Chapter 402: Chapter 401: Taking the Initiative
At that moment, Ye Qingshan excitedly said to Ye Fan, "Come on, Ye Fan! Let’s have a little spar, grandpa and grandson!"
But Ye Fan looked troubled.
Ye Qingshan’s expression immediately soured. "What’s the matter?" he rebuked. "Do you look down on this old man? Or are you, the great King of Heaven, afraid I’ll defeat you and your pride can’t take it?"
You’re overthinking this, Ye Fan thought. He explained awkwardly, "Well, Grandpa, it’s not that I don’t want to spar. It’s just that I can’t quite control my strength. It would be terrible if I accidentally hurt you! After all, a single breath from me could probably injure you!"
"Such arrogance! Tell me, what realm are you at now?" Ye Qingshan was furious. That was just too discouraging.
Ye Fan just smiled. "Oh, nothing special. Just the Supreme Peak. I’m still a big step away from breaking through to the Saint-level!"
"What the hell is the Supreme realm?" Ye Qingshan’s cultivation was limited, so he had no idea what this so-called Supreme realm was.
Ye Fan gave a wry smile. "Let me put it this way. Generally, one King Level martial artist can fight ten Innate Martial Artists. One at the Emperor Level can fight ten at the King Level. And one Supreme can fight a hundred at the Emperor Level. Understand now?"
Ye Qingshan almost choked. He had never imagined the Supreme realm could be so ridiculously powerful. It was a level so far beyond his comprehension it was like trying to touch the heavens. He used to think the King Level was the ultimate peak, but now it seemed that age didn’t necessarily bring wisdom. His excitement vanished completely. When others reached the King Level, they were considered peerless masters. He, however, just felt despondent. Why is it that when I finally reach the King Level, it’s suddenly as common and worthless as cabbage?
Noticing his grandfather’s mood, Ye Fan quickly tried to encourage him. "Grandpa, don’t be discouraged. The Supreme realm is achievable for you, too! I’m here, aren’t I? I guarantee you’ll enter the Supreme realm within ten years!"
"Great! Ye Fan, you’re the one who truly understands me! Grandpa’s counting on you now!" Ye Qingshan declared shamelessly.
"I wouldn’t dare! I wouldn’t dare!" Ye Fan broke into a cold sweat. A grandfather counting on his grandson... that just doesn’t sound right!
Eager to test out his new King Level abilities, Ye Qingshan said to Ye Fan, "Ye Fan, I’m going to the martial arts training field. Tell everyone not to disturb me for dinner, or they’ll have to answer to me!"
"Okay!" Ye Fan agreed. And with that, Ye Qingshan excitedly dashed off to the training field, eager to explore the mysteries of the realm he had just entered.
Ye Fan was dozing off when Mrs. Jiang woke him. "Time to eat, child!"
"Okay!" Ye Fan headed toward the kitchen.
As he arrived, Ye Tiannan asked, "Where’s your grandpa? Why isn’t he eating with us?"
"Oh, Grandpa just broke through to the King Level, so he went to the martial arts training field," Ye Fan explained. "He also warned that if anyone dares to disturb him, he’ll break their legs!"
Ye Tiannan was stunned. He hadn’t realized his father had broken through to the King Level. This elevated the Ye Family far above the other Ancient Martial Families of Shangjing. He had been about to call the Old Master for dinner, but hearing the threat, he didn’t dare. From anyone else, such a threat might be a joke, but coming from his father, it was a promise. He absolutely meant what he said.
After dinner, Mrs. Jiang launched into a tirade against Ye Fan. What could I possibly say? It’s not that I haven’t tried; every attempt just ends in failure. What am I supposed to do?
Then, Mrs. Jiang said, "It seems you need to go to the hospital for a check-up. I’ve already arranged for a famous physician."
Ye Fan was speechless. Su Qingxue couldn’t help but laugh; having such a quirky mother-in-law was certainly one of life’s little amusements. But her laughter died a moment later.
"Qingxue, you’ll go with him for the check-up," Mrs. Jiang instructed.
"Auntie, this..." Su Qingxue started, at a loss for words.
"What’s wrong? Is there a problem?" Mrs. Jiang asked.
"No, no problem!" Su Qingxue replied quickly.
"That’s good!" Mrs. Jiang said, looking satisfied. She then shot Ye Fan a look of growing displeasure. He can win over any other woman, so why can’t he conquer Su Qingxue? This son of mine is an absolute failure.
「The next day」
The atmosphere was rather awkward, for it was the day of their hospital visit. Ye Fan whispered to Su Qingxue, "Listen, Qingxue, why don’t we just fudge this and get it over with?"
"No way," Su Qingxue said at once. "Auntie arranged this personally!"
"But there’s really nothing wrong with me!" Ye Fan was on the verge of tears.
Su Qingxue retorted, "Is there something wrong or not? Shouldn’t you know best?"
She actually doubts me? Ye Fan was furious. He was sorely tempted to show her exactly what he was made of, but ultimately decided against it.
The trip to the hospital was an awkward and torturous ordeal, especially for Ye Fan. Fortunately, the results came back completely normal, and only then could they leave.
As they left, Su Qingxue asked, "Ye Fan, are you leaving soon?"
"Pretty much," Ye Fan replied. "I’m heading to the Mo Sect tomorrow. If that faction isn’t eliminated, it will become a threat sooner or later." Though they pose no real threat to me, they are a plague upon the entire Hidden Dragon Hall and Flame Valley. Of course, my main concern is for Tongtong.
"I want to go with you!" Su Qingxue declared.
"Why?"
"Because I’m a member of Flame Valley. The Mo Sect has always suppressed the Gongsun Family, who are loyal to me. Eliminating this scourge for them is my responsibility!" Su Qingxue said with determination.
"Absolutely not," Ye Fan replied. "You go back to Qinghai and stay safe. War is a man’s affair." He didn’t want Su Qingxue getting tangled in a world of killing.
But Su Qingxue was defiant. "No, I must go. Unless you give me a reason not to!" This time, she was truly ready to stand against him.
"My reason," Ye Fan said, "is that I’m stronger than you!" His words were utterly dominant. I’m about to reach the Saint-level, and if I recall, the Flame Witch was also at that level! Su Qingxue hasn’t recovered her full power yet. This time, I’m not just her match... I’ve surpassed her!
But Su Qingxue just responded angrily, "You’re stronger than me?"
"That’s right!" Ye Fan answered with conviction.
"Fine," Su Qingxue said. "Then let’s find out!"
"A match it is! Who’s afraid of who?" Ye Fan shot back, full of confidence.
In an instant, Su Qingxue’s aura erupted, surging to a new height, even stronger than before. Not to be outdone, Ye Fan unleashed his own aura to meet hers. The two engaged in their first clash. After the initial exchange, they both staggered back.
Undoubtedly, Ye Fan had not lost this time. Unlike their last encounter, where he was felled in a single move, this time he held his ground.
He was incredibly proud. I’ve always been completely suppressed by Su Qingxue! Now I’ve finally turned the tables and seized the upper hand!
