r18novel Page 417
Page 417
Cao Ying walked up to Xiao Fan, looked at him with a hint of curiosity in her eyes, and said, "However, I remember that you were not invited to this gathering. Why did you infiltrate my Cao family and disrupt our gathering? I wonder what your purpose is?"
"What? This person didn't have an invitation?"
"I knew it. The people invited by the Cao family are all alchemy geniuses from their various forces. Even if you haven't met them, you should have heard of them. But this person is someone I can't think of at all. I originally thought he was a trump card of some family, but it turns out he was someone who infiltrated the family."
As Cao Ying finished speaking, Xiao Fan could sense that several experts were secretly emanating a sharp aura, locking onto him. If Xiao Fan made the slightest move, they would immediately take action and capture him!
Xiao Fan wasn't surprised that Cao Ying could discover he had infiltrated the group. His only goal was to meet her, and once they met, everything would be fine.
"Hehe, I won't tell you my name. We'll meet again sooner or later. I'll tell you my name next time we meet."
Xiao Fan shook his head, then said, "As for my purpose, it's very simple, it's all for you."
Xiao Fan looked at Cao Ying and said, "I've long heard of Cao Ying, the enchanting woman of the Cao family, who is exceptionally talented. I wonder if you'd be interested in making a bet with me?"
"Make a bet?"
Cao Ying looked at Xiao Fan with a puzzled expression and asked, "What's the bet?"
Xiao Fan looked at Cao Ying and didn't hide his purpose, saying directly, "The Ye family!"
"The Ye family!?"
Cao Ying was taken aback at first, but then she immediately realized what was going on and asked, "Were you sent by the Ye family?"
Xiao Fan listened to Cao Ying's words, shook his finger, and then said, "No, if we're talking about getting up, we should be considered to have a cooperative relationship with the Ye family. I think you should have already guessed the purpose of my visit."
After listening to Xiao Fan's words, Cao Ying's eyes flickered. He was naturally aware of the recent events between the clan and the Ye family. The Ye family, which had originally planned to form a marriage alliance with the Cao family, suddenly changed their minds and planned to cancel it. After hearing this news, many elders in the clan also planned to force the Ye family to fulfill their promise.
Previously, Cao Ying had not cared about this matter, since it had nothing to do with her in any way.
only.........
Cao Ying sized up Xiao Fan and then became interested in the bet.
Chapter 169 Facing the Cao Family
Cao Ying looked at Xiao Fan with a meaningful smile on her face and said, "Your goal is probably to get the Cao family to let the Ye family off the hook, right? To agree to cancel the engagement with the Ye family. But I wonder what bargaining chips you have to offer?"
Cao Ying looked at Xiao Fan and said bluntly, "With your strength as a seventh-grade alchemist, you are not qualified to negotiate with me at all."
As Cao Ying finished speaking, outside the courtyard, the auras of powerful figures instantly erupted, without any concealment, directly locking onto Xiao Fan and Zi Yan in the middle, as if they intended to take them down at the slightest provocation.
However, without Cao Ying's signal, the group of powerful figures did not make a move, but instead stared at Xiao Fan with predatory eyes. Faced with the encirclement of the group of powerful figures, the expressions of the alchemy room members around them changed drastically, and they had already hidden on the other side of the pavilion, not daring to get involved.
Seeing Xiao Fan and his companion trapped in the encirclement yet remaining calm, Cao Ying was slightly surprised. She glanced around and said to Xiao Fan, "Could it be that you have some other tricks up your sleeve? Why don't you show them to me now, or you might not be able to leave the Cao family today?"
Although Cao Ying had developed a slight interest in Xiao Fan, she was not going to show any mercy to him, since he dared to infiltrate the Cao family, especially under the identity of the Ye family, which the Cao family was about to annex. Although she usually stayed in the Pill Tower, she was still a member of the Cao family.
Xiao Fan listened to Cao Ying's words, looked up at her, and a hint of surprise flashed across his face. He thought that Cao Ying would choose to fight because of his exposed seventh-grade alchemist soul power. Isn't that how it is written in the novel?
He made a bet with a wealthy heiress and won. Although the heiress was unwilling to accept defeat, she had no choice but to accept her loss and let the Ye family go.
Unexpectedly, before the plan could even be implemented, it seems destined to be stillborn.
Since the plan had failed, Xiao Fan had no intention of pretending anymore. He slowly got up from his seat and glanced around the courtyard. The group of Cao family experts who had been eyeing him menacingly suddenly felt as if they were facing a raging beast, and their fighting spirit stagnated.
"Strong Dou Zun!"
Among the guards around them were many Dou Zong level cultivators. After sensing the overwhelming aura emanating from Xiao Fan, a middle-aged man at the Dou Zong level instantly appeared in front of Cao Ying. Although the cold sweat on his forehead betrayed his condition, he still managed to stop Xiao Fan with great difficulty.
"Sir, this is the Cao family. Even if you are a Dou Zun expert, the Cao family is not without friends!"
As if to verify his words, as soon as the middle-aged man finished speaking, two figures appeared in the courtyard, looking at Xiao Fan with wary expressions.
"Two seniors!"
Seeing the two people who suddenly appeared, the middle-aged man finally showed a hint of relief on his face, and then silently stepped back, leaving the scene to the two who had just appeared.
Looking at the two powerful figures who had just appeared, Xiao Fan showed no surprise whatsoever. Their strength was laid bare in his eyes.
"Two one-star Dou Zun?"
The two Dou Zun powerhouses who appeared were dressed in black robes, exuding an aura that kept strangers at bay, and dressed in brown clothes with their hair tied up on top of their heads, radiating a melancholy aura.
"My name is Ku Yi, and this gentleman is Bei Qing. May I ask what your purpose is in coming from afar to infiltrate the Cao family?"
Of the two Dou Zun experts, the one dressed in black, the Bitter Robe Venerable, spoke first, addressing Xiao Fan. He then paused upon seeing Xiao Fan's youthful face, and after glancing at Zi Yan following behind Xiao Fan, he said uncertainly, "You seem to be... Xiao Fan, who is currently wanted by the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan and the Wind and Thunder Pavilion?"
Seeing that Venerable Kuyi recognized him, Xiao Fan did not explain further. He cupped his hands to the two of them and then said, "I came here with the intention of making friends. After all, I haven't harmed a single member of the Cao family so far."
After a pause, Xiao Fan pointed to Qi He, who had just emerged from the pool, and said, "Hmm, this person doesn't count!"
As Xiao Fan finished speaking, several more powerful auras appeared. It was the Cao family patriarch and his group who had arrived two Dou Zun behind.
"Oh? May I ask what brings you to my Cao family, young friend Xiao Fan?"
A middle-aged man who had just been on the road, dressed in magnificent clothes and with a seemingly kind smile on his face, landed in the pavilion. He then gestured to the guards in the distance to take the other alchemists away first, and spoke to Xiao Fan.
At this moment, Cao Ying also approached the middle-aged man and whispered Xiao Fan's purpose to him.
"I am Cao Ming of the Cao family. I am capable of making decisions on many matters within the clan. I wonder what price the Ye family has offered? The Cao family is willing to offer double the price to make friends with you, young friend!"
The Venerable of Bitter Robes and the Venerable of Sorrow, who had just appeared, were now gathered in front of Cao Ming, carefully guarding against Xiao Fan.
After all, the news that had spread from Bright Moon City earlier indicated that Xiao Fan had actually fought against Thunder Venerable and was evenly matched, something that even the Bitter Robe Venerable and the Sorrowful Venerable were not confident about if they joined forces.
Moreover, they haven't sensed any aura from Xiao Fan yet, and they can't be sure of his strength, so they can only proceed with caution.
Xiao Fan listened to Cao Ming's words without being moved. He shook his head and explained to Cao Ming, "Although helping the Ye family is a transaction, it can also be considered a favor. I'm not asking the Cao family to stop targeting the Ye family in the future. As long as the Cao family doesn't take action against the Ye family before the assessment ends, how about that?"
Cao Ming listened to Xiao Fan's words, lowered his head, and looked at Xiao Fan with an uncertain expression.
In fact, with Xiao Fan's strength at the Dou Zun level, he only needed to give the Ye family two months, which the Cao family could easily agree to.
However, Cao Ming understood that only by taking advantage of the current situation, before the Ye family's assessment, and by using the previous marriage as an excuse, could the Cao family have a chance to open the door to the Ye family. At that time, the huge Ye family would all be the Cao family's property. But if the other party really passed the assessment and there was no legitimate reason, and the Cao family made a move, the Pill Tower would not sit idly by.
After reviewing the information he had previously obtained about Xiao Fan, Cao Ming cautiously asked, "Young friend Xiao Fan, are you still on the wanted lists of the Wind and Thunder Pavilion and the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan? Aren't you afraid they'll come looking for you?"
"It seems that Patriarch Cao is threatening me!"
Upon hearing Cao Ming's words, Xiao Fan's gaze suddenly locked onto Cao Ming. Cao Ming's back was instantly soaked with cold sweat, and the two people beside him, Venerable Kuyi and Venerable Beiqing, immediately stepped in front of Cao Ming, blocking Xiao Fan's momentum.
"Humph!"
Sensing their movements, Xiao Fan snorted coldly, then his figure blurred, instantly appearing in front of them. With his left hand gathering the Azure Lotus Earth Core Flame and his right hand enveloped in Bone Spirit Cold Flame, he slapped towards them.
Sensing Xiao Fan's attack, Venerable Kuyi and Venerable Beiqing's expressions changed. Just as they were about to stop him, they suddenly discovered that a ball of ethereal flame had once again emerged from their bodies and was surging towards their hearts. They immediately mobilized their battle qi to suppress it, but their movements were a fraction too slow.
"Bang! Bang!"
Xiao Fan's current strength is already enough to fight against opponents of higher levels, not to mention that the two people in front of him are only one-star Dou Zun. The Fallen Heart Flame caught him off guard, and then one of them struck the two people with a palm.
Both of them staggered back several steps after being struck by Xiao Fan, their faces looking rather pale.
The Cao family members around them were filled with disbelief when they saw Xiao Fan force back two Dou Zun with just two palm strikes.
Cao Ming was also greatly alarmed upon seeing this.
"Hehe, it's just the Wind and Thunder Pavilion and the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan. You may not know, but some time ago, a team of executioners from the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan joined forces with Thunder Venerable, and I still managed to kill one of their Dou Zun. However, they probably wouldn't dare to publicize such news."
Xiao Fan repelled the two men but did not continue to fight. After all, his goal was not to make enemies with the Cao family. As long as he appropriately displayed his strength and made the Cao family wary, that would be enough.
Upon hearing Xiao Fan's words, Cao Ming's expression changed drastically.
When Xiao Fan and his group left Mingyue City, they did not conceal their whereabouts. Many spies from various forces witnessed it firsthand. Although no one saw the battle that broke out on the distant plains afterward, the terrifying fluctuations led many to speculate that it was a battle between Dou Zun experts.
Upon hearing Xiao Fan's words, Cao Ming instantly broke out in a cold sweat.
Killing a Dou Zun is different from defeating a Dou Zun. At the Dou Zun level, the soul can already leave the body and survive. In addition, with the control of spatial power, even if they are no match, they can usually escape. To kill, the only way is to completely crush them with strength.
Xiao Fan was able to kill a Dou Zun despite being surrounded and attacked by Lei Zun and the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan. It seems that not only was the opponent incredibly strong, but there were probably other powerful figures supporting him. Otherwise, even if he, as a Dou Zun, could rival the Wind and Thunder Pavilion, he would definitely not be a match for the Heavenly Demon Phoenix Clan.
Thinking of this, Cao Ming's face turned pale instantly. In either case, it was something the Cao family could not afford to provoke. Besides, Xiao Fan's goal was not to protect the Ye family forever; he only needed to get through this assessment.
The Cao family does indeed have connections with many Dou Zun, but these are all connections accumulated over the years, and each use reduces them. Cao Ming is unwilling to waste these opportunities to invite Dou Zun experts just to deal with Xiao Fan.
With only two months left in the assessment, and knowing the situation of the Ye family disciples, Cao Ming didn't believe they had the ability to turn the tide. Therefore, agreeing to Xiao Fan's request was not unreasonable!
In any case, at least it doesn't count as a complete falling out with Xiao Fan; in fact, it might even allow them to try and build a relationship...
"it is good!"
Thinking this through, Cao Ming's mind became crystal clear, and a smile returned to his face. He gestured for the Bitter Robe Venerable and the Sorrowful Venerable to step back, then cupped his hands towards Xiao Fan and said, "Hehe, Lord Xiao Fan, I agree to your request. I guarantee that in the next two months, the Cao family will not take any initiative to target the Ye family. Are you satisfied now?"
Chapter 170 Little Fairy Doctor's Breakthrough
Seeing that Cao Ming had agreed to his request, Xiao Fan wouldn't take the initiative to antagonize him. After all, it was Xiao Fan who had come to the Cao family to cause trouble because of the Ye family's matter.
"Then thank you very much, Patriarch Cao."
Xiao Fan cupped his hands in greeting to Cao Ming with a smile on his face. Then, his gaze swept over the group of Cao family experts. Without waiting for Cao Ming to speak, he quickly left the Cao family with Zi Yan.
Watching Xiao Fan leave, the Bitter Robe Venerable and the Bitter Love Venerable, who had been blocking Cao Ming's way, exchanged a glance and then breathed a sigh of relief.
They had only exchanged a few blows with Xiao Fan earlier, but they had already realized that although they were also Dou Zun level, even if the two of them joined forces, they probably wouldn't be a match for Xiao Fan. Now that they saw Xiao Fan finally fall, they no longer needed to worry about fighting with Xiao Fan because of the Cao family.
After all, they only helped the Cao family because of their past relationship with them, and they were unwilling to risk their lives for a mere connection.
"Patriarch, what's next...?"
At this moment, an elder of the Cao family approached Cao Ming and asked him about the Cao family's next plans.
After thinking for a moment, Cao Ming instructed, "Since we have already agreed not to take action against the Ye family, then we should temporarily put aside any actions against the Ye family until the end of the assessment. I don't believe that the Ye family, which has failed for two consecutive years, can turn things around this year."
Cao Ming's smile looked extremely awkward. He then ordered, "Also, have someone deliver Xiao Fan's information to the Fenglei Pavilion. Since we can't handle him, let's leave it to someone who can."
After giving the instructions, Cao Ming thought of the great battle Xiao Fan had mentioned and added with some concern, "Remember, you only need to send the message over. Otherwise, you are not allowed to get involved in any of their conflicts."