Chapter 334: Chapter 334

Ding Fan's eyes couldn't help but light up.

According to Mary, the diamond that could change temperature with the environment, if he wasn't wrong, it must be the Sky Changing Stone.

The Sky Changing Stone was one of the primary materials for evolving storage rings, which was also the main material Ding Fan intended to acquire at the Longxi Auction.

"What color is that diamond?" Ding Fan asked.

It should be noted that the Sky Changing Stone is extremely rare, and even in the Cultivation World, it is seldom seen. If he could really get such a treasure, then he would indeed be lucky.

"I have a photo right here," said Mary, taking out her Apple phone, opening her gallery, and indeed, there was a photo of the diamond.

Ding Fan took Mary's phone and flipped through the photos.

Mary was very meticulous; she had taken photos from various angles. Through these photos, Ding Fan could confirm that the diamond Mary mentioned was indeed the Sky Changing Stone. This update ıs available on 𝔫𝔬𝔳𝔢𝔩~𝔣𝔦𝔯𝔢~𝔫𝔢𝔱

"Brother Fan, as long as you go to Zhangjiajie and bring back my grandfather's remains, in addition to a generous reward, this Sky Changing Stone will also be yours," Mary said with a smile blooming like flowers.

Mary was very shrewd; she had sensed early on that no amount of generous reward could move Ding Fan as that diamond could, for Ding Fan practiced Martial Cultivation and for such people, materials often attract them more than money.

Ding Fan pondered for a moment. "Alright."

The Sky Changing Stone was not common, and even if it was just for the Sky Changing Stone, Ding Fan needed to take up this matter now.

"I'll thank you in advance, Mr. Ding. If you can bring back my father's remains, my Ma Family will be eternally grateful!" Ma Xiaochuan raised his glass as he spoke.

"I'm lending a hand also for that Sky Changing Stone; I too see a potential profit, so thanks is not necessary," Ding Fan responded.

Seeing Ding Fan's sincerity, Ma Xiaochuan felt some admiration for him in his heart. Such maturity and composure at a young age, humble and cautious—this young man's future was promising.

"Mr. Ding, I'd like to warn you, the forbidden area under Zhangjiajie that I have sent people to explore before opens a secret door every full moon night. My father once said entering that door means entering the forbidden area. However, over the years, none of the people I sent could leave there alive..."

Ma Xiaochuan hadn't mentioned it before, but Ding Fan had already guessed that the place must be very dangerous; otherwise, why would the head of the Central Bank go to such lengths to seek him out?

"Thank you for the warning. There are still more than ten days until the next full moon night. I will prepare in these days, and on the next full moon night, I will set out."

Ding Fan didn't have much time to waste at the moment; he still needed to go to Longxi, so it was best to resolve this matter as soon as possible and put this concern behind him.

"That would be best. Before the night of the full moon, I will arrange for someone to meet you, Mr. Ding," Ma Xiaochuan said.

With this matter settled, everyone was indeed full and content. Everyone left the gathering in high spirits.

The birthday party was quite a success. Originally intending to show off at the event, Zhao Liren left early with a star he had hired, tail between his legs, before the gathering even ended.

Ye Family was in decline, and Zhao Liren came today to revel in Ye Ningqing's misery and to settle an old rejection. However, to his surprise, Ye Ningqing had such an impressive friend like Ding Fan.

People from the Qin family of the Four Great Families sent their representatives. Elders Shen and Mu, two esteemed figures, came, and even Ma Xiaochuan, the head of the Central Bank, personally came to this humble little fishing village to celebrate Ye Ningqing's birthday.

The heavies who came today for Ye Ningqing's birthday were not the kind anyone could just invite. Even Zhao Liren's powerful father could only pull so much weight, which was impressive enough.

Zhao Liren had hired a high-profile star to show off in front of Ye Ningqing, but unbeknownst to him, Ye Ningqing had outshined him by inviting Lin Qingqing, who was currently a blazingly popular star.

Being outclassed at every turn and losing face, Zhao Liren couldn't stand to stay any longer, no matter how thick-skinned he was...

After seeing everyone off, Ding Fan walked with Ye Ningqing outside.

The moonlight was bright, and the night was still.

Ye Ningqing walked quietly beside Ding Fan.

Today's birthday was incredibly unforgettable for Ye Ningqing—the magnificent fireworks were deeply etched in her mind, never to fade.

It wasn't that Ye Ningqing lacked suitors. With her beauty, who wouldn't be tempted?

However, Ye Ningqing had never been moved because she knew that those people were after her body, her appearance; once they got what they wanted, they would continue to search for their next target, and she would just become one of their discarded items.

After all, as years pass, who could stay forever young? Love based on looks could never last.

But Ding Fan was different from those people.

Ding Fan had a unique charm. He had helped her many times. If Ding Fan was like the others, only after her appearance, he could have taken advantage during their time in Changling.

But Ding Fan did not.

This time, on her birthday, Ding Fan did so much for her. Under the watchful eyes of all and during the brilliant fireworks, Ye Ningqing clearly remembered Ding Fan's gaze at that moment.

It was the look of an elder brother toward his sister, innocent, pure.

The long road stretched before them, and the two walked in silence, not because they had nothing to say, but because they were enjoying a moment of peace — perhaps this was their tacit understanding, Ye Ningqing and Ding Fan silently agreed.

"Ning Qing, this is the birthday gift I am giving you."

As they walked, they had almost unconsciously reached the military district's main gate when Ding Fan suddenly stopped.

Ye Ningqing did not speak; she just stood quietly beside Ding Fan.

While speaking, Ding Fan took a jade box out of his storage ring and handed it to Ye Ningqing.

Ye Ningqing immediately opened the jade box.

As the jade box was opened, a rich fragrance burst forth, causing Ye Ningqing to shudder involuntarily; being a martial artist, she knew this pill must be an extraordinary medicine pill.

"This is a Second Grade Foundation Establishment Pill. If you take it, with your current cultivation, advancing to Human-level Sixth Grade should not be a problem," Ding Fan explained about the medicine pill.

A Second Grade medicine pill?

Ye Ningqing's eyes, wide with surprise, had never witnessed a Second Grade medicine pill before even in the affluent groups she knew.

Moreover, according to what Ding Fan said, could she easily ascend to Human-level Sixth Grade?

Ye Ningqing, currently at Human-level Fourth Grade only, could potentially leap directly to the Sixth Grade by taking this pill.

Ye Ningqing was so surprised she found it hard to believe.

It was well known that advancing even one level beyond Human-level Third Grade was tremendously difficult, and levels above Fifth Grade correspond to a mid-level cultivation, making the leap from Fifth to Sixth Grade especially challenging.

And yet, a single pill from Ding Fan might let her ascend from Human-level Fourth Grade to Human-level Sixth Grade... How could Ye Ningqing not be amazed?

"Brother Fan, such a precious gift... I cannot accept it," Ye Ningqing said.

This Second Grade pill was truly a priceless treasure, desired by many but unattainable. How could Ye Ningqing accept it when Ding Fan seemed willing to give it so easily?

Ding Fan smiled faintly. Although Ye Ningqing did not state her reasons, Ding Fan could guess that she found the pill too precious.

"Given my current cultivation, this pill won't have much effect on me. Even if I were to take it, the benefits would be minimal. Instead of wasting it on me, it would be better if you use it to enhance your cultivation."

What Ding Fan said was the truth; he was already a Sixth Level Qi Cultivator, and the pill would not help him much further in his cultivation.

Ye Ningqing pondered for a moment and felt that what Ding Fan said made sense. So she accepted the gift.

Ding Fan's cultivation was such that even Ye Qingyun could not match him, so Ye Ningqing did not doubt his words.

"Brother Fan, this birthday has been very joyous for me... Thank you..."

Ye Ningqing held the jade box Ding Fan had given her with both hands, her beautiful eyes brimming with tender emotions.

Ye Ningqing did not hide her feelings at the moment; her fondness for Ding Fan was evident, or else why would she have willingly been expelled from her family to protect him?

Ye Ningqing looked into Ding Fan's eyes, conveying her feelings directly.

Ding Fan had to admit, Ye Ningqing... was beautiful.

Her eyes bright as the moon, her thin, tender lips, and her delicate, fair skin competed even with top celebrities in allure.

Moreover, having spent years in the military, Ye Ningqing's pretty face carried a hint of valor...

Ye Ningqing was very fragrant.

Her fragrance was not something any perfume could mimic; it was captivating and irresistibly enchanting...

Ding Fan and Ye Ningqing looked into each other's eyes, Ding Fan might not be skilled in matters of love, but he could not miss the deep affection in Ye Ningqing's gaze.

Ding Fan understood that when a woman conveyed her feelings to a man in such a manner, she was opening her heart to him completely.

At that moment, Ding Fan could have embraced her, kissed her...

"Ning Qing, it's getting late, let's head back," Ding Fan withdrew his gaze and began walking towards the gate of the military district.

Recently, Ding Fan felt overwhelmed by emotional debts, unable to offer Ye Ningqing anything significant. Since he could give nothing, what right did he have to take anything in return?

Ye Ningqing watched his retreating figure, feeling a sense of loss.

Had she never really entered Ding Fan's heart?

"Do you know... I like you..." Ye Ningqing murmured, watching Ding Fan's back.