Shrouding the Heavens

Chapter 327 - 328 Chapter 333 Sensation in the Divine City

328: Chapter 333: Sensation in the Divine City 328: Chapter 333: Sensation in the Divine City In this era, divine medicines are elusive.

Even the Sacred Lands cannot obtain them; even imperial Dynasties with legacies spanning over a hundred thousand years cannot find them either.

When the old Peacock King of the Eastern Wastelands and the old Emperor of the Central States were nearing the ends of their lives, they all chose to venture into the Great Wilderness, seeking that one-in-ten-thousand chance, but no one has ever been heard to have found a divine medicine.

Perhaps it can only be found in a few Ancient Desolation Forbidden Lands, but those are places beyond human reach, leaving even the Sacred Lands helpless.

“One hundred and ten thousand jin of Source!” the Great Xia Prince called out a high price once again.

“One hundred and twenty thousand jin of Source!” Two old men joined forces and shouted this price, deciding to pool their resources to buy it.

“It’s not that I don’t want to sell it.

As I mentioned earlier, this divine medicine should be revived.

Otherwise, it would be a loss for the entire Eastern Wastelands.” Ye Fan adopted a righteous and dignified stance.

Those present cursed inwardly, He’s just trying to be a profiteer and jack up the price!

One of the old men shook his head and said, “Once a Source is opened, ordinary herbs will turn to dust and cannot long exist in the world.

Even divine medicine must be handled with extreme care when harvested, let alone revived.” Another old man said, “Countless ages have passed.

Even if this divine medicine’s roots are intact, it still cannot be revived.” Ye Fan smiled and said, “I don’t think that’s necessarily the case.

Isn’t there a legend that some Sources contain ancient creatures, and when the Source is opened, they can be revived?

This medicine is divine, so it must be different.

I think it can survive.” Li Heishui chimed in, “That’s right!

Eventually, it can yield intact divine medicine, and with this Divine Energy Spring, it can be harvested every year.” Li Yishui, the Grand Elder of the Illusion Destruction Palace, was displeased and said in a deep voice, “Setting aside whether a divine medicine can even be regenerated, even if it could be revived, it would take thousands of years to mature each time.

Can you wait that long?” Outside, everyone was stunned.

Although the divine medicine was incomplete, it was still incredibly precious, indeed rarer than Divine Sources.

“Such heaven-defying luck truly makes one envious.

If I cut out such a treasure, I would pray every day.” “How many years has it been?

Divine medicine has long ceased to appear in the world, and now one has been cut from stone, shocking everyone.” Many people outside the Stone Garden were muttering, wishing they could trade places with Ye Fan.

This divine medicine was awe-inspiring, a treasure one might only encounter by chance, not through searching.

“One hundred and thirty thousand jin of Source!” The Great Xia Prince called out another high price, letting the hefty sum speak for itself.

A young nun in white robes, her large eyes darting around, stood beside the Great Xia Prince, seemingly yearning for the Human-shaped Divine Medicine.

“What can I say?

I truly believe this divine medicine can be resurrected,” Ye Fan sighed.

He just wants more Source!

many cursed inwardly.

“One hundred and fifty thousand jin of Source!” The old Daoist nun from the Dao Yi Sacred Land spoke, her voice cold and devoid of any emotional fluctuation.

This… Ye Fan’s heart was stirred.

Although it was a peerless Divine Energy Spring, and even if it could be planted, it would take thousands of years to mature.

He couldn’t afford to wait that long.

Now, not only were the people outside the Stone Garden stunned, but even the several old men inside were shocked.

If the Dao Yi Sacred Land made a move, they simply could not compete.

“Can this divine medicine truly be replanted?” Li Heishui asked, trying to stall for time and continue raising the price.

The old Daoist nun’s voice was calm.

“What I quoted is already the highest price.

It is only worth this amount.” Yao Yuekong, the Young Master of the Heavenly Demon Palace, had arrived nearby.

Though male, his charisma was extraordinary, possessing an almost demonic beauty devoid of any effeminacy.

His eyes were as deep as those of a demon god.

“This kind of Divine Energy Spring is rarely seen in the world, truly priceless.

However, reviving it would be challenging, unless it is nourished with a Divine Spring to awaken its vitality.” “That’s unrealistic.

To obtain a Divine Spring, one would have to enter the few Ancient Desolation Forbidden Lands in the Eastern Wastelands,” Li Yishui of the Illusion Destruction Palace sneered.

“That may not necessarily be the case.

Perhaps a few Spiritual Springs in the Eastern Wastelands could restore its vitality,” Li Heishui said.

Ye Fan also smiled.

“The Sacred Lands have traditions passed down for over a hundred thousand years, never fading.

If this Divine Energy Spring can be revived, a few thousand years would mean nothing to them, and they would reap infinite benefits in the future.” Those present were speechless; these two were singing the same tune, clearly intent on being profiteers to the very end.

Yao Yuekong, clad in purple, smiled, clearly enjoying the situation.

He said, “I think my two brothers here are in a difficult position, struggling to decide who to sell to for fear of upsetting the harmony.

I believe the best choice is to send this divine medicine to the Heavenly Demon Treasure Pavilion for auction.” “Makes sense!” Li Heishui nodded, feigning seriousness.

“Excellent, I agree!” Someone outside the Stone Garden spoke up.

The crowd turned to see many elderly people arriving, all with white hair yet childlike complexions, full of vigor—clearly not ordinary individuals.

Miao Yu Temple, Guanghan Palace, the Stone Pavilions of various Sacred Lands, and many Great Sects received the news, and their elders hurried over.

The emergence of a divine medicine was an absolute sensation.

Even though it was incomplete, it still stirred people’s hearts, especially those elderly individuals with limited lifespans; they were even more moved.

Many figures, upon receiving the news, rushed over immediately.

A sea of white-haired heads dotted the scene, their eyes blazing eagerly.

Although their lifespans were limited, their ages varied greatly.

For small sects, individuals three to four hundred years old were considered elderly.

Yet, for the Sacred Lands, individuals aged seven to eight hundred might still be in their prime.

These people differed significantly in strength.

Li Yishui of the Illusion Destruction Palace snorted coldly, glanced at Ye Fan and Li Heishui, then flicked his sleeves and departed, knowing he no longer had a chance.

“That old fellow won’t hold a grudge and come after us, will he?” Ye Fan transmitted his voice.

Li Heishui sneered.

“Relax.

The Black Iron Order in my hand is more than enough to crush him.

If he dares to stir up trouble, I’ll make sure he regrets it.” Ye Fan wasn’t particularly concerned.

Daoist Chilong owed him a favor and had already told him to seek him out if any trouble arose.

These things were unavoidable when one intended to gamble extravagantly in the divine city.

Such turmoil was sure to happen; this was just the beginning.

“If you two brothers agree, the Heavenly Demon Treasure Pavilion can handle this divine medicine for you now, and I’ll arrange for someone to escort it away,” Yao Yuekong offered considerately.

“Alright, I’ll entrust it to the Heavenly Demon Treasure Pavilion, but not for immediate auction.

We should wait for some time,” Ye Fan said.

He wanted more people to know, to stir up even greater waves.

It would be best to wait until after the various Peacock Kings were thwarted in their attack on Purple Mountain, then auction it upon their return.

He also had a Human Essence Fruit that a dog had bitten.

If these rare treasures appeared one after another, they would undoubtedly attract immense attention, perhaps drawing even more people.

“Very well, everything will be as little brother decides.” At that, Yao Yuekong found someone on the spot to receive and store it.

If it were lost or damaged, the Heavenly Demon Palace would compensate two hundred thousand jin of Source.

This made Ye Fan very satisfied and reassured.

However, there was no need for such worries.

The Heavenly Demon Palace would never tarnish its own reputation by pilfering it.

They handled numerous rare treasures, and nothing was more valuable to them than their credibility.

“Damn it!

Is there any justice in this world?

That dark-skinned kid started with only fifty jin of Source and managed to achieve such a brilliant result!

It’s enough to make one cough up blood!” Wu Ziming’s face was a picture of dejection.

Li Chongtian was also resentful.

Looking at Ye Fan inside the Stone Garden, he said, “All he knows is how to smash ‘watermelon stones,’ and in the end, he actually unveiled a divine medicine!

It’s infuriating!” Their group, numbering more than a dozen, all cursed the two for their incredible stroke of luck.

“This is called skill, you bunch of country bumpkins!

Watch and learn!” Li Heishui declared, holding his head high.

He then turned around, presenting them with the back of his head.

“Damn it!

We’re being looked down upon by this dark-skinned kid!” “Damn it!

Did that country bumpkin actually mock us?!” … “Your Highness, please cut open your stone,” Ye Fan smiled.

Even without cutting the stone, the Great Xia Prince already knew he would surely lose.

An Ancient Divine Medicine was a treasure one might only encounter by chance, not through searching; there was almost no chance of winning.

He didn’t want to drag things out.

He directly swung his knife, cleaving the stone open and revealing an Exotic Source the size of a small child’s head, worth about one unit of Source.

As expected, it couldn’t compare to Ye Fan’s stone.

The Great Xia Prince was quite sporting.

He pushed three units of Source to Ye Fan and said, “My two brothers, this afternoon, I invite you to the Drunken Immortal Pavilion for drinks.” Ye Fan was surprised.

That was one of the eight grandest taverns in the divine city and incredibly expensive.

Its finest Immortal Banquets were exclusively for Peacock Kings and sovereigns.

“How could I possibly…” “Just making friends,” the Great Xia Prince smiled.

The Great Xia Dynasty of the Central States held a particular interest in Sources.

It was said their Grand Emperor Scripture itself was cut from Source.

Thus, members of the Royal Family were perpetually stationed in the divine city, acquiring strange black stones.

Ye Fan understood that the Great Xia Prince was no ordinary person.

Although he had only seen Ye Fan gamble with stones once, the Prince had likely discerned some clues and thus sought to befriend him.

Beside them, Yao Yuekong also laughed heartily.

“I also wanted to invite these two brothers!

This afternoon, let us drink to our hearts’ content and not return until we are thoroughly drunk!” “In that case, we respectfully accept your kind invitation,” Ye Fan and Li Heishui also laughed.

Only the little nun in white wrinkled her delicate nose, pouted her small lips, and muttered something, giving Ye Fan and Li Heishui a dramatic eye-roll.

“Are you gentlemen still selecting stones?” At this time, the old Daoist nun beside them asked.

This place was the Heaven-tier Stone Garden, where only precious stones were displayed, and people were not allowed to linger for too long.

Ye Fan said, “I would like to continue selecting stones, but unfortunately, my pockets are empty.

The stones here are too expensive.” The people outside the Stone Garden were speechless, especially Wu Ziming, Li Chongtian, and their group.

They felt indignant.

He had won so much Source and was still crying poor; he truly deserved to be struck by heavenly lightning!

“It seems this young master has his eye on the Heavenly Price Rare Stones.

If you cannot gather enough Source at the moment, it’s fine.

Feel free to choose, but you must use that divine medicine as collateral,” the old Daoist nun stated.

“But I have already entrusted it to the Heavenly Demon Treasure Pavilion,” Ye Fan replied.

“The cost of today’s Source can be deducted from the future auction proceeds,” the old Daoist nun said.

“Alright!” Ye Fan nodded.

“You’re still not stopping today?

Don’t gamble everything away and let the Dao Yi Sacred Land get that divine medicine for nothing,” Li Heishui secretly transmitted a reminder.

Ye Fan shook his head and transmitted back, “I am determined to have a big gamble in the divine city.

Today’s opportunity is rare; how can I stop now?” Yao Yuekong, clad in purple, followed beside them and said, “Are you two brothers still choosing stones?

Truly courageous!” The Great Xia Prince also laughed.

“Excellent!

I want to observe carefully and learn a few things.” “Young man, are you still gambling on stones?” Outside, a group of old men was entirely surprised.

Then, a large crowd of influential people walked in, their eyes filled with extreme eagerness.

“When luck arrives, it cannot be stopped.

This is the common experience of many stone gamblers.

If you cut out something good again, be sure to consider selling it to us old folks first.” “That’s right, young man!

May your luck be prosperous!” A group of old men looked on with intense eagerness, following them inside in a large throng.

Even the old Daoist nun found it difficult to stop them, as many were regular patrons here.

“Divine medicine!

Who cut out the divine medicine?

Let this old man see!” A clamor arose outside the Stone Garden as more very elderly people hurried over.

“Where is it?

I’ll offer 180,000 jin of Source for it!” Another group also rushed in, led by an old man with sparse hair, almost completely bald.

Everyone present was astonished.

The old men who kept appearing all had impressive backgrounds; they were all terrifyingly ancient, undying-level figures.

An Ancient Divine Medicine, untraceable in the current age, was simply too astounding.

It had drawn many renowned seniors, including several Grand Elders from Sacred Lands and quite a few major figures.

It could be said that Ye Fan cutting out a Human-shaped Divine Medicine at the Dao Yi Stone Workshop had shocked the entire divine city, causing an immense sensation.

Many people, upon hearing the news, rushed over to witness it, wanting to see what a divine medicine looked like.

The scene was comparable to the grand occasion when a Divine Source was cut.

“Here, make some space for this old man.” Within the Heaven-tier Stone Garden, there was a large expanse of white-haired heads.

Some people even began selecting stone materials themselves.

This was originally a tranquil place, but today it was extraordinarily bustling.

In the Stone Garden, an Ancient Vine with a diameter of ten meters lay coiled like an Azure Dragon.

Ye Fan wandered around and arrived here.

He patted a strange black stone by the wellhead and then put it down again.

“You absolutely must choose carefully!

Otherwise, our divine medicine will be gone.

Didn’t you hear?

Someone just offered 180,000 jin of Source for it,” Li Heishui reminded him.

No need to be overly concerned with gains and losses, Ye Fan thought calmly.

At worst, I’ll just start over from scratch.

He had studied the Heavenly Source Book and knew that when selecting stones, the most important thing was to maintain a calm heart.

“Indeed, what a good mentality!” Yao Yuekong praised.

The Great Xia Prince was about to nod in agreement, but just then, Ye Fan smiled and asked the little nun to help him choose a few stones.

This immediately irked the Prince.

“Young man, your Qi Cultivation Technique is quite profound.

We all have high hopes for you.

Stone gambling is seventy percent luck.

We hope you can cut out even more rare treasures!” A group of old men followed behind.

One of them spoke with a smile, and what he said was indeed true.

Some people experienced a period of great fortune, making accurate bets every time; such instances had occurred before.

Ye Fan walked and paused, continuously selecting stones.

Following a small path paved with pebbles, he arrived at a quiet bamboo grove.

He stopped before the Heavenly Price Rare Stone valued at 100,000 jin of Source.

This stone emanated a kind of Dao rhythm, making it very special.

He had previously discussed this stone with Li Heishui.

“Finally, someone is going to make a move on this stone!

For so many years, no one has dared to touch it,” the old men behind him exclaimed in surprise.

Ye Fan squatted down, gently patting and rubbing the stone, observing it seriously.

Ultimately, however, he stood up.

He felt that this stone was both like an empty shell and yet seemed to contain something; he really couldn’t be certain.

He looked up and noticed the young Daoist woman from the Dao Yi Sacred Land standing quietly in the distance, like an Immortal Flower in its first bloom, blending seamlessly with the scenery, ethereal and natural.

Her true face was still indiscernible.

There was no mist, no Divine Light obstructing the view, yet it was as if a Dao rhythm blurred her features.

Ye Fan walked to the other side, continuing to select stones.

Li Heishui accompanied him, and Yao Yuekong, the Great Xia Prince, and the little nun also followed.

Before long, they walked out of the bamboo grove and arrived at an area bathed in direct sunlight.

Ye Fan fixed his gaze on the Nine-Aperture Stone Man on the stone platform, illuminated by the sun.

“Why have you placed it on the stone platform?” Ye Fan asked.

A Source Master replied, “This is a naturally formed human-shaped strange black stone.

Legend has it that if such a stone absorbs enough Sun and Moon Essence over a sufficient period, it will eventually transform into a Holy Spirit.” This stone held an immense attraction for Ye Fan.

Naturally human-shaped and possessing nine apertures, it was exceedingly special.

Though he had wandered around the garden, his mind had been constantly drawn back to this spot.

According to ancient legends, there existed Immortal Stones in the world, born with nine apertures, capable of transforming into Holy Spirits—beings close to Immortal.

However, this stone was too small, only a foot long.

Ye Fan pondered.

Ultimately, he made his move, picking up the Nine-Aperture Stone Man and observing it meticulously.

“Many masters highly skilled in Source Techniques have examined this Nine-Aperture Stone Man, but for so many years, no one has dared to make a move on it.” “Young man, do you really intend to try this stone?” A group of old men was very surprised.

They had all studied this stone before, but none had ever dared to act.

This stone was merely a foot long, yet it was valued at 90,000 jin of Source—an absurdly expensive price.

Many who had seen it were left uncertain.

“Is someone going to attempt the Nine-Aperture Stone Man?

I’ve come at the right time!

I must take a good look.” More old men, having heard the news, arrived.

“Last time, those experts from the Source Technique noble families studied it for the better part of a day and ultimately shook their heads and gave up.

Is someone really going to cut this stone today?” Today, Ye Fan cutting out the Ancient Divine Medicine had created a far greater impact than he had imagined.

People continually arrived, eager to witness it, causing a veritable sensation throughout the divine city.

Ye Fan raised this strange black stone, holding it up towards the sun, carefully analyzing, observing closely, and silently contemplating.

He constantly felt that this stone was profoundly mysterious and elusive.

One moment it gave him an illusory, dreamlike feeling, the next it felt incredibly heavy, giving him the false impression that it contained an unparalleled rare treasure.

Beside him, the old men were discussing.

“The divine medicine has been sent away; we won’t see it today.

It will be auctioned at the Heavenly Demon Treasure Pavilion soon.

However, today’s visit hasn’t been in vain.

If we can find out what’s inside the Nine-Aperture Stone Man, it would fulfill a long-held wish.” “Indeed.

I’ve always wanted to know what it contains.

Unfortunately, even those with profound skills in Source Techniques eventually gave up on it, so we’ve never been able to see for ourselves.” A group of old men, their interest piqued, gathered around, all eagerly anticipating Ye Fan cutting open the Nine-Aperture Stone Man to satisfy their curiosity of many years.

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

“Not confident, but it’s worth a shot!” Ye Fan replied, holding up the strange black stone, aligning each of its nine apertures with the sun, observing them one by one.

When he inadvertently looked back, he was somewhat surprised.

The area outside the Stone Garden was completely surrounded by people.

Numerous cultivators were watching, no one making loud noises, all observing quietly.

Among them stood the Jiang Family’s outstanding talent—Jiang Yifei, clad in white robes that outshone snow, exceptionally distinguished.

And in another direction, there was also a person in white—a woman with bright, captivating eyes, flawlessly beautiful, her skin like crystal.

It was An Miaoyi.

She, too, had come.

Only at this moment did Ye Fan realize that cutting out the divine medicine had caused a stir throughout the divine city, drawing numerous prominent figures to this place.

At this point, only the group of old men showed no reservations, surrounding him and discussing animatedly, while everyone else watched in silence.

Ye Fan shook his head, not having expected to draw so much attention.

He quickly calmed his mind and began again, aligning the Stone Man’s nine apertures with the sunlight one by one, and continuously measured its body with his fingers.