Chapter 1268: Priced Like a Sacred Scripture

Wonderful.

The atmosphere in the Azure Wave Immortal Forest was somewhat delicate. No one had expected Fairy Qing Shi to be so direct; it seemed uncharacteristic of her refined and intelligent nature. Why was she behaving this way?

Numerous gazes converged on Ye Fan. His expression was calm and composed, showing no reaction, as if he were listening to something completely unrelated to himself.

A gentle breeze stirred, causing countless sparkling, translucent petals to drift down from the ancient trees in the hills. They shimmered with color, falling like rain, and a fragrant aroma permeated the entire garden.

Clear springs babbled down the cliff face, splashing up ethereal mists. Ancient pines rooted themselves in rock crevices, making the place appear exceptionally beautiful.

"Brother Ye, please forgive my presumption in bringing this up," Fairy Qing Shi said with a sincere expression and a touch of apology.

Everyone's expressions brightened. She had indeed addressed the main topic; Fairy Qing Shi had merely been testing the waters earlier. Now, she was getting straight to the point, directly engaging Ye Fan in conversation.

Everyone fell silent. Sitting behind jade tables, they either drank fine wine or sipped fragrant tea, letting the sparkling petals fall around them, and enjoying this rare tranquility.

In fact, everyone's heart was restless and filled with immense interest. The Source of Dao was of great significance; who wouldn't want to acquire such a heaven-defying immortal treasure?

"It's nothing," Ye Fan said with a smile, his teeth dazzlingly white. His words were brief, with no particular expression.

Here, beautiful peaks stood tall, shrouded in clouds and mist. Spirit springs tinkled and ancient trees had gnarled roots, making this place peaceful. With the falling blossoms, it possessed an otherworldly aura.

"I've heard that your talent, fellow Daoist, is exceptionally rare, unparalleled since ancient times, transcending this world," Fairy Qing Shi began, her voice soft and melodious as celestial music, with a captivating magnetism. Her bright eyes, like water, gazed at him earnestly. "Therefore, the Source of Dao may not be suitable for Brother Ye. May I presume to ask if you would consider parting with it?"

To say "talent exceptionally rare, unparalleled since ancient times, transcending this world" was purely a pretense. Everyone present knew that Ye Fan was not recognized by heaven and earth. However, phrasing it this way would undoubtedly make the person concerned feel much more comfortable.

"Fairy, your praise is too high and makes me ashamed," Ye Fan said with a self-deprecating smile. "Heaven itself does not favor me, so the Source of Dao cannot be used by me. This is the truth."

"Brother Ye is a brilliant talent, too modest," Fairy Qing Shi replied. "Otherwise, how could he suppress the Source of Dao? Such a feat has never been heard of before."

Others were surprised, then gradually understood why Fairy Qing Shi spoke so directly. She must have investigated Ye Fan and understood his nature, hence her frank approach.

Ye Fan raised a jade cup, filled with amber-clear fine wine whose intoxicating fragrance permeated the air. He stood up and said, "Fairy, your name resounds throughout the starry sky, your renown spreading far and wide. To meet you today is even more impressive than your reputation suggests. I, Ye, hereby offer you a toast, wishing your immortal beauty remains timeless and that you may sing triumphantly along the Emperor's Path."

Everyone showed varied expressions, seeing that he didn't directly respond, and wondered what his intentions were. Many then chimed in, raising their cups to Fairy Qing Shi.

"Hey, I bet you're not an honest guy," the little maid Ling'er mumbled, secretly transmitting her dissatisfaction.

Ye Fan raised his cup and gestured to her as well, which made her roll her eyes dramatically.

Fairy Qing Shi stood up and smiled, "It is I who should be toasting everyone. On this ancient mythical path, I wish you all reach the pinnacle. And here, I must particularly say to Brother Ye, forgive the disturbance."

Her figure was slender and gracefully curved. She possessed skin like jade and immortal bones, with an otherworldly grace. With a kind smile and bright, intelligent eyes, she was truly beautiful beyond imagination.

Many people showed surprise. Was Fairy Qing Shi going to give up? After probing and learning the outcome, she did not entangle herself, remaining simple and direct.

Yan Chifeng, Guan Cheng, the second leader of the Thirteen Riders of Desolation, and others showed meaningful expressions. Their gazes towards Ye Fan were unfriendly, and they made no attempt to hide it.

Tuoba Yu, Yu Xian, Kutoutuo, Mu Guanghan, Ou Yemo, and others sat in various corners, remaining calm and collected, showing no reaction.

Gu Ling, the leader of the Thirteen Riders of Desolation, sat alone at a table. His eyes gleamed with a wild, intimidating light. Even when facing the renowned Fairy Qing Shi, he made no attempt to conceal his gaze, as if trying to see through her.

"That guy definitely wants to ask about the Great Demonic God," the little maid Ling'er whispered, wrinkling her nose.

The masters of several major powers in the city had almost all been invited. Each of them had a calm demeanor, clearly seasoned individuals.

No one had expected the Great Commander of this city to speak. His name was Yu Han. He wore purple-bronze battle armor, wreathed in misty purple qi, and his cultivation was so profound that almost no one present could fathom it.

At his words, many put down their wine cups and listened intently. This was the answer many had been eager to uncover.

"I don't know either," Ye Fan said calmly. "Perhaps the Great Commander can tell me what would make me feel moved enough to part with the Source of Dao."

"I have ten thousand catties of Star River Divine Sand here," Great Commander Yu Han said. "I wonder if that would entice you."

"What?!" someone immediately exclaimed. "Star River Divine Sand? You'd be lucky to find a few ounces even after searching the entire cosmic river! It's an exceptionally rare and precious divine material for Grand Sages to forge artifacts, virtually impossible to come by!"

Across the hills, many people looked over with fervent eyes. Ten thousand catties of Star River Divine Sand was truly astounding, enough to shock the world.

"I don't have the ability to gather from billions of star rivers; this is something left behind by my ancestors," Great Commander Yu Han said. This substance was formed from condensed starlight, and to have ten thousand catties of it was nothing short of a miracle.

"I am deeply impressed by the Great Commander's divine material," Ye Fan said, "but I do not need it." He stood up and offered him a toast.

Everyone fell silent, and upon reflection, realized it was true. What good were Grand Sage artifacts? Even if there were several more, they could not compare to the Source of Dao.

"I have a volume of the Ancient Scripture of the Underworld God here," an old man said as he stood up. With a full head of silver hair and looking energetic and hale, he was the master of an ancient family in the city. "I wonder if it might catch your eye?"

Families like these all had extraordinary origins. They were founded by powerful individuals who once embarked on the ancient starry sky road and eventually achieved Dao. After long years, some clans had disappeared, while others had grown even stronger.

Ye Fan shook his head. Non-Emperor scriptures held little attraction for him.

"I have a volume of the Ancient Scripture of Scarlet Mist here, not a single page missing," Yan Chifeng said just then. "Its lineage is ancient and its origin mysterious, rumored to have been left behind by a Quasi-Emperor."

Everyone was moved. The Yan family was undoubtedly the oldest and most powerful family in the Second Holy City, and the Ancient Scripture of Scarlet Mist they possessed made many envious.

Even Ye Fan felt a stir in his heart. He felt that too many secret arts had been left on the ancient starry sky road. If he continued on this path, he might even catch glimpses of the Nine Secrets and various Emperor Scriptures.

Ye Fan raised his cup to him, indicating a toast, but did not reply. Yan Chifeng drained his wine in one gulp, a cold flash of lightning appearing deep in his pupils.

"I observe that Brother Ye's essence, qi, and spirit are fused, as if divine spiritual energy is being gestated in his Immortal Platform," Fairy Qing Shi said. "It's clear that the ancient scripture he cultivates is extraordinary; perhaps only an Emperor Scripture would catch his eye."

Fairy Qing Shi smiled; she saw that Ye Fan was not unwilling to exchange the Source of Dao. Rather, he was waiting for a better offer, requiring a more precious immortal scripture.

"I have the first volume of the Dao Scripture, renowned as the most suitable ancient scripture for the Wheel Sea Secret Realm," Fairy Qing Shi offered. "I wonder if Brother Ye would be willing to take a look?"

This was a difficult temptation to refuse. Any cultivator from ancient stars with profound heritage and long histories knew of the Dao Scripture, with the first volume being the most highly regarded.

The sparkling flower rain fluttered down everywhere. The place was very quiet; everyone held their breath and looked forward.

"The first volume of the Dao Scripture is indeed tempting, but unfortunately, I have no use for it," Ye Fan said, shaking his head.

Fairy Qing Shi's delicate brows furrowed slightly. Faint ripples emanated from her sparkling and beautiful earlobes, and a hint of surprise appeared on her peerless immortal face. "I hadn't expected Brother Ye to be so blessed," she said. "You have already cultivated the first volume of the Dao Scripture. I faintly heard the profound and ancient chanting sounds emanating from your Wheel Sea."

Everyone was startled. When they looked at Ye Fan, their expressions were filled with disbelief. They hadn't expected him to have such fortune. Did he perhaps possess the entire Dao Scripture?

Ou Yemo, Yu Xian, Kutoutuo, and Mu Guanghan all watched with faint divine glows in their eyes. Clearly, the mention of the Dao Scripture had unsettled them all.

Ye Fan was startled for the first time. This Fairy Qing Shi was truly extraordinary and transcendent; her divine ability was astonishing, as she could even hear the chanting from his Wheel Sea.

The major powers were already moved, staring at Ye Fan incessantly. Yan Chifeng, Guan Cheng, and the second leader of the Thirteen Riders of Desolation all had cold lightning flashing in their eyes.

"Since Brother Ye already has the Dao Scripture," Fairy Qing Shi said, "how about I offer another one? I possess a complete volume of the Grand Yin Immortal Scripture, excluding the forbidden secret techniques, but encompassing all five secret realms."

Fairy Qing Shi spoke softly, but to everyone's ears, it was like a clap of thunder, making many people's ears buzz. A complete immortal scripture was of immeasurable value!

This was undoubtedly a great fortune. With the passing of ancient Great Emperors, most of the ancient scriptures they left behind had become lost to the erosion of time.

If it were in the past, Ye Fan would certainly have considered it. But after hearing the Human Demon preach on the Sun Star, he had already comprehended this type of immortal scripture.

"Seeing Brother Ye so composed, showing no sign of being tempted," Fairy Qing Shi said, revealing a serious expression for the first time, "could it be that you are also familiar with the Grand Yin Immortal Scripture?"

As for the others, they were even more shocked, their expressions varied. Each of them was paying close attention, not wanting to miss anything.

"Is the Source of Dao really that important to you?" Ye Fan asked. To exchange it for an Emperor Scripture would require great courage and meant she valued it immensely.

"If the Source of Dao were useful to Brother Ye, I would absolutely not have come back to negotiate for it," Fairy Qing Shi said. "The path ahead is fiercely competitive and cruel, and the Source of Dao indeed has great use. I only came back once I learned you had no use for it."

Ye Fan nodded and said, "It seems the Mythical Era has reappeared. Even a figure like yourself, Fairy, has encountered a peerless formidable enemy and cannot guarantee victory. The struggle for the Emperor's Path is indeed difficult."

Fairy Qing Shi's features were picturesque, her beauty refined and otherworldly, her movements graceful like an immortal. She seemed to be making a decision, then said, "I have four volumes of the Grand Yang Immortal Scripture, only lacking the Immortal Platform volume. I will give it to you along with the two scriptures I mentioned earlier. Would that be an acceptable exchange?"

"Miss, you can't just give it away like this," the little maid Ling'er said anxiously, secretly transmitting her words. "Young Master Ditian already has the Source of Dao; you don't need to exchange for him like this."

Fairy Qing Shi's expression remained serene as she secretly transmitted, "I wanted to confirm how many ancient scriptures he has cultivated. This person is truly extraordinary. Although his current cultivation realm isn't high, he cannot be underestimated."

"The two great Mother Scriptures, Grand Yin and Grand Yang—who is weaker, who is stronger? When combined, they reign supreme!" someone sighed softly.

Everyone was shocked. They hadn't expected Fairy Qing Shi to possess such magnificent courage.

"These are two great original immortal scriptures!" someone exclaimed. "Fairy Qing Shi's knowledge is truly terrifying. I dare say she must have also learned other ancient scriptures!"

All the powerful figures were moved. This was truly shocking.

"I observe that the Fairy doesn't seem to care much for the Source of Dao," Ye Fan asked. "Why exchange it for such a sky-high price? Could it be that you are acquiring it for someone else?"

In the distance, several old men were whispering, quietly observing the developments. One of them said, "This person is extraordinary, but cannot compare to Young Master Ditian. Unrecognized by heaven and earth, he is destined to be a supporting character of this era. Perhaps he could be made to follow Young Master Ditian's side; he should be a sharp sword."

The old men did not approach, disturbing no one.

At this moment, Fairy Qing Shi smiled faintly and spoke, "Brother Ye's talent is rarely seen throughout the ages; you are destined to have a place in the struggle for the Emperor's Path. I wish to sincerely befriend you, and at the same time, I would like to introduce you to a friend. Would that be acceptable?"

"What kind of friend?" Ye Fan asked.

"You cannot meet him now," Fairy Qing Shi said. "He is deep within the ancient starry sky road, named Ditian."