Shrouding the Heavens

Chapter 328 - 329 Chapter 334 9-Aperture Stone Man

329: Chapter 334: 9-Aperture Stone Man 329: Chapter 334: 9-Aperture Stone Man The bamboo grove was verdant, and the Spiritual Spring surged; it was peaceful and quiet.

The stone platform stood tall, facing the sun, gathering the sun’s essence.

Ye Fan stood upon it, observing the Stone Man under the sunlight with great focus.

He slowly rotated the strange stone, earnest and meticulous.

Suddenly, his expression changed.

As the sunlight shone upon the Stone Man’s right eye, he seemed to catch a glimpse of a flicker of the sun’s essence that vanished in an instant.

Is this…

an illusion?

He could not be certain, suspecting his eyes had been dazzled from staring at the sun for too long.

Ye Fan remained motionless, holding the nine-aperture Stone Man towards the sun, concentrating intensely and observing carefully.

By this point, everyone knew that this refined-looking youth was a master of Source Technique, employing methods that were both sophisticated and unheard of.

“Could he be a youth from a Source Technique noble family, using techniques that are quite special, unseen before?” “A true master of Source Technique relies half on luck and half on skill when choosing stones; it can be said to be fifty-fifty.

This youth must have a remarkable background.” “Previously, weren’t there a few people from a Source Technique noble family?

They also examined the nine-aperture Stone Man, but their methods differed greatly from his.

They are certainly not from the same lineage.” Nearby, a group of elderly spectators whispered among themselves, their eyes showing a fervent interest.

If this youth was a Source Technique prodigy, he was undoubtedly worth recruiting.

Outside the Heavenly Stone Garden, although many people were gathered, it was exceedingly quiet.

Ever since Ye Fan had begun to interact with the nine-aperture Stone Man, the chattering had ceased.

Everyone was watching silently.

Jiang Yifei, immaculate in white and seemingly untouched by the dust of the mortal world, was waiting with a look of concern.

Even his boots were white, spotless, exuding an extraordinary elegance and grace.

An Miaoyi’s black hair danced lightly, revealing an inner divine beauty.

Her eyes, full of expression, also observed Ye Fan.

Her Flawless Jade Body, like snow piled upon a blossoming tree, was captivating.

Ye Fan stood quietly for a good ten minutes, yet observed no further anomalies.

The Stone Man’s right eye was dry, with no sun’s essence flowing in or out, lacking a lively Qi Mechanism.

Suddenly, Ye Fan moved.

His right hand emitted traces of light, dazzlingly colorful, creating a dreamlike sensation.

This was not a cultivator’s technique; it was a mystical Source Technique.

It gathered the enormous Qi of plants and trees, absorbed the sun’s brilliance, and drew upon the primordial essence of heaven and earth, all accumulated together.

Ye Fan’s right hand floated gently across, injecting the dazzling colors into the nine apertures.

His eyes, glimmering with starlight, were unblinkingly fixed on the Stone Man.

“Indeed, he is a master of Source Technique!

Such strange methods, such mystical techniques—I’ve never seen anything like it before.” “Can such Source Technique reveal the rare treasures within the stone?” Beside him, these elders all expressed astonishment, their hearts filled with anticipation, eager to see what other marvelous techniques he might display.

Ye Fan exhibited no fluctuations of divine energy, purely showcasing Source Technique.

He was solemn for the first time, as the nine-aperture Stone Man was truly extraordinary.

After a long period, the dazzling colors penetrated the nine apertures yet provoked no change.

The strange stone remained ancient and natural, unchanged.

Ye Fan furrowed his brow and lightly jumped off the stone platform, ceasing his observation under the sunlight.

These methods had proven ineffective.

Li Heishui communicated telepathically, saying, “Can’t see through it clearly?

Just leave it alone.

Earlier I heard someone say this stone has been here for years.

Even those who favored it ultimately abandoned it at the last moment.” Purple Clothes Yao Yue Kong also spoke up to remind him, “Little brother, if you aren’t confident, it’s better not to tamper with it.

Many Source Technique masters have examined it, yet all eventually left.” Ye Fan remained calm, saying, “I’ll take another look.” He placed the nine-aperture Stone Man on the grassy field.

After meticulously measuring the Stone Man’s body, he began to strike swiftly and repeatedly, pointing downward.

Streams of golden light, about an inch long, became visible, sinking into specific spots like grains of gold tumbling down.

“The Stone-to-Gold Hand!” a white-haired Source Master exclaimed, standing out among the crowd.

“What?

Is it truly the widely renowned and unusual skill, the Stone-to-Gold Hand from Source Technique?

Even masters from Source Technique noble families might not be able to perform it!” some elderly men voiced their surprise.

“Is it real?

Is this youth performing the Stone-to-Gold Hand?

This…

unbelievable!

He truly is a Source Technique prodigy!” Around them, a group of elder figures revealed their astonishment.

They had heard of this Source Technique yet had rarely seen it executed.

Outside the Heavenly Stone Garden, Wu Ziming, Li Chongtian, and the others exchanged glances, their faces dark with vexation, feeling as bitter as if they had bitten into coptis root.

The Great Xia Prince was shocked, yet even more focused.

He stood at the forefront, nearly touching the nine-aperture Stone Man.

Purple Clothes Yao Yue Kong also leaned in closely, observing from a short distance.

He found Ye Fan’s Source Technique more extraordinary than he had imagined.

If I could forge a good relationship with him, it would greatly benefit the Heavenly Demon Treasure Pavilion in the future, he thought.

Precisely one hundred and eighty-eight rays of golden light, each about an inch long, were infused by Ye Fan into the Stone Man.

This was not divine energy; there was no concern of shattering the stone.

Within the crowd, the Source Master was exclaiming non-stop, saying, “It’s all connected!

It’s a complete execution of the Stone-to-Gold Hand!” Ye Fan remained highly focused, undistracted by the spectators.

He began to strike the stone rhythmically, listening intently, until he finally stopped after a lengthy period.

“How is it?” Li Heishui asked nervously.

Being the center of attention and spending a heavenly price on selecting this piece of material made it difficult for anyone to remain calm.

“I still can’t be sure, but I’ll choose it nonetheless.

Buy it!” As Ye Fan uttered the word “buy,” the Stone Garden ceased to be tranquil, erupting in commotion as everyone began to chatter.

The nine-aperture Stone Man was a Heavenly Price Rare Stone.

It had been displayed here for many years, and no one had ever dared to touch it.

It had nearly become the treasure guarding the Dao Yi Stone Workshop.

Finally, today, someone dared to cut this stone.

This caused everyone to feel impatient, eager to witness what was being nurtured inside the Stone Man.

“Today was truly worth attending!

It will fulfill a desire we’ve held for many years!” some elders sighed with repeated exclamations.

“Heroes truly emerge from the young; he certainly has drive!

Many have seen this stone, even those from Source Technique noble families have visited, yet ultimately none purchased it.” Inside and outside the Stone Garden, the commotion was overwhelming, with everyone discussing their opinions.

Wu Ziming sneered, “I think he’s in for trouble.

So many masters have seriously pondered this stone but found it lacking, yet he dared to buy it.

Heh heh!” Li Chongtian likewise mocked, “Just wait and watch him fall flat on his face.

Let’s see how he deals with it!” Within the Stone Garden, Li Heishui frowned and said, “You can’t see through this stone; you can’t be sure.

Why buy it?” “What does it mean to gamble on stones?

The word ‘gamble’ comes before ‘stone.’ If even Source Technique is helpless, then you might as well boldly take a risk.” Ye Fan had delved deeply into the Heavenly Source Book, yet his Source Technique had not reached the perfect Realm.

He was incomparable to a Heavenly Source Master and indeed unable to see through this stone.

However, he faintly sensed an anomaly.

It’s definitely not an ordinary stone, he felt, though I’m unsure if it can produce any rare treasures.

I don’t want to miss this opportunity.

Members of the noble families visited recently, and I fear they might attract even more formidable figures.

“Good, good, good!” The Source Master was the most excited, trembling.

He had guarded this garden for decades.

Not being a cultivator, he had wished his entire life to witness someone cut open the Stone Man and see what was inside.

Even the most tranquil old Daoist lady showed a trace of unusual expression; she was not so indifferent anymore.

A young Daoist from the Dao Yi Sacred Land also appeared nearby, evidently wanting to witness the event.

As Ye Fan brandished the knife, all sounds ceased.

The vast Stone Garden fell silent, leaving only eager eyes fixed upon him.

The entire Stone Garden was quiet; the sound of falling leaves was audible.

Ye Fan began cutting the stone, cautious and careful.

He made small movements, his cuts steady and precise.

“CRACK!” When the first sound emerged, everyone shuddered.

This sound heralded that the treasure of the Dao Yi Stone Workshop was finally to be revealed!

Stone flakes scattered.

Ye Fan focused on wielding the knife without hesitation, quickly peeling off the Stone Man’s arm in moments.

The result was nothing but stone dust; not even a single piece of ordinary Source had been cut out.

The inside of the Stone Man was quite ordinary, powdery white, evidently not a stone containing rare treasures.

It’s over!

Li Heishui knew things were bad.

“Indeed!

No wonder those Source Technique experts eventually shook their heads and left it behind.

This nine-aperture Stone Man looked special, but internally it’s white stone.

It’s bound to produce no Source!” Several old men were very disappointed.

They had anticipated this stone for many years, only for it to be so ordinary, without a hint of peculiarity.

Some even suspected it was a ploy by the Dao Yi Sacred Land, deliberately setting a trap for those with profound Source Technique attainments.

“Fortunately, I restrained myself back then and didn’t buy this stone.” Ye Fan ignored these voices entirely and continued wielding the knife.

Soon, he peeled off the Stone Man’s legs; they were still powdery white.

“Alas, over the years, this stone has constantly been on my mind, only for it to turn out like this.” “If there were rare treasures, a Stone Flying Immortal Variation would have occurred long ago.

Now there’s not even a ripple.

It’s very disappointing.” These old men were all shaking their heads.

Li Heishui was the most anxious.

This stone had cost a heavenly price, and if nothing emerged from it, even the divine medicine they had acquired would have to be forfeited to cover the loss.

Ye Fan said nothing and continued wielding the knife.

He opened the Stone Man’s abdomen—still powdery white.

Then he sliced the head and finally brought the knife down on the chest.

Stone flakes scattered, yet still there was nothing.

Li Heishui’s cold sweat dripped down.

He had harbored high hopes but was now immensely disappointed.

At this moment, a fist-sized stone block on the ground remained uncut, located in the area of the heart.

Additionally, the forehead bone of the head had not yet been touched by the knife.

By now, the area outside the Stone Garden was no longer calm.

No one favored the nine-aperture Stone Man anymore.

After all this cutting, it had been proven to be white stone material, unlikely to contain any rare treasures.

“HA-HA…” Wu Ziming laughed.

“Overestimating yourself!

For all these years, every master has shaken their heads and walked away.

No one chose it.

Do you really believe you’re a Source Technique master?!” Li Chongtian also reveled in their misfortune, mocking, “Some people just don’t know their limits, believing they can command the world, only to end up falling flat on their faces, realizing they are nothing!” “HA-HA…” Their group all laughed, and the area outside the Stone Garden was in an uproar.

There were taunts, ridicule, and some sympathy.

All kinds of expressions were present, showcasing the various facets of human nature.

Now, no one remained silent.

A cacophony ensued, with nobody favoring the nine-aperture Stone Man any longer.

“HEH HEH…” A deep, meaningful sneer sounded from not far away.

Li Yishui, the Grand Elder of the Illusion Destruction Palace, had also appeared.

At this moment, even Yao Yue Kong and the Great Xia Prince were very disappointed.

They stood silent, slightly puzzled, wondering if they had misjudged Ye Fan.

From afar, Jiang Yifei slightly furrowed his brows, no longer paying as much attention to this place.

An Miaoyi lightly shook her head, her beautiful and flawless face growing calm.

A group of old men silently observed Ye Fan, saying no more.

The young Daoist, blessed with natural divine beauty, stood to one side, still very calm, showing no expression.

“Damn it, this is really infuriating!” Li Heishui was incredibly depressed and glared fiercely at Wu Ziming and Li Chongtian in the distance.

At this moment, only a little nun in white was still squatting on the ground, cupping her chin.

She looked very innocent, still curiously staring at the fist-sized stone block.

Blinking her big eyes, she asked, “Why have you stopped cutting?” Ye Fan, as calm as ever, stood up and loudly shouted to the surroundings, “Is anyone willing to gamble with me?”