Ye Fan soared high into the sky, gazing as far as his eyes could reach, sweeping his vision across all ten directions. He found nothing, and carried his suspicions with him as he departed.

More than a month had passed. The stone village was unchanged. When Ye Fan returned, Wang Shu and Er Lengzi were overjoyed.

“Little Brother Ye, you’ve finally come back — I thought you’d gone and left us for good.”

“Little Brother Ye, where did you go? Why were you gone so long?”

During these days, Ye Fan had been deep within the ancient mountain mines, cut off from the world. Being able to see familiar faces again lifted his spirits. He smiled and said, “I promised I’d come back, and here I am. I’ll take you to the stone gambling halls as I said — let you have a taste of what you’ve always wished to see.”

Old Man Zhang heard the news and came rushing over, his weathered face alight with emotion, his voice trembling: “You’re back… as long as you’re back, that’s all that matters.”

All these days he had been sighing and sunk in gloom, blaming himself endlessly, muttering over and over that he should have stopped Ye Fan from going. In his estimation, with more than a month having passed, Ye Fan must have met with some terrible fate — trapped inside the Purple Mountain to die, just like that predecessor from a thousand years ago.

“We should celebrate tonight.” Old Man Zhang swept away all his accumulated sorrow, the wrinkles of his old face unfurling into joy. “Er Lengzi, Wang Shu — you two go slaughter some sheep. We’ll give Little Brother Ye a proper welcome feast.”

Ye Fan was equally cheerful. “Tonight truly is worth celebrating. Let’s drink ourselves thoroughly drunk.”

Though everyone in the gathering was happy, only Ye Fan and Old Man Zhang truly understood what a stirring moment this was. He had brought the Source Heaven Scripture out with him — if word of this spread, it would be enough to shake the entire Northern Region.

For in the not-too-distant future, a Source Heaven Master might very well be born.

When the crowd dispersed, Old Man Zhang pulled Ye Fan directly into the courtyard, shut and bolted the door, his expression brimming with excitement, his words trembling: “You… did you really…”

A flash of silver light — the Source Heaven Scripture appeared in Ye Fan’s hand, its silver glow soft and hazy as moonlight reflected in a well, like a dragon pearl drifting in the sea, carrying an air of unreality.

“Through hardship and countless brushes with death, I finally brought the celestial scripture out.”

“Wonderful, wonderful…” Old Man Zhang’s hands trembled as he poured Ye Fan a cup of tea, then asked him to recount everything that had happened.

When he heard that the Jade Pool’s Holy Maiden had died trapped inside the Demon Mountain, his face fell into shadow. “To think,” he said quietly, “that immortal lady of the Jade Pool was so devoted and steadfast. My Zhang Family’s founding ancestor owed her a great debt.”

Ye Fan finished his account. Even long after he had fallen silent, the old man had not yet found his composure. “The Source Heaven Scripture has finally come home,” he said at last.

With fingers rough and calloused from a lifetime of labor, he ran them slowly across the silver scripture, overcome with emotions he could not fully name. Gradually, his thoughts settled.

In the end, Old Man Zhang rose to his feet and carried the silver scripture solemnly to stand before Ye Fan. “You risked your life for this scripture, passing through trial after trial. I know how much you need it.”

He paused briefly, then continued: “Though this is a treasure passed down through generations of my Zhang Family, had it not been for you, it would have been lost forever. Take it… it is yours.”

Ye Fan did not make a show of refusing. He said plainly, “I do need this scripture very much. But I only need to read through it and commit its contents to memory. The scripture itself still belongs to the Zhang Family.”

Old Man Zhang’s fingers trembled. He opened his mouth, closed it, and it was a long while before he finally spoke: “I am too old now to have the energy to study and comprehend this scripture. My children and grandchildren are lazy — none of them has amounted to much. Take this celestial scripture with you. If someday you no longer need it, and you see a gifted person among the Zhang descendants, you may pass it on to them.”

“There is no need for that. Once I’ve read it through, you can keep it safe as before.” Ye Fan smiled and answered.

“No — Little Brother Ye, hear me out. Keep it with you for now. It will be safer in your hands. I know that cultivators live long lives — whenever you have the leisure in the years to come, you can pass it on to a worthy Zhang descendant.”

Old Man Zhang harbored a quiet worry, and he gave voice to it. It was not merely that there was no suitable inheritor within the clan at present — he was also uneasy for other reasons.

The Northern Region was in turmoil these days, with wandering bandits everywhere. He feared he would not be able to keep the Source Heaven Scripture safe.

His children and grandchildren were flighty in temperament and poor in natural gifts — they would not amount to much as cultivators. If word were to leak out, it would surely invite catastrophe.

“Right now the Zhang Family has no one who has distinguished themselves. If it stays here, it will bring destruction upon the whole family. One day, when you feel someone in the Zhang Family is truly worthy, pass it back then.” As he spoke these words, he knelt down.

“Very well. I swear a solemn oath — I will return the Source Heaven Scripture to the Zhang Family when that day comes.” Ye Fan pledged with full sincerity.

Every wrinkle on Old Man Zhang’s face smoothed away, replaced by a wide, heartfelt smile — as though the greatest burden of his life had at last been lifted.

The evening feast was lavish. Bonfires flickered and danced. The people of the stone village sat together in the open air, feasting on great slabs of meat and drinking from large bowls of wine. Beautiful young women danced before the flames while the mingled aromas of roasting meat and wine drifted through the air. Cups clinked, laughter rang out, and the gathering was full of warmth.

Then, a startled cry rang out, and women and children scattered to get out of the way.

“What is that thing? How did it get into the village?”

“Quick, stop it — don’t let it run wild and hurt someone!”

“Damn it all — it just snatched two whole roasted sheep! Stop it!”

…

To everyone’s astonishment, more than a dozen strapping young men together could not stop the dark shadow. It sent them tumbling like gourds rolling across the ground and bolted away freely.

“Looked like a black dog — that’s prime eating. Let me go catch it for a fragrant hotpot.” Er Lengzi scrambled after it without a moment’s hesitation.

It was not long before Er Lengzi trudged back with a swollen, bruised nose and face, grumbling, “That cursed beast knocked me straight into the drainage ditch.”

The commotion reached Ye Fan as well. “Let me go take a look,” he said.

But by the time he gave chase out of the village, the dark shadow had vanished completely without a trace.

“Er Lengzi, even if you like falling over, there’s no need to dive headfirst into drainage ditches,” Wang Shu teased. “Could you tell what it was?”

“No. It grabbed two whole roasted sheep. Absolutely infuriating.”

Ye Fan felt something was off. No ordinary wild animal could move that fast — he had not caught even a glimpse of it.

“Could it be the thing that was following me…” He thought back to the sensation of being watched ever since he had left the Purple Mountain.

But what put him at ease was that the dark shadow had not harmed anyone. It was most likely not a malevolent creature.

In the days that followed, Ye Fan quietly dedicated himself to cultivation while spending time each day studying and contemplating the Source Heaven Scripture.

He could not help but marvel — this scripture truly deserved to be called a wondrous canon, fully worthy of standing alongside the ancient scriptures of the great Holy Lands. The knowledge it contained was profound and mysterious beyond measure.

In Ye Fan’s estimation, its value was beyond reckoning. For him personally, it was comparable to the Scripture of Wushi — to possess it was to possess an inexhaustible supply of source.

He believed that in the eyes of many, this scripture stood on equal footing with the ancient scriptures of the Eastern Desolation, for it could locate divine sources and trace dragon veins — a priceless treasure with no match in the world.

“This is a treasure among treasures!”

Ye Fan was confident that if his strength were great enough, he could use this celestial scripture to negotiate the right to read an ancient scripture from one of the Holy Lands — and likely succeed.

To possess the Source Heaven Scripture was to possess an endlessly replenishing divine mine. Its significance was beyond measure.

Ye Fan carefully compared the two: the material of the silver scripture was comparable to the golden pages upon which the Dao Scripture was recorded — indestructible, fashioned from some mysterious divine substance.

In terms of their crafting, the Source Heaven Scripture and the Dao Scripture were plainly of the same level — equally rare and precious.

In terms of content, both were the most profound and wondrous arts of their respective domains — pinnacle works in their fields. Yet the Dao Scripture was incomplete, containing only the Wheel Sea volume, while the Source Heaven Scripture was whole. In a certain sense, the value of the Source Heaven Scripture surpassed even that of the Dao Scripture’s Wheel Sea volume.

Risking his life to explore the Purple Mountain, the greatest gain Ye Fan had made was obtaining this celestial scripture — its value truly beyond all measure.

For a full month he was completely absorbed, his mind immersed in a wondrous state. Outside of his cultivation sessions, every waking moment — even his meals — was spent deeply studying the Source Heaven Scripture.

Throughout those thirty days, Ye Fan kept the Bodhi Seed in hand at all times. Relying on the seed of that enlightenment-giving sacred tree, his understanding of the wondrous scripture advanced at a breathtaking pace.

He felt that the foundational section on discerning source had been fully comprehended.

“I’ve mastered part of the scripture’s principles — it’s time to go practice and see.” Ye Fan stepped out of the stone dwelling and breathed in the air outside, feeling how gentle and full of promise the sunlight seemed.

If other people’s bodies were ponds, his was a reservoir — to fill it would require enormous quantities of source.

And of course, the power he could project was also of an entirely different magnitude. At the very least, when facing cultivators of the same realm, he had always crushed them with absolute superiority — not the slightest suspense about it.

Which meant that as his cultivation advanced to the later stages, when all had become great powers, he alone might be able to hold off the combined assault of the great Holy Land masters.

“The first realm of the Dao Palace requires one thousand catties of source…” When that number came to mind, the smile faded from his face.

Even across the Northern Region, one thousand catties of source was already beyond what an ordinary small sect could bear — let alone a single individual.

“With ten-fold multiplication, the second realm of the Dao Palace would require ten thousand catties of source…” That figure made the corners of his mouth twitch involuntarily, and a cold weight settled in his chest.

As for the astronomical figures required from the third realm of the Dao Palace onward, he forced himself not to think about them. If he did, he was certain the veins in his forehead would start pulsing.

Those terrifying numbers would make even the great Holy Lands blanch — a burden too vast to bear.

“In this world there will always be people driven to despair. I can only hope that person is not me…”

That morning, after finishing breakfast, Ye Fan called for Wang Shu and Er Lengzi. “I’m taking you to the stone gambling halls.”

“Really?!” Er Lengzi was so excited he flipped a cartwheel. “I’ve been dreaming of seeing it for myself — this is wonderful!”

Wang Shu grinned and rubbed his hands together eagerly. “Ever since my grandfather’s generation, the stone village has completely fallen on hard times. Almost no one here has ever traveled far.”

Ye Fan smiled. “Today I’ll make your wish come true. Behave yourselves, and I’ll take you out more often in the future.”

“The sacred city is tens of thousands of li away — truly an enormous distance. Still, the finest stone gambling houses operated by the great Holy Lands are all located there.”

“I’ve heard traveling Daoist monks say that legendary great powers, cultivators of royal lineage from the Central Province, and the great figures of the Northern Region all gather in the sacred city, spending their days in the stone gambling halls.”

“An old Daoist said that immortal ladies cut stones there, and holy maidens make appearances as well. And all kinds of outstanding talents from various regions test their skills against one another. Little Brother Ye, look at you smiling so suspiciously — don’t tell me you’re actually thinking of winning yourself a divine maiden?”

Ye Fan quickly composed his expression. “What are you imagining? You can’t go to the sacred city for a first attempt at stone gambling — today we’re just testing the waters.”

He warned them both solemnly: once they arrived, they were not to speak carelessly. Neither of them had any real concept of what the Holy Lands were — they seemed to think of those people as amiable merchants running an ordinary business. Speaking carelessly could easily stir up trouble.

“We know — those people are like divine beings. We’d only dare talk about them back in the village.”

Pingyan City was roughly six hundred li from the stone village — one of the more prosperous cities in the surrounding region, situated within an oasis spanning several hundred li in every direction.

By the time the three of them arrived, the sun had already climbed quite high. The ancient city was built entirely from reddish-brown stone — stacked and fitted with the weight of countless passing years. According to the locals, the city had a history of over a thousand years and had long been the central settlement of this region.

The city’s population was around three hundred thousand — already considered quite prosperous by Northern Region standards. The main streets were bustling with traffic, people flowing in every direction.

Wang Shu and Er Lengzi could barely keep their eyes where they needed to be. This was their first time in a city of this size, and everything felt new and wondrous.

“So many people…”

“I know — never seen this many in my life…”

Listening to the pair make completely unremarkable observations, Ye Fan laughed. “Pay attention today,” he said. “If you do well, I’ll take you to the sacred city.”

“Wonderful! Little Brother Ye, we’ll get familiar with the rules today, sweep every stone gambling house here, and then head for the sacred city.”

Ye Fan asked around and learned that Pingyan City had dozens of stone gambling houses.

He also discovered, to his surprise, that every one of the great Holy Lands had a branch establishment in the city.

The thought gave him pause. After a moment’s consideration, he decided against visiting the Ji Family’s or the Radiant Holy Land’s branches — he had no wish to run directly into trouble.

The Source Heaven Scripture contained a wondrous art called “Reshaping Heaven and Earth,” which could not only alter the features of mountains and rivers, but could transform one’s own appearance as well — far surpassing any ordinary cultivator’s disguise technique, effecting a change from the inside out.

Unfortunately, Ye Fan had not yet fully mastered it, and so for today he preferred to avoid those two establishments.

“The Jade Pool also has a stone gambling house in this city?”

“Of course — one of the most reputable and largest in the city,” an elder answered.

“Many thanks, Elder.” Ye Fan clasped his hands in a respectful bow, then turned to Wang Shu and Er Lengzi. “We’re going to the Jade Pool’s stone gambling house.”

“Ah — Little Brother Ye, you’re really going to win yourself a holy maiden?”

“Hold your tongue — don’t say things like that!”

“Don’t worry, this is just between us.” The two nodded hastily.

The so-called stone gambling houses were generally vast in scale, enclosed by high walls, with source stones filling every inch of space within.

The Jade Pool Immortal Stone Hall stood in the eastern quarter of Pingyan City — a quiet and peaceful area, surrounded by ancient trees and lush, shaded greenery.

“Strange — why is it closed today?”

A considerable crowd had gathered beneath the ancient trees, all murmuring among themselves.

“Apparently, some immortal lady of the Jade Pool has arrived in Pingyan City. The morning hours are closed to the public — it will reopen in the afternoon.”

“The immortal ladies of the Jade Pool are renowned across the world. The great Holy Lands and ancient noble families all consider it an honor to marry one. Pity that very few have ever succeeded. I’d dearly love to catch a glimpse of one.”

“You’ll have your chance this afternoon — though I’d advise you to put away any unrealistic ideas sooner rather than later.”

…

“An immortal lady of the Jade Pool!” Wang Shu and Er Lengzi both lit up at once, turning their wide eyes toward Ye Fan.

“Don’t look at me like that — I’m not some lecherous scoundrel.” Ye Fan thought for a moment, then said: “We’ll come back here in the afternoon. For now, let’s try our luck somewhere else.”

In the end, Ye Fan chose a stone gambling house by the name of “Rongxiang.”

“Halt.” The three of them were stopped outside the entrance to the Rongxiang Stone Gambling House. The men in the gatehouse looked at Wang Shu and Er Lengzi’s attire and frowned. “Are you source miners? If you’re here to sell source stones, go to the eastern gate. This is a stone gambling establishment.”

“We’re here to gamble on stones,” Ye Fan said plainly. He had been living in the stone village and was dressed accordingly — in the clothes of a source miner.

“Do you have source on you?” Several men emerged from the gatehouse, all with furrowed brows. “This is not a place that just anyone can walk into,” one of them said.

Ye Fan produced a source stone weighing about half a tael and held it up before them. “Is this not enough?”

From behind came a snicker. “Half a tael of source, and you want to come gambling here? What a country bumpkin who’s never seen the world. You probably can’t even afford a single piece of premium old-pit source stone.”

“Who said that? What’s their problem?” Wang Shu turned around, annoyed.

A young nobleman came strolling up, fan in hand. A retainer at his side wore an expression of utter contempt. “Go back to your mine where you belong. This sort of place isn’t for people like you.”

“Why, it’s Young Master Liu of the Qingxia Sect — please, come right in.” The people of the Rongxiang Stone Gambling House stepped forward immediately, smiling and bowing.

The young master of the Qingxia Sect did not deign to say a word from start to finish. He cast a single glance at the three of them and walked inside. His retainer turned back with a derisive laugh. “What are you glaring for? If you’ve got source you’re welcome to come in — I’ll play a few rounds with you. If you haven’t got source, then go back where you came from. Go mine properly and stop chasing impossible dreams. This is not a place for people like you.”

“Your grandfather!” After they had gone in, Er Lengzi was so furious he yanked at his own hair.

In every walk of life, there were always people who judged others by their appearance. Ye Fan was not about to lower himself to the level of the Rongxiang gatekeepers.

Wang Shu turned back. “Your threshold here is certainly quite high. Have you never heard of treating guests with courtesy?”

“I’m sorry, but we have our own rules here. Not just any idle passerby can come and go as they please,” the men at the front replied, arms folded, their manner indifferent.

“How much source does it take to get in?” Er Lengzi asked bluntly.

“Everything we stock is premium old-pit source stone. Without a catty of source to your name, you cannot set foot through that door,” the men said with undisguised contempt. “If you haven’t got it, I’d suggest you go back to your mine shaft and be sensible about it.”

Ye Fan said nothing. He simply produced one catty of source, held it up before their eyes, and stepped inside.

As Wang Shu passed the gatehouse, he remarked: “Just you wait. In a little while, you’ll have plenty to cry about.”

“That’s right — you’ll watch with your own eyes what it looks like to be a master of stone gambling.” Er Lengzi added in an equally aggrieved tone.

“Well well, you actually came in.” Ahead, the retainer of the Qingxia Sect was visibly surprised, and said in a strange, mocking tone: “One whole catty of source — that must have taken three generations of your family a very long time to dig up and save. Must not have been easy. Come, let’s play a few hands together — how about we make a bet of our own inside the bet?”