The atmosphere within the Jade-Wave Immortal Grove was rather peculiar. No one had anticipated that the Immortal Maiden Qingshi would be so direct. With her refined and gracious nature, such forthrightness seemed out of character — so why had she acted this way?
Gaze after gaze converged upon Ye Fan. His expression remained serene and composed, without the slightest reaction, as though he were listening to something that had nothing to do with him.
A gentle breeze drifted past. Across the mountainous terrain, ancient trees shed thousands upon thousands of petals that drifted down like crystalline rain — translucent, shimmering, suffused with light, fragrant and intoxicating, filling the entire garden with their sweet perfume.
Clear springs babbled softly, cascading down the cliff face and splashing into swirls of rosy mist. Ancient pines rooted themselves in the crevices of stone, lending the place an air of magnificent, otherworldly beauty.
“Brother Ye, please forgive me for raising this matter so directly.” The Exiled Immortal Qingshi’s expression was sincere, tinged with a trace of apology as she spoke.
Everyone straightened slightly at those words. As expected, she had brought up the very person at the heart of the matter. A moment ago, the Exiled Immortal had merely been testing the waters — now she was speaking directly, addressing Ye Fan face to face.
No one else spoke further. They sat behind their jade tables — some sipping fine wine, others savoring fragrant tea — as a sky full of crystalline petals continued to drift down, allowing them to bask in this rare moment of tranquility.
In truth, not a single heart among them was at peace. Every one of them was paying rapt attention. The Source of the Dao was of immense consequence — who would not want to claim it? It was a heavenly treasure that defied the natural order.
“It is nothing.” Ye Fan smiled, his teeth gleaming brilliantly white. His words were brief, carrying no particular weight or meaning.
This place was adorned with graceful peaks soaring skyward, clouds drifting in rosy hues, spirit springs tinkling melodiously, and ancient trees with gnarled, sprawling roots — lending the entire setting an air of serene harmony. With fallen blossoms drifting all around, the scene transcended the mundane world entirely.
“I have heard that your natural gifts are exceedingly rare, unparalleled since ancient times, surpassing the bounds of this heaven and earth. For that reason, the Source of the Dao may not be suited for you, Brother Ye. I presume to ask — would you be willing to part with it?” Immortal Maiden Qingshi’s voice was gentle, melodious as the sounds of nature, carrying a magnetic quality that stirred one’s spirit. Her luminous eyes, clear as still water, regarded him with sincere earnestness.
Exceedingly rare natural gifts, unparalleled since ancient times, surpassing the bounds of this heaven and earth — this phrasing was, without question, a form of embellishment. Everyone present understood clearly: Ye Fan was not recognized by heaven and earth. Yet framed in such words, there was no doubt that the person in question would find it far easier to bear.
“The Exiled Immortal praises me far too generously — I am ashamed,” Ye Fan said with a self-deprecating laugh. “Heaven looks down upon me, and the Source of the Dao cannot be used by someone like me. That is simply the truth.”
“Brother Ye is a remarkable talent and speaks with too much humility,” Immortal Maiden Qingshi said. “Otherwise, how could you have suppressed the Source of the Dao? That has never been heard of before.”
The others exchanged surprised glances, then gradually came to understand why the Exiled Immortal had spoken so candidly. She had clearly gathered information on Ye Fan beforehand, discerning his character and temperament — and thus chose to deal with him openly and honestly.
Ye Fan lifted a jade cup filled with amber-like, perfectly translucent wine whose fragrance seeped into one’s very bones. He rose to his feet and said, “Exiled Immortal, your name has resounded throughout the star-filled ancient paths, leaving a trail of brilliance in your wake. Seeing you in person today surpasses even your reputation. Allow me to offer you this cup, Immortal Maiden — may your celestial beauty never fade, and may your journey on the path to becoming Emperor be one of triumph after triumph.”
Many people showed expressions of surprise upon seeing that he had not given a direct answer, unsure of what was going through his mind. Quite a few followed his lead and raised their cups toward Immortal Maiden Qingshi.
“Hey, I have a feeling you are not exactly an honest fellow,” the little handmaiden Ling’er muttered, transmitting her voice in secret to express her displeasure.
Ye Fan raised his cup toward her as well, gesturing in her direction — which earned him a dramatic roll of her eyes.
Immortal Maiden Qingshi rose to her feet and smiled. “It is I who should be offering a toast to everyone. On this mythological ancient path, I wish you all the chance to reach the absolute pinnacle.” She paused, then turned with particular warmth toward him. “And to Brother Ye, I offer a special apology for the intrusion.”
Her figure was tall and slender, gracefully curved, her skin like jade and her bones like those of an immortal, her bearing transcendent and otherworldly. With a warm, approachable smile and luminous, expressive eyes, she was beautiful to the point of dreamlike enchantment.
Many people showed puzzled expressions — was Immortal Maiden Qingshi truly giving up? Having made her inquiries and learned what she needed to know, she chose not to press further. Simple and direct.
Yan Chifeng, Guan Cheng, and the Second Leader among the Thirteen Riders of Tianhuang all wore meaningful expressions as they turned to look at Ye Fan, their gazes carrying an unmistakable hint of ill intent — a feeling they made no effort to hide.
Tuoba Yu, Yu Xian, Ku Toutuo, Mu Guanghan, Ouye Mo, and the others each sat apart, composed and unhurried, making no move to speak.
The leader of the Thirteen Riders of Tianhuang, Gu Ling, sat alone at a table, his eyes glowing with a wild, fierce light that was unsettling even in the presence of the renowned Immortal Maiden Qingshi — as though he wished to see straight through her.
“That fellow is definitely trying to ask about the Great Demon God,” the little handmaiden Ling’er muttered, scrunching her nose softly.
Nearly all the major faction leaders within the city had been invited here. Each and every one of them carried themselves with effortless composure — a single glance told you these were individuals of extraordinary depth and cunning.
“Young Friend Ye, I would like to ask — since the Source of the Dao is incompatible with you, what conditions would it take for you to exchange it with someone?”
No one had expected it to be the city’s Grand Commander who spoke up. His name was Yu Han. He wore armor of purple-bronze, wreathed in a faint swirl of purple energy. His cultivation was so profound it seemed to rival the forces of creation itself — virtually no one present could see through to the depths of his power.
The moment those words were uttered, many people set down their wine cups and listened with focused attention. This was a question countless people had been longing to have answered.
“I honestly do not know,” Ye Fan replied calmly. “Why not let the Grand Commander make a proposal — tell me what it would take to move my heart and make me willing to bring out the Source of the Dao.”
“I have ten thousand jin of Star River Divine Sand,” Grand Commander Yu Han said. “I wonder if that might be enough to tempt you.”
“What?! Star River Divine Sand — even if you were to scour billions of star rivers across the universe, you could barely gather a few taels of the stuff. It is a supremely rare and precious material, used by Great Sages to forge divine artifacts — something you can encounter only by fate, never by seeking.”
Someone cried out in astonishment at once.
Across the mountain terrain, quite a few eyes blazed with excitement as people turned to look. Ten thousand jin of Star River Divine Sand — the sheer quantity was truly staggering, enough to shock the world.
“I was not capable of gathering divine sand from billions of star rivers,” Grand Commander Yu Han said. “This is something left behind by my ancestors.” It was formed from the condensed radiance of the stars — for ten thousand jin of it to exist at all was nothing short of a miracle.
“The Grand Commander’s divine forging material fills me with genuine admiration,” Ye Fan said, rising to his feet and offering him a respectful toast. “Yet it is not something I have need of.”
The crowd fell silent, and upon reflection, they understood. What use would a Great Sage’s divine artifact be? Even if he had several more of them, it still could not compare to the Source of the Dao in any meaningful way.
“I have here one scroll of the Ancient Scripture of the Dark God,” an elderly man said as he rose to his feet, his head full of silver hair yet his spirit remarkably vigorous. He was the head of an ancient clan within the city.
Clans of that sort all possessed distinguished origins — founded by powerful cultivators who had once walked the ancient paths through the stars, yet ultimately failed to attain the Dao. As the long years passed, some of those clans had faded into oblivion, while others had only grown stronger.
Ye Fan shook his head. It was not that Emperor Scriptures held little appeal to him — it was simply not enough.
“I have here a complete copy of the Ancient Scripture of Crimson Radiance, with not a single page missing,” Yan Chifeng spoke up then. “It has been passed down through the ages from a mysterious and unfathomable origin. According to legend, it may have been left behind by a Quasi-Emperor.”
Everyone stirred visibly. The Yan Family was without question one of the oldest and most powerful clans in the Second Sacred City, and the Ancient Scripture of Crimson Radiance they possessed was something that filled countless people with burning envy.
Even Ye Fan felt a stir within his heart. It occurred to him that the ancient paths through the stars had left behind far too many secret arts. If he continued walking this road, he might yet catch a glimpse of the Nine Secrets and the various Emperor Scriptures along the way.
Ye Fan raised his cup toward Yan Chifeng in a gesture of acknowledgment but offered no verbal response. Yan Chifeng drank his wine down in one swallow, and deep within his pupils, a cold flash of electricity flickered past.
“I observe that Brother Ye’s life essence and spirit are being forged and refined together. It appears as though a divine spirit qi is beginning to take form within his Immortal Platform — which suggests that the ancient scripture he cultivates is no ordinary thing. Perhaps only an Emperor Scripture would catch his eye.”
Immortal Maiden Qingshi smiled gently as she spoke. She could see that Ye Fan was not truly unwilling to exchange the Source of the Dao — he was simply holding out for a higher price, waiting for something far more precious: a true immortal scripture.
“I have the First Volume of the Dao Scripture — said to be the ancient scripture most suited to the Wheel Sea Secret Realm. I wonder if Brother Ye would be willing to take a look?”
This was the kind of temptation that was difficult to refuse. Every cultivator from an ancient star with deep heritage and long history knew of the Dao Scripture, and the First Volume was considered its most supreme part.
Flower petals drifted down like rain — translucent and shimmering, fluttering all around. The place grew very still. Everyone held their breath, leaning forward to see.
“The First Volume of the Dao Scripture is certainly enticing,” Ye Fan said, shaking his head. “But regrettably, I have no use for it.”
Immortal Maiden Qingshi’s delicate brows furrowed slightly. Faint ripples emanated from between her luminous, beautifully shaped ears. An unusual expression crossed her peerlessly beautiful face. “I had not imagined that Brother Ye’s fortune would be so profound — to have already cultivated the First Volume of the Dao Scripture. I faintly heard echoing from within your Wheel Sea that most ancient and supremely mysterious chanting sound.”
Everyone was startled. The gazes they turned on Ye Fan were filled with utter disbelief. No one had expected he would possess such extraordinary fortune — could it be that he had mastered the entire Dao Scripture?
Ouye Mo, Yu Xian, Ku Toutuo, and Mu Guanghan each let slip a faint thread of divine radiance from their eyes, all of them now fully focused. Clearly, the moment the Dao Scripture had been mentioned, not even they could remain unmoved.
Ye Fan was genuinely taken aback for the first time. This Immortal Maiden Qingshi was truly extraordinary — surpassing even the divine. She had actually managed to listen in on the chanting resonating from within his Wheel Sea. Her divine abilities were nothing short of world-shaking.
The major factions had long since been stirred. Everyone kept their eyes fixed on Ye Fan without pause. Yan Chifeng, Guan Cheng, and the Second Leader of the Thirteen Riders of Tianhuang all had cold electricity flashing in the depths of their eyes.
“Since Brother Ye already possesses the Dao Scripture, how about I offer another scripture in addition? I have a complete copy of the Grand Yin Immortal Scripture — with the exception of the Forbidden Arts section, all five secret realms are intact.”
Immortal Maiden Qingshi spoke these words lightly, yet to the ears of those present, it was as though a bolt of thunder had struck. Many people’s ears rang and hummed. A complete immortal scripture — its value was immeasurable.
This was an extraordinary fortune of the highest order. The ancient Great Emperors of old had passed on, and the few ancient scriptures they had left behind had mostly been lost and worn away by the passage of time.
In the past, Ye Fan would certainly have given it serious consideration. But having listened to the Human Demon expound on the Dao within the Solar Star, he had already come to understand scriptures of this kind thoroughly.
“Seeing Brother Ye so composed, without the slightest flicker of temptation, could it be that you have already had some experience with the Grand Yin Immortal Scripture as well?” Immortal Maiden Qingshi’s expression turned grave for the first time.
As for the others — they were even more shaken. Their faces cycled through all manner of expressions as they kept their attention fixed forward, not wanting to miss a single thing.
“Is the Source of the Dao truly that important to you?” Ye Fan asked. To offer an ancient Emperor Scripture in exchange required a kind of audacity that spoke to how desperately she valued it.
“If the Source of the Dao were of use to you, I would never have turned back to negotiate for it,” Immortal Maiden Qingshi replied. “The path ahead is fiercely and ruthlessly competitive. The Source of the Dao has great value to me — it was only upon learning that you cannot use it that I came back.”
Ye Fan nodded. “It seems that the Mythological Age is returning. Even someone of the Immortal Maiden’s caliber has encountered a peerless adversary she cannot be certain of defeating. The struggle to become Emperor truly is an arduous one.”
Immortal Maiden Qingshi’s brows and eyes were perfectly sculpted, her beauty pure and transcendent, her bearing graceful as an immortal. She appeared to be on the verge of making some kind of decision. “I have four volumes of the Solar Immortal Scripture,” she said. “I am only missing the Immortal Platform volume, so the set is incomplete. I will offer it together with the two scriptures I mentioned a moment ago — would you accept that in exchange?”
“My lady, you cannot give these away like this,” Ling’er said in a rush, transmitting her voice in secret, her anxiety plain. “Since the Imperial Heaven Young Master already has the Source of the Dao, you do not need to make such a trade for his sake.”
Immortal Maiden Qingshi’s expression remained tranquil as she sent her reply through a secret transmission. “I am trying to determine how many ancient scriptures he has cultivated. This person is truly extraordinary — his current cultivation level is not high, yet he must not be underestimated.”
“The Grand Yin and the Solar — the two greatest mother scriptures. Which is lesser, which is greater? When the two scriptures are united, they reign supreme beneath the heavens!” Someone murmured in quiet wonder.
Everyone was stunned. No one had anticipated that the Exiled Immortal would possess such sweeping, breathtaking boldness.
“These are two of the most primordial immortal scriptures — what Immortal Maiden Qingshi has cultivated is truly terrifying. I dare say without hesitation that she must have learned other ancient scriptures as well!”
The assembled powerhouses were visibly shaken. This was simply too astounding.
“I observe that the Immortal Maiden does not seem particularly attached to the Source of the Dao,” Ye Fan said. “Why then exchange it at such an astronomical price? Could it be that you are procuring it on someone else’s behalf?”
In the distance, several elderly men were murmuring in low voices, quietly observing the developments unfolding here. One of them spoke. “This person is no ordinary talent — yet he is still no match for the Imperial Heaven Young Master. He is not recognized by heaven and earth, and is destined to play a supporting role in this great age. Perhaps he could be made to follow at the Imperial Heaven Young Master’s side. He could be a formidable blade.”
The elderly men did not approach and did not draw anyone’s attention.
At that moment, Immortal Maiden Qingshi smiled lightly and spoke. “Brother Ye’s gifts are exceedingly rare throughout all the ages — surely you will claim your place in the great struggle to become Emperor. I sincerely wish to form a friendship with you and, at the same time, would like to introduce you to someone. Would you be willing?”
“What kind of person?” Ye Fan asked.
“You would not be able to meet him right now — he is deep within the ancient paths through the stars,” said Immortal Maiden Qingshi. “His name is Imperial Heaven.”