Chapter 153: 恩与仇

"Don't worry, there's nothing between her and me," Ye Fan communicated telepathically, speaking only that one sentence."That's for the best," Ji Hui said nothing more and walked inside first.

Entering the room, Ji Hui sat down. She was very concerned about Ji Ziyue's experiences during her journey, asking serious and detailed questions to understand every single detail.

"The Peacock King is too arrogant. He wanted to kill Haoyue and abduct you, truly..." Ji Hui's white hair gently swayed as she said, "The Patriarch and the Yaoguang Saint Lord have both emerged from seclusion specifically for him. Even if they cannot kill him this time, they will make him pay a huge price."

Major powers, inherited from the ancient era, do not tolerate insults. The Peacock King provoked the Yaoguang Sacred Land eight hundred years ago, and now he has targeted the Ji family. These two ancient lineages were truly enraged, and their Saint Lords joining forces was extremely rare.

Afterwards, Ji Ziyue went to clean up. Having fled the whole way, her clothes were tattered and she was disheveled, truly needing to refresh herself. "Young hero, what do you wish for? My Ji family can compensate you," Ji Hui said, turning to Ye Fan with a calm, expressionless face.

There was no warmth or gratitude. This gesture was simply to tell him that the Ji family was beyond his reach, and even if he had shown kindness, it could be repaid in other ways.

Ye Fan wished for exactly this. He had never wanted to join the Ji family; as soon as his injuries were mostly healed, he would immediately flee far away.

"The Ji family never owes anyone anything. Whatever the favor, we have the ability to repay it," Ji Hui added, fearing Ye Fan might not grasp the underlying message. "What do you want? In this world, apart from the sun and moon in the sky, there is nothing my Ji family cannot provide. We will fully settle this debt of gratitude."

Considering the recent warning, the meaning was now very clear: to make Ye Fan understand the vast difference between them and to leave quickly once he received his compensation.

Ye Fan felt some aversion. He had traveled thousands of miles, sustained severe injuries, and escorted Ji Ziyue back, yet the other party adopted such an attitude. At that moment, he spoke rather impolitely, saying, "Actually, I've always longed for the legendary Barren Pagoda; I truly wish to see it."

"Didn't you say you could produce anything except the sun and moon? Then bring out the Barren Pagoda and let me see it," Ye Fan thought, secretly curling his lips. Ji Hui's face stiffened, then she offered a faint smile and said, "Tell me, what do you truly want?" "I don't need anything. In a day at most, my injuries will heal, and I will leave immediately. You can rest assured."

Ji Hui's face darkened. "Young man," she said, "don't overthink this. We repay our debts of gratitude; we won't owe anyone a favor."

By now, the old woman had nothing more to hide; there was a degree of arrogance in her demeanor. She absolutely could not tolerate too much intimacy between the Ji family's jewel and this young man. "You'd best choose quickly, and then I'll send someone to see you off." At this point, Ji Hui seemed to have lost her patience. Ye Fan nodded and said, "All right."

Ji Hui was direct: "I will give you a psychic weapon, obtained from the Demon Emperor's tomb. I believe it will be enough to offset your kindness."

One could feel the arrogance, as if Ye Fan were gaining a tremendous advantage by being given a psychic weapon.

Ye Fan felt even more disgusted. He had once acquired three psychic weapons, and though a scoundrelly Taoist had stolen them, he had held them in his hands. "Since senior insists on giving me something, then give me a hundred or eighty 'sources,' or a few cartloads of spirit herbs would also suffice."

Since the other party was so cold and dismissive, Ye Fan saw no need to be polite. Discussing kindness now would be detrimental to his own interests, even if it aligned with his conscience, and would not respect their "generosity."

"You certainly dare to ask for a lot!" Ji Hui's face changed, then she nodded and said, "Since you don't want a psychic weapon, then I will give you one 'source.'" *Only one? How stingy!* Ye Fan grumbled inwardly. "Ji Ren, take him to get the source," Ji Hui instructed.

An old steward, over sixty years old, respectfully assented, gestured for Ye Fan to follow, and then led the way out.

They arrived at a courtyard where a sparkling jade carriage stood. It appeared to be only five or six meters long, yet it gave off a majestic aura.

Ye Fan followed the old steward, Ji Ren, onto the carriage. The moment he stepped inside, he was astonished: the interior was incredibly spacious, not at all like a carriage, but rather like a vast immortal's cave.

Inside, it was warm and shimmering, giving a dreamlike feeling. This was a cave dwelling carved from jade, refined into a carriage, making it extraordinary. "This jade carriage alone is worth cities. Not to mention ordinary cultivators, even typical sects cannot compare to it," Ji Ren stated.

Ye Fan understood. Ji Hui had the old steward bring him here to also warn him of the vast difference between them, and to dissuade him from having any further ideas.

Ji Ren led Ye Fan to a treasure vault, where auspicious light shimmered around numerous displayed weapons—some emanating deadly aura, others dazzling divine light, and some appearing ancient and worn. "This is the only 'source' we have right now, but it's enough to repay your kindness," Ji Ren said in a flat, emotionless voice, taking a jade box from the vault and handing it to Ye Fan.

This was no act of gratitude; it was clearly a transaction. Even a steward adopted such an attitude. Ye Fan was displeased, but for now, he decided to take it, as refusing might only bring more trouble.

The moment he opened the jade box, a surge of pure life energy rushed out. A fist-sized "source" shimmered translucently, emitting specks of colorful light, with a vibrant mist flowing within it.

Such a large "source" was indeed very valuable and extremely pure, without a trace of impurity. It must have formed before the ancient era, containing a vast amount of vital essence. Even the usually cold old steward showed a glimmer of unusual light in his eyes, as if slightly moved.

When they returned to the main hall, Ji Ziyue had already finished cleaning up and was conversing cheerfully with Ji Hui, her face wreathed in smiles.

Ji Hui nodded at Ye Fan, saying nothing more.

Just then, someone reported that Hua Yunfei of Taixuan sought an audience.

"It's that child! Quickly, invite him in," a smile appeared on Ji Hui's eager face.

A moment later, Hua Yunfei, in his flowing blue robes, entered the hall like a drifting cloud, giving off an aloof and ethereal impression. He bowed deeply to Ji Hui. "Good child, quickly rise, there's no need for such formality," Ji Hui stepped forward, her face full of smiles, and personally helped him up.

Ye Fan was truly speechless. Just moments ago, this old woman had been expressionless towards him, but upon seeing Hua Yunfei, she became so warm and enthusiastic. The contrast was indeed enormous. Ji Ziyue also showed a curious expression, asking, "Great-aunt, do you know him?"

Ji Hui smiled and said, "How could I not know him? My mother's surname was Hua, and she came from Taixuan. So, Yunfei isn't an outsider; you should call him cousin." "Cousin my foot..." Ji Ziyue's eyes widened, and she muttered softly to herself, barely audible to others.

"I arranged for your brother Haoyue and Yunfei to compete two years ago," Ji Hui said, seemingly very pleased. "Both are peerless geniuses. Haoyue is a Divine Physique, and Yunfei is exceptionally gifted; he only narrowly lost by one move."

Ji Ziyue muttered softly again.

"Child, what nonsense are you muttering?" Ji Hui glared at her, then turned to Hua Yunfei and asked, "Yunfei, why are you here?"

"The Peacock King's actions shocked the Southern Domain. Brother Haoyue's fate is unknown, and Miss Ziyue was missing. I wanted to help, so after bringing people to this region and learning you were here, I came to pay my respects," Hua Yunfei replied calmly. "Congratulations on Miss Ziyue's escape from danger."

"Unfortunately, I still don't know who the real culprit pursuing me was," Ji Ziyue murmured to herself.

"Good child, this thoughtfulness is truly precious," Ji Hui said with a beaming smile, holding Hua Yunfei's hand. "Like Ziyue, you should also call me Great-aunt; don't be a stranger. It was difficult for you to travel tens of thousands of miles to come to our aid; that's truly rare." "Great-aunt..." Ji Ziyue was somewhat displeased. Ye Fan had traveled thousands of miles and escorted her back, yet he was neglected.

Hua Yunfei had merely arrived here and hadn't taken any action, yet Ji Hui was so warm towards him. This made Ji Ziyue feel it was unfair. "Don't worry, our Ji family won't owe anyone a favor. I've already given him sufficient compensation," Ji Hui replied, turning around with a calm expression. "Brother Ye..." Hua Yunfei showed a hint of surprise. "Are you here too?" "I was traveling afar and happened to pass through this place," Ye Fan replied.

Hua Yunfei secretly transmitted a message: "Brother Ye, are you leaving quietly because you intend to depart from Taixuan?" "No, that's not it." "Your physique is very special. If you stayed in Taixuan, you would undoubtedly shine brightly in the future. I believe the sect leader would cultivate you wholeheartedly." Hua Yunfei seemed to be trying to persuade him to stay. "I'm just going out to gain some experience. Perhaps one day I'll return to Humble Peak." Ye Fan hadn't expected to meet Taixuan's most outstanding disciple here.

Hua Yunfei nodded and said nothing more.

"Ji Ren, make sure to treat this young hero well; don't neglect him," Ji Hui instructed the nearby steward. Then, taking Ji Ziyue and Hua Yunfei by the hand, one in each, she said with a beaming smile, "Let's go to the backyard; I have some things to tell you both." "Great-aunt..." Ji Ziyue cried out in dissatisfaction, but she couldn't struggle and was led to the backyard by Ji Hui. *Damn it!* Ye Fan's heart held only those two words.

"Young Master Ye, this way please," the old steward Ji Ren said expressionlessly, gesturing for him to follow. "I have prepared a room for you. If you need anything, just say so." "I don't need anything." After entering the room, Ye Fan took out his jade vase, drank several large gulps of divine spring water, and began silently cultivating his profound art.

His constitution was special, with abundant vitality, and his body recovered very quickly. Even if he couldn't fully recover by tomorrow, he could still travel alone. Renowned figures of the Ji family arrived from various places and gathered, allowing Ji Hui to completely set her mind at ease.

Time passed quickly. By the second day, Ye Fan felt refreshed and indeed, largely recovered. He was ready to take his leave. At this time, the Ji family members were also preparing to depart and begin their journey home.

This time, Ji Ziyue did not stop him. She personally saw him off, secretly transmitting a message: "This incident was too significant; even the Patriarch was alarmed. You have too many secrets, and if you returned to the Ji family with me, he would likely see through them. You saved my life, and I can't let you suffer. After much thought, I can only let you leave."

As she spoke, Ji Ziyue secretly handed Ye Fan a jade pendant, saying, "This is a Psychic Jade, capable of erasing any marks others might have left on you. Little rascal, you must... be careful." "Alright, perhaps we'll meet again," Ye Fan waved his hand, then rushed into the distance.

"He's gone now, stop looking. He's disappeared," Ji Hui walked up, took Ji Ziyue's hand, and urged her to board the jade carriage.

Ye Fan moved incredibly fast, like a fleeting light, vanishing instantly. He was on guard and did not stop for a moment, displaying the Old Madman's footwork to its extreme. It was not until two days later that he finally relaxed, certain no one was following him. However, on the fifth day, trouble eventually found him; he felt a powerful killing intent.

An old voice rang in his ear: "Young man, you took something extra. Please leave it behind."

Right ahead, a familiar old man stood, blocking his path. It was Ji Ren, the old steward under Ji Hui. "What do you mean?" "The Great Void Art is not something you can learn!" Ji Ren, his body hunched and his expression cold, stood silently, exuding killing intent. "I saved the Ji family's jewel, and you've come to kill me? Is this how you repay a benefactor?" Ye Fan's expression turned cold.

"The Great Void Art is a supreme secret, one of the essential techniques of the Void Ancient Scripture, and it absolutely cannot fall into the hands of outsiders. Miss Ziyue was young and naive, transmitting it to you casually. I can only retrieve it," Ji Ren said, his killing intent radiating a chilling coldness like an ice cellar. "Even if the Yaoguang Saint Lord obtained it, we would find a way to retrieve it, let alone you!" "This is truly repaying kindness with enmity!" "Accept your fate..." Ji Ren pressed forward.