Chapter 35: You Call This a Spendthrift?

The two demigods watched Zhou Xu, who had just identified himself, and did not dare to strike again rashly. After all, this man came from the Netherworld Sect of the Central Plains. They had certainly heard of the power of the Netherworld Sect; it was one of the top factions in the Central Plains and was absolutely incomparable to a sect like the Xuandan Sect. Killing Zhou Xu would be easy for them, but it would inevitably offend the Netherworld Sect—a responsibility they could not bear.

Just then, Chu Zhongtian, having sensed the aura of battle, hurried over with a group of elders. He saw blood hanging from the corners of Zhou Xu's mouth, his clothes in disarray, and his aura unstable. He had clearly been injured. Chu Zhongtian and the elders rushed forward to shield him. Only yesterday, Chu Zhongtian had received word from his eldest daughter, Chu Xuan'er, regarding Zhou Xu's arrival. This had left Chu Zhongtian incredibly excited; as long as they could latch onto the Netherworld Sect, they would no longer fear the Lingxiao Sect, let alone someone as insignificant as Ye Fan. He had never expected, however, that Zhou Xu would be nearly killed right in front of his own sect. Fortunately, he had arrived just in time; otherwise, the consequences would have been unthinkable.

"The two of you, stop at once!"

"This is all a misunderstanding. As you surely know, young nephew Zhou Xu is a disciple of the Netherworld Sect."

"If you truly insist on making things difficult for him, once the Netherworld Sect is angered, they will certainly not let you off."

"How about this? Take the remaining dowry back today, and let us consider this matter settled!"

With that, Chu Zhongtian returned the outstanding dowry in full, using his own private savings. He was so generous because he knew that Chu Xuan'er had entrusted Zhou Xu to bring ten million spirit stones, which effectively offset the cost.

"Third Brother, what do we do now?" one of the demigods asked the other.

"Fourth, you take the dowry back to the Young Master and inform him of what happened here. As for the Linghan Sect, I will keep watch. I doubt they would dare to play any tricks."

After reaching an agreement, one demigod immediately headed toward the Lingxiao Sect. The other remained to guard the forbidden area of the Linghan Sect, as that was the task Ye Fan had assigned them.

After dismissing the two demigods, Chu Zhongtian let out a silent sigh of relief. He hurriedly turned back to Zhou Xu and said, "I deserve to die for letting you be startled, nephew. Please, come inside!"

They busied themselves welcoming Zhou Xu into the main hall of the Linghan Sect. Chu Zhongtian sent for the sect’s finest healing pills to treat Zhou Xu’s injuries. Zhou Xu was quite satisfied with the way Chu Zhongtian and his people handled things.

"You have done well."

"Do not worry, Sect Master Chu. I have already heard from Xuan'er about the conflict between you and that Young Master of the Lingxiao Sect."

"The Netherworld Sect will handle this matter ourselves!"

Hearing this, Chu Zhongtian was overjoyed! He truly was a disciple of a top-tier Central Plains sect; he spoke with such bold confidence! He was leagues ahead of that Li Huamao from the so-called Xuandan Sect. It seemed his eldest daughter had chosen the right person after all!

...

At the Lingxiao Sect, in Ye Fan's room.

"Oh? You say a disciple from the Netherworld Sect has arrived at the Linghan Sect?"

"Those people at the Linghan Sect really know how to stir up trouble. I wonder what kind of pathetic schemes they’ve resorted to this time."

Ye Fan narrowed his eyes. It seemed the Linghan Sect was not being honest enough. The demigod had just reported the situation with Zhou Xu truthfully, which left Ye Fan feeling quite irritated. Those grandchildren at the Linghan Sect lacked even the most basic loyalty of a dog; if left unchecked, they might one day bite the hand that fed them.

However, he suddenly recalled the letter from Chen Qingshuang, which mentioned that factions in the Central Plains had dispatched disciples to investigate the strange celestial phenomena. He wondered if Zhou Xu of the Netherworld Sect was involved in that as well. Ye Fan did not want to invite trouble, but he certainly did not fear it. Since the other party wanted to provoke him, he wouldn't hold back on his own methods.

"Young Master, what shall be our next step?" the demigod asked.

A smirk curled the corner of Ye Fan's lips as he replied, "Since they’ve already bullied their way to my doorstep, I must teach them a lesson."

"Aren't those Central Plains factions all very wealthy? This Zhou Xu must have plenty of good things on him."

"I happen to be short on resources. Call the eldest and the second, and come with me to do some shopping!"

...

In the main hall of the Linghan Sect, Chu Zhongtian held a grand banquet to welcome Zhou Xu. After three rounds of drinks and the feast was well underway, a violent surge of spiritual energy swept through the entire hall.

"Sect Master Chu, you’re having such a good time! Are you not going to invite me to eat and drink as well?"

Upon hearing this voice, Chu Zhongtian’s expression darkened. The voice was all too familiar.

"Ye Fan!"

"I have already returned the dowry in full. Why have you come back?"

With the Netherworld Sect backing him, his tone became firmer. No matter how bold Ye Fan was, he shouldn't dare to easily offend someone from the Netherworld Sect.

"Do I need to notify you before I come to visit?"

"Rest assured, I’m not here to trouble you today—I’m here for him."

Ye Fan strode into the hall with a domineering air, pointing directly at Zhou Xu in the seat of honor. Behind him, the four demigods stood tall, their powerful aura making everyone present feel an unbearable pressure.

"Insolent! Do you know who I am?"

Zhou Xu had never imagined that Ye Fan would be this arrogant. He hadn't even gone to find him yet, and here he was, delivering himself to his door. It seemed his master was right: this Ye Fan was nothing but a spoiled brat who relied on his status to bully others.

"I don't care who you are or where you come from."

"I only heard that you were looking for trouble with me and even insulted my Lingxiao Sect."

"I’ve come here today to demand an explanation for that!"

"How about this? I’m a man who likes to be reasonable. Just pull some treasures from your pockets, and we'll consider it compensation for the damage to the Lingxiao Sect’s reputation."

Ye Fan’s words left everyone in shock. He was actually demanding compensation from a disciple of the Netherworld Sect in public? He was truly courting death!

Zhou Xu was so angered by Ye Fan’s arrogance that he laughed: "Boy, do you have any idea what you’re saying?"

"You want me to compensate you? In your dreams!"

Ye Fan shrugged and let out a helpless sigh. "It seems there is no room for negotiation."

"In that case, I’ll just have to take it myself."

Zhou Xu’s expression changed drastically, and he shouted, "What do you think you’re doing?"

"You’re asking me?"

"What am I doing... well, obviously, I’m doing you!"

As his voice fell, the spiritual energy within Ye Fan exploded outward. He hadn't fought since breaking through to the Great Circle of the Nascent Soul stage. Now, he would see just how strong a disciple from this so-called top-tier Central Plains sect really was.

Sensing the powerful aura coming from his opponent, Zhou Xu felt a sense of dread. Wasn't it said that Ye Fan was just a spoiled brat? How could he possess such profound cultivation?!