Chapter 294: 悟道与得源

The streets of Fire Cloud City were ancient, with bluestones on the ground worn uneven by the tread of countless pedestrians, a testament to the city's immense age.

The city itself was vibrant, painted in hues of fiery red. The people of this region held a deep affection for the Fire Cloud Trees, which lined both sides of every road, resembling great torches or perhaps fire dragons resting alongside the streets.

Ye Fan strolled through the streets, completely relaxed, like any ordinary person, casually exploring the ancient city.

In bygone years, this city was home to an Archaic Family. Though it no longer existed, young cultivators still visited annually, hoping to stumble upon a serendipitous opportunity or inherit some ancient legacy. Sadly, this venerable family, whose legacy spanned hundreds of thousands of years, ultimately dissolved into the dust of history, leaving not a trace for future generations.

Ye Fan was not in a hurry to act. Instead of seeking out the Ji family, he strolled along the ancient streets, meticulously observing the city and sensing the profound weight of time. It was a culmination of time, an accumulation of ages. The ancient city was indeed extraordinary, having endured such a long passage of time that one could sense a profound depth within it.

The city was bustling, truly living up to its reputation as the heart of this oasis. Yet, it was not boisterous; the wide ancient streets were lined with Fire Cloud Trees that cast ample shade, and though there were many pedestrians, it never felt crowded.

For a long time, Ye Fan had been solely devoted to cultivation. Now, as he occasionally relaxed his mind, wandering through the ancient city, he experienced a subtle sense of ethereal tranquility. The ebb and flow of the crowds did not disturb him. Drifting with the current, he wandered aimlessly down the ancient street, growing increasingly relaxed. His spirit, qi, and essence unified, and he entered a wondrous state.

Ye Fan's clothes remained unsoiled; he moved with light, graceful ease. Every gesture seemed to merge with heaven and earth. As he walked among the crowds, his movements were so natural that each step resonated with a profound Dao rhythm.

Within his Dao Palace, the 'Past Self' chanted scriptures for his current existence, while the 'Dao Self' stirred the world, comprehending the Great Dao and nourishing his life force. Simultaneously, the mental cultivation technique recorded in the Western Emperor Sutra operated autonomously. At the same time, Ye Fan's Golden Bitter Sea began to fluctuate, and a green lotus within it trembled, veiled in a misty haze. The secret art he had obtained from the remains of the Archaic Sacred Body, in conjunction with the Dao Scripture, also began to operate autonomously.

At this moment, profound techniques operated in parallel, harmoniously and naturally. His Wheel Sea and Dao Palace pulsed in unison, divine power flowing through his body, giving him a sense of communion with heaven and earth, as if he himself were soaring through the clouds.

Ye Fan was ethereal as the Great Dao itself. Though standing amidst a sea of people, he seemed to be poised among the clouds, imbued with a transcendent feeling. He knew this was a wondrous, profound state—a deeper understanding and realization of cultivation. His Wheel Sea and Dao Palace resonated in unison, merging seamlessly, allowing his Dao power to flow endlessly.

Ye Fan continued walking in this manner, and without realizing it, he arrived at a unique area within the city. This area, though central, lacked any grand architecture. The area was densely planted with ancient trees, not only Fire Cloud Trees, but also countless evergreens and ancient vines. Many of the old trees were too wide for a dozen people to encircle, and some ancient vines were as thick as a person's waist. Such a sight in the heart of a city was truly astonishing.

This was a remnant of the Archaic Family from bygone years. Underneath the ancient trees and old vines lay numerous ruins, testaments to its past triumphs and declines. In fact, the entire ancient city itself was once a mere corner of the Archaic Family's domain. Sadly, everything else was gone; nothing remained except for these faint traces beneath the ancient trees.

Ye Fan arrived here quite naturally, his mind and body imbued with an ethereal quality. Though he couldn't yet break into the fourth tier of the Dao Palace, he experienced a profound sense of nature's unity, as if heaven and earth existed for him, and all things were one. He was undergoing a form of baptism. His physical body shimmered with clarity, and his spirit was invigorated. His body and mind were tempered and refined, reaching a higher state and allowing his current cultivation realm to approach perfection.

He remained at the third tier of the Dao Palace realm, but felt profoundly different. His Wheel Sea and Dao Palace pulsed in perfect synchronicity, and he had glimpsed the traces of the Great Dao. Indeed, the Dao Scripture and the Western Emperor Sutra had merged for the first time, achieving a harmonious unity that rendered his mind and body clear and pure. Every gesture and movement felt like he was wielding the Great Dao itself.

"The Wheel Sea and Dao Palace resonated in unison, and the Dao Scripture and Western Emperor Sutra operated in parallel, flawless and perfect. They are indeed the two strongest cultivation methods."

Ye Fan emerged from the wondrous state. He felt within himself that with the harmonization of the two scriptures, his combat power had significantly increased, and he felt a greater affinity with the Great Dao. He subtly gestured. Though the formidable attack arts of the Nine Secrets were not fully unleashed, he could sense that their power had vastly amplified. This was a small but significant transformation from mere technique to the essence of the Dao.

"The power of the Dao..." Ye Fan murmured, then departed the area, continuing along the ancient street.

After circling through the ancient city and gathering sufficient information, he left Fire Cloud City, disappearing beyond the horizon.

Not long after, Ye Fan returned to Fire Cloud City and headed towards the Ji family's stone gambling house, a garden-like compound where dozens of knights resided.

"What? Someone provided a clue?"

The compound covered a vast area, filled with piles of raw stones, grand halls, and pavilions. Dozens of exotic beasts were tethered within, each formidable and awe-inspiring.

Ye Fan stood in the compound. It wasn't long before dozens of young men rushed out, all of whom he had seen outside the city gates previously.

"You saw that disabled cultivator? Where were they, and how far from Fire Cloud City?" the young man leading them asked.

His name was Ji Yungge, a cultivator at the fifth tier of the Dao Palace realm. He was their leader and possessed a composed demeanor.

"I've provided a clue," Ye Fan stated. "Will you immediately pay me 100,000 units of source?"

"What are you saying?" a Ji family disciple retorted, his eyes widening in cold anger. "A clue only fetches 10,000 units of source. You dare to demand so much from my Ji family?"

The others present, upon hearing this, inwardly rejoiced. Ji Yunteng sneered, "This brat, Ye, has finally been found. This time, I'll reduce him to ashes!"

"Indeed! We've been running around endlessly for this disabled cultivator, yet accomplished nothing. He should have been killed long ago!"

"A mere disabled cultivator at the second tier of the Dao Palace realm. Killing him is as easy as reaching into a pocket; the only issue has been locating him. This time, we'll refine him alive!" These individuals were filled with deep resentment. They all wished to immediately kill Ye Fan and seize the cauldron. Their anger stemmed not only from the tedious days of fruitless searching but also from the Ji family's Grand Elder having been burned to death, which had ignited fury in everyone. If he had been killed by a powerful cultivator, it would have been acceptable. But for a venerable Grand Elder to be burned to death by a mere junior cultivator was a deep humiliation, and the most effective way to erase this shame was to annihilate Ye Fan.

Ye Fan, however, spoke up to demand the 10,000 units of source, forcing them to fulfill their promise.

"First, lead us to that mountain range. If your clue proves true, you'll naturally receive your reward," Ji Yungge said with a slight smile.

Many of them displayed expressions of disgust. They were astonished and contemptuous that he truly dared to demand a reward from the Ji family. Previously, they had received similar clues, but those cultivators had offered the information freely, not daring to ask for source, merely hoping to curry favor with the Ji family.

"I believe the reward explicitly states that source stones will be issued for any clue provided," Ye Fan retorted, refusing to back down.

"What if the clue you provided is false?" Ji Yunteng sneered dismissively.

"Is there anyone under heaven who dares to trifle with the Ji family? Furthermore, I'm personally leading you there; do you think I'm not risking my life?" Ye Fan countered.

"You are truly interesting," Ji Yunteng said with a cold expression. "After all that's been said, you still dare to demand source? Aren't you afraid of shortening your lifespan?"

"Very well, we have no time to waste. Go to the stone gambling house and fetch 5,000 units of source," Ji Yungge said, waving his hand to dispatch someone. "If your clue proves true, you'll receive the other half of the source then. If your information leads to Ye Fan's capture, we'll even give you 100,000 units, no problem."

Soon, 5,000 units of source were brought forth, gleaming brilliantly in a pile. Ye Fan, without a hint of politeness, swept them all into his sleeve.

"Now, lead us to that mountain range," Ji Yunteng sneered, a flicker of murderous intent briefly appearing and vanishing in his eyes.

Ji Yunfeng, meanwhile, offered a faint smile and said nothing. He waved his hand, signaling everyone to mount their exotic beasts and depart. They also procured a savage beast for Ye Fan, for his transport.

Dozens of riders surged out of Fire Cloud City. Many in the city were surprised by their urgent departure, knowing that something significant must be happening. These exotic beasts were extraordinary. After leaving Fire Cloud City, they ascended into the sky, soaring at high altitude like a surging flood, rumbling as they hurtled towards the mountain range Ye Fan had indicated.

"It's that mountain range ahead," Ye Fan said, pointing towards a lush range of peaks in the distance.

The dozens of riders immediately fanned out, converging from all directions to encircle the peak Ye Fan had indicated.

"Indeed, someone has been cultivating here; this place is imbued with Dao patterns..." A Ji family disciple, who specialized in Dao patterns, stepped forward and quickly dismantled the restrictions.

Dozens of riders, bristling with killing intent, charged up to the mountain peak. They immediately split open the cave dwelling, sending dust soaring into the sky. "No one!" a Ji family disciple exclaimed, immediately turning a murderous gaze towards Ye Fan.

"Don't look at me like that; it has nothing to do with me. I merely provided a clue. Who could have known he would suddenly depart?" Ye Fan said, feigning innocence.

Ji Yungge waved a dismissive hand, then personally entered the cave dwelling to inspect it, followed by the others.

"This garment is identical to the one he wore that day; it truly was him!"

"Look, there are also traces of the Void Great Handprint here. This cave dwelling was carved out using the Great Handprint!"

The Ji family disciples quickly discovered numerous important clues, and were filled with rage, gnashing their teeth.

"Damn it, he escaped again! Otherwise, I could have stomped him to death with a single kick!"

They were both frustrated and apprehensive. A mere disabled cultivator, only at the second tier of the Dao Palace realm, had repeatedly stirred up major disturbances and escaped every single time. They yearned to capture him immediately and refine him into ashes.

"Now do you believe me? I would never dare to provide false clues," Ye Fan said from the side. At that moment, he sensed murderous intent directed at him, as if someone was preparing to strike. However, he remained unperturbed, calmly asking, "Upon our return, you can pay me the remaining 5,000 units 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 was leaving to provide you with a clue. I trust the Ji family's reputation," Ye Fan replied, unconcerned. Even if there were cultivators at the fifth tier of the Dao Palace realm among them, their speed certainly wouldn't match his, so he had no worries about escaping.

Ji Yungge smiled. "Upon our return, I will pay you the remaining 5,000 units of source. The Ji family always honors its word."

After lingering for a long time and searching the entire mountain range, the group returned to Fire Cloud City, with Ye Fan following them into the compound.

"This fellow truly has the gall of a bear and leopard! He actually dared to demand the reward," a Ji family disciple muttered coldly.

Ji Yungge shot him a stern look. "This is a reward set by the Ji family itself. Do not act rashly. If I find out you've harmed the family's reputation, do not expect my leniency!"

Soon after, 5,000 units of source were brought out. Ji Yungge emerged and personally handed them to Ye Fan, dismissing him.

Ye Fan thanked him with a smile on his face, then departed without a backward glance.

"We're just giving him 10,000 units of source like this? The clue he provided was utterly useless; we didn't even see a shadow of that brat Ye!" someone grumbled indignantly.

Ji Yungge swept his gaze over them. "Everyone in Fire Cloud City is watching. Do you want to kill him here? Such an act isn't without its benefits; it's akin to buying bones for a thousand gold. In the future, people will send us even more valuable clues."

At this point, Ji Yungge's expression suddenly froze. "Where are Ji Yunteng and Ji Yunbiao?" he asked.

"They followed him out. Most likely, they intend to..."

"Nonsense! If word of this spreads, how will others view my Ji family?" Ji Yungge thundered in a fit of rage.

"Given Ji Yunteng's temperament, he certainly couldn't stomach someone taking 10,000 units of source simply by opening their mouth. I imagine he's probably already killed him," another Ji family disciple offered.

Ji Yungge slammed his palm onto a stone table in the compound, shattering it. After a moment of silence, he said, "Since it has come to this, send a few more people. Handle the situation cleanly; I do not wish for any rumors to spread."

Outside Fire Cloud City, Ye Fan halted. He turned around and smiled. "Friends of the Ji family, why are you so enthusiastic? You've escorted me out of the city; why haven't you returned?"

*Whoosh!* *Whoosh!*

Ji Yunteng and Ji Yunbiao emerged from the shadows. Both carried murderous intent, slowly advancing step by step.

"You want to kill me? Why?" Ye Fan's expression darkened as he looked at the two. "I kindly provided you with a clue, yet you repay my good deed with enmity?"

"Brat, do you think my Ji family's source is so easily acquired? Tens of thousands of units just for flapping your gums? There's no such free lunch!" Ji Yunteng sneered.

"You are truly too cold-hearted. Regardless of anything else, I provided the clue, yet you intend to kill me?"

"So what if we kill you? You led us to an empty cave dwelling, yet you still walked away with the source. Doesn't that feel a bit hot to handle?" Ji Yunbiao asked, brimming with murderous intent.

Ye Fan suddenly burst into hearty laughter, looking thoroughly pleased.

"What's so funny when death is at your doorstep? I'll send you on your way!" Ji Yunbiao declared.

"Do you truly believe you can kill me?" A cold sneer played on Ye Fan's lips. "I'm afraid you'll only end up sacrificing yourselves here."

"Just you... barely having entered the Dao Palace realm? A firefly's glow daring to contend with the bright moon?" Ji Yunteng sneered, his murderous intent completely exposed.

"Killing you is no different from crushing a bug!" Ji Yunbiao charged forward directly, striking down with the Void Great Handprint.

A massive black hand overshadowed the sky, engulfing Ye Fan beneath it, and descended with a rumbling sound. *Crack!*

At that very moment, Ye Fan struck. A colossal golden palm manifested horizontally, instantly shattering the black hand and then slamming down on Ji Yunbiao, whose face was contorted in terror.

*Splat!*

It was difficult to imagine the immense divine power contained within that golden palm. It utterly obliterated Ji Yunbiao, pulverizing him into a bloody pulp that vanished without a trace.

"You... who exactly are you?" Ji Yunteng roared. A cultivator at the third tier of the Dao Palace realm had just been killed with a single palm strike, a sight that sent chills down his spine.

"I am the Ye Fan you claimed you could stomp to death with one foot," Ye Fan stated.

"What?! How can it be you?" Ji Yunteng staggered back in shock, his face turning ashen.

"Hahaha..." Ye Fan burst into laughter. "Of course, it's me. Thank you for providing me with the source. I'll put it to good use in my cultivation."

"You..." Hearing this, and piecing together all that had transpired, Ji Yunteng trembled with rage, his fingers shaking uncontrollably.