7 ye fan's delusional growth
The Azure Jade continent is divided into four domains, each ruled by one of the four major powers of the continent.
The Peerless Heaven Sword Sect governs the southern domains, encompassing countless small sects and cities.
These smaller forces pay homage and provide resources in exchange for the protective umbrella of the Peerless Heaven Sword Sect.
Among the major cities in the southern domains, Silver Sword City stands prominent.
It lies nearest to the Peerless Heaven Sword Sect and is directly under the sect's control.
After a period of hunting and training in the Crimson Edge Mountain Range, Ye Fan arrived in Silver Sword City.
His purpose was to exchange monster props and replenish his supplies.
Completing necessary tasks, he rented an inn and commenced his cultivation.
Three days later, a muffled sound emanated from his room, signaling Ye Fan's awakening from his deep cultivation.
His eyes sparkled with excitement as he proclaimed,
"I, Ye Fan, have regained my strength. Those who have humiliated me shall now await divine retribution."
Not only did he reclaim his previous cultivation base, but he also advanced to the divine awakening realm.
Ye Fan's former arrogant and proud demeanor returned.
Being an orphan since childhood and having achieved unparalleled talent among the younger generation of Peerless Heaven Sword Sect without external assistance fueled his pride.
He considered his peers inferior without noble backgrounds, and once aware of his own distinguished lineage, his arrogance reached extremes.
In his contemplation, the image of a beautiful yet cold figure, Tang Jingxue, appeared in his mind, causing his eyes to become fixated.
Among the sect's people, she was the only one who cared for him when the sect subjected him to humiliation.
"Do not worry, my Jingxue. Since I have recovered my strength, I shall confess my love to you after winning the annual sect competition, in front of all."
With these thoughts, he strolled outside the inn, unaware that Tang Jingle had only supported him previously due to his talent and status as a fellow sect member.
Without knowing that his goddess had already turned into the shape of Xiao chen.
As Ye Fan wandered, he found himself in lively bazaars. Shopkeepers peddled various items—cultivation tools, pills, and treasures. However, many were cautious buyers, aware that deceit lingered.
Passing an inconspicuous stall, Ye Fan's attention was drawn to a tattered and ancient map.
An inexplicable urge pushed him to purchase it, leading him swiftly to the stall.
Meanwhile, at the bazaar's entrance, the appearance of two individuals caught the attention of everyone.
They resembled an immortal couple—the young man unrivaled and elegant, and the woman's face concealed by a veil, rumored to harbor celestial beauty.
Adorned with sword-shaped jade tokens, the bystanders dared not approach.
These were none other than Xian Chen and Tang Jingxue, disguised yet radiating an otherworldly aura.
Having sold the monster props, Jingxue dragged Chen for a shopping spree, their presence attracting attention throughout the city.
Unbeknownst to Ye Fan, he entered the bazaars and started scanning the area.
When he spotted ye fan who was nearing the stall, Xiao Chen was relieved he hadn't arrived late, he approached the stall, witnessing the scenario he desired.
The stall's owner, an old man with a bent back and sunken eyes, noticed someone approaching.
A shrewd look flashed in his eyes, and he began his act.
"Young man, what would you buy from this old man? These products come from demonic beasts, secret realms, and ancient sites."
Seeing through the old man's charade, Ye Fan picked up a pill bottle and inquired about its price.
"How much for this pill bottle?"
"Obtained from a cave of deceased cultivators, this pill bottle costs 2000 low-grade spirit stones."
Ye Fan's countenance dimmed at the price, and he feigned disinterest, putting the bottle down as if leaving.
Seizing the opportunity, the old man quickly stopped him, offering a lower price of 1400 low-grade spirit stones.
He portrayed a pitiful image, claiming a sick wife and three children to feed and he wouldn't lower the price anymore.
Ye Fan cursed the old man inwardly, continue to stare at the objects in the the stall. Finally, he laid eyes on the tattered treasure map and began negotiating its price.
"850 low-grade spirit stones."
The old man's face darkened, but Ye Fan persisted, lowering his offer to 800 low-grade spirit stones.
After a protracted negotiation, the old man could no longer withstand the pressure and yelled, "Young man, 1100 low-grade spirit stones is the final price. Take it or leave."
Satisfied with the unfolding plan, Ye Fan smirked, knowing that the old man would stop him when he put down the treasure map.
"Apologies, old man, I am a poor villager with only 850 spirit stones."
As the old man prepared to call him back, a voice like a spring breeze intervened.
"Old senior, how do you sell these products?"
The elder turned his eyes and beheld a comely youth, akin to a painting come to life.
Behind him, a peerless beauty graced the scene, eclipsing the very world.
The elder's eyes widened upon sighting the sword-shaped jade tokens adorning their waists, signifying their affiliation with the esteemed Peerless Heaven Sword Sect.
He stumbled in his speech and offered a respectful salute to the youth, recognizing that the couple before him held a distinguished status within the sect, evident in their extraordinary demeanor.
"Old man greets the disciples of the Peerless Heaven Sword Sect."
"Young master and young lady may choose whatever they desire from the old man's stall."
Ye Fan, who had walked away with his back turned, anticipating the elder's plea to stop him, was taken aback by the old man's resounding voice.
Swiftly, he turned his back upon encountering a handsome youth and a fair lady whose visage was veiled.
Observing the comely youth, it seemed as though the distance between them was vast in terms of appearance.
Especially when he beheld the fair lady in his company, a heart-wrenching pang afflicted him deeply.
Upon scrutinizing her countenance, he perceived a striking resemblance to Tang Jingxue.
However, he promptly dismissed such notions, realizing that she would not venture to such places, especially in the company of a man.
Putting aside these ruminations, their gazes met with Xiao Chen.
