42: Astonishing Harvest
Jiang Fan took it in surprise.
Feeling its warmth, he couldn’t help but glance at Xu Yining’s ample chest.
Then he quickly looked away and feigned indifference as he asked, “What is this?”
Xu Yining gazed at the jade bead, eyes full of reluctance:
“This was given to me at birth by a passing expert who saw my unique bone structure.”
“He said there was a cultivation technique hidden inside, but we’ve never managed to unlock it.”
“Now, I’m using it as collateral.”
“When I repay the money, you can return it to me! Don’t lose it!”
Oh?
Jiang Fan had indeed heard the maids mention it.
They said that eighteen years ago, when Xu Yining was born, a rainbow arched over the birthing room.
The astonishing phenomenon caught the attention of a passing expert.
After investigating, he found Xu Yining to be exceptionally talented.
He believed it was destiny and gave them a precious gift as a token.
Unexpectedly, Xu Yining used it as collateral with him.
After some thought, Jiang Fan returned it, writing: “This item is too precious to you; I can’t bear the responsibility if it’s lost.”
“No need to pawn it, you can take it back.”
However, Xu Yining stubbornly said, “The poor do not accept charity; don’t think I owe you a favor! Hmph!”
She picked out two million from the pile of silver notes and said, “I’ll repay you in the future!”
Then she stormed off in a huff.
Jiang Fan looked bewildered, “How did I offend her?”
Xu Youran watched his sister’s retreating figure and sighed softly, “It’s not that you offended her.”
“It’s that she… has started to care about you.”
This was also Xu Youran’s concern.
As Jiang Fan performed increasingly well, would his sister still dislike Jiang Fan as she did before?
If one day, she started liking Jiang Fan…
What would he do then?
After all, this engagement was actually meant for his sister.
“You’re overthinking! Someone who only thinks of herself, how could she care about me?”
Jiang Fan shook his head and, seeing no one around, took out some top-grade Qi Cultivation Liquid and handed it to her.
“Use it quickly.”
This time Xu Youran didn’t refuse.
The remnants of Blood Bat Palace weighed like a mountain on all Xu Family members.
Increasing their strength was a dire need.
After sending off Xu Youran, Jiang Fan returned to his room.
Taking out the jade bead, he examined it with curiosity.
On closer inspection, aside from its excellent quality being a top-grade jade carving, there was nothing special about it.
“But, since that expert gifted it, it can’t be just an ordinary jade bead.”
He tried various methods like holding it over a candle flame, soaking it in water, and even immersing it in Qi Cultivation Liquid.
All the methods he’d heard in strange tales for unlocking secrets, he tried them all.
Yet the jade bead remained unchanged.
“Is it really just an ordinary jade bead?” Jiang Fan dejectedly hung it around his neck.
Such a precious item, if lost, Xu Yining would probably kill him with a sword, wouldn’t she?
“Why do I even need it? It’s just a hot potato with no use,”
Jiang Fan lay on the bed, lightly patting his chest, muttering.
But, with his palm’s gentle pats, a faint trace of soul power emanated from the jade bead.
Such faint soul power was imperceptible to ordinary people.
But Jiang Fan instantly perked up.
In a flash, he hopped up like a carp and pulled out the jade bead, his face full of shock.