Chapter 16: Ye Fan's Bold Plan

The late afternoon sun cast a warm glow over the bustling streets of Ironwood Republic City as Wang Li made his way back to the inn where he and Wang Xiangyi were staying. With each step, anticipation bubbled within him, eager to reunite with his cousin and share the tales of his adventures in the Demon Labyrinth.

Pushing open the door to their shared room, Wang Li was greeted by the sight of Wang Xiangyi lounging on the bed, her enchanting form bathed in the golden light streaming through the window. A smile tugged at his lips as he approached her, his heart brimming with excitement.

"Welcome back, cousin! How was your journey with the disciples of Azure Peak Sect?" she asked eagerly, her voice tinged with curiosity.

Wang Li settled onto a nearby chair, his expression thoughtful as he recounted his experiences. "It was quite the adventure, Xiangyi. We ventured deep into the wilderness, searching for traces of the Blood Moon Sect," he replied, his voice filled with intrigue. "Unfortunately, we didn't find much, but we stumbled upon an ancient Demon Labyrinth instead."

Wang Xiangyi's eyes widened with interest as she listened intently to her cousin's tale. "A Demon Labyrinth? That sounds fascinating!" she exclaimed, her imagination already conjuring images of hidden treasures and perilous challenges.

Wang Li nodded, a faint smile playing at his lips. "Indeed, it was. We discovered riches beyond imagining—spirit stones, demon herbs, and even precious metals," he explained, his voice tinged with excitement. "But I gave all those things up and formed an alliance with Fourth Elder Gong of the Azure Peak Sect.

With his support, we now have an ally in the Azure Peak Sect who will give support for our family's reestablishment."

Wang Xiangyi's gaze shimmered with admiration as she regarded her cousin. "That's a wonderful idea, cousin," she remarked, her tone filled with genuine admiration.

Wang Li chuckled modestly, a hint of pride coloring his features. "How did your mission go by the way?" he inquired, turning the conversation toward his cousin's experiences.

Wang Xiangyi's eyes sparkled with excitement as she recounted her adventures. "Well, let me tell you," she began, her words tumbling out in a rush. "I ventured into the wilderness, faced down ferocious beasts, and gathered all the raw materials we need for those Spiritual Enhancing Pellets."

Wang Li listened intently, nodding along as she spoke. "Impressive," he remarked, genuine admiration coloring his tone. "And what about the alchemist at the Pill Tower? Did she manage to concoct the pellets?"

A grin spread across Wang Xiangyi's face as she nodded enthusiastically. "Oh, she did more than that," she replied, excitement bubbling in her voice. "She whipped up thirty mid-tier Spiritual Enhancing Pellets, each one packed with power."

Wang Li's eyebrows shot up in surprise, impressed by his cousin's efficiency. "Thirty pellets? That's quite the haul," he exclaimed, a note of pride creeping into his voice. "Looks like we're in for some serious power-ups."

Wang Xiangyi nodded eagerly, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "You bet," she agreed, excitement coursing through her veins. "With these pellets, we will become stronger even more quickly!"

As they basked in the glow of their success, Wang Li couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude for his cousin's hard work.

"I did bring a gift for you, Xiangyi," he said with a playful grin, his voice tinged with anticipation.

Wang Xiangyi's curiosity was piqued, and she leaned forward, her eyes bright with interest. "What is it?" she asked eagerly.

With a dramatic flourish, Wang Li reached into his storage bag, his hand emerging with the stone containing the Metal Elemental Spark. Holding it out for Wang Xiangyi to see, he explained its significance.

~~

As Ye Fan soared through the skies atop his trusty Flying Sword, he couldn't help but feel a sense of exhilaration coursing through his veins. The recent days had been nothing short of adventurous, and he relished every moment of it.

Just days ago, he had ventured into the depths of a beast forest near Meigu Town, where he encountered a rare and formidable Silver Snow Tiger. The battle that ensued was nothing short of epic, and after a fierce struggle, Ye Fan emerged victorious, claiming the prized Silver Ice King Heart from the beast's chest. This treasure, coveted by ice elemental practitioners, held immense value and power.

However, Ye Fan wasn't keeping the Silver Ice King Heart for himself despite possessing the Five Elemental Physique. Instead, he was on his way to the Xia Family's territory, intending to present it to Madam Xia Bingling, the matriarch of the Xia Family and mother to Xia Qingwu.

With the downfall of the Wang Family orchestrated by Ye Fan's schemes, he believed that Xia Qingwu's engagement to Wang Li had been dissolved.

In Ye Fan's mind, this presented an opportunity for him to pursue a marriage alliance with Xia Qingwu.

The Silver Ice King Heart served as his bargaining chip. Ye Fan knew that for someone like Madam Xia Bingling, a Nascent Soul Realm expert who cultivated the Ice Element, the potential of this treasure to enhance her power and prestige was undeniable.

Convincing her to agree to a marriage between him and Xia Qingwu seemed plausible, especially with such a valuable offering.

As he approached the Xia Family's territory, Ye Fan couldn't shake off the excitement bubbling within him. The prospect of marrying someone as beautiful as Xia Qingwu filled him with anticipation, and he was determined to make it happen.

Arriving at the Xia Family's estate, Ye Fan was greeted by the bustling activity of servants and guards going about their daily tasks.

He wasted no time in requesting an audience with Madam Xia Bingling, eager to present his offering and plead his case.

Once granted an audience, Ye Fan wasted no time in explaining his intentions to Madam Xia Bingling. "Madam Xia Bingling, I come bearing a gift of great significance," he began, his tone respectful yet earnest.

Madam Xia Bingling regarded him with a curious gaze, her icy blue eyes assessing him carefully. "And what gift might that be, young man?" she inquired, her voice carrying a hint of intrigue.

With a flourish, Ye Fan produced the Silver Ice King Heart, holding it out for Madam Xia Bingling to inspect. "This is the Silver Ice King Heart, a rare treasure that holds immense value for practitioners of the Ice Element," he explained, his words laced with conviction.

Madam Xia Bingling's eyes widened in astonishment as she examined the precious treasure in his hands. "Truly, this is a remarkable gift," she murmured, her expression softening slightly.

Seizing the opportunity, Ye Fan pressed on, his voice filled with sincerity. "Madam Xia Bingling, I humbly request your consideration in forming a marriage alliance between myself and your esteemed daughter, Xia Qingwu," he declared, his gaze unwavering.

Madam Xia Bingling's demeanor shifted as she contemplated his proposal, her thoughts racing. "You are bold to make such a request, young man," she remarked, her tone measured yet intrigued.

With determination burning in his eyes, Ye Fan continued to plead his case, laying out his intentions and expressing his admiration for Xia Qingwu.