Supreme Emptiness

The next day.

Jiang Fan went to the Dragon-Rising Path again to refine his movement technique.

Xu Yining had been waiting for a long time, her fair cheeks tinged with a faint blush, her eyes holding a trace of expectation and shyness.

"Let's go in," Jiang Fan said expressionlessly.

Continuing to teach her the movement technique within Chen Zhengdao's projection.

After half a day, having guided her for the most part, he entered the twelfth layer to cultivate the Wandering Dragon Palm.

After two days of training,

his First Layer was approaching perfection.

With one more day of refinement, it would be completed.

He was eager to see if, upon reaching Great Success, he could have a match with Zhong Qizhen.

To see just how powerful the Wandering Dragon Palm truly was.

Dragging his exhausted body home,

he saw from afar a graceful figure, holding a dim lantern, waiting for his return.

"Youran." Jiang Fan looked around to ensure no one was present, then affectionately put his arm around her shoulder.

Xu Youran's expression was complicated as she said: "Chen Silin came by."

Jiang Fan let out a sound.

She must have come to congratulate Xu Youran on becoming Elder Li Qingfeng's disciple.

"She was looking for you," Xu Youran said, her eyes filled with resentment.

Huh?

Jiang Fan was taken aback: "Looking for me?"

Xu Youran replied: "When did you two become so close?"

"She needed you to vet her suitor?"

Um—

So it was about this matter.

Jiang Fan explained, half-true: "It was the Chen Family Master's request. I once helped him, so he finds me reliable."

So it was arranged by Chen Silin's father?

Xu Youran's mood improved, and she said: "No wonder, you are now at the Third Layer of Foundation Establishment, one of the top experts in Lonely Boat City."

"Having you vet someone is reasonable."

After a moment of thought, she added: "I'll go with you tomorrow."

"I also want to see what Chen Silin's fiancé is like, and if he is more outstanding than you."

Um—

This needs comparing too?

A woman's competitive spirit knows no bounds.

At dawn,

Jiang Fan and Xu Youran headed to the Chen Family. On the way, they passed a shop selling high-end gifts.

"Since it's an invitation from the Chen Family Master, it would be impolite to go empty-handed."

Xu Youran stopped the carriage: "You wait here in the carriage, I'll go buy some gifts."

She wore a green outfit, simple yet elegant, like a summer lotus leaf, brightening the eyes.

Her fair skin and stunning beauty attracted the gazes of the shop's patrons.

"Oh? Junior Sister Youran?"

Xu Youran looked up and saw it was Li Qingfeng's disciple,

and Jiang Fan's upcoming challenger, Zhong Qizhen.

Jiang Fan's entry into the Green Cloud Sect depended on their duel.

She dared not neglect the matter, and politely greeted: "Senior Brother Zhong."

Seeing her gentle demeanor, Zhong Qizhen's face was full of ardor. He stepped forward and grasped her hand: "Junior Sister Youran, no need for such formality."

Startled, Xu Youran quickly pulled away just before he could touch her, a hint of panic on her face: "Senior Brother Zhong, men and women should not touch, and moreover, I am already betrothed."

Zhong Qizhen's expression immediately turned displeased, and he said: "To that Jiang Fan? He's just useless trash."

"Junior Sister, you are so exceptionally beautiful, don't you feel wronged marrying him?"

"I heard you were forced?"

"How about this, I will stand up for you and break the engagement!"

As he spoke, he approached again.

Hearing his insults,

Xu Youran felt disgusted but had to endure, as Jiang Fan's fate depended on this man.

Reluctantly holding back her anger, she whispered: "Senior Brother, Jiang Fan and I are truly in love, there's no talk of wrongs or rights."

"Please, don't say such things again."

Zhong Qizhen squinted, becoming somewhat impatient: "Junior Sister, to be honest, I fell in love with you at first sight."

"Coincidentally, I need a partner in the sect. Would you be willing?"

What?

Knowing she had a fiancé, he still made such an absurd request?

Furious, she turned to leave: "I have matters to attend to, I bid you farewell."

Not wanting to spend another moment with Zhong Qizhen.

Unexpectedly, Zhong Qizhen coldly threatened: "Do you want Jiang Fan to pass the assessment or not?"

"His entry to the Green Cloud Sect is entirely in my hands."

"If I go easy on him, perhaps he can pass."

"If I'm serious, do you think he can survive ten of my moves?"

This!

Xu Youran abruptly stopped, looking at him angrily: "Senior Brother Zhong, what exactly do you want?"

Zhong Qizhen's gaze roamed over her captivating figure heatedly: "Come with me now and have some fun."

"I promise to go easy on Jiang Fan."

He played a word game.

He promised to go easy but didn't guarantee Jiang Fan would pass the assessment.

Feeling deeply insulted, Xu Youran wanted to leave.

Zhong Qizhen coldly snorted: "Try taking one step out of this shop, and I'll immediately crush Jiang Fan's hopes!"

Xu Youran walked to the shop's entrance.

Yet, she didn't dare step outside.

Seeing the beauty he had frightened into hesitation, Zhong Qizhen's lustful rage surged. Smiling, he stepped forward, extending his hands to embrace Xu Youran from behind.

But suddenly.

Xu Youran stumbled forward, his hands grasping at thin air.

Upon closer inspection,

it turned out Jiang Fan had swiftly pulled Xu Youran into his arms.

Simultaneously, he kicked a spiky fruit into Zhong Qizhen's hands.

Ouch!

Missing his target, Zhong Qizhen's hands were pricked, causing him to hiss in pain.

"You!" Zhong Qizhen angrily pulled out the thorns.

The sharp thorns drew several drops of blood.

Jiang Fan narrowed his eyes, writing: "I don't know about your skills, but you certainly are despicable."

Zhong Qizhen snorted: "Who do you think you are to judge me?"

"Don't forget, your fate is in my hands!"

"Kneel and apologize now, and I might consider going easy during the duel, or else…"

Jiang Fan was unafraid, writing: "Then don't go easy."

"Winning that way would be meaningless."

Zhong Qizhen fumed with anger.

Laughing furiously: "Alright! As you say! Don't blame me for defeating you with one move!"

Jiang Fan turned his back on him, holding Xu Youran as they left. Discover exclusive tales on My Virtual Library Empire

At the Chen Family.

Their arrival was warmly welcomed by Chen Yuqiu.

Only Chen Silin remained restless, sighing continuously.

Especially seeing Jiang Fan and Xu Youran seated together, a perfect match, she felt even more dejected.

Chen Yuqiu, noticing her feelings, said: "Fate brings people together and separates them. Don't force what isn't meant to be."

"Your other half is not bad either."

"A Green Cloud Sect Inner Sect disciple, Elder Li's cherished student, from a prominent family in Biliu City, well-matched with you."

Though these words made sense, Chen Silin felt bitter.

She understood she wasn't a match for Jiang Fan.

However, people always compare.

If Jiang Fan's fiancée were an unparalleled beauty she could admire, she would accept it.

But it had to be her good friend, Xu Youran, who once lived a life far less than her own.

She could only hope Zhong Qizhen was not too inferior to Jiang Fan.

At this moment,

the steward led a person in confidently.

"Master, Young Master Zhong has arrived."

Jiang Fan straightened immediately, curious about the newcomer.

The Chen Family had a deep foundation, a vast estate.

Chen Silin, pure and outstanding, with a keen business mind, was both beautiful and intelligent.

Her fiancé must be exceptionally brilliant as well.

But at first glance, he froze.

Beside him, Xu Youran was equally astonished.