like the bright moon in a well, like a dragon pearl in the sea. It gave people a feeling of unreality.
"After so many trials and tribulations, I've finally managed to escape with the Heavenly Book."
"Good, good …" Zhang Wuye trembled as he poured a cup of tea for Ye Fan, allowing him to elaborate on the course of events.
When he heard that the Jade Pool Saintess had died in the Devil Mountain, he felt a wave of sadness. "I didn't expect that the fairy of the Jade Pool would be so loyal. My Zhang Family's first ancestor really owes her."
After Ye Fan finished his story, the old man still could not calm down even after a long time had passed. He said, "The Book of Origin has finally been found."
He caressed the silver book with his calloused and rough fingers. He was filled with emotions, and his emotions finally calmed down.
Finally, Zhang Wuye stood up and solemnly approached Ye Fan with the silver book in his hands. "For this book, you risked your life and experienced all kinds of tribulations. I know you need it."
At this point, he slightly paused and said, "Although this is a treasured book passed down by my Zhang Family, if not for you, it would have been lost forever. You … take it."
Ye Fan was not pretentious and said directly, "I really need this book, but I only need to take a look and memorize the contents inside. This treasured book will still belong to the Zhang Family."
Zhang Wuye's fingers trembled, and he opened his mouth. After a long time, he said, "I'm old and don't have the energy to study this book. My descendants are mischievous, and there are no talented people. Take this Heavenly Book. If you don't need it in the future and see an intelligent person in my Zhang Family, you can pass it on to them. "
"There's no need for that. I've finished reading it. You can keep it safely," Ye Fan replied with a smile.
"No, Little Brother Ye, listen to me. Keep it in your hands for the time being. It'll be safer that way. I know you cultivators have a very long lifespan. If you're free in the future, you can pass it to the descendants of my Zhang Family."
Zhang Wuye had a kind of hidden worry. He voiced his apprehension, not only because there was no suitable successor in the clan at present, but also because he was somewhat uneasy.
Nowadays, the northern region was very chaotic with roving bandits running amok. He was afraid that he wouldn't be able to keep the Heavenly Book of Source.
His descendants were impetuous and had poor aptitudes. It would be difficult for them to succeed in their cultivation. If news of it leaked out, it would inevitably lead to a great disaster.
"At present, there is no one in the Zhang Family who can make a name for themselves. If we keep them in our hands, it will certainly lead to the destruction of the entire family. One day, when Little Brother Ye feels that a suitable candidate has appeared in my Zhang Family, you can send it back. "At this point, he actually knelt down.
"Alright, I swear that I will definitely pass the Heavenly Book of Source back to the Zhang Family in the future." Ye Fan solemnly swore.
All the wrinkles on Zhang Wuye's face disappeared, and he was full of smiles as if he had fulfilled an enormous wish.
The banquet was very sumptuous. The bonfire flickered, and the people in the stone stronghold sat in the open air. They ate large pieces of meat and drank large bowls of wine. Some beautiful young girls danced in front of the bonfire. The fragrance of meat and wine wafted in the air. People toasted each other, and the atmosphere was harmonious and joyful.
Suddenly, screams rang out. The women and young children fled one after another.
"What is that thing? How did it get into the stronghold?"
"Quick, stop it. Don't let it run around and hurt people."
"Damn it, it actually took away two whole roasted lambs in one bite. Quick, stop it."
…
What made people dumbfounded was that the dozen or so strong young men could not stop the black shadow. Instead, they were knocked down and rolled on the ground, allowing it to escape.
"It looks like a black dog. That's a great tonic. Wait for me to catch it and bring it back for spicy pot meat." Dumbo scuttled out.
Not long after, Dumbo returned with a bloody nose and a swollen face. He muttered, "That dog thing knocked me into the river."
Ye Fan was also alarmed. He said, "I'll go and take a look."
However, by the time he chased out of the stone stronghold, the black shadow had already disappeared.
"Dumbo, even if you like to wrestle, don't jump into the river." Wang Shu teased, "Did you see what it was?"
"No, it took away two roasted lambs. How infuriating."
Ye Fan felt that something was not right. How could a normal wild animal run so fast? He did not even notice it.
"Could it be that thing that was following me?" He recalled the feeling of being watched since he left the Purple Mountain.
However, he was relieved that the black shadow did not hurt anyone. It was most likely not a ferocious creature.
In the days that followed, Ye Fan cultivated in peace. At the same time, he studied the Heavenly Tome of Origins.
He could not help but be amazed. This book was indeed worthy of being called a mysterious scripture. It was comparable to the ancient scriptures of the Great Sage. Its content was mysterious and profound.
To Ye Fan, the value of this book was immeasurable. To him, it was comparable to the Wu Shi Scripture. Mastering it was the same as mastering a sea of sources.
He believed that in many people's eyes, this book was comparable to the ancient scriptures of the Eastern Wilderness because it could stabilize the Source of God and search for the Dragon's Veins. It was a priceless treasure.
"This is the treasure of all treasures!"
Ye Fan believed that if he was strong enough, he might even be able to exchange this book for an opportunity to view the ancient scriptures.
Mastering the Heavenly Tome of Origins was like mastering an inexhaustible divine mine. It was of immeasurable significance.
Ye Fan compared it carefully. The material of the silver book was similar to the golden paper on which the Dao Scripture was recorded. It was indestructible and was an unknown divine item.
In terms of crafting techniques, the Heavenly Tome of Origins and the Dao Scripture were clearly on the same level. Both were rare.
In terms of content, both were the most profound arts and were the pinnacle of their respective fields. However, the Dao Scripture was incomplete and only had the Sea of Reincarnation Scroll. The Heavenly Tome of Origins was complete. In a sense, the value of the Heavenly Tome of Origins was far greater than the Sea of Reincarnation Scroll.
Ye Fan had risked his life to explore the Purple Mountain. His biggest gain was this book. Its value was immeasurable.
For an entire month, he was immersed in a wondrous state. Other than cultivating, he spent all his time studying the Heavenly Tome, even when he was eating.
In these 30 days, Ye Fan's Bodhi Seed never left his hand. Relying on the seed of the Path-Understanding Sacred Tree, his understanding of the book improved by leaps and bounds.
He felt that he had completely comprehended the foundational chapter on Source Differentiation.
"I've already grasped part of the scripture. It's time to try it out." Ye Fan walked out of the stone house and felt the gentle sunlight outside. He was filled with hope.
If the body of others was a pond, then his body was a reservoir. To fill it up, he needed a large amount of Source.
Of course, the power he could unleash was different. At the very least, when facing cultivators of the same level, he had an absolute advantage. There was no suspense.
In other words, if he cultivated to the late stage, when he was also an Almighty, he could even fight against the attacks of the various Divine Lords alone.
"The first level of the Daoist Palace requires 500 kilograms of Source …" He could not smile when he thought of that number.
Even in the Northern Region, 500 kilograms of Source was not something a small sect could afford, let alone an individual.
"At 10 times, the second level of the Daoist Palace requires 5,000 kilograms of Source …" The number made his mouth twitch and his heart turn cold. It was unbearable.
As for the astronomical number after the third level of the Daoist Palace, he forced himself not to think about it. Otherwise, the veins on his forehead would pop.
Those terrifying numbers made even the various holy lands' expressions change. This was a weight that was difficult to endure.
"In this world, there will always be people who have to be green with envy. I hope that person is not me …"
One morning, after breakfast, Ye Fan called for Wang Shu and Dumbo. "I'll take you guys to gamble on stones."
"Really?!" Dumbo did a somersault in excitement. "I've been dreaming about it. That's great!"
Wang Shu rubbed his hands in excitement as well. "Ever since my grandfather's generation, the stone village has completely declined. Almost no one from the village has traveled far."
Ye Fan smiled. "Today, I'll fulfill your wish. If you perform well, I'll bring you guys out often."
"The Holy City is tens of thousands of miles away. It's too far from here. Still, the best stone-gambling dens opened by the Great Sage are all there. "
"According to the wandering Daoists, the legendary supreme beings, the royalty of the Middle Ground cultivators, and the magnates of the Northern Region all gather in the Holy City and spend most of their time at the stone-gambling dens."
"That old Daoist from before said that fairies cut stones there, saintesses often appear, and prodigies from all over the world often fight there. Brother Ye, you're smiling so wickedly. Don't tell me you're thinking of winning a saintess back?"
Ye Fan quickly put away his smile. "What are you two thinking? How could I go to the Holy City for my first stone-gambling? I'm here to test the waters."
He sternly warned the two not to speak carelessly when they arrived. The two had no concept of the Holy Ground, and thought of themselves as friendly businessmen. If they spoke carelessly, they might get into trouble.
"We understand. Those people are like gods. We only dare to talk about them in the village."
Flat Rock City was about six hundred miles away from the stone village. It was one of the more prosperous cities nearby, and was located in an oasis that spanned hundreds of miles.
By the time Ye Fan and the other two arrived, the sun was already high up in the sky. The ancient city was built entirely from reddish-brown boulders, and was filled with the vicissitudes of time. According to the locals, the city had a history of over a thousand years, and had always been the central city of this region.
The population of the city was around three hundred thousand, which was considered quite prosperous in the Northern Region. The streets were crowded with people and carriages.
Wang Shu and Dumbo's eyes could not take it all in. It was their first time coming to such a big city, and everything was new to them.
"There are so many people …"
"Yeah, it's my first time seeing so many people …"
Listening to the two's meaningless words, Ye Fan laughed, and said, "Learn well today, and I'll bring you to the Holy City."
"Sure, Brother Ye, you should familiarize yourself with the rules today. Then, we'll go to the Holy City."
Ye Fan asked around about the stone gambling houses in the city, and was told that there were dozens of them.
Moreover, he was surprised to find out that the Great Sage had branches in the city.
This made him think for a while, and he did not choose the branches of the Ji Family and the Yaoguang Holy Land, in case he got into trouble.
The Book of Source of Heaven had a special skill called Changing Heaven and Earth. Not only could it change the landscape, but it could also change one's own appearance. It was much more brilliant than the disguise technique of cultivators, and it could almost change one's appearance from the inside to the outside.
Unfortunately, Ye Fan had not fully mastered it, so he did not want to go to the two stone gambling houses today.
"The Jade Pool also has a stone gambling house in this city?"
"Of course, it's one of the most reputable and largest stone gambling houses in the city," an elder answered.
"Thank you, sir," Ye Fan brought his fists together, then turned around and said to Wang Shu and Er Leng, "Let's go to the Jade Pool's stone gambling house."
"Ah, Brother Ye, are you really going to win against the Saintess?"
"Shush, don't say things like that!"
"Don't worry, we're only talking about it in private." The two nodded in a hurry.
The stone gambling houses usually took up a lot of space, and were surrounded by high walls. Inside, there were Dawn Stones everywhere.
The Jade Pool Fairy Stone Market was located in the eastern district of Flat Cliff City. It was a quiet place, surrounded by ancient trees and greenery.
"Huh, why isn't it open today?"
Many people were gathered under the ancient trees, and they were all discussing something.
"I heard that the Fairy from the Jade Pool came to Flat Cliff City, so it's not open to the public in the morning. It will only be open in the afternoon."
"The Fairy of the Jade Pool is famous all over the world. Every Great Sage's land and the Clan of the Clan of the Ancients would be proud to marry the Fairy of the Jade Pool. Unfortunately, not many could do it, so I really want to see her face."
"You'll see her in the afternoon, but I advise you to put away those unrealistic thoughts as soon as possible."
…
"The Fairy of the Jade Pool!" Both Wang Shu and Er Leng's eyes lit up as they looked at Ye Fan at the same time.
"Don't look at me like I'm a pervert." Ye Fan thought for a while, then said, "We'll come in the afternoon, so let's find a random place to try our luck."
In the end, Ye Fan chose a stone gambling house called 'Rong Xiang'.
"Stop." Ye Fan and the others were stopped outside the Rong Xiang stone gambling house. The men at the door frowned when they saw Wang Shu and Er Leng's attire, and said, "Are you Source Gatherers? If you want to sell Source Stones, go to the east gate. That's the place for stone gambling. "
"We're here for stone gambling." Ye Fan did as the Romans do. Because he lived in a stone village, he was also wearing Source Gatherers' clothes.
"Do you have Source Stones?" A few people walked out from the gatehouse, all of them frowning. One of them said, "Our place is not a place where just anyone can enter."
Ye Fan took out a Source Stone, which was about half a Two Origin, and said, "Isn't this one?"
A sneer came from behind. "Half a Two Origin and you dare to come here for stone gambling? What a country bumpkin who hasn't seen the world. You probably can't even afford a good old Source Stone."
"Who is it? What are you talking about?" Wang Shu was annoyed, and turned around to look.
He saw a young man waving a folding fan as he walked over. A follower beside him had a look of disdain, and said, "Go back and collect Source Stones properly. This is not a place you can come to."
"So it's Young Master Liu from Qingxia Sect. Please come in." The people from Rong Xiang Stone Gambling House smiled apologetically and came forward to greet them.
Young Master Liu from Qingxia Sect didn't say anything from beginning to end. He looked at Ye Fan and the others, and walked inside. The follower beside him turned around and sneered, "Why are you not convinced? If you have Source Stones, you can come in. I'll play a few rounds with you. If you don't have Source Stones, go back to where you came from. Go and collect Source Stones properly. Don't have any unrealistic fantasies. This is not a place you can come to. "
"Damn you!" After seeing them go in, Er Leng was so angry that he grabbed his hair.
No matter what profession, there would always be people who liked to watch others eat. Ye Fan naturally wouldn't lower himself to the level of the people from Rong Xiang Stone Gambling House.
Wang Shu said, "The threshold here is really high. Don't you know that those who come are guests?"
"Sorry, we have our own rules here. Not just anyone can come in and out." The people in front of him all crossed their arms and responded indifferently. After Young Master Liu from Qingxia Sect went in, the smile on their faces had disappeared.
"How many Source Stones can I go in?" Er Leng asked in a muffled voice.
"We have the best Source Stones here. Without a catty of Source Stones, you can't go through this door." A few people looked contemptuous and said, "If you don't have it, I advise you to go back to the mine honestly."
Ye Fan didn't say anything. He directly took out a catty of Source Stones, shook it in front of them, and walked inside.
When Wang Shu passed by the gatehouse, he said, "Just wait, I'll let you cry later."
"Yes, I'll let you see what is called a God of Stone Gambling." Er Leng also said angrily.
"Oh, you guys really came in." In front, the follower of Qingxia Sect was very surprised. He said in a strange tone, "A catty of Source Stones. It takes three generations of ancestors and grandchildren to dig for it for a long time. It's really not easy. Let's go and play a few rounds together. How about gambling?"
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