Chapter 198: Gambling on Stones
Ye Fan soared into the high heavens, gazing into the distance, scanning the ten directions, but saw nothing. He departed with suspicion.
Over a month had passed, and the stone stockade had not changed much. When Ye Fan returned, Wang Shu and Er Lengzi were overjoyed with surprise.
"Brother Ye, you've finally come back. I thought you had left for good."
"Brother Ye, where did you go? Why were you gone so long?"
During these days, Ye Fan had been deep in the ancient mines of the mountains, cut off from the world. Seeing them again made him happy as well. He smiled and said, "I said I would come back, and I will. When the time comes, I'll take you to gamble on stones and fulfill your long-cherished wish."
Fifth Master Zhang, upon hearing the news, rushed over quickly. His old face was full of fluctuating emotions, and he said in a trembling voice, "You're back... it's good that you're back."
In recent days, he had been sighing and lamenting, filled with sorrow and self-blame, always muttering to himself that he should have stopped Ye Fan. In his view, with over a month having passed, Ye Fan must have met with misfortune, surely like that ancestor from a thousand years ago, trapped and dead in Purple Mountain.
"Today, we must celebrate properly." Fifth Master Zhang swept away his gloom, the wrinkles on his old face smoothing out as he said, "Er Lengzi, Wang Shu, you two go kill a sheep to welcome Brother Ye."
Brother Ye was also very happy, saying, "Today is indeed worth celebrating. We must have a great drunken feast."
Although everyone present was very happy, only Ye Fan and Fifth Master Zhang understood how thrilling this moment was—bringing out the "Source Heaven Scroll." If word got out, it would shake the entire Northern Domain.
Because, in the near future, a Source Heaven Master might very well be born.
When the crowd dispersed, Fifth Master Zhang directly pulled Ye Fan into the courtyard, closed the door, and bolted it. His expression was excited, his voice trembling as he said, "You... really..."
A flash of silver light, and the Source Heaven Scroll appeared in Ye Fan's hand. The silver radiance was hazy and indistinct, like the bright moon in a well or a dragon pearl in the sea, giving people an unreal feeling.
"After a thousand hardships, narrowly escaping death, I've finally brought the heavenly scroll out."
"Good, good..." Fifth Master Zhang tremblingly poured Ye Fan a cup of tea, asking him to recount the details.
When he heard about the Holy Maiden of Yao Chi and being trapped in the Demon Mountain, he was momentarily stunned, then said, "I never thought that fairy maiden of Yao Chi would be so loyal and righteous. My Zhang family's first ancestor owes her a debt."
After Ye Fan finished his account, it was a long time before the old man could calm down. "The Source Heaven Scroll has finally been recovered."
He rubbed the silver scroll with his rough, calloused fingers, filled with a myriad of emotions, and his mind gradually settled.
Finally, Fifth Master Zhang stood up, holding the silver scroll solemnly as he approached Ye Fan. "You risked your life for this scroll, enduring all kinds of hardships. I know you need it."
He paused slightly, then continued, "Although this is my Zhang family's ancestral treasure scroll, without you, it would have been lost forever. You... take it."
Ye Fan did not stand on ceremony and said directly, "I do indeed need this scroll very much, but I only need to look at it once and memorize its contents. The treasure scroll still belongs to the Zhang family."
Fifth Master Zhang's fingers trembled, and he opened his mouth, only speaking after a long time: "I am old and no longer have the energy to study this scroll. My children and grandchildren are lazy and unambitious, with no one of talent."
"Take this heavenly scroll. If you no longer need it in the future and see someone intelligent in my Zhang family, you can pass it on to them."
"There's no need for that. After I finish reading it, you can keep it safe," Ye Fan replied with a smile.
"No, Brother Ye, listen to me. Keep it in your hands for now. It will be safer that way. I know that you cultivators have very long lifespans. In the future, when you have free time, you can give it to my Zhang family's descendants."
Fifth Master Zhang had a hidden worry. He voiced his concerns, not just because there was no suitable heir in the clan at present, but also because he felt uneasy.
Now, the Northern Domain was in chaos, with bandits running rampant. He feared he could not protect the Source Heaven Scroll.
His children and grandchildren were restless and of poor aptitude, unlikely to achieve much in cultivation. If news leaked, it would surely bring great disaster.
"At present, the Zhang family has no one of consequence. Keeping it in hand would only bring annihilation to the clan. One day, Brother Ye, when you think my Zhang family has a suitable candidate, then return it." As he said this, he knelt down.
"Alright, I swear a solemn oath that I will one day return the 'Source Heaven Scroll' to the Zhang family." Ye Fan made a solemn vow.
Fifth Master Zhang's face was full of wrinkles that all disappeared, replaced by a smile, as if he had fulfilled a great wish.
The evening feast was lavish. Campfires flickered, and the people of the stone stockade sat on the ground in the open, eating large chunks of meat and drinking from large bowls. Some beautiful maidens danced before the bonfires. The aroma of meat and wine wafted through the air as people raised their cups and exchanged toasts, enjoying a harmonious atmosphere.
Suddenly, screams rang out. Women and children fled in all directions.
"What is that thing? How did it get into the stockade?"
"Stop it! Don't let it run around and hurt people!"
"Damn it, it snatched two whole roasted sheep in one bite! Stop it!"
To everyone's astonishment, more than a dozen strong young men couldn't stop the black shadow. Instead, they were knocked over like rolling gourds, letting it escape.
"It looks like a black dog. That's a great tonic. Let me catch it and make a hot pot!" Er Lengzi charged out with a whoosh.
Not long after, Er Lengzi returned with a bruised and swollen face, muttering, "That damn thing knocked me into the ditch."
Ye Fan was also alerted. "Let me go take a look."
But by the time he chased out of the stone stockade, the black shadow was gone, vanished without a trace.
"Er Lengzi, if you like wrestling, don't dive into the ditch," Wang Shu teased. "Did you see what it was?"
"No, it snatched two roasted sheep. So infuriating." Ye Fan felt something was off. No ordinary wild beast could run that fast, and he hadn't even caught a glimpse of it.
"Could it be that thing following me?" He thought of the feeling of being watched ever since he left Purple Mountain.
But what reassured him was that the black shadow hadn't hurt anyone, so it probably wasn't a malevolent creature.
In the following days, Ye Fan focused on cultivation while also studying the "Source Heaven Scroll" every day.
He couldn't help but marvel. This scroll was truly worthy of being called a classic, comparable to the ancient scriptures of the various Holy Lands. Its contents were profound and mysterious.
In Ye Fan's view, the value of this scroll was immeasurable. For him, it was on par with the "Beginningless Scripture." Mastering it was like mastering a vast sea of source stones.
He believed that in the eyes of many, this scroll was on the same level as several ancient scriptures of the Eastern Wasteland, because it could determine divine source stones and locate dragon veins—a priceless treasure.
"This is a gem among gems!"
Ye Fan believed that if he were strong enough, he might even succeed in exchanging this heavenly scroll for a chance to view the ancient scriptures of a Holy Land.
Mastering the "Source Heaven Scroll" was like holding an inexhaustible divine mine, with incalculable significance.
Ye Fan carefully compared the material of the silver scroll to the golden pages that recorded the "Dao Scripture." Both were indestructible, made of unknown divine substances.
In terms of crafting techniques, the "Source Heaven Scroll" and the "Dao Scripture" were clearly on the same level, equally rare and precious.
In terms of content, both were the most profound and esoteric methods, masterpieces in their respective fields. However, the "Dao Scripture" was incomplete, containing only the Wheel Sea volume, while the "Source Heaven Scroll" was complete.
In a sense, the value of the "Source Heaven Scroll" far exceeded that of the "Dao Scripture's" Wheel Sea volume.
Ye Fan had risked life and limb to explore Purple Mountain, and his greatest gain was obtaining this heavenly scroll. Its value was utterly incalculable.
For an entire month, he was utterly captivated, his mind immersed in a wondrous state. Apart from cultivation, he spent all his time, even during meals, meticulously studying the "Source Heaven Scroll."
During these thirty days, Ye Fan never let go of the Bodhi seed. Relying on this seed of the Enlightenment Sacred Tree, his understanding of this extraordinary scroll advanced by leaps and bounds.
He felt that he had thoroughly comprehended the foundational chapter on identifying source stones.
"I've already grasped part of the scripture's meaning. I should go and put it into practice." Ye Fan stepped out of his stone hut, feeling the sunlight outside. It seemed so gentle, full of hope.
If others' bodies were ponds, then his body was a reservoir. To fill it, he needed a massive amount of source stones.
However, the power he could unleash was also vastly different. At the very least, when facing cultivators of the same realm, he always overwhelmed them with absolute superiority, without any suspense.
In other words, if he cultivated to the later stages and became a Great Power, he could single-handedly withstand a siege from the various Saint Lords.
"The first realm of the Dao Palace requires a thousand jin of source stones..." When he thought of this number, he couldn't smile anymore.
Even in the Northern Domain, a thousand jin of source stones was already unbearable for a small sect. Let alone for an individual.
Moreover—
"With a tenfold increase, the second realm of the Dao Palace requires a hundred thousand jin of source stones..." This number made the corners of his mouth twitch and his heart grow cold, unbearable.
As for the astronomical numbers for the third realm of the Dao Palace and beyond, he forced himself not to think about them, or else the veins on his forehead would surely bulge.
Those terrifying numbers would make even the various Holy Lands change color—an unbearable weight.
"In this world, there will always be someone whose face turns green. I hope it's not me..."
On this morning, Ye Fan finished breakfast and called Wang Shu and Er Lengzi. "I'll take you to gamble on stones."
"Really?!" Er Lengzi flipped over in excitement. "I've dreamed of seeing it! Great!"
Wang Shu also rubbed his hands happily. "Since my grandfather's generation, the stone stockade has completely declined. People in the stockade have hardly ever traveled far."
Ye Fan smiled and said, "Today, I'll fulfill your wish. If you perform well, I'll take you out often in the future."
"Holy City is tens of thousands of li away, far too distant from here. But the highest-level stone gambling shops run by the various Holy Lands are all there."
"According to wandering Daoists, legendary Great Powers, imperial nobles from the Central Province, and Northern Domain magnates all gather in Holy City, spending their days in the stone gambling shops."
"That old Daoist last time said that there, fairies cut stones, Holy Maidens often appear, and talented youths from all over frequently duel there. Brother Ye, you're smiling so slyly—you're not planning to win a divine maiden back, are you?"
Ye Fan quickly put away his smile. "Where are your minds wandering? How could I go to Holy City for my first stone gamble? Today is mainly for testing the waters."
He solemnly warned the two not to speak carelessly at the location. They had no real concept of the Holy Lands and thought of them as friendly merchants. If they said the wrong thing, it might cause trouble.
"We understand. Those people are like deities. We only dare to talk about them in the stockade."
Pingyan City was about six hundred li from the stone stockade. It was a relatively prosperous city in the area, located in a green oasis spanning several hundred li in radius.
By the time Ye Fan and his two companions arrived, the sun was already high in the sky. The city was built entirely of reddish-brown boulders, exuding an air of ancient vicissitude. 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 city had a population of about three hundred thousand, which was considered quite bustling in the Northern Domain. The streets were crowded with traffic and people.
Wang Shu and Er Lengzi's eyes seemed insufficient to take it all in. This was their first time in such a large city, and everything felt fresh to them.
"So many people..."
"Yeah, I've never seen so many people before..."
Listening to their meaningless chatter, Ye Fan laughed. "Learn well today. When the time comes, I'll take you to Holy City."
"Great! Brother Ye, today we'll learn the ropes, sweep through all the stone gambling shops, and then head to Holy City."
Ye Fan asked around about which stone gambling shops were in the city. He was told there were dozens. Moreover, he unexpectedly learned that the various Holy Lands all had branches in this city.
This piqued his interest. After thinking it over, he decided not to choose the branches of the Ji Family or Yaoguang Holy Land, to avoid running into trouble.
The "Source Heaven Scroll" contained a miraculous art called "Heaven-Shifting Earth-Transforming," which could not only alter the landscape but also change oneself. It was far superior to the disguise techniques of cultivators, nearly transforming one from the inside out.
Unfortunately, Ye Fan hadn't fully mastered it yet, so he didn't want to gamble at those two places today.
"Does Yao Chi also have a stone gambling shop in this city?"
"Of course. It's one of the most reputable and largest stone gambling shops in the city," an old man replied.
"Thank you, elder." Ye Fan clasped his fists, then turned to Wang Shu and Er Lengzi. "We're going to Yao Chi's stone gambling shop."
"Ah, Brother Ye, are you really going to win the Holy Maiden?"
"Shh! Don't say things like that!"
"Don't worry, we're just talking privately." The two quickly nodded.
So-called stone gambling shops generally covered a large area, surrounded by high walls. Inside, they were filled with source stones.
Yao Chi's Immortal Stone Shop was in the eastern district of Pingyan City. It was a very quiet place, with clusters of buildings surrounded by green shade and ancient trees.
"Hey, why aren't they open today?"
Many people had gathered under the ancient trees, all discussing something.
"I heard that some fairy maiden from Yao Chi has come to Pingyan City. The shop won't be open to the public until the afternoon."
"The fairy maiden of Yao Chi is famous throughout the world. People from the various Holy Lands and ancient aristocratic families all consider marrying a Yao Chi fairy maiden an honor, but few have succeeded. I really want to see her true face."
"You can see her this afternoon. But I advise you to give up any unrealistic thoughts."
"Yao Chi's fairy maiden!" Wang Shu and Er Lengzi's eyes lit up, and they both looked at Ye Fan.
"Don't look at me like I'm some lecher." Ye Fan thought for a moment. "We'll come here this afternoon. For now, let's find a random place to try our luck."
In the end, Ye Fan chose a stone gambling shop called "Rongxiang."
"Stop." Ye Fan and his companions were stopped outside Rongxiang's stone gambling shop. Several men in the gatehouse frowned at Wang Shu and Er Lengzi's clothing. "Are you source miners? If you're selling source stones, go to the east gate. This is a place for gambling on stones."
"We're here to gamble on stones." Ye Fan had adapted to local customs. Living in the stone stockade, he was also dressed in a source miner's clothes.
"Do you have any source stones?" Several people came out of the gatehouse, all frowning. One of them said, "This place isn't for just anyone to enter."
Ye Fan pulled out a piece of source stone, about half a liang in weight. "Isn't this it?"
From behind came a sneer. "Half a liang of source stones, and you dare to gamble here? What an uncultured bumpkin. You probably can't even afford a decent old-pit source stone."
"Who's that? What are you talking about?" Wang Shu turned around angrily.
A young master in green robes, waving a folding fan, approached. A servant beside him wore a contemptuous look. "Go back to your mining. This place isn't for the likes of you."
"So it's Young Master Liu of the Green Cloud Sect. Please, come in." The people from Rongxiang's stone gambling shop smiled obsequiously and stepped forward to greet him.
Young Master Liu of the Green Cloud Sect said nothing. He glanced at Ye Fan and the others and walked inside. His servant turned back and sneered, "What, not convinced? If you have source stones, come on in. I'll play a few rounds with you. If not, go back where you came from. Mine properly and don't harbor unrealistic fantasies. This isn't a place for you."
"Your second grandfather's!" After they went inside, Er Lengzi grabbed his hair in frustration.
In any trade, there are always people who judge others by their appearance. Ye Fan naturally wouldn't stoop to the level of the Rongxiang stone gambling shop's staff.
Wang Shu asked, "Your threshold is really high here. Don't you know that a guest is a guest?"
"Sorry, but we have our own rules here. Not just any riffraff can come and go." The men in front crossed their arms and replied dismissively. After Young Master Liu of the Green Cloud Sect entered, the smiles on their faces had vanished.
"How much source stone is needed to enter?" Er Lengzi asked in a gruff voice.
"All our source stones here are top-grade from old pits. Without a jin of source stones, you can't cross this threshold." They looked contemptuous. "If you don't have any, I suggest you go back to the mines honestly."
Ye Fan said nothing. He directly took out a jin of source stones, waved it in front of them, and walked inside.
As Wang Shu passed the gatehouse, he said, "Just wait. Soon, you'll be crying."
"That's right. Watch closely and see what a true stone-gambling master is." Er Lengzi also said angrily.
"Oh, you actually came in." The servant from the Green Cloud Sect ahead looked surprised and spoke in a strange tone. "A jin of source stones! That must have taken three generations of mining, saving up for years. Not easy. Let's play a few rounds together. How about a bet with stakes?"