Chapter 154: Favor and Grudge
"Rest assured, there's nothing between her and me." Ye Fan transmitted his voice, saying only this one sentence.
"Best that there isn't." Ji Hui said nothing more, walking inside first.
Once they entered the room and took their seats, Ji Hui showed great concern for Ji Ziyue's experiences along the way, asking in careful detail and understanding every aspect.
"Peacock King is too arrogant. He wanted to kill Haoyue and even tried to abduct you. Truly..." Ji Hui's white hair gently swayed as she said, "The Family Head and the Saint Lord of Yaoguang have both emerged from seclusion, going after him specifically. Even if they can't kill him this time, they'll make him pay a heavy price."
A great power passed down since the Primordial Era could not be insulted. Peacock King had provoked Yaoguang Holy Land eight hundred years ago, and now he had made a move against the Ji Family. These two ancient lineages were genuinely enraged. It was extremely rare for two Saint Lords to join forces.
Afterward, Ji Ziyue went to wash up. Having fled all the way, her clothes were tattered and she was disheveled, truly in need of tidying up.
"This young hero, what do you desire? Our Ji Family can compensate you." Ji Hui turned to look at Ye Fan, her face calm and expressionless.
There was no warmth or gratitude in her manner. She was simply telling him that the Ji Family was beyond reach. Even if he had rendered a service, it could be repaid in other ways entirely.
Ye Fan couldn't have wished for anything more. He had never wanted to enter the Ji Family in the first place. Once his injuries were mostly healed, he would flee far away immediately.
"The Ji Family never owes anyone. No matter what kind of favor, we have the means to repay it." Afraid that Ye Fan might miss the underlying message, Ji Hui pressed further: "What do you want? In this world, aside from the sun and moon in the sky, there's nothing our Ji Family cannot produce. We will settle this debt completely."
Combined with the warning from earlier, the meaning was now very clear: make Ye Fan understand the gap between them, take the goods, and leave early.
Ye Fan felt somewhat repulsed. He had traveled ten thousand li, suffered severe injuries, and escorted Ji Ziyue back, only to be treated like this. So he spoke rather ungraciously: "Actually, I've always longed to see the legendary Desolate Tower. I'd truly like to take a look."
Didn't you say you could produce anything except the sun and moon? Then bring out the Desolate Tower and let me see it, Ye Fan thought to himself with a sneer.
Ji Hui's expression froze, then she revealed a faint smile. "Go on, tell me what you really want."
"I don't need anything. At most a day, once my injuries heal, I'll leave immediately. You can rest assured."
Ji Hui's face darkened. "Young man, don't waste your efforts. We repay favors with favors; we won't owe anyone a debt of gratitude."
By now, the old woman had nothing left to hide. She was somewhat arrogant. She absolutely could not allow the pearl of the Ji Family to grow too close to this youth.
"You'd better choose quickly, and then I'll have someone escort you away." With these words, Ji Hui seemed to have lost patience.
Ye Fan nodded. "Fine."
Ji Hui got straight to the point. "I'll give you a Spirit-Connecting Weapon, obtained from the Demon Emperor's tomb. That should be enough to offset your favor."
One could feel the arrogance in her tone, as if giving away a Spirit-Connecting Weapon meant Ye Fan was getting an incredible bargain.
Ye Fan felt even more disgusted. He had once obtained three Spirit-Connecting Weapons, though they were snatched away by that unscrupulous Taoist, he had still held them in his hands.
"Since you insist on giving me something, then give me a hundred or eighty Source stones, or a few carts of spiritual medicine."
Since the other party was so cold, Ye Fan saw no reason to be polite. Talking about favors at this point was truly "costly"—to be kind to his own conscience would be unkind to their "generosity."
"You really dare to open your mouth like a lion!" Ji Hui's face stiffened, then she nodded. "Since you don't want the Spirit-Connecting Weapon, I'll give you a piece of Source."
Just one piece, Ye Fan grumbled inwardly. How stingy!
"Ji Ren, take him to fetch the Source." Ji Hui instructed.
A sixty-something-year-old steward respectfully acknowledged, made a gesture for Ye Fan to follow, and led the way outside.
They arrived at a courtyard where a glittering jade carriage sat. It appeared no more than five or six meters long, yet it gave off an immense presence.
Ye Fan followed the old steward named Ji Ren onto the carriage. The moment he entered inside, he was somewhat astonished. The interior was vast and open, not at all like a carriage, but rather like a massive cave dwelling.
Inside, it was warm and moist, flowing with light and color, giving a very dreamlike feel. This was a cave dwelling carved from jade, refined into a carriage—truly extraordinary.
"Just this jade carriage alone is worth a city. Not to mention ordinary cultivators, even ordinary sects cannot compare to it," Ji Ren said.
Ye Fan understood. Ji Hui had the old steward bring him here to also warn him of the vast difference between them, so he wouldn't entertain any ideas.
Ji Ren brought Ye Fan to a treasure vault. Inside, auspicious light swirled, and many weapons were displayed. Some were murderous and chilling, some shone with divine light, and others were ancient and worn.
"This is the only piece of Source we have right now, but it's enough to repay your favor." Ji Ren's voice was flat, devoid of emotion. He took a jade box from the vault and handed it to Ye Fan.
This wasn't repaying a favor at all—it was clearly a transaction. Even a steward acted like this. Ye Fan was displeased, but for now, he wouldn't refuse something for nothing. Otherwise, it might bring him trouble.
The moment he opened the jade box, a surge of pure life energy rushed out. A fist-sized piece of Source glittered brilliantly, emitting specks of rainbow light, with colorful mist flowing within.
A piece of Source this large was indeed extremely precious, very pure with no impurities. It had definitely formed before the Primordial Era, containing vast amounts of life essence. Even the cold-faced old steward's eyes flickered with a strange light, as if tempted.
When they returned to the main hall, Ji Ziyue had already washed up and was chatting cheerfully with Ji Hui.
Ji Hui nodded at Ye Fan but said nothing more.
Just then, someone announced that Hua Yunfei of Grand Mystery was seeking an audience.
"That child, quickly invite him in!" Ji Hui's face broke into a smile.
Moments later, Hua Yunfei, in his flowing blue robes, stepped into the hall like drifting clouds, giving an ethereal impression. He bowed deeply to Ji Hui.
"Good child, rise quickly, no need for this." Ji Hui stepped forward, her face full of smiles, personally helping him up.
Ye Fan was speechless. This old woman had been expressionless toward him, but upon seeing Hua Yunfei, she was so warm. The contrast was enormous.
Ji Ziyue also looked surprised. "Great-Aunt, you know him?"
Ji Hui laughed. "How could I not? My mother's maiden name was Hua, from Grand Mystery. So Yunfei is no outsider. You should call him cousin."
"Cousin, my foot..." Ji Ziyue widened her eyes and muttered softly, barely audible to others.
"Your brother Haoyue's sparring match with Yunfei two years ago was arranged by me." Ji Hui seemed very pleased as she spoke. "Both are peerless geniuses. Haoyue has a Divine King Physique, and Yunfei is exceptionally gifted. He lost by just one move."
Ji Ziyue muttered something else under her breath.
"What nonsense are you saying, child?" Ji Hui shot her a glare, then turned to Hua Yunfei. "Yunfei, what brings you here?"
"Peacock King's attack shook the Southern Domain. Brother Haoyue's fate is unknown, and Miss Ziyue's whereabouts were also lost. I wanted to do my part. After leading people to this area, I learned you were here, so I came to pay my respects." Hua Yunfei answered calmly. "Congratulations on Miss Ziyue's safe escape."
"Unfortunately, we still don't know who the real culprit behind the assassination is," Ji Ziyue murmured to herself.
"Good child, this sentiment is truly precious." Ji Hui was all smiles, taking Hua Yunfei's hand. "You can call me Great-Aunt too, just like Ziyue. Don't stand on ceremony. It's admirable of you to travel tens of thousands of li to come to the rescue."
"Great-Aunt..." Ji Ziyue was somewhat dissatisfied. Ye Fan had traveled ten thousand li and escorted her back, yet he was left cold and ignored.
Meanwhile, Hua Yunfei had only just arrived and hadn't even acted, yet Ji Hui was so warm toward him. Ji Ziyue couldn't stand it.
"Don't worry, our Ji Family doesn't owe anyone favors. I've already given him ample compensation." Ji Hui turned to answer, her expression calm.
"Brother Ye..." Hua Yunfei showed a hint of surprise. "How are you here too?"
"I'm about to travel far and happened to pass through here," Ye Fan replied.
Hua Yunfei transmitted his voice secretly: "Brother Ye, are you leaving quietly to break away from Grand Mystery?"
"Not at all."
"Your physique is very special. If you stay at Grand Mystery, you'll surely shine brilliantly in the future. I believe the Sect Master will spare no effort to nurture you." Hua Yunfei seemed to be trying to persuade him to stay.
"I'm just going out to gain experience. I might return to Clumsy Peak someday." Ye Fan hadn't expected to meet the most outstanding disciple of Grand Mystery here.
Hua Yunfei nodded and said nothing more.
"Ji Ren, take good care of this young hero. Don't be negligent." Ji Hui instructed the steward beside her, then took Ji Ziyue and Hua Yunfei by the hand, her face full of smiles. "Come to the back courtyard. I have something to say to you both."
"Great-Aunt..." Ji Ziyue protested, but couldn't break free as Ji Hui led her to the back courtyard.
Your grandfather's! Ye Fan had only these four words in his heart.
"Brother Ye, this way." The old steward Ji Ren, expressionless, made a gesture. "I've prepared a room for you. If you need anything, just say the word."
"I don't need anything." Once inside the room, Ye Fan took out the Jade Purification Vase, drank several large gulps of divine spring water, and silently began circulating his mystic art.
His physique was special, his vitality abundant, and his body recovered very quickly. By tomorrow, even if he wasn't fully healed, he could at least travel on his own.
Eminent elders of the Ji Family gathered from various places. Ji Hui was completely relieved.
Time passed quickly. By the next day, Ye Fan felt refreshed and clear-headed. He had indeed recovered enough and immediately took his leave. At this time, the Ji Family members were also preparing to depart and return home.
This time, Ji Ziyue didn't stop him. She personally saw him off and transmitted her voice secretly: "This incident was too big. Even the Family Head was alerted. You have too many secrets. If you return to the Ji Family with me, he'll likely see through you. You saved my life; I can't let you suffer. After thinking it over, I can only let you go."
With that, Ji Ziyue secretly handed Ye Fan a jade pendant. "This is a Spirit-Connecting Jade. It can erase the marks others have left on you. Little brat... be careful."
"Alright. Farewell if fate allows." Ye Fan waved his hand and then rushed off into the distance.
"He's gone. Stop staring." Ji Hui stepped forward, took Ji Ziyue's hand, and urged her onto the jade carriage.
Ye Fan moved extremely fast, like a flickering light, vanishing instantly. He remained vigilant, not stopping at all, pushing the Old Madman's footwork to its utmost limit.
It wasn't until two days later that he relaxed, sensing no one following him. But on the fifth day, trouble finally found him. He felt a powerful killing intent.
An aged voice sounded in his ear: "Young man, you've taken something extra. Leave it behind."
Up ahead, a familiar old man stood there, blocking his path. It was Ji Ren, the steward under Ji Hui.
"What do you mean?"
"The Grand Void Art is not something you can learn!" Ji Ren's body was stooped, his expression cold as he stood there silently, killing intent spreading.
"I saved the pearl of your Ji Family, and you come to kill me? Is this how you repay your benefactor?" Ye Fan's expression turned icy.
"The Grand Void Art is a supreme secret technique, one of the essential arts of the Void Ancient Scripture. It absolutely cannot be allowed to fall into the hands of an outsider. Miss Ziyue is young and ignorant, casually passing it on to you. I can only take it back." Ji Ren's killing intent was revealed, as cold as an ice cellar. "Even if the Saint Lord of Yaoguang obtained it, we would find a way to take it back, let alone you!"
"Truly repaying kindness with enmity!"
"Accept your fate..." Ji Ren advanced toward him.