Chapter 17: Chen Qingshuang

Deep within the secret realm of Qishan, Ye Fan discovered that the deeper he ventured, the higher the level of the spiritual beasts became. At first, he could easily slay them, but now they grew increasingly difficult to deal with. Many of these beasts possessed strength equivalent to the late Nascent Soul stage or even the full Nascent Soul. It was important to note that spiritual beasts of the same cultivation stage were far more formidable than human cultivators, owing to their beastly nature—an advantage human cultivators could never possess. Different species of spiritual beasts each had unique instincts and physical advantages.

Ye Fan could clearly sense several powerful auras nearby, each seemingly equal to or stronger than his own. Engaging with them would be unwise. Every step forward demanded utmost caution. He deliberately concealed his own aura; at this level, the beasts lacked the ability to sense such subtle energies, which was perhaps the only advantage humans had. Unless too close, he would likely remain undetected—except by those with extraordinarily keen senses.

After walking for an indeterminate distance, Ye Fan faintly heard the sound of a fierce battle ahead on his right front. Alongside that was an unusual aura—not that of a beast or a human, but likely emitted from some rare and precious treasure. Instantly drawn by it, his sixth sense told him that this treasure’s value might rival or even surpass that of the thousand-year tempered Cold Lotus. Such an opportunity was not one to be missed.

Lowering his aura to the barest minimum, almost undetectable, Ye Fan cautiously advanced toward the left front. As he neared, the battle cries grew louder. Concealing himself behind a tree trunk, he peeked out just enough to observe.

Before him was a wolf-like spiritual beast covered in sharp spikes, swinging razor-sharp steel-like claws wildly at a woman. She wielded a long sword in defense, her movements nimble and elusive, narrowly dodging the beast’s attacks. Though her agility was impressive, the situation was perilous. If this continued, she would likely suffer grievous injuries.

Had another cultivator passed by, perhaps they would intervene and play the hero, but Ye Fan would not. He was neither a saint nor a hero; his concern was solely the treasure.

He had already identified the treasure’s location. On the far side of the battleground stood a colossal tree, nearly ten men could encircle its trunk, bearing a single golden-hued fruit. Such a massive tree producing only one fruit was extraordinarily rare, indirectly attesting to the fruit’s immense value.

“Golden Flame Sacred Fruit!” Ye Fan’s eyes brightened with recognition. As the young sect leader of the Ling Xiao Sect, though once a notorious playboy, his exposure and knowledge far surpassed that of ordinary cultivators. Long ago, he had heard of this fruit from the sect’s alchemists. Its value even exceeded that of the thousand-year tempered Cold Lotus, making it rarer still. It was said to contain tremendous energy, serving as the finest catalyst in divine medicine refinement.

Ordinary cultivators who consumed it outright would be torn apart by the overwhelming energy. But Ye Fan was unfazed; his Swallowing Heaven Sacred Body thrived on such potent energies. The aura emanating from the Golden Flame Sacred Fruit made his mouth water with desire.

Yet, he did not rush. The woman’s skill was considerable, and her cultivation not weak. Even if she could not defeat the beast, she could wear it down significantly. When the time came, Ye Fan could reap the benefits without risk.

Perhaps too engrossed, Ye Fan inadvertently stepped forward, revealing his entire face. The beast did not notice, but the woman caught sight of him. Her expression froze for a moment as a familiar face flashed through her mind.

Seizing the moment, the beast slammed a powerful claw into the woman’s back, sending her flying toward the tree behind which Ye Fan hid. Blood trickled from the corner of her mouth. She might have called for help, but instead, she ignored her injuries and urgently said, “It’s dangerous here, Ye Fan! You must leave!”

Then, she rose and grasped her sword, launching a counterattack to distract the beast.

As Ye Fan glimpsed her stunning beauty, a long-forgotten memory surged like a tide. The image of a little girl grew clearer in his mind. Though years had passed and she had changed, Ye Fan recognized her immediately.

Chen Qingshuang!

She was Chen Qingshuang—the girl betrothed to him in childhood!

Ye Fan never expected to meet her here, and she was even more breathtaking than when they first met. In terms of looks, even Chu Ling’er paled in comparison.

Chen Qingshuang fought fiercely against the beast, but seeing Ye Fan standing frozen, she assumed he was paralyzed by fear. In her memory, Ye Fan was a congenital cripple who could never cultivate. She had no idea why he would appear in such a perilous place.

In desperation, she warned again, “Ye Fan, don’t just watch. Don’t interfere with me. You must leave now! Staying here will get you killed!”

Distracted, she was caught off guard as the beast lunged once more. Its speed was terrifying, its sharp claws breaching her defenses. Her clothing was torn in multiple places, revealing large swaths of pale skin. The crimson claw marks stood out starkly.

Chen Qingshuang’s aura grew chaotic; she was weakening. Her frail body now bore several fresh bloodied claw wounds.

To buy Ye Fan time to escape, she summoned her remaining spiritual power into her sword and thrust fiercely at the beast.

Sensing the killing intent on the blade, the beast neither dodged nor parried but swiped back with full force.

The clash sparked a shower of fire as sword met claw.

Chen Qingshuang had hoped her final strike would wound the beast, but it was completely blocked. More devastatingly, fine cracks began to appear along the blade.

“Crack!”

After a moment’s stalemate, a sharp sound rang out—the sword was cleaved in half by the beast’s claw.

Despair overwhelmed Chen Qingshuang; she knew she was doomed.

Worried for Ye Fan’s safety, she mustered her last strength to shout anxiously, “Go! Please, I beg you!”