"Thank you for the praise, Fairy Lingxu."

Ning Fan cupped his hands in a respectful salute.

He harbored no particular sentiments toward this Saintess of the Yin Yang Divine Sect. Her actions in exposing his true cultivation level to the sect's higher-ups carried both advantages and disadvantages for him.

"Mm."

Fairy Lingxu nodded slightly. However, in the next breath, Ning Fan scratched his head and offered a wry, awkward smile.

"Um... what exactly does the Saintess mean by those words?"

Fairy Lingxu: "..."

So, it turned out Ning Fan had not understood her meaning at all.

Then what was he thanking her for?

"The world knows that 'geniuses' exist, yet few truly comprehend what constitutes a real genius."

Fairy Lingxu's voice was soft, sounding as though she were murmuring to herself.

"What is a genius?"

"One who steps onto the path of cultivation and breaks through to the Profound Extreme Realm within a single week is a genius. One who can instantly comprehend a Yellow-grade combat technique is also a genius."

"Yet in this vast grand thousand world, the capabilities of true geniuses defy the comprehension of ordinary men. Sooner or later, you all will encounter even more monstrous talents. Only then will you experience an epiphany and realize what a true 'genius' is."

"..."

"So that is how it is. As expected of Her Highness the Saintess, her insights are truly profound."

"It is we who lack vision."

"Instantly mastering a Yellow-grade technique is indeed within the realm of possibility. The peerless talents of this world are truly beyond our ability to fathom."

The surrounding disciples chimed in, echoing her sentiments.

"Your Highness, I wonder if I might have the honor of accompanying you on a future sect assignment?"

Young Master Zheng approached with a radiant smile, lightly swaying his folding fan.

Fairy Lingxu cast a cold, indifferent glance toward him. In an instant, Young Master Zheng's smile froze. Without a single word, that solitary look was enough to force him to retreat three paces, abruptly suppressing the stray thoughts in his heart.

"You are quite remarkable."

"This has nothing to do with inherent talent."

"I find myself favoring your resolve. You have not lost your Dao Heart amidst the temptation of vast cultivation resources, choosing instead to adhere firmly to your principles."

"If not for..."

At this point, a flicker of complex emotion surfaced in Fairy Lingxu's eyes, but she perfectly concealed it in the next instant. Turning her back to Ning Fan and the others, she left behind a final sentence before her figure vanished into thin air.

"I hope that in the future, I will have the opportunity to witness the prosperity of our sect alongside you, Junior Brother."

Everyone exchanged bewildered glances before turning their envious and shocked gazes toward Ning Fan. This was not merely due to his performance just now, but because he had successfully drawn the favorable notice of Fairy Lingxu.

Even if it was just a passing remark.

It was an exceedingly rare honor.

After all, Young Master Zheng had just taken the initiative to strike up a conversation, only to be driven back by a single piercing glance. Throughout the entire sect, very few could earn Fairy Lingxu's high regard. For Ning Fan to achieve this while merely at the Profound Extreme Realm was truly an enviable feat.

"Settle the wagers,"

Ning Fan requested in a calm tone.

It was not that he wished to show off. If circumstances allowed, he would have preferred to maintain a low profile, pretending it took him a day or two of arduous cultivation to master the Blazing Netherfire Art. However, time pressed heavily upon him. He still had to break through two minor realms within the remaining days, and he needed to secure as much time as possible for his subsequent cultivation.

The more time left, the better.

"..."

The disciples tasked with managing the wagers stared at one another. Ning Fan's public demonstration of his success was entirely outside their calculations.

As for whether they should settle the payouts, they found themselves utterly unable to make the decision.

"Heh."

"Go ahead and settle it. Since Junior Brother Ning has already displayed the Blazing Netherfire Art, the outcome of this wager is beyond any doubt."

"..."

Young Master Zheng gently tapped his folding fan. Though his words were directed at the disciples handling the stakes, his gaze remained locked tightly onto Ning Fan.

This Ning Fan was certainly out of the ordinary.

Moreover, he was highly likely to become an adversary of Yin Yang Peak. How could such a presence be ignored?

Yet, even if he kept tabs on him, there was no reason to obstruct the settlement of the wagers. Countless disciples had participated; delaying the payout would only result in a loss of dignity and face. Furthermore, even if cultivation resources equivalent to 4,600 Spirit Stones were delivered to Ning Fan, whether he could successfully break through to the third layer of the Profound Extreme Realm within three days remained entirely unseen.

"Here are the materials and resources yielding four times your stake. Please verify the contents."

The disciple managing the wagers handed a storage ring to Ning Fan. After a brief sweep to confirm that the quantity of cultivation resources was correct, Ning Fan turned on his heel. He still had to cultivate!

He had to seize every fleeting breath to cultivate!!!

"Junior Brother Ning."

Just as Ning Fan's back was receding into the distance, Young Master Zheng's voice suddenly rang out. Ning Fan instinctively halted his steps and glanced back.

For some inexplicable reason, he detected a trace of distinct hostility on Young Master Zheng's face.

"Junior Brother Ning."

"I advise you not to let your thoughts wander. What Fairy Lingxu said just now was merely gracious encouragement; it does not mean she holds you in special regard."

"Everyone is well aware that Fairy Lingxu currently lacks a Dao partner, and her suitors within the Yin Yang Divine Sect are as numerous as crucian carp crossing a river."

"You will not be the exception!"

Young Master Zheng's eyes burned with intensity.

"Are you... throwing a tantrum?"

Ning Fan tilted his head slightly.

He harbored no special affection for Fairy Lingxu, nor was he narcissistic enough to believe she held him in high esteem. Yet Young Master Zheng was spouting such nonsense.

There could only be one explanation.

The man's composure had shattered.

As expected.

The moment Ning Fan's words left his mouth, an imaginary cracking sound seemed to echo, as though a fracture had appeared across the refined mask Young Master Zheng wore.

His elegant expression vanished, replaced by contorted features. Abandoning all pretense, Young Master Zheng glared at Ning Fan with a sinister, malevolent gaze.

"Junior Brother Ning."

"You had best pass all three trials. Otherwise, once you are forced to join Yin Yang Peak, this Senior Brother will be sure to take excellent 'care' of your Dao partner."

"You dare covet my Dao partner?"

Ning Fan narrowed his eyes, his gaze locking deeply onto Young Master Zheng.

"And what if I do?"

Young Master Zheng lifted his chin slightly, looking down upon Ning Fan from a lofty height.

"You will regret this."

Ning Fan's voice was completely flat, though a trace of cold killing intent flickered within his eyes. Leaving those words behind, he stepped away from the Prosperous Pavilion without looking back.

"Heh, hehe... ahahaha!"

Hearing this, Young Master Zheng clutched his stomach and laughed so hard his frame trembled, as though he had just been told the most absurd joke under the heavens.

"Make me regret?"

"Junior Brother Ning, do you even know that your Senior Brother here assumed the responsibilities of Chief Disciple of Yin Yang Peak several years ago? Now, I have already departed the main peak to roam the world outside the sect."

"Can a mere greenhorn like you ever hope to catch up to my footsteps?"

"Idiot's talk."

"..."

Young Master Zheng paid no heed to whether Ning Fan could still hear his mockery. He shook his head slightly, snapped his wrist to close his folding fan, and slowly departed the betting grounds.

Half an hour later.

Ning Fan returned to his cave dwelling, carrying the cultivation resources equivalent to 4,600 Spirit Stones. The moment he crossed the threshold, Yun Qingyao came running forward, throwing herself into his embrace.

"Husband?"

"The resources are secured. Come, let us dual cultivate."

"..."

Within Ning Fan's eyes, a profound thirst for strength flickered. It was still not enough. Even if his current capabilities were decent, they were far from sufficient to withstand the dangers ahead.

Right now, he could not be considered a true powerhouse at all.

He had to enter the main peak as soon as possible.

He had to elevate his cultivation with the utmost speed.

"Mm."

"Husband, allow your wife to serve you."

"..."

Looking for more free chapters? Visit www.skynovelvault.com to read over 5,000 free chapters and continue exploring more stories from SkyNovelVault.