Chapter 446: Rescuing Nan Nan

Chapter 450: Saving Nannan

Ye Fan and Pang Bo arrived at Jade Cauldron Holy Land, Zhang Wenchang's former sect. Their arrival caused a panic.

By now, everyone in Yan State had heard of the Eucharist. Those who had once humiliated Zhang Wenchang were terrified, believing the end of the world had come.

Many knew that Ye Fan had visited before as Zhang Wenchang's close friend, and they assumed he had come to seek revenge for the "half-crippled old man."

Pang Bo glanced at a group of young people, initially wanting to slap them all to death, but he ultimately just snorted coldly. The result was a continuous series of thuds as a line of people knelt down.

“We want to know if Liu Yiyi has ever returned. Do you have any news of her?” Ye Fan asked.

Like Zhang Wenchang, Liu Yiyi had also joined this sect. Their main reason for coming to Jade Cauldron Holy Land this time was to inquire about her.

“She never came back. What a pity for such a promising cultivator,” an elder replied.

The two nodded without saying much, turned, and flew away, vanishing into the sky in the blink of an eye. Everyone in Jade Cauldron Holy Land breathed a sigh of relief.

Afterward, they visited Misty Cloud Holy Land, Purple Sun Holy Land, and Golden Radiance Holy Land, receiving the same answer each time: Zhou Wangziwen, Lin Jia, and the others had not returned either.

In the past, people from the three great Holy Lands had coerced Ye Fan and several others into the Primeval Restricted Zone to gather divine medicine. Ye Fan created an opportunity for Zhou Yi, Lin Jia, Wang Ziwen, Li Xiaoman, Liu Yiyi, and Zhang Ziling to escape.

Three years had passed, and only Li Xiaoman was known to have escaped, joining the Supreme Mystery Sect. There was still no news of the others.

When Ye Fan was at the Supreme Mystery Sect, he had asked Li Xiaoman, but she also didn't know the whereabouts of the others, as they had escaped separately.

“Zhou Yi, Wang Ziwen, and Lin Jia are all shrewd individuals. They naturally wouldn't return, otherwise, the Holy Land people would surely discover weaknesses,” Ye Fan mused.

“Zhang Ziling isn’t stupid either; he must have gone to a safe place. I think Yiyi is probably with him,” Pang Bo said.

Additionally, two other classmates had died: Ge Ming was killed during an outdoor training expedition, and Xu Chuan was trapped and died while exploring ruins with others.

Ye Fan and Pang Bo added some soil to their graves. Only a few years had passed, yet three classmates had already died in this world. They wondered how many would ultimately remain.

Finally, they arrived at Evening Moon Holy Land and learned of the foreigner Cade’s whereabouts.

A wandering old monk had taken him, seeing his robust physique, innate talent, and blond hair, which he believed resembled the Buddhist guardian Vajra of legend.

“This blond foreign devil has become a guardian Vajra. Doesn’t that mean I could become a Buddha?” Pang Bo was somewhat dumbfounded.

“What else did that old monk say?” Ye Fan inquired in detail.

The people of Evening Moon Holy Land dared not conceal anything. They knew well that this person was a terrifying killer, with not much life left, and dared to kill even those from the Holy Lands. They certainly wouldn't dare provoke him.

“The old monk only said he would take him to the Western Desert, to some Mount Meru, but didn't say much else.”

Ye Fan and Pang Bo exchanged glances. Mount Meru, whether on the other side of the starry sky or in this world, was steeped in countless legends.

“This foreigner truly has incredible luck, going to Mount Meru! If we ever reach the Western Desert, we must make him introduce us to some female Bodhisattvas.”

A disciple from Evening Moon Holy Land perfectly mimicked Cade’s words before he left.

“Oh my dog, God damn it, I can only believe in Buddha from now on! Who told you to abandon me here?!”

Ye Fan and Pang Bo looked at each other, then burst into laughter.

They didn't stay long. After learning everything, they flew away.

The Nine Dragons Coffin had taken them away. Of their original group, only ten remained. Along the way, both felt a sense of melancholy, wondering when they would be able to return via the ancient starry road.

Ye Fan and Pang Bo returned to Yan Capital. People from several great Holy Lands and supreme sects immediately sought them out. The unparalleled array patterns had been inscribed, and they wanted Ye Fan to accompany them to gather herbs.

How could Ye Fan possibly enter again? This time, it was merely to set a trap for Hua Yunfei. He subtly expressed that the place was too dangerous, and he intended to give up, opting instead to try his luck at Mount Undying in the central region of the Eastern Wasteland.

The people from the various sects secretly scoffed. Although Mount Undying's name contained "undying," it was a place where one could enter but never leave. Once inside, there was no hope of coming out alive.

“Young friend, are you sure? That mountain range is not a benign place. In the past, a great accomplished Eucharist caused huge trouble by cutting off a cliff, leading to his blood staining Saint Cliff in his later years.”

“Senior, could you elaborate?” Ye Fan’s heart stirred.

“This is already the most detailed record; there is nothing more,” a Grand Elder from a Holy Land said.

Ye Fan was speechless. He absolutely refused to enter the Primeval Restricted Zone again. As long as he could find little Nannan, he would immediately leave the Southern Domain; there was no need to stay.

Although the people from the supreme sects wanted to punish him—no one had ever dared to stand them up before—they still suppressed their anger, after all, the Divine King’s mark was still present.

Over the next few days, Ye Fan almost turned Yan State upside down, mobilizing all his forces to search, but ultimately found no trace of Nannan.

During this time, Huanyu experienced great turmoil, with many experts searching for Hua Yunfei’s whereabouts. However, he had seemingly vanished into thin air, leaving no trace.

Two more days passed, and Ye Huiling finally appeared, which delighted Ye Fan. He welcomed her into the inn.

This was a large inn, meticulously designed with mountain and water courtyards, specifically for cultivators who preferred tranquility.

At this moment, Pang Bo, Li Heishui, Tu Fei, and even the big black dog were in secluded cultivation, slowly refining the sacred fruits.

In a patch of purple bamboo forest, Ye Fan personally poured tea for Ye Huiling and asked, “Miss Ye, why have you been gone for so long?”

“It’s a long story; I barely survived…”

During Ye Huiling’s last battle with Wang Chongxiao, someone attacked both of them simultaneously. Both were severely wounded, and then that person relentlessly pursued Ye Huiling.

Although she narrowly escaped, her vitality was greatly damaged, and she nearly perished. She had been recuperating until today, when she finally emerged from seclusion. After learning of recent events, she suspected it might have been Hua Yunfei’s Dao Protector, as the two seemed very similar.

“Congratulations, Brother Ye, on the recovery of your Dao injuries. Your path ahead will be smooth, and no one will be able to stop you,” Ye Huiling chuckled.

Ye Fan fulfilled his promise, taking out a golden Sun Sacred Fruit. Despite being sealed in a small jade cauldron, its fragrance still emanated, refreshing and invigorating. He pushed it forward.

“Brother Ye, you’re not trying to silence me, are you?” Ye Huiling smiled faintly.

Her black hair fluttered, her skin was like mutton-fat jade, her eyebrows resembled distant mountains, her beautiful eyes held spiritual energy, and her melon-shaped face gave her an ethereal aura, as if she could perceive everything.

“Of course not. I trust that Miss Ye will help me keep this a secret,” Ye Fan chuckled.

“I trust Brother Ye’s character,” Ye Huiling’s lips curled slightly, a hint of playfulness in her voice. “But please also trust me, Brother Ye; I won’t utter a single word about this.”

Ye Fan smiled and nodded, gently pushing the small white jade cauldron, sending it flying towards her.

Only then did Ye Huiling truly reach out to receive it, her bright, sparkling eyes full of mirth as she said, “Please rest assured, Brother Ye.”

“I want to know if Miss Ye was the one who took little Nannan?”

Ye Huiling shook her head. Because it wasn't yet time for her to leave, and she frequently clashed with Wang Chongxiao, she hadn't come to take little Nannan. Furthermore, she was soon severely wounded in an attack.

“Who was it?!” Ye Fan was immensely disappointed. If not for the little girl, he would have died, and if he couldn't find her, his conscience wouldn't rest.

“I think I’ve guessed,” Ye Huiling began.

“What? You know who it is?” Ye Fan suddenly looked over.

“I don’t have absolute certainty; it’s just a guess.”

“Please, tell me quickly!”

Ye Huiling speculated that little Nannan might have been taken by members of the Yin-Yang Sect. She had noticed that the sect's Holy Maiden was personally searching everywhere for young children with exceptional root bones and spiritual aptitude.

“Are they still in Yan Capital?!” Ye Fan shot up, unable to contain his urgency. If Nannan were sent to the Central Province, it would be extremely difficult for him to get her back.

“Not here. With the current upheaval in Yan State, they are in another tranquil place. I know it’s one of their strongholds in the Eastern Wasteland. The talented infants shouldn't have been sent away yet; crossing to the Central Province requires a large amount of source, so they will likely wait until the events in Yan Capital conclude before retreating together.”

“Where is it, and what kind of experts are there?” Ye Fan asked.

Ye Huiling replied, “It’s in a sect called Qixia, fifty thousand li away. That sect is supported by the Yin-Yang Sect.”

Ye Fan waited a day. Pang Bo and the others emerged from seclusion one after another, having all completed the transformation of blood refinement and bone tempering, with the medicinal effects maximized.

Without any delay, they rapidly traversed the void, heading towards the location fifty thousand li away. Ye Huiling also followed.

Qixia Sect was nestled among mountains, surrounded by fiery red cherry blossom trees that resembled endless fiery clouds. The sect’s name and its environment were quite fitting.

Each of these individuals was formidable, so infiltrating a medium-sized sect was naturally silent. Initially, they found nothing, and Ye Fan even grew disheartened.

It wasn't until they turned towards the back mountain that their spirits lifted. They saw over a dozen children, the eldest no more than five years old, the youngest only two, all delicate and adorable.

“Why isn’t Nannan here?” Ye Fan frowned. The group split up and continued searching.

He passed through luxurious courtyards, and as he neared the end, joy finally appeared on his face. He sensed little Nannan's aura and quickly rushed towards it.

There were a few children here as well, all dressed in bright new clothes, looking quite pampered. Only one little girl, about three years old, wore old and tattered clothes, with even holes in her tiny shoes.

Ye Fan felt extremely remorseful. He had been too busy before entering the Primeval Restricted Zone and had no time to take care of the little girl, never getting her new clothes. Now, the thought filled him with immense guilt.

Nannan was clearly being ostracized here; otherwise, she wouldn't be treated this way. He felt a surge of anger well up inside him.

“Everyone, come quickly! It’s time to take your spiritual medicine.”

A middle-aged woman walked over, holding a tray with six or seven small bowls. A fragrant aroma wafted from them, refreshing the heart and mind; it was clearly genuine spiritual medicine.

The Yin-Yang Sect was quite generous with these gifted children, aiming to lay a solid foundation for them from a young age, using precious and rare medicinal herbs for their concoctions.

The other children all ran over, but little Nannan didn't. Her large eyes were bright, staring longingly at the small bowls, yet she didn't dare to approach.

“As for that little airhead, don’t even bother hoping. We originally thought your root bones were rare in this world, that you were a little prodigy. Who knew you were born with no memory? You forget everything in just a few days!” the beautiful middle-aged woman said, sweeping a cold gaze over her.

“But Nannan is very hungry. I haven’t eaten breakfast or lunch,” little Nannan said, feeling wronged.

“If you make another mistake, you’ll be forbidden from eating tonight too!” the middle-aged woman’s voice was cold. She continued, “The Holy Maiden will be coming again in a few days. Once she makes her final decision, you’ll be thrown out!”

“Oh, Nannan understands!” Little Nannan lowered her head, not daring to meet the middle-aged woman’s gaze, looking at her tattered little shoes.

The middle-aged woman left. A group of young children held their small bowls and drank the spiritual medicine. Some of them were mischievous and didn’t like the taste, so they secretly poured it out.

Nannan stared at one child’s small bowl, her large eyes bright, and asked in a tender voice, “Is the spiritual medicine paste delicious?”

“No, it’s not,” the young child replied, having already poured out the spiritual medicine from his small bowl.

Nannan saw another girl about to pour hers out, and a hopeful gleam appeared in her bright eyes again. She asked the same question, “Is the spiritual medicine paste delicious?” She was very hungry, having been forbidden from eating, and couldn’t help but swallow her saliva.

“No, it’s not. Nannan, are you hungry? You can have it,” the little girl offered, handing over the small bowl.

“Are you really giving it to me?” little Nannan asked earnestly, her eyes suddenly brightening as she reached out to take it.

“Really, hurry and eat it,” the girl handed it over.

“Thank you, Nannan is really hungry,” little Nannan reached out to take it.

Just then, the beautiful middle-aged woman returned, shouting coldly, “What are you doing?!”

“Crash!”

Nannan flinched in fright, the small bowl in her hand immediately falling to the ground. She looked terrified.

“Not only are you forbidden from eating tonight, but you won’t eat tomorrow either! Go back to your room immediately. This isn’t where you belong!”

“Oh, Nannan understands,” little Nannan’s head drooped to her chest, her large eyes filled with tears as she walked towards the servants’ quarters not far away.

Ye Fan finally understood little Nannan’s predicament here. His heart ached, and tears almost fell from his eyes. He strode out from the shadows and coldly shouted at the middle-aged woman, “Are you yelling at her?!”

“Who are you? How did you get in?!” The middle-aged woman was startled.

“Nannan, come here,” Ye Fan beckoned to little Nannan.

“Big brother, who are you? Why do I feel like I know you?” Little Nannan’s large eyes blinked.

“I told you to go back to your room! Why aren’t you leaving?!” the middle-aged woman snapped coldly.

Nannan quickly lowered her head, not daring to look back.

“Slap!”

Ye Fan slapped the beautiful middle-aged woman across the face. Despite her speed, she couldn't evade it and was sent flying a dozen zhang away.

Ye Fan spared her life, as he had many questions to ask. Otherwise, the power of the Primeval Eucharist would have been enough to shatter her. He strode over, picked up little Nannan, and then turned back.

“Who exactly are you, and what’s your relationship with her?” the middle-aged woman demanded, her voice trembling.

“Who I am isn’t important. What’s important is that your Holy Maiden isn’t as precious as she is, yet you dare to treat her like this!” Ye Fan was beyond furious. He said, “Tell me, where is your Holy Maiden?!”

“You…who are you, daring to disparage our Holy Maiden like this?” The middle-aged woman was astonished.

At this moment, several powerful individuals rushed into the courtyard, all loudly scolding and demanding to know who Ye Fan was.

“The lives of your Holy Maiden and Holy Son combined wouldn’t be enough to compensate for the grievances little Nannan has suffered!” With a clang, Ye Fan grasped the Dragon-Patterned Black Gold Holy Spirit Sword.

“Pfft!”

Blood splattered. He sliced the rushing individuals into several pieces with a single sword stroke, then continued to press, “Tell me, where is your Holy Maiden?!”

At this moment, Pang Bo and the others also heard the commotion and rushed over.

“Who dares to offend my Yin-Yang Sect?!” At the same time, a grim voice spoke. Several elders from the Dragon Transformation realm flew over, their voices cold. “Have you grown tired of living?!”

“It’s you who are tired of living!” Ye Fan roared, swinging his long sword towards the sky.

“How audacious! Let’s see who dares to disrespect my Yin-Yang Sect!”