Chapter 248: Letting Go

He solemnly cupped his hands and said, "Sect Master Gong, please calm your anger. It's not that I don't appreciate your kindness, and please don't misunderstand, but since I joined the Azure Cloud Sect, the elder who has been kindest to me is not my master. It is, in fact, you, Sect Master Gong."

He drew the black sword from his back and stroked its blade, saying, "I was originally an obscure disciple, not valued by the sect. However, I was fortunate enough to receive your favor, Sect Master Gong, and you gave me opportunities to prove myself. First, you gave me spirit herbs, then a precious sword. This kindness, I will forever cherish."

His words stirred her emotions, reminding Gong Caiyi of all the encounters she had with Jiang Fan. Most of the anger in her heart dissipated. This fellow wasn't so heartless after all. At least he knew she had been good to him. But why couldn't he just agree to her proposal? Wasn't becoming the Young Sect Master of the Spirit Beast Sect an instant path to success? Why wouldn't he accept her goodwill?

Jiang Fan sighed deeply. "To be frank, Sect Master, my parents were separated when I was very young. My father endured a lifetime of grievances, lived in obscurity in a remote small town, and died of sorrow. My mother's fate is still unknown. As a son, I must seek justice for my father and fulfill my filial duty to my mother. Before these are accomplished, if I were to pursue comfort and pleasure, how could I face my father's spirit in heaven, or my mother whose whereabouts are unknown?"

Both Gong Caiyi and Yuan Zhiyu were moved. They had only seen Jiang Fan's extraordinary talent and limitless potential, but they hadn't known that his background was so tragic. He was an orphan. Only now did Gong Caiyi realize how much she had been pressuring him. Holding her skirt, she gracefully stepped forward, her eyes filled with apology. Seeing Jiang Fan's slightly disheveled collar, she extended a slender, jade-like finger and, with a look of pity, tidied it.

"My poor child, you've really been through a lot," she murmured. Thinking that Jiang Fan was already alone and helpless, and was disregarded in the Azure Cloud Sect, she felt even more sorry for him. Her own pushy behavior, which seemed like bullying, made her feel a twinge of guilt. She said remorsefully, "I was unaware of your circumstances; I am truly sorry."

Seeing her apologetic demeanor, Jiang Fan smiled magnanimously. "Sect Master, there's no need to blame yourself. It should be me thanking you. Though the Nine Sects are vast, who among them has cared for me as much as you, Sect Master? Apart from you, there is no second person in this world."

Even if Liu Wenchen temporarily acknowledged him and outwardly claimed him as a son-in-law, if he were asked to appoint Jiang Fan as Young Sect Master, he would never agree. The elder who had been best to him was undoubtedly Gong Caiyi.

Gong Caiyi gazed at the sensible, heartbreakingly mature young man, her eyes filled with boundless pity. As she adjusted his clothes, she gently said, "From now on, consider the Spirit Beast Sect your home. If the Azure Cloud Sect ever treats you unfairly, just tell me. I will transfer you here; I will never let you suffer any more grievances."

Jiang Fan's nose tingled. The last time he had been protected like this was when his father was still alive, but that was three years ago. "Thank you, Sect Master," Jiang Fan expressed his heartfelt gratitude.

Gong Caiyi patted his shoulder and said, "Go, do what you wish." Suddenly, she remembered something she had forgotten. She immediately took out a bottle of Earth Phoenix Grass Marrow, which she had prepared beforehand, from her sleeve. "I almost forgot." She tucked it into Jiang Fan's arms and whispered, "Use it quickly; don't let anyone see it."

Jiang Fan nodded. "I understand." After putting away the Earth Phoenix Grass Marrow, he prepared to bid farewell.

But Fu Chaojun, who was standing nearby, rolled his eyes and said, "Sect Master Gong, since Junior Brother Jiang is unwilling to be the Young Sect Master, I, though not as capable, would be willing to give it a try."

"A try?" Gong Caiyi glanced at him impassively and said, "The position of Young Sect Master is reserved for Jiang Fan. Once he fulfills his wishes, I will consult him again."

"She'd rather leave it empty than give it to me?" Fu Chaojun's face stiffened. He truly couldn't understand why he was inferior to Jiang Fan. Could it be just because his background wasn't tragic enough? What a joke. But how could he dare to criticize Gong Caiyi? He could only steer the conversation back to the 'Spirit Taming Art', saying, "Then, Sect Master Gong, do you still need me to help you comprehend your sect's secret art?"

Gong Caiyi thought for a moment. She pulled out a bottle of Earth Phoenix Grass Juice from her sleeve and casually tossed it to him. "You've worked hard these past few days. Take this bottle of Earth Phoenix Grass Juice. Later, I'll have the Grand Elder escort you out."

"What?" Fu Chaojun's body trembled slightly, a hint of disbelief in his eyes. "Sect Master Gong, do you not trust my comprehension? I can tell you what I've comprehended right now, and you'll know if I'm right or not."

Gong Caiyi said indifferently, "There's no need." She wasn't a fool. What was Fu Chaojun's intention in coming uninvited and asking to stay by her side? How could she not know? From the way he looked at her, she clearly understood his intentions. Let alone the fact that Jiang Fan had already helped her comprehend the entire 'Spirit Taming Art', even if he hadn't, she would absolutely not keep a man with improper intentions towards her by her side.

"Why?" Fu Chaojun, who thought he had hidden his intentions well, couldn't accept this and pressed on, "Does Sect Master Gong no longer need this method? The beast tide is approaching. With this method, Sect Master Gong and your esteemed sect will have more confidence."

Hearing the threat in his words, Gong Caiyi was even more displeased. If he was threatening her now, wouldn't he make excessive demands at a crucial moment of comprehension? Only then did she suddenly realize how invaluable it was that Jiang Fan had silently helped her comprehend the entire 'Spirit Taming Art'. In contrast, Jiang Fan's character seemed exceptionally noble. It made her take a few more glances at Jiang Fan. He was handsome, highly talented in many areas, and possessed excellent character. In a trance, she recalled a saying: "A gentleman as pure as jade on the road, a peerless noble in the world." This must describe someone like Jiang Fan, right?

"Sect Master Gong, are you listening to me?" Noticing that Gong Caiyi had zoned out again, staring at Jiang Fan, Fu Chaojun felt a surge of anger.

Gong Caiyi snapped back to reality and quickly averted her gaze. She calmly replied, "You don't need to worry about that. My Spirit Beast Sect's affairs will be handled by ourselves. You may leave now."

Fu Chaojun felt a huge sense of disappointment. He had been joyfully certain that he would stay by Gong Caiyi's side and, with prolonged proximity, would have the chance to win her affection. The outcome, however, was being mercilessly shown the door! What was even more unbearable was Gong Caiyi's coldness towards him, yet she treated another peer, someone far inferior to him, with excessive warmth!

He dared not vent his frustration on Gong Caiyi, but venting it on an obscure young disciple was completely stress-free. He turned his head and glared at Jiang Fan, "Did you say something to Sect Master Gong? Just three days ago, Gong Caiyi had welcomed his arrival and was pleased with his assistance in comprehending the 'Spirit Taming Art'. But today, her attitude had suddenly changed 180 degrees!" He could only attribute the cause to Jiang Fan!

Jiang Fan, innocently caught in the crossfire, slightly furrowed his brows, his eyes showing a hint of sharpness. Fu Chaojun's own grievances—what did they have to do with him? Did he think he was easy to bully and just treat him like a trash can to casually vent his frustrations? He said coldly, "If you're looking for trouble, I'm ready anytime!"