Chapter 195: Gambling on Jade

Ye Fan flew high into the sky, gazing into the distance, scanning in all directions, but saw nothing. He departed with a sense of doubt.

More than a month passed, and the stone village remained unchanged. When Ye Fan returned, Wang Shu and Er Lengzi were overcome with joy and surprise.

"Young Master Ye, you're finally back! I thought you had left for good."

"Young Master Ye, where have you been? Why were you gone for so long?"

Ye Fan had been isolated in the ancient deep mountain mine during that time. He was delighted to see them again and laughed, "I told you I'd be back. When the time comes, I'll take you to gamble on stones and fulfill your long-cherished wish."

Upon hearing the news, Grandfather Zhang rushed over, his old face filled with emotion. He said tremblingly, "You're back... It's good that you're back."

For days, he had been sighing, filled with sorrow and self-reproach, constantly muttering that he should have stopped Ye Fan. In his mind, after more than a month, Ye Fan was surely in grave danger, destined to perish in Purple Mountain like their ancestor a thousand years ago.

"Tonight, we must celebrate properly!" Grandfather Zhang's gloom lifted, and the wrinkles on his old face smoothed out. He said, "Er Lengzi, Wang Shu, you two go slaughter a sheep to welcome Young Master Ye."

Ye Fan was also very happy and said, "Indeed, today is worth celebrating. Let's get completely drunk!"

Although everyone present was joyful, only Ye Fan and Grandfather Zhang truly understood the significance of the moment: the Source Heavenly Book had been brought out. If news of this spread, it would be enough to shake the entire Northern Region.

This was because, in the near future, it was highly probable that a Source Master would emerge.

As the crowd dispersed, Grandfather Zhang directly led Ye Fan into the courtyard, closed and bolted the door. His expression was agitated, and his voice trembled as he asked, "You... truly..."

With a flash of silver light, the Source Heavenly Book appeared in Ye Fan's hand. Its silvery glow was dim and ethereal, like the bright moon in a well or a dragon pearl in the sea, giving an unreal sensation.

"After countless hardships and near-death experiences, I finally managed to bring the Heavenly Book out."

"Excellent, excellent..." Grandfather Zhang tremblingly poured Ye Fan a cup of tea and asked him to recount the details.

Upon hearing about the Saintess of Jade Lake and how she besieged the Demonic Mountain, he staggered slightly and said, "I never imagined that the fairy from Jade Lake would be so loyal and righteous. My Zhang family's first ancestor truly owed her a great deal."

After Ye Fan finished narrating, it was a long time before the old man could calm down. He said, "The Source Heavenly Book has finally been recovered."

He caressed the silver book with his calloused, rough fingers, filled with a myriad of emotions, and his mind slowly began to settle.

Finally, Grandfather Zhang stood up, solemnly holding the silver book, and approached Ye Fan. He said, "You risked life and limb and endured all sorts of hardships for this book. I know you need it."

Here, he paused slightly and continued, "Although this is a treasured book passed down through my Zhang family, without you, it would have been lost forever. You... take it."

Ye Fan did not feign modesty. He stated directly, "I indeed need this book very much, but I only need to study it and record its contents. The treasured book should remain with the Zhang family."

Grandfather Zhang's fingers trembled, and he opened his mouth. After a long moment, he said, "I am old now and no longer have the energy to study this book. My children and grandchildren are not talented enough, and none have truly made something of themselves."

"Please take this Heavenly Book. If you no longer need it in the future, and you see someone intelligent in my Zhang family, you can pass it on to them."

"There's no need for that," Ye Fan replied with a smile. "Once I've finished reading it, you can simply keep it safe."

"No, Young Master Ye, listen to me. Please keep it safe for now. It will be much safer in your hands. I know you cultivators have a long lifespan. If you find yourself free in the future, you can pass it on to my Zhang family's descendants."

Grandfather Zhang harbored a hidden worry, and he voiced his concerns. Not only was there no suitable heir within the clan at the moment, but he also felt a deep unease.

The Northern Region was currently in chaos, overrun by bandits, and he feared he wouldn't be able to protect the Source Heavenly Book.

His children and grandchildren were impetuous and lacked talent, making it difficult for them to achieve success in cultivation. If news of the book leaked, it would surely bring great disaster.

"Currently, there's no one in the Zhang family who can truly make something of themselves. Keeping it in our hands would inevitably lead to the destruction of our family. One day, Young Master Ye, when you believe a suitable person has emerged in my Zhang family, please pass it back." As he spoke, he actually knelt down.

"Very well, I solemnly swear that I will return the Source Heavenly Book to the Zhang family in the future," Ye Fan swore with utmost seriousness.

All the wrinkles on Grandfather Zhang's face disappeared, replaced by a radiant smile, as if a monumental wish had been fulfilled.

The evening banquet was sumptuous. Bonfires flickered, and the people of the stone village sat on the ground outdoors, eating large chunks of meat and drinking bowls of wine. Some beautiful maidens danced before the fires. The aroma of meat and wine wafted through the air as people clinked cups, enjoying themselves immensely.

Suddenly, screams erupted, and women and children scattered for cover.

"What is that thing, running into the village like this?"

"Quick, stop it! Don't let it run wild and hurt people!"

"Damn it, it just snatched two whole roasted sheep! Stop it quickly!"

To everyone's astonishment, over a dozen strong young men couldn't stop the dark shadow. Instead, they were knocked tumbling like gourds, allowing it to escape.

"It looks like a black dog! That would be a great tonic! Let me go catch it for some hot pot meat," Er Lengzi exclaimed, darting out.

It wasn't long before Er Lengzi returned, bruised and swollen. He mumbled, "That damned thing knocked me into the river ditch."

Ye Fan was also startled and said, "I'll go take a look."

However, by the time he chased it out of the stone village, the dark shadow had vanished without a trace.

"Er Lengzi, you just love to wrestle, but don't go diving into river ditches!" Wang Shu teased, "Did you get a clear look at what it was?"

"No, it just snatched two roasted sheep. It's so frustrating." Ye Fan felt something was amiss. An ordinary wild animal wouldn't run that fast; he hadn't even caught a glimpse of it.

"Could it be the thing that was following me?" He recalled the sensation of being constantly watched since leaving Purple Mountain.

However, what reassured him was that the dark shadow hadn't harmed anyone, so it was probably not a dangerous creature.

In the following days, Ye Fan quietly cultivated and, at the same time, diligently studied the Source Heavenly Book every day.

He couldn't help but marvel; this book was indeed worthy of being called a miraculous 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 book was immeasurable. For him, it was comparable to the Unrivaled Scripture. Mastering it was equivalent to mastering an immense quantity of 'source' (raw energy/material).

He believed that in the eyes of many, this book was on par with several ancient scriptures of the Eastern Wasteland because it could pinpoint divine sources and locate dragon veins, making it an invaluable treasure.

"This is a treasure among treasures!"

Ye Fan believed that if he were strong enough, he might even succeed in exchanging this Heavenly Book with a Holy Land for the opportunity to study their ancient scriptures.

Mastering the Source Heavenly Book was akin to mastering an inexhaustible divine mine, holding immeasurable significance.

Ye Fan carefully compared them. The material of the silver book was similar to the golden pages on which the Dao Scripture was recorded: indestructible and an unknown divine artifact.

In terms of artifact refinement techniques, the Source Heavenly Book and the Dao Scripture were clearly on the same level, both equally rare and precious.

Regarding content, both were the most profound wondrous techniques, peak achievements in their respective fields. However, the Dao Scripture was incomplete, possessing only the Sea of Suffering volume, whereas the Source Heavenly Book was complete.

In a sense, the value of the Source Heavenly Book far exceeded that of the Dao Scripture's Sea of Suffering volume.

Ye Fan had risked life and limb exploring Purple Mountain, and his greatest gain was obtaining this Heavenly Book, whose value was simply immeasurable.

For an entire month, he was utterly captivated, his mind immersed in a wondrous state. Apart from cultivating, he spent all his remaining time, even during meals, meticulously studying the Source Heavenly Book.

Throughout these thirty days, Ye Fan never let go of his Bodhi seed. Relying on this seed from the sacred Bodhi tree, his understanding of this extraordinary book advanced by leaps and bounds.

He felt that he had completely grasped the foundational section on identifying sources.

"I've grasped some of the core principles; it's time to put them into practice," Ye Fan said, stepping out of the stone house. He felt the sunlight was incredibly soft and full of hope.

If others' bodies were like ponds, his body was a reservoir. To fill it, he required vast amounts of 'source'. When fully realized, the power exerted would also be vastly different. At the very least, when facing cultivators of the same realm, he always overwhelmed them with absolute superiority, leaving no suspense.

This meant that if he cultivated to the later stages and became a Grand Adept, he alone could even withstand the combined attacks of various Holy Lords.

"The first realm of the Dao Palace requires fourteen thousand jin of 'source'..." When he thought of this number, he couldn't smile anymore.

Even in the Northern Region, a thousand jin of 'source' was something even minor sects could not easily bear.

Let alone...

"If it's ten times that, the second realm of the Dao Palace would require a hundred thousand jin of 'source'..." This number made his eye twitch, and a chill ran down his spine; it was almost unbearable.

As for the astronomical figures for the third realm of the Dao Palace and beyond, he forced himself not to think about them, otherwise, veins would surely throb on his forehead.

Such terrifying numbers would make even the great holy lands blanch, an unbearable burden.

"In this world, some people are always destined to turn green with dismay. I hope that person isn't me..."

On this morning, after breakfast, Ye Fan called Wang Shu and Er Lengzi and said, "I'm taking you to gamble on stones."

"Really?" Er Lengzi excitedly did a somersault and exclaimed, "I've always dreamed of seeing that! This is great!"

Wang Shu also rubbed his hands together happily and said, "Since my grandfather's generation, the stone village has completely declined. People in the village have hardly ever traveled far."

Ye Fan smiled and said, "Today, I will fulfill your wish. If you behave well, I'll often take you out in the future."

"The Holy City is tens of thousands of miles away, truly too far from here. However, the highest-grade stone gambling houses opened by the various holy lands are all there."

"According to wandering Daoists, legendary Grand Adepts, imperial families among Central State cultivators, and Northern Region magnates all gather in the Holy City and spend most of their time in stone gambling establishments."

"That old Daoist last time said that fairies cut stones there, saintesses often appear, and even talented individuals from various regions frequently duel there. Young Master Ye, why are you smiling so mischievously? Don't tell me you're thinking of winning a goddess to bring back?"

Ye Fan quickly put away his smile and said, "What are you thinking? How can we go to the Holy City for our first stone gamble? Today is mainly about testing the waters."

He solemnly warned the two not to speak carelessly when they arrived at their destination. The two had no concept of what holy lands truly were, treating them like ordinary, benevolent merchants. If they spoke out of turn, they might stir up trouble.

"We understand. Those people are like gods. We only dare to discuss them quietly in the village."

Pingyan City was about six hundred li from the stone village. It was a relatively prosperous city nearby, located in an oasis hundreds of li in circumference.

By the time Ye Fan and the other two arrived, the sun was already high. It was an ancient city built entirely of reddish-brown boulders, exuding the vicissitudes of time. According to locals, the city had a history of over a thousand years and had always been the central city of the region.

The city had a population of about three hundred thousand, which was considered very prosperous in the Northern Region. The streets were bustling with traffic and people.

Wang Shu and Er Lengzi's eyes seemed insufficient to take everything in. It was their first time in such a large city, and everything felt new to them.

"So many people!"

"Yes, it's the first time I've seen so many people..."

Listening to their meaningless chatter, Ye Fan smiled and said, "Learn well today. I'll take you to the Holy City when the time comes."

"Great! Young Master Ye, let's get familiar with the rules today, sweep through all the stone gambling houses, and then head to the Holy City!"

Ye Fan asked about the stone gambling houses in the city and was told there were dozens of them. Furthermore, he unexpectedly learned that all the major holy lands had branch establishments in this city.

This stirred something in him. After some thought, he decided not to choose the branches of the Ji Family or the Yaoguang Holy Land to avoid attracting unnecessary attention.

The Source Heavenly Book contained a unique technique called "Changing Heaven and Earth," which could not only alter the topography of mountains and rivers but also transform oneself. It was many times more powerful than a cultivator's disguise spell, practically a change from the inside out.

Unfortunately, Ye Fan had not yet fully mastered it, so he didn't want to go to those two establishments today.

"Jade Lake also has a stone gambling house in this city?"

"Of course. It's one of the most reputable and largest stone gambling houses in the city," an old man replied.

"Thank you, elder." Ye Fan cupped his fist, then turned to Wang Shu and Er Lengzi and said, "Let's go to the Jade Lake's stone gambling house."

"Ah, Young Master Ye, are you really going to win a Saintess?"

"Silence! Don't talk nonsense like that!"

"Don't worry, we're just saying it privately," the two quickly nodded.

So-called stone gambling houses usually occupied a large area, enclosed by high walls. Inside, there were 'source stones' everywhere.

The Jade Lake Immortal Stone House was in the eastern district of Pingyan City, a very quiet area surrounded by lush green trees.

"Huh, why isn't it open today?"

Many people were gathered under the ancient trees, discussing something.

"I heard a fairy from Jade Lake has arrived in Pingyan City, so it's closed to the public this morning and will only reopen in the afternoon."

"The Jade Lake fairies are renowned throughout the land. People from the various holy lands and archaic aristocratic families consider it an honor to marry a Jade Lake fairy, but unfortunately, few can achieve it. I truly wish to catch a glimpse of her true appearance."

"You'll see her this afternoon, but I advise you to put away those unrealistic thoughts early."

"A Jade Lake fairy!" Wang Shu and Er Lengzi's eyes both lit up, and they simultaneously looked towards Ye Fan.

"Don't look at me like I'm some pervert!" Ye Fan mused for a moment, then said, "Let's come back here this afternoon. For now, let's just pick any place to try our luck."

Ultimately, Ye Fan chose a stone gambling house named "Rongxiang."

"Stop right there." Ye Fan and the two were blocked outside the Rongxiang Stone Gambling House. A few men at the gate frowned, looking at Wang Shu and Er Lengzi's attire. They said, "Are you 'source gatherers'? If you're selling source stones, go to the East Gate. This is a place for gambling on stones."

"We're here to buy stones," Ye Fan replied, conforming to local customs, as he was also dressed in the attire of a 'source gatherer' from living in the stone village.

"Do you even have any 'source' on you?" A few more people emerged from the gatehouse, all frowning. One of them said, "This isn't a place where just anyone can enter."

Ye Fan took out a piece of 'source stone', weighing about half a tael, and said, "Isn't this it?"

From behind, a scoff was heard. "Half a tael of 'source', and you dare come here to gamble on stones? You truly are an unworldly bumpkin. You probably can't even afford a good quality 'old pit source stone'."

"Who's talking nonsense?" Wang Shu snapped, annoyed, and looked back.

He saw a young master in green walking over, fanning himself. A servant beside him, with a look of disdain, said, "Go back to gathering 'source' properly. This isn't a place for people like you."

"Ah, it's Young Master Liu from Qingxia Sect! Please, come right in!" The staff of Rongxiang Stone Gambling House greeted him with fawning smiles.

Young Master Liu of Qingxia Sect said nothing from beginning to end. He glanced at Ye Fan and his two companions, then strode inside. The servant beside him turned back and sneered, "What, are you not convinced? If you have 'source', feel free to come in, I'll play a few rounds with you. If you don't have any, go back to where you came from and gather 'source' honestly. Don't harbor unrealistic fantasies; this isn't a place for you."

"You bastard!" After seeing them enter, Er Lengzi furiously clutched his hair.

In any walk of life, there were always people who judged others based on their appearance or wealth. Naturally, Ye Fan wouldn't lower himself to the level of the Rongxiang Stone Gambling House staff.

Wang Shu asked, "Your threshold here is really high, isn't it? Don't you know visitors are guests?"

"Excuse me, but we have our own rules here. Not just any casual person can enter," the men in front replied dismissively, their arms crossed. After Young Master Liu of Qingxia Sect entered, the smiles had vanished from their faces.

"How much 'source' do we need to enter?" Er Lengzi asked, sounding muffled and sullen.

"All the 'source stones' here are top-grade ones extracted from old pits. Without at least one jin of 'source', you cannot step through this door," the men replied with faces full of disdain. "If you don't have it, I advise you to honestly go back to your mine."

Ye Fan said nothing. He simply took out one jin of 'source', waved it in front of them, and strode inside.

As Wang Shu passed the gatehouse, he said, "Just you wait. You'll be crying soon enough."

"Yeah, we'll show you what a stone-gambling master looks like!" Er Lengzi added, fuming.