Shrouding the Heavens

Chapter 325 - 326 Chapter 331 Stone Flying Immortal

326: Chapter 331: Stone Flying Immortal 326: Chapter 331: Stone Flying Immortal The watermelon stone, its surface covered in stripes resembling a watermelon’s, typically yields only a small amount of Source when cut—mostly seed-like grains, hence its name.

Of course, this wasn’t absolute.

Long ago, someone had cut dozens of Divine Source Grains from such a stone, causing a sensation in the divine city.

At this moment, producing forty-nine Purple Crystal Melon Seeds, though not comparable to Divine Source Grains, was still quite astonishing.

Now, it was Li Heishui’s turn to laugh while Wu Ziming and the others’ faces darkened.

Over forty thousand pounds of Source—truly a dizzying, enormous quantity.

“My esteemed nobles, don’t just stand there stunned.

Hand over the Source.

Forty-two thousand pounds!

Your generosity truly touches us.” Ye Fan and Li Heishui stepped forward to collect the Source, holding out their hands to the dozen or so individuals.

Wu Ziming and Li Chongtian were immensely uncomfortable.

They felt as aggrieved as if they had been soaring in the Nine Heavens, only to be suddenly knocked into a latrine pit by a rake.

They had initially intended to mock the pair and treat them as a joke.

Instead, they had ended up the foolish ones, each inexplicably forced to cough up three thousand pounds of Source.

It was truly infuriating.

The dozen or so people felt as if white smoke was fuming from their heads, like they were burning up with extreme humiliation.

They had only casually teased a couple of country bumpkins, yet it had cost them so much Source!

Even the air they exhaled seemed to carry fire.

“Damn it, is there any justice in this world?

A watermelon stone actually produced Purple Crystal Source!

Damn it all, I want to hit someone!” a disciple from a Great Sect muttered, his face a mask of bad luck.

“Three thousand pounds of Source!

Damn it, half my fortune is gone just like that!

Damn that Purple Crystal Source!” another disciple from a Great Sect cursed, his voice laced with anger.

Wu Ziming’s face was ashen.

If he and Li Chongtian hadn’t insisted on bothering the two country bumpkins, they wouldn’t have inexplicably ended up looking like such stubborn fools.

“Brother Wu, are you feeling ill?

Why does your face look even more purple than Purple Crystal Source?” Li Heishui said, shaking his large head as he leaned in.

He wore a simple, earnest expression, feigning concern.

“You black brat!

Don’t push your luck and act smug!” Wu Ziming fumed, feeling like he was about to get a nosebleed from sheer anger.

He slammed his sleeve and threw three thousand pounds of Source onto the ground.

These individuals were all disciples of Great Sects.

While they possessed more Source than Tu Fei, they only had about two or three squares each.

Now, having to give up nearly one full square, anyone would feel the sting.

Everyone’s temples throbbed with fury as they unwillingly threw their Source onto the ground.

They were all people of status; under so many watchful eyes, they couldn’t renege on the bet.

Losing face was not an option.

“Many thanks, Your Highness.” Ye Fan personally received three thousand pounds of Source from the Great Xia Prince.

Then, he turned to the young nun in white robes and said with a wide smile, “Little sister, do you have any Source?” The young nun in white robes pouted, her large, pure eyes filled with innocence.

She had been inexplicably dragged into this mess; it was entirely an undeserved misfortune.

She hadn’t mocked the two, nor had she participated in the gambling, yet she was also required to pay Source.

The Great Xia Prince frowned, clearly displeased by Ye Fan’s smile towards his sister.

He stepped forward, blocking Ye Fan, and then tossed out a square of Source.

CLINK, CLANK!

A heap of Source lay on the ground, sparkling and radiating light.

Spiritual Qi flowed from it, shining brilliantly.

These dazzling objects truly captivated one’s Heart Spirit.

“Haha…” Li Heishui roared with laughter.

The faces of the dozen or so people all darkened.

They were filled with bottled-up anger, feeling that this was incredibly unjust.

Ye Fan paid them no mind.

With a sweep of his sleeves, he collected all the Source.

In an instant, he had gained over forty thousand pounds of Source, bringing him another step closer to breaking through to the next realm.

“This time, I want a real stone-gambling match with you!

Do you dare?” Wu Ziming asked in a low voice.

“Why wouldn’t I?

But… do you still have any Source left?” Ye Fan asked nonchalantly.

Wu Ziming opened his mouth but said nothing.

Earlier, many of them hadn’t had enough Source on hand and had to borrow from each other just to scrape together the forty-two thousand pounds.

They couldn’t possibly carry all their Source with them.

“How can you gamble without Source?” Now it was Li Heishui’s turn to look down on them, his dark face filled with mockery.

“You black brat, don’t get too complacent!” “Damn it, how am I black?

This is called manliness, understand?

Got it or not?” Li Heishui retorted loudly, not thinking he was black at all.

The onlookers were speechless.

Someone muttered, “He’s that dark, and he still says he’s not black…” “I have Source to bet with you.” Among them, only the Great Xia Prince seemed unconcerned about the previous losses.

He stepped forward.

“How much Source do you have?” Li Heishui asked bluntly.

“Three squares.” The people around gasped.

The Great Xia Prince truly had deep reserves, worthy of being an heir to one of the Central States’ Four Immortal Dynasties.

He carried over ten thousand pounds of Source with him.

“Good.

No problem, I’ll bet with you,” Ye Fan said with a smile and a nod.

The Great Xia Prince moved with the imposing gait of a dragon and the stride of a tiger, wreathed in Dragon Qi.

Tall and formidable, he took the lead, heading towards the depths of the Stone Garden.

The young nun in white was very displeased.

Ye Fan had inexplicably demanded a square of Source from her, and she felt quite aggrieved—it had absolutely nothing to do with her.

She wrinkled her delicate, shapely nose, clenched her small fist, and shook it at Ye Fan.

Then, she turned gracefully and left with her brother.

Ye Fan and Li Heishui remained unfazed and followed them.

Everyone else trailed behind, knowing something exciting was about to happen.

Yao Yuekong, the Young Master of the Heavenly Demon Palace, also followed.

Dressed in Purple Clothes, his eyes were deep and profound.

He was a focal figure, his status comparable to that of the Great Xia Prince, and he too was surrounded by many people.

Early in the morning, the radiance of the rising sun spilled over the land, painting the corners and edges of the Daoist Temples with a sacred glow.

Walking here instilled a sense of peace, as if one’s body and mind were being cleansed.

Everyone followed the pebble-paved path, passing through several ancient tree groves and numerous Daoist Temples.

They continued deeper until they reached the eighteenth level of the Stone Garden, where the Great Xia Prince finally stopped.

The stones here were already incredibly expensive.

One pound of stone was worth ten pounds of Source; stone was more valuable than Source itself.

Ordinary people simply couldn’t afford it.

Beyond the eighteenth level of the Stone Garden, the wagers were no longer for Pure Source but for even more precious items, incurring enormous expenses.

However, this made Ye Fan quite satisfied.

If it were only Pure Source he was after, he truly didn’t know how many years and months it would take to accumulate what he needed.

But these precious stones, if they yielded something when cut, would surely be extremely valuable and would accelerate his Source collection.

“How about here?” asked the Great Xia Prince.

“Since we’ve come this far, why not proceed to the Heavenly Stone Garden?” Ye Fan suggested with a smile.

HISS!

Many people gasped.

The stones in the Heavenly Stone Garden were terrifyingly expensive.

Few from the younger generation ever went there; only older individuals with significant backgrounds frequented the place.

“There, a single stone can be worth a thousand pounds of Source!

Many go seeking great fortune, only to lose until their faces turn pale.” “Some stones, weighing only a few pounds, are worth tens of thousands of pounds of Source.

Even the Grand Elders of the Sacred Lands would feel the pinch!” The people around discussed, their voices hushed as they mentioned the Heavenly Stone Garden.

Many felt both excited and helpless; the entry threshold was simply too high, far beyond their reach.

Not everyone was familiar with it.

Someone asked in puzzlement, “It’s so ridiculously expensive, isn’t that terrifying?

Do people still actually go there to choose stones?” “You don’t understand.

Those are strange black stones.

If something is cut from one, it’s bound to be an exceptionally rare and incredibly valuable treasure.” “Indeed!

If a true treasure is cut out, forget tens of thousands of pounds of Source—even over a hundred thousand pounds of Source might not be enough to buy it!” So said those who frequented the Stone Workshops, causing many to draw sharp breaths.

“If that’s the case, why don’t the Sacred Lands cut them open themselves?

Why display them for others to choose?” someone asked.

Do you think the Sacred Lands want to do this?

“They also can’t determine if there’s a treasure inside.

So, to maximize profits, they offer them at sky-high prices for people to gamble on.” “That’s right.

That’s the fundamental reason for the existence of the Sacred Land Stone Pavilions.” The Great Xia Prince hesitated for only a moment before readily agreeing.

“Alright,” he said.

“In that case, let’s go to the Heavenly Stone Garden.” At this, the crowd erupted.

They knew there would surely be a grand spectacle today!

“Are you sure you want to go to the Heavenly Stone Garden?” Wu Ziming, Li Chongtian, and their group were all incredibly shocked.

Now it was Li Heishui’s turn to be cocky.

He said leisurely, “You lot haven’t gambled there before, have you?

This time, make sure you watch and learn properly.” To think… we’re actually being looked down upon by these two country bumpkins!

Wu Ziming’s group was exceedingly frustrated, all of them deeply agitated and resentful.

“You black brat… Next time, I’ll settle the score with you!” one person after another from their group declared.

“I’m not black at all!

Don’t you dare mention the word ‘black’ to me again!

Also, next time, make sure you bring enough Source.

I, the Gambling Saint, will gamble until your faces turn green!” “That black brat is too arrogant!” “You’re the black one!

Your whole family is black!” Li Heishui retorted, rolling his eyes.

Within the Heavenly Stone Garden stood an Ancient Vine.

Its girth was breathtaking, with a diameter of ten meters, like a slumbering Azure Dragon, its branches sprawling in all directions.

This was not an Ancient Tree, merely a vine, yet it was so massive.

The Dao Yi Stone Workshop occupied a vast area, and the vine’s tendrils crawled over numerous Daoist Temples.

Beside the Ancient Vine was an Ancient Well, constructed from Sources.

Ropes had worn deep grooves into its edge over countless years; it was so ancient that its exact age was unknown.

“This Ancient Vine is tens of thousands of years old…” Li Heishui explained to Ye Fan.

Legend had it that the vine was close to Dragon Transformation but had been reverted to an ordinary plant by a powerful expert in ancient times.

All its Spiritual Qi was now channeled through the Ancient Well, nourishing this Stone Workshop.

Another saying claimed that within the divine city, no matter how ancient a plant, it could never transform into a demon or spirit.

Any Spiritual Qi it gathered could only serve to nourish the city itself.

Yao Yuekong, the Young Master of the demon clan, dressed in Purple Clothes, stepped forward.

He carried himself with great dignity and possessed the aura of a Demon God.

His sharpness was restrained, but deep within his star-like eyes, one could faintly perceive an imposing air of sole supremacy.

“Little Brothers, if you happen to cut out a treasure later, would you consider auctioning it at my Heavenly Demon Treasure Pavilion?” “No problem.

If we cut out a true treasure, we will certainly trouble Brother Yuekong.” Since the other party was extending an olive branch, Ye Fan was naturally willing to foster a connection.

The Heavenly Stone Garden was usually quite deserted, with few people around.

But now, it had suddenly become lively.

People from the other Stone Gardens were drawn by the commotion, and many gathered to watch.

“I thought those eight madmen had arrived.

Turns out it’s someone else entering the Heavenly Stone Garden to select stones.” “It’s the Great Xia Prince gambling with someone.

This will be a good show to watch too.” Experts guarded this place.

Ordinary people could not enter and could only watch from the periphery.

Only those selecting stones were permitted inside, as the stones here were far too precious.

Inside the garden, an old Daoist nun sat cross-legged on a praying mat.

Her age was indiscernible, and she remained motionless.

Four or five elderly men were also inside, selecting stones.

When the Great Xia Prince, the young nun in white, Ye Fan, and Li Heishui walked in, she remained as still as before, like a withered old tree.

The others also fell silent, gathering around the perimeter of the Heavenly Stone Garden to watch quietly.

Fortunately, there were no walls, only vegetation, so everything within could be seen clearly.

As soon as Ye Fan stepped into this garden, he felt an intense aura of Taichu.

It was as if he had returned to that night in the Forbidden Area.

These are definitely precious stones!

Ye Fan guessed that most of these stone materials had likely been transported from a Forbidden Area, or from a place infinitely close to the Taichu Forbidden Area.

“Although I’ve circled the Heavenly Stone Garden a few times before, this is my first time actually coming inside,” Li Heishui transmitted his voice to Ye Fan.

Ye Fan smiled in response, transmitting back, “There will be plenty of opportunities in the future.

All the Sacred Lands are waiting for us.” The Great Xia Prince and the young nun in white were clearly not here for the first time; they seemed incredibly familiar with the place.

Many people were puzzled as to why the Great Xia Prince always brought his sister along.

Only Ye Fan had a vague idea: this Great Xia Princess had likely taken refuge in Buddhism and might currently be undergoing worldly cultivation.

The Heavenly Stone Garden contained many emerald bamboos, their verdant green adding a touch of tranquility to the atmosphere.

There were not many stones here, but each was carefully placed.

People from the Dao Yi Sacred Land inspected them daily because they were so extremely precious.

However, these stones were all arranged very naturally: some lay beneath green bamboos, others beside gurgling springs, and still others nestled among green vines.

The stones blended harmoniously with the scenery, evoking a sense of unity with nature and a return to primal simplicity.

A dedicated Source Master followed them, constantly introducing the various stones.

Even though Ye Fan was mentally prepared, he was still shocked.

Many stones were not large, yet each was worth thousands of pounds of Source.

Even more astonishingly, some stone materials were valued at a thousand pounds of Source per pound of stone, a price that made even him feel overwhelmed and unable to bear it.

“Master,” Ye Fan asked, “this is too outrageous.

Can anyone even afford these?” The Source Master replied, “Few young people are usually seen here.

These stones are mostly prepared for certain old masters.

It is indeed overwhelming for you.

But for those individuals, if they can gamble for a glimmer of hope, a chance at a future from this place, they are willing to risk everything.” “What kinds of treasures have been cut out here before?” Li Heishui asked.

“Divine Sources have been cut here before, and some other rare treasures have also been uncovered.

Their marvels are truly indescribable,” the Source Master said with a smile.

“This stone is worth one hundred thousand pounds of Source?!” Li Heishui exclaimed.

An incredibly expensive stone, weighing over a hundred pounds, lay quietly in the bamboo grove.

A perceptible aura of the Dao flowed from it.

“This is outrageous!

Are you selling stones or Divine Sources themselves?!” Li Heishui muttered.

“It is worth that price,” the Source Master stated.

Li Heishui secretly transmitted his voice to Ye Fan, “This stone is indeed very special.

It seems to possess an aura of the Dao.

My spiritual perception is naturally keen, and I can sense it.” Ye Fan shook his head.

“It’s hard to say with this stone; I’m not sure.

Its exterior might not match its interior.

It could have been cut from a larger host stone that possessed the divine charm of the Great Dao.

It’s a tough choice.

Otherwise, why would it have been left here unchosen for so long?” “That’s true,” Li Heishui realized.

“The aura of the Dao is enticing, yet no one dares to touch it.

There must be a reason.

After all, the old masters who come here to select stones are all sharper than foxes.” After examining many stones, Ye Fan was deeply shaken.

The Sacred Lands’ Heavenly Stone Garden was truly extraordinary, and he knew he had to be cautious.

“This stone…” Li Heishui voiced his surprise.

They came upon another stone, only about a foot long.

Astonishingly, it had nine apertures, resembling a Stone Man.

“Is this naturally formed, or was it carved?” Li Heishui asked.

“It is, of course, a naturally formed strange black stone.

Otherwise, why would it be valued at ninety thousand pounds of Source?” the Source Master said.

“Can you discern anything from it?” Li Heishui secretly asked Ye Fan.

“This stone is inscrutable.

Best not to choose it for now,” Ye Fan said, shaking his head.

“Have you made your selections?” the Great Xia Prince asked from a short distance away.

He had already chosen a stone.

It weighed only seven or eight pounds but was priced as high as two squares of Source.

“Your Highness, you only have a little over ten thousand pounds of Source.

If you spend two squares now, you’ll only have one square left.

How can you bet that much with us?” Li Heishui asked.

“I have more!” the young nun in white spoke up, her large eyes darting as she glanced at the two of them.

“Just don’t cry later when you lose…” Ye Fan teased.

The young nun in white wrinkled her nose and gave him a prominent eye-roll, while the Great Xia Prince snorted coldly.

Ye Fan walked back towards a stone.

“We’ve chosen too,” he said.

“It’s this one.” He had selected an extremely large stone, taller than a person, but its price was not as outrageous as some others: three thousand pounds of Source.

Although still exceedingly expensive, for such a large piece in this particular garden, it was practically a rock-bottom price.

The spectators around the Stone Garden were amazed at the sums being wagered by these two.

However, Wu Ziming couldn’t resist a disparaging remark, “Do you really think picking a large stone guarantees you’ll cut a rare treasure?

You clearly know nothing!” Li Chongtian also sneered, “To choose a stone like that in the Heavenly Stone Garden is rather ridiculous.” Li Heishui retorted with disdain, “You’ve lost all your Source, yet you still presume to offer grand advice?

Just watch and learn properly.” “We’ll see what you manage to cut out!” Wu Ziming, Li Chongtian, and their cronies sneered.

“Then watch closely and learn!” Li Heishui laughed heartily.

Ye Fan looked at the Great Xia Prince and said, “Your Highness, this round will be for ten thousand pounds of Source.

Whoever cuts Source of higher value wins.

Agreed?” “Agreed.

Let the stone cutting begin,” the Great Xia Prince nodded.

“Alright!” Ye Fan responded.

This time, he was extremely careful, deciding to cut the stone himself.

He slowly began to peel away the stone skin.

“Are you confident?” Li Heishui transmitted his voice secretly.

“This stone should yield something.

I sense a rare treasure inside, but it’s hard to be certain until it’s actually cut open,” Ye Fan replied via voice transmission.

CRACK!

The stone skin slowly flaked away.

Ye Fan wielded his knife cautiously.

Unlike the casual way he had handled the watermelon stone, every incision was made with extreme care, fearing he might damage whatever lay within.

CRACK!

Suddenly, Ye Fan made another light cut, and the stone split open naturally.

A dazzling light shot out, extremely brilliant, and then a streak of radiance surged upwards, flying into the sky!

“Heavens, what is that?

How did it fly up?!” many people exclaimed in shock.

“It looks like a human figure!” “That’s right!

Did a person fly out of the stone?!” Outside the Heavenly Stone Garden, the crowd of onlookers erupted into a tumult.

“A Stone Flying Immortal!” “It really does look like a human figure!” Ye Fan was truly stunned.

At the same instant, the old Daoist nun, who had been sitting motionless with her eyes closed, abruptly opened them.