Shrouding the Heavens

Chapter 329 - 330 Chapter 335 Stone Man Conceals a Treasure

330: Chapter 335: Stone Man Conceals a Treasure 330: Chapter 335: Stone Man Conceals a Treasure These are two chapters, released together, plus the previous chapter, totaling three chapters.

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—————————————————————————— When Ye Fan said this, the surrounding Elders were all very surprised, while the people outside the Stone Garden were initially stunned, and then a cacophony arose.

“A bet?

Are you betting with that piece of white stone on the ground?

It’s obvious—that’s a white blossom stone!

It’s impossible to cut Source from it; even the most novice stone gambler knows that!” “Young man, even if the Nine Orifice Stone Man comes up empty, you shouldn’t be so devastated.

There will be more opportunities in the future.” “I think he’s gone mad.

Even at this point, he still wants to gamble with others.” Outside the Heavenly Stone Garden, discussions were rampant.

Wu Ziming and his group, in particular, were loudly mocking.

“What are you betting with?

Using that white stone and expecting to cut out Divine Sources?

What a colossal joke!” “I think he couldn’t handle the shock and has gone mad.

I said it before: he doesn’t know his own limits.” “Now he’s shown his true colors, hasn’t he?

Thinking himself a master of Source Technique, trying to command the world, only to fall hard from the clouds!” “Overestimating himself, hahaha…” Ye Fan remained calm and said, “Who will bet with me?

I’ll use the Nine Orifice Stone Man to bet against you all.

If I lose, I am willing to pay 50,000 catties of Source.” As soon as he said this, there was a moment of silence, followed by an uproar.

“This guy is crazy, truly senseless.” “Fifty thousand catties of Source?

If you can actually produce it, I’ll bet with you!” someone challenged, shouting loudly.

“Can’t handle the setback, is he planning to throw caution to the wind?” someone mocked.

Inside the Stone Garden, Yao Yuekong stepped forward to advise, “Brother, there’s no need for this.

At worst, you can start over.

A white stone like that couldn’t possibly yield rare treasures.” Ye Fan shook his head and persisted, “It’s no problem.

I just want to bet with them.

Even divine medicine was cut out today; I feel the heavens are on my side.” On the ground, the fist-sized stone was blindingly white.

Recalling its exorbitant price made people click their tongues and sigh even more.

“Cutting out divine medicine is an immense stroke of luck.

It’s a rarity unseen in many years.

To think you can cut out another such divine object?

Truly a joke!” “Do you even have any Source?

If you do, I’ll bet with you!” Outside the Stone Garden, various voices clamored.

No one believed that any Source could be extracted from the white blossom stone.

Li Heishui was anxious and secretly transmitted his voice, “Are you really confident?

This is a white blossom stone.

Even a novice stone gambler knows that it absolutely can’t yield Source.” “I still have some confidence,” Ye Fan responded secretly.

“Really?” Seeing Ye Fan so composed, Li Heishui was half-convinced.

How could I possibly set myself up for failure?

Ye Fan thought.

You’re too cunning; this is straight-up fishing!

Li Heishui thought, relaxing and chuckling to himself.

Everyone says I’m black-hearted, but I think he’s even worse.

He clearly cut out something good, yet he acts so calm, not forgetting to set these people up.

I think he should be called Ye Hei!

At this moment, it was noisy both inside and outside the Stone Garden, and everyone was unsettled.

An old Daoist nun from Dao Yi Sacred Land had to step forward a few paces to prevent anyone from impulsively rushing in.

Ye Fan scanned everyone and said, “Every word I’ve said is true.

Look at this!” With a wave of his large sleeve, a great pile of Source appeared on the ground, sparkling and emitting an aura of Spiritual Qi that soared to the sky.

Wu Ziming, Li Chongtian, and others, a dozen or so people in total, had lost a combined 42,000 catties of Source to him.

The Prince of Great Xia had also lost 10,000 catties to him.

Added together, it was just over 50,000 catties.

Outside the Stone Garden, everyone who saw such a large amount of Source felt a bit dizzy.

Most were young people who had never handled such a sum, and all of them gazed with fiery eyes.

“Does anyone dare to bet with me?” Ye Fan asked again.

This time, everyone was stunned.

Fifty thousand catties of Source was truly too much; such a scene was rarely witnessed.

Anyone who could produce so much Source usually didn’t engage in impulsive wagers.

Most were influential figures of older generations, who used Source for purchasing rare treasures.

Even individuals like Jiang Yifei and An Miaoyi were visibly moved, their expressions showing surprise.

Some people’s mouths went dry, and they couldn’t help but swallow, their eyes almost bulging as they stared fixedly at the 50,000 catties of Source in the garden, unable to look away.

However, such a massive heap of Source was far too much for any young person to produce at once.

All of them could only stare hopefully.

Some figures of the older generation could afford it but couldn’t bear the loss of face, especially those in the Stone Garden.

The Elders around Ye Fan all had significant backgrounds, and many could withstand a loss of 50,000 catties of Source.

However, just moments ago, they were following behind Ye Fan, ostensibly selecting stones together, and now they couldn’t bring themselves to bet against him.

“How about this?

I’ll lower the stakes.

The minimum buy-in will be one unit of Source.

Anyone who can pool that much can join, and I’ll take you all on, one by one.” Ten thousand catties of Source was equivalent to three such units, and 50,000 catties was fifteen units.

Ye Fan divided this large pile of Source into fifteen smaller heaps and then looked at the crowd.

“We’ll bet!

Let’s pool our Source together and bet against him!” Immediately, seven or eight people pooled together 10,000 catties of Source, becoming the first batch of gamblers to enter.

Wu Ziming and Li Chongtian couldn’t contain themselves, eager to jump in and gamble, seizing this rare opportunity for revenge.

“Those two country bumpkins are doomed to suffer a great misfortune!

It’s a pity we don’t have any Source.

What should we do?” Wu Ziming lamented.

“Isn’t that person up front Elder Li Yishui from the Illusion Destruction Palace?

Li Chongtian, he’s your granduncle.

Why don’t you go and borrow some Source from him?” someone suggested.

“That’s right!

I see Elder Li Yishui is quite displeased with those two young men over the divine medicine incident.

Li Chongtian, if you go and explain it to him, I’m sure he’ll lend it to us.” “Alright, I’ll give it a try.” It wasn’t long before Li Chongtian returned, having indeed borrowed 10,000 catties of Source.

Ye Fan remained unperturbed, calmly watching them approach.

He had been waiting for these particular people, knowing they would borrow Source from Li Yishui.

At this moment, Li Yishui revealed a deep, cold smile, glancing meaningfully into the Stone Garden.

Old thing, let’s see if you can still smile in a bit, Li Heishui sneered inwardly at the sight.

“Does anyone else want to bet?” Ye Fan surveyed all directions.

Many were tempted and considered joining forces, but seeing Ye Fan and Li Heishui so calm, they grew puzzled and hesitant.

Especially those within the Stone Garden, the old figures of significant background, also showed expressions of surprise, thinking things might take an unexpected turn.

“Is there really no one else?” Ye Fan asked again.

At this moment, the little nun in white was still squatting on the ground, cupping her beautiful chin, her large eyes impeccably pure.

She grumbled discontentedly, “Hurry up and cut it.” Ye Fan asked several times, but no one responded.

By now, many were perplexed; even Wu Ziming and Li Chongtian felt a bit uneasy.

Ye Fan was far too composed and calm.

In the end, no one else joined.

Only two groups wanted to gamble against Ye Fan, for a total of 20,000 catties of Source.

“Hurry up!” the little nun in white tilted her head, blinking her large eyes impatiently, clearly dissatisfied.

“Little sister, since you’re in such a hurry, how about you cut the stone?” Ye Fan smiled.

The little nun in white wrinkled her nose and ignored him, her attention focused solely on the stone.

The Prince of Great Xia was thoroughly annoyed, wishing he could slap Ye Fan.

He frowned, took a few steps forward, and stood beside his younger sister.

“Hurry and cut the stone!” Wu Ziming and the others urged.

“Alright.

Let’s quietly await the emergence of an unparalleled rare treasure,” Ye Fan said with a serious expression, wielding the sharp Silver Blade on the fist-sized stone.

CRUNCH!

As the sound of stone cutting rang out, everyone around instantly fell silent, as if returning to the very beginning.

No one spoke.

Stone powder rustled down as the Silver Blade moved quickly.

Shortly, the fist-sized stone was already reduced by half.

It was still white blossom stone, with no Variation appearing.

Although Wu Ziming and the others wanted to mock, they couldn’t bring themselves to laugh.

In such a solemn atmosphere, they even felt slightly nervous.

Finally, when the stone material was smaller than a plum and still no rare treasure had emerged, many people could no longer hold back and began to discuss it.

The vast majority believed it was impossible to cut anything out.

It was already such a small piece, still just white blossom stone.

If it contained a divine item, Spiritual Qi should have been sensed long ago.

Even Li Heishui found it hard to remain calm.

Everyone looked at Ye Fan, but he remained very composed, his blade falling with precision as he swiftly cut the stone.

CRACK!

When he had cut the stone down to about the size of a lychee, its color finally changed, turning dark red.

Many people gasped in shock.

Ye Fan slowed his pace, carefully peeling off the stone skin.

Everyone instantly held their breath, no longer speaking, observing quietly.

Eventually, a heart-shaped, dark red stone block was revealed.

The Elders present were all shocked, their faces showing expressions of immense regret.

“What a pity!

This Nine Orifice Stone Man truly had the potential to undergo a transformation.

The heart had already formed.

If it had been given a few million more years, it most likely would have developed intelligence and become a near-Immortal Holy Spirit!” “Alas, it shouldn’t have emerged so early, only to be discovered.

Everything has come to naught.” All the Elders shook their heads, feeling it was a matter of destiny.

Otherwise, in a few million years, this would have been an incredibly terrifying existence, capable of contending with the Great Emperors of ancient times.

“The Nine Orifice Stone Man ends here.

Ultimately, it failed to nurture a rare treasure.

What a pity for this Stone Embryo, born of heaven and earth.” Seeing the Elders reach such a conclusion, Wu Ziming burst out laughing, mocking, “Source Technique genius, present your Source!” Ye Fan ignored him and continued to cut.

Indeed, after the dark red stone heart was split open, there was nothing inside.

“Hahaha…” Li Chongtian and the others roared with laughter, their voices filled with malicious glee and sarcasm.

Outside the Stone Garden, there was an uproar.

Many people were beside themselves with regret, wishing they could beat themselves up for missing such a golden opportunity to bet.

“Heh…” Li Yishui, the Grand Elder of Illusion Destruction Palace, let out a meaningful, cold chuckle.

The Prince of Great Xia and Yao Yuekong also shook their heads, thinking Ye Fan had been too impulsive.

This was tantamount to giving away Source for free.

“Young man, what can I say?

You really shouldn’t have done this.

In gambling, you lose nine times out of ten, especially with Sources.

They possess a kind of demonic nature; until they are cut open, it’s very difficult to predict the outcome.” Some of the surrounding Elders shook their heads, all feeling it was not worth it for Ye Fan.

Ye Fan remained very calm and didn’t say much.

However, Li Heishui broke into a cold sweat.

Cutting out nothing was a huge blow.

He was especially incensed seeing the mockery from Wu Ziming, Li Chongtian, and the others.

When he saw the sympathetic or gloating expressions on other people’s faces, he couldn’t help but sigh.

“What, speechless now?!” The two groups betting against Ye Fan were, at this moment, all feeling triumphant.

Someone spoke up, jeering.

“Source Technique genius, go back and practice for a few more years!

Heavenly Price Rare Stones aren’t for just anyone to cut!” “Overestimating yourself, thinking you’re the reincarnation of a Heavenly Source Master.

Truly laughable.” “Since you’re not talking, we’ll just collect the Source ourselves, haha…” These people laughed heartily, feeling exceedingly pleased, especially Wu Ziming and Li Chongtian, who were even more unrestrained.

Nearby, Yao Yuekong, the Prince of Great Xia, and others remained silent.

The group of Elders also said no more.

Outside the Stone Garden, the crowd was in an uproar, the vast majority blaming themselves and regretting their inaction deeply.

“Wait!” At this moment, Ye Fan suddenly spoke calmly, “The Nine Orifice Stone Man hasn’t been fully cut.

By what right do you touch my Source?” Hearing him speak like this, everyone was stunned.

Even people like Jiang Yifei and An Miaoyi showed expressions of surprise.

“You still have stones to cut?” Wu Ziming and the others looked down at the ground, though none of them seemed particularly concerned.

The little nun in white, still cupping her chin, hadn’t stood up.

Her voice was crisp and pleasant as she said, “Cut it open quickly.

Let me see what’s really inside.” Ye Fan picked up a flat piece of stone from the stone powder.

It was about half the size of a palm and over an inch thick.

“With such a flat piece of stone, you still expect to cut out rare treasures?” “Truly stubborn until the bitter end!

Still not giving up even now!” “We’ll wait for you to cut it open and see what appears!” The two groups betting against Ye Fan didn’t believe anything could be cut out, their lips curled in cold sneers.

“Can I still join now?

Since you still have stone material, I want to bet against you too,” someone outside the Stone Garden shouted.

“I want to join too!” “Count me in!” The Heavenly Stone Garden instantly became clamorous.

Many people loudly declared their intention to join in; the prospect of tens of thousands of catties of Source was truly tempting.

“What should we do?” Li Heishui asked anxiously, transmitting his thoughts secretly.

“Just wait to collect the Source,” Ye Fan responded.

You…

I get it now!

This kid, after all his antics, even the hesitant ones are daring to join in.

He really should be called Ye Hei!

Li Heishui realized with a start.

This time, Ye Fan didn’t agree as readily as before.

He seemed somewhat hesitant, saying, “Everyone, why must you be like this?” “Not long ago, it was you who declared you wanted to bet against everyone present!

How can you back down now?!” “Spoken words are like spilled water!

We want to join too!” That old coot!

Li Heishui cursed under his breath.

He realized Li Yishui was funneling Source, lending it to Li Chongtian’s group, and those dozen or so people were fanning the flames.

Ye Fan’s lips curved into a cold smile as he transmitted his thoughts, “This is exactly how to reel in a big fish.

This old fellow alone can cough up tens of thousands of catties of Source, while dozens of others can’t even scrape together ten thousand.” Ultimately, when Ye Fan agreed, several people rushed over quickly, piling 30,000 catties of Source onto the heap belonging to Wu Ziming and his allies.

Others were unwilling to be left out.

Several dozen more people managed to pool together 10,000 catties of Source, but they were a step too late and returned dejectedly.

“My 50,000 catties of Source, which is fifteen units, against your combined stake.

Everyone, be prepared to honor the bet and accept your losses when the time comes,” Ye Fan said, becoming increasingly composed.

“Who wins and who loses?

I think you’ve got it reversed!” Wu Ziming scoffed.

At this moment, Li Yishui’s heart skipped a beat.

He felt something was amiss, but unfortunately, the Source had already been committed.

“Hurry and cut the stone!

We’re waiting for this Source Technique genius to deliver us 50,000 catties of Source, hahaha…” “What Source Technique genius?

Just an ignorant kid who doesn’t know his place!” Ye Fan smiled, even more composed, and said to the old Daoist nun from Dao Yi Sacred Land, “Please, Senior, seal off this space to prevent any rare treasure from escaping.” Hearing him say this, everyone was astonished and couldn’t help but look towards the center of the garden.

Even the number of people speaking dwindled significantly.

“Are you sure you need to do this?” the old Daoist nun asked calmly.

“I am certain.

A peerless rare treasure is about to emerge!” Ye Fan replied with great confidence.

Once these words were spoken, everyone was shocked.

The situation was truly full of twists and turns.

Seeing his expression, many people instinctively believed him.

Of course, many remained skeptical, and even more sneered and mocked.

“He’s truly gambled himself into a stupor!

Still not giving up!

I wonder how he’ll clean up this mess!” “If he cuts out nothing, let’s see where he’ll hide his face!” “Hoisted by his own petard!

Just wait for him to make a fool of himself!” Those saying such things were naturally the ones betting against him.

They were the most vocal, all wearing indifferent smiles.

The old Daoist nun from Dao Yi Sacred Land said nothing more and decisively acted, sealing the space.

A transparent light curtain enveloped the area.

From start to finish, the young Daoist girl from Dao Yi Sacred Land remained very calm, her demeanor unruffled as she watched with detached interest.

However, if one were to ask who was the most curious, it was undoubtedly the little nun in white.

She was quite dissatisfied with Ye Fan, wrinkling her perfect nose and urging him multiple times to cut the stone quickly.

“Young brother, are you sure you can cut out a rare treasure?” Yao Yuekong asked.

The Prince of Great Xia also looked over.

“I’m somewhat confident,” Ye Fan answered.

As soon as he said this, the Elders surrounding him were undoubtedly the most shocked.

The Nine Orifice Stone Man, this strange black stone, was particularly significant to them.

After all, they had paid attention to it for many years.

If nothing could be cut from it, they would inevitably be very disappointed.

This time, Ye Fan wore an extremely solemn expression.

This piece of stone material was from the forehead of the Nine Orifice Stone Man, including the part between the eyebrows.

Long before, when he had cut off this section, he had already determined that there was something extraordinary inside.

However, he hadn’t rushed to cut it open, instead continuing to peel away other parts.

Now, he had to act with utmost seriousness.

The Silver Blade glided down, and the stone skin was slowly peeled away.

His movements were extremely slow, as if fearing he might damage something, so he was exceedingly cautious.

CRACK!

When Ye Fan’s final cut landed, the entire piece of stone spontaneously fractured.

From the area of the brow bone, a cocoon-like object fell out.

It was merely an inch long and half an inch thick.

It was dark gold in color, shimmering and gleaming—it was actually a metallic cocoon, and no one knew what it nurtured inside.

It gave off an extremely peculiar sensation.

“He really cut something out!” Everyone was utterly shocked.

Within the white blossom stone, a rare treasure lay hidden, exceeding everyone’s imagination.

“This is something nurtured from the brow of the Nine Orifice Stone Man!

What on earth is it?!” At this moment, the dark gold metallic cocoon captured everyone’s attention.

BANG!

Suddenly, it quivered slightly, vibrating on its own.

“What?

It can move?

Could it be some kind of ancient creature?!” The faces of the crowd changed.

Legends about ancient creatures were indeed numerous.

What could such a metallic cocoon contain?

Ye Fan quickly retreated, sensing danger.

At that very instant, an earth-shattering killing intent permeated the air, striking fear into people’s hearts and causing many faces to turn pale.

“What on earth is about to emerge?!” Many figures of the older generation began to take defensive stances.

This was the only reassuring factor: many senior experts were present today.

CRACK!

The dark gold metallic cocoon rapidly fractured, and then a black sword aura shot upward, piercing even the old Daoist nun’s seal.

The chilling killing intent made souls tremble; the bone-piercing murderous aura terrified everyone!

The cocoon shattered completely, turning into dust.

A small black sword, merely an inch long, appeared in its place.

It vibrated with a ringing sound, erupting with a towering killing intent that pierced through the sealed space.

A streak of dark light shot straight into the clouds.

“Heavens, the killing intent is too terrifying!

It has definitely interwoven ‘Dao’ and ‘Principle’!

The Nine Orifice Stone Man is truly a wondrous embryo nurtured by heaven and earth, to contain such a divine sword!” “If it hadn’t emerged too early and been displayed here, the Nine Orifice Stone Man would surely have become a Holy Spirit in the future!

This is a sword of slaughter bestowed upon it by heaven and earth!” Some of the Elders uttered such exclamations.

“Heavens, look quickly!

What material is it?

It seems to be—Dragon Pattern Black Gold!” “Indeed!

It is the exclusive holy divine relic of a Great Emperor—Dragon Pattern Black Gold!” This was even more shocking.

Everyone was incredibly excited.

The small black sword, less than an inch long, was covered in many natural dragon patterns, ancient and simple.

Yet, at this moment, its edge emitted a dark radiance that soared to the sky.

“It’s the same material as Flickering Light Sacred Land’s Extreme Dao Holy Weapon, the Dragon Cauldron!” “This truly is a peerless rare treasure!

The Nine Orifice Stone Man actually nurtured such a thing!

This was to be its weapon!” “This Nine Orifice Stone Man is extraordinary!

If it hadn’t been cut open, it would have been powerful enough to contend with a Great Emperor in the future!” The Dragon Pattern Black Gold Sword, though less than an inch long and a small holy divine relic, would undoubtedly have become an Extreme Dao Holy Weapon in the future if it hadn’t emerged prematurely and had been nurtured together with the Nine Orifice Stone Man.

Everyone felt both regret and shock.

The Nine Orifice Stone Man was too extraordinary.

It was naturally endowed with a weapon, and a holy divine relic like Dragon Pattern Black Gold at that.

If it had truly emerged, its future Combat Power would have been world-shaking!

Everyone moved at once to seal the small, black, dragon-patterned sword.

“Quick, seal it!

It emerged too early, and the Stone Man harbors resentment.

Hold on for a while, and this sword will surely return to a normal state.” A small sword nurtured from Dragon Pattern Black Gold, a holy divine relic!

This outcome left everyone who had bet against Ye Fan completely dumbfounded.

Wu Ziming and Li Chongtian’s faces turned green.

As for Li Yishui, the Grand Elder of Illusion Destruction Palace, he nearly spat blood.

This result was far too unexpected!

Their hearts were bleeding.

Tens of thousands of catties of Source, swindled away just like that.

At this moment, these individuals found it almost unbearable.

“Damn it, this is too ruthless!” “Tens of thousands of catties of Source!

Those two kids are too sinister!

Black-faced and black-hearted!” All those who had participated in the bet were nearly collapsing from the shock, cursing endlessly.

However, right now, no one was paying attention to them.

Cutting out a small Dragon Pattern Black Gold sword was an event that absolutely qualified as unearthing a rare treasure, and it had captivated everyone’s Heart Spirit.

Especially since it was birthed from the Nine Orifice Stone Man, it was absolutely mesmerizing!

The white-robed Jiang Yifei was the first to send Ye Fan a voice transmission.

Then, the peerlessly beautiful An Miaoyi’s eyes also shimmered.

If the Stone Garden hadn’t been sealed, she would have already drifted in.

At this moment, many people expressed goodwill towards Ye Fan, wishing to acquire this sword, despite its small size.

(To be continued.

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