# Chapter 298: Enlightenment and Obtaining Source
Fire Cloud City's streets were very ancient, with potholes in the blue stone pavement—the result of countless pedestrians wearing them down over the ages, a testament to how long ago this place was built.
The city was full of vitality, with fiery red everywhere. The people of this province loved fire cloud trees, which lined both sides of the roads like great torches or fire dragons crouching beside the streets.
Ye Fan walked along the main street, very relaxed, like an ordinary person touring this ancient city, completely casual and unhurried.
In years past, this city had produced a Primordial Aristocratic Clan. Though it no longer existed, every year some young cultivators would come here, hoping for an opportunity to obtain some inheritance.
Unfortunately, the immortal aristocratic clan that had endured for over a hundred thousand years had ultimately become dust in the annals of history, leaving nothing behind for later generations.
Ye Fan was in no hurry to act. He didn't go looking for the Ji Family members. Instead, he walked along the ancient street, carefully observing this city. He felt a weight of years.
This was the sedimentation of time, the accumulation of ages. The ancient city was indeed extraordinary, having experienced such distant eras that one could taste a kind of profundity.
The city was very prosperous, worthy of being the center of this oasis, but it wasn't noisy. On both sides of the wide ancient street, fire cloud trees cast large patches of shade. There were many pedestrians, yet it wasn't crowded.
For a long time, Ye Fan had been cultivating. Occasionally relaxing his mindset and strolling through the ancient city actually gave him a hint of ethereal sensation.
The flowing crowds couldn't affect him. Drifting with the current, he walked aimlessly down the ancient street, becoming more and more relaxed. His essence, energy, and spirit unified, he actually entered a wondrous state.
Ye Fan's clothes didn't touch a speck of dust. He was light and ethereal. Every movement seemed to merge with heaven and earth. Walking among the crowd, he was so natural that each step produced Dao resonance.
Within the Dao Palace, the "Past Self" chanted scriptures for this life, the "Dao Self" stirred the world, comprehending the Great Dao and nourishing the life master. The mental method recorded in the *Western Emperor Scripture* operated on its own.
At the same time, Ye Fan's golden Sea of Suffering rippled. A single azure lotus trembled, misty and hazy. The secret technique obtained from the Primordial Saint Body's remains operated in conjunction with the *Dao Scripture*.
At this moment, the mystic methods ran in parallel, harmonious and natural. The Wheel Sea and Dao Palace pulsed together, divine power connecting above and below, giving him a feeling of connecting with heaven and earth, as if he were a cloud freely crossing the sky.
Ye Fan was ethereal like the Dao itself. Though standing in the crowd, he felt as if he were standing atop the clouds, with a transcendent sensation.
He knew this was a marvelous mysterious realm—an understanding and enlightenment of cultivation. The Wheel Sea and Dao Palace resonated together, blending like milk and water, making his Dao power endlessly regenerative.
Ye Fan walked all the way like this, unconsciously arriving at a special area of the city. This should have been the city center, yet there were no grand buildings here.
This place was planted with many ancient trees, not limited to fire cloud trees. Various evergreens, ancient vines, and more were countless. Many old trees were so thick that over a dozen people couldn't wrap their arms around them. Ancient vines were as thick as a person's waist. Having such a place in the center of a city was truly surprising.
This was the remnant left by that ancient Primordial Aristocratic Clan. Beneath the ancient trees and old vines lay many fragments of tiles, recording the rise and fall of bygone days.
In fact, the entire ancient city was once a corner of that Primordial Aristocratic Clan. Unfortunately, everything was gone, with only this area beneath the ancient trees retaining a few traces.
Ye Fan naturally walked to this place. His body and mind were ethereal. Though he couldn't break through to the Dao Palace Fourth Heaven, he experienced a kind of naturalness—heaven and earth existing for him, all things as one.
He was undergoing a baptism. His physical body sparkled and shimmered, his spirit was full and abundant, his body and mind were tempered, undergoing sublimation, allowing his original realm to approach perfection.
He was still at the Dao Palace Third Heaven realm, but he felt it was vastly different. The Wheel Sea and Dao Palace pulsed in unison, and he had captured the traces of the Dao.
Yes, the *Dao Scripture* and the *Western Emperor Scripture* had for the first time blended like milk and water, harmoniously unified, making his body and mind bright and pure. Every movement felt like wielding the Great Dao.
"The Wheel Sea and Dao Palace resonate together, the *Dao Scripture* and *Western Emperor Scripture* operate in parallel, flawless and complete. They truly are two of the strongest mental methods."
Ye Fan emerged from the wondrous realm, speaking to himself. He felt that after the two scriptures harmonized, his combat power had increased considerably, and he was closer to the Great Dao.
He lightly gestured. Though the offensive grand art among the Nine Secrets wasn't actually unleashed, he could sense that its power had greatly increased. This was a small step of transformation from technique to Dao.
"The power of the Dao..." Ye Fan left this place along the ancient street.
After touring the ancient city once and gathering enough information, he left Fire Cloud City, disappearing over the horizon.
Soon after, Ye Fan returned to Fire Cloud City and headed toward the Ji Family's Source Gambling Stone Workshop. This was a garden-like building complex where dozens of knights resided.
"What? Someone has provided a clue?!"
This garden occupied a large area, with piled stone materials, halls and pavilions, and dozens of strange beasts tethered in the garden, each ferocious and mighty.
Ye Fan stood in the garden. He didn't wait long before dozens of young men rushed out, all of whom he had seen outside the city gate.
"You saw that Waste Physique? Where is he, how far from Fire Cloud City?" the leading young man asked.
His name was Ji Yunge, a Dao Palace Fifth Heaven cultivator. This group took him as their leader, and he was very steady.
"I'm providing a clue. Will you immediately give me one hundred thousand jin of Source?" Ye Fan asked.
"What are you talking about?" a Ji Family disciple glared, saying coldly, "Providing a clue is only worth ten thousand jin of Source. You actually dare to make such an outrageous demand of my Ji Family?"
Upon hearing this, the people nearby were secretly delighted. Ji Yunteng sneered, "That Ye fellow has finally been discovered. This time, I'll turn him to ashes."
"Exactly right. For this Waste Physique, we've been running around so much with nothing to show for it. We should have killed him long ago."
"A Waste Physique at only Dao Palace Second Heaven—killing him is like taking candy from a baby. We just couldn't find his whereabouts. This time, we'll refine him alive!"
These people were all full of resentment, all wanting to kill Ye Fan immediately and seize the cauldron. Not only because of the tedious searching these past days, but also because the Ji Family's Supreme Elder had been burned to death, making everyone hold a grudge.
If he had been killed by a strong cultivator, that would be one thing. But a dignified Supreme Elder being burned to death by a minor cultivator made them all lose face. The most effective way to wash away this shame was to obliterate Ye Fan.
Ye Fan asked for ten thousand jin of Source, demanding they fulfill their promise.
"First take us to that mountain range. If the clue proves true, you'll naturally receive your reward," Ji Yunge said with a smile.
Many showed disgust, not expecting him to actually dare demand the reward from the Ji Family. They found it very surprising and also contemptuous.
Previously, they had received some clues, but those cultivators provided them freely, not daring to ask for Source, only wanting to build a relationship.
"I saw the reward notice clearly. It says that providing a clue will result in Source stones being issued," Ye Fan didn't back down.
"What if the clue you provide is false?" Ji Yunteng sneered disdainfully.
"Under heaven, would anyone dare to toy with the Ji Family? Besides, I'm going to lead you there myself. Don't I fear for my life?" Ye Fan argued.
"You're really something!" Ji Yunteng's face was cold. Even after saying all this, he still dared to ask for Source. Didn't he want to live?
"Fine, we have no time to waste. Go to the Stone Workshop and fetch five thousand jin of Source!" Ji Yunge waved his hand, sending someone to get the Source. "If the clue proves true, you'll get the other half then. If because of your clue we catch Ye Fan, even giving you one hundred thousand jin of Source would be no problem."
Before long, someone brought five thousand jin of Source, gleaming brilliantly, piled in a heap. Ye Fan didn't stand on ceremony. With a sweep of his sleeve, he collected it all.
"Now, take us to that mountain range." Ji Yunteng laughed coldly, a flash of killing intent in his eyes.
Ji Yunfeng just smiled slightly, saying nothing, and waved his hand for everyone to mount their strange beasts and set out. At the same time, they found a savage beast for Ye Fan to sit on as a mount.
Dozens of riders charged out of Fire Cloud City. Many in the city were surprised, seeing them in such a hurry, knowing something big must be happening.
These strange beasts were all extraordinary. After leaving Fire Cloud City, they all stepped into the air, flying into the sky like a flood rushing across the heights, rumbling as they headed toward the mountain range Ye Fan had mentioned.
"It's the mountain range ahead." Ye Fan pointed at a lush green mountain range ahead.
The dozens of riders immediately scattered, surrounding from all directions, encircling a peak Ye Fan had pointed at.
"Someone has indeed been cultivating here. This place has Dao patterns laid down..." A Ji Family disciple stepped forward. He had considerable knowledge of Dao patterns and quickly broke the restrictions here.
The dozens of riders, murderous aura surging, charged up in one rush to the peak, directly splitting open the cave dwelling there, sending dust and smoke billowing into the sky.
"No one!" A Ji Family disciple immediately showed killing intent, looking toward Ye Fan.
"Don't look at me like that. It's not my fault. I only provided the clue. Who knew he suddenly left?" Ye Fan looked innocent.
Ji Yunge waved his hand, personally entering the cave dwelling to observe. The others followed him in.
"This piece of clothing is exactly the same as what he wore that day. It really is him!"
"Look, there are traces of the Void Great Hand Seal here. This cave dwelling was opened using the Great Hand Seal!"
The Ji Family disciples quickly discovered many important clues, all furious and gnashing their teeth.
"Damn it, he escaped again! Otherwise, one kick from me would be enough to crush him to death!"
They felt extremely frustrated. A Waste Physique with cultivation only at Dao Palace Second Heaven had repeatedly stirred up major storms and escaped every time. They wished they could catch him immediately and refine him to ashes.
"Now you believe me, right? I would never dare provide false clues," Ye Fan spoke from the side. At this moment, he sensed killing intent. Someone wanted to make a move against him. However, he wasn't flustered. Calmly, he said, "When we go back, you can pay me the other five thousand jin of Source, right?"
"Aren't you afraid we'll kill you here?" Ji Yunteng sneered.
"Before I came, many people in Fire Cloud City knew I left the city to provide you with clues. I believe the Ji Family values its reputation." Ye Fan wasn't worried. Even if there were Dao Palace Fifth Heaven experts among these people, their speed certainly wasn't faster than his. He didn't need to worry about not escaping.
Ji Yunge smiled, saying, "When we return, I'll pay you the other five thousand jin of Source. The Ji Family means what it says."
After lingering here for a long time and searching the entire mountain range, everyone returned to Fire Cloud City. Ye Fan followed them back to that garden.
"This guy has some nerve! He actually dares to demand the reward!" a Ji Family disciple said coldly.
Ji Yunge glared at him, saying, "This is the reward the Ji Family set itself. Don't cause trouble. If I find out you've damaged the family's reputation, don't blame me for not letting you off!"
Before long, five thousand jin of Source was brought. Ji Yunge walked out and personally handed it to Ye Fan, letting him leave.
Ye Fan thanked him with a smile on his face, then walked away without looking back.
"And we just give him ten thousand jin of Source like that? The clue he provided was useless. We didn't even see a shadow of that Ye fellow!" someone said indignantly.
Ji Yunge swept his gaze over them a few times, saying, "The people of Fire Cloud City are all watching. Do you want to kill him here? This isn't without benefit. It's like buying a horse's bones with gold. In the future, people will send more valuable clues."
At this point, Ji Yunge's expression froze. "Where did Ji Yunteng and Ji Yunbiao go?"
"They followed him out. Most likely..."
"Nonsense! If this gets out, how will others view our Ji Family!" Ji Yunge was furious.
"Given Ji Yunteng's temper, he definitely couldn't stand it. He didn't want that guy to walk away with ten thousand jin of Source just by moving his lips. I think he's probably killed him by now," another Ji Family disciple said.
Ji Yunge slapped and shattered a stone table in the garden. After a moment of silence, he said, "Since it's already come to this, send a few more people. Make it clean. I don't want any rumors spreading."
Outside Fire Cloud City, Ye Fan stopped and turned around, smiling, "Friends of the Ji Family, why so enthusiastic? You've already seen me out of the city. Why aren't you going back?"
*Swish* *Swish*
Ji Yunteng and Ji Yunbiao emerged from the shadows. Both carried killing intent, step by step closing in.
"You want to kill me? Why?" Ye Fan's face darkened as he looked at the two. "I kindly provided you with clues. Why repay kindness with enmity?"
"Kid, did you think our Ji Family's Source was so easy to take? Moving your lips for ten thousand jin of Source—where's the justice in that!" Ji Yunteng sneered.
"You're too cold-hearted. I provided you with clues, yet you want to kill me."
"So what if we kill you? You took us to an empty cave dwelling and walked away with Source. Don't you find that a little hot to handle?!" Ji Yunbiao's killing intent surged.
Ye Fan suddenly burst out laughing, looking very pleased.
"Laughing in the face of death? I'll send you on your way!"
"Do you really think you can kill me?" Ye Fan's lips curled with a cold smile. "I'm afraid you'll end up burying yourselves here instead."
"Just you... barely at the Dao Palace Secret Realm. A firefly's light dares to compete with the bright moon?" Ji Yunteng sneered repeatedly, killing intent fully exposed.
"Killing you is no different from crushing a stinking bug!" Ji Yunbiao charged directly, striking down with the Void Great Hand Seal.
A black great hand covered the sky, pressing down over Ye Fan with a rumbling sound.
*Smack*
At that moment, Ye Fan struck. A golden great palm swept across the sky, instantly shattering the black great hand, and then slammed down on the terrified Ji Yunbiao.
*Pfft*
It was hard to imagine how much divine power that golden great palm possessed. It directly smashed Ji Yunbiao to pieces, turning him into meat paste that vanished without a trace.
"You... who exactly are you?!" Ji Yunteng shouted.
A Dao Palace Third Heaven expert had been killed with a single slap. It made his heart pound with fear.
"I'm the Ye Fan you said you could crush with one foot."
"What?! How is it you?!" Ji Yunteng retreated in shock, his face deathly pale.
"Haha..." Ye Fan laughed loudly. "Naturally, it's me. Thank you for sending me the Source. I'll use it well for my cultivation."
"You..." Hearing this, connecting everything before and after, Ji Yunteng trembled with rage, his fingers shaking.