A Dish Best Served Cold (The Man In Rage)

"Keep dreaming your pipe dreams!" Ye Fan flatly refused without a second thought.

He could bear with the several days' journey, largely due to the protection of Chu Yunyang.

Without him, the Chu family would not exist, much less the Book of Celestial Cloud.

Throughout the journey, the belief that Ye Fan held on to make it to the end despite the countless hardships and predicaments he encounters was mainly the power and magic of the Book of Celestial Cloud rather than his tenacious character.

One must never forgot their roots.

Ye Fan, having received such profound blessings from Chu Yunyang, would never let the authority of Mundane Sword Deity deter him from acknowledging his own ancestor.

Upon hearing the news, Jian Boyou was instantly wide-eyed.

"You really don't know what's good for you, Mortal. When I was alive, countless people cried and pleaded to become my disciples. They were delusional to think they could be one! Yet, I didn't take any of them. Not a single one. Now that I'm offering you the position, and you actually dare to refuse? Have you thought properly about this? If you agree to my terms, honor me as your master, and become my disciple, I will not only give you all my lifelong teachings, but even this celestial palace of mine, I will bestow upon you. This celestial palace of mine is indeed a valuable treasure. Back then, the value of the celestial palace where Chu Yunyang resided couldn't even compare to mine. All these are yours. All you have to do is just agree to my terms!" Jian Boyou enticed Ye Fan patiently and skillfully.

He had fallen into ruin many years ago, leaving behind only a wisp of his soul remnant.

He had given up any hope of seeking revenge against Chu Yunyang in his lifetime.

However, if he could take Ye Fan as a disciple, that in itself would be a form of revenge against Chu Yunyang.

At that prospect, naturally, Jian Boyou would be enthusiastic.

However, in response to Jian Boyou's words, Ye Fan's determination didn't waver. "You can give up on that idea, for I will never accept you as my mentor. I, Chu Tianfan, have thrived till this day, all thanks to the legacy left by Mr. Yunyang. The bloodline of the Chu family flows within me. If I accept Mr. Yunyang's enemy as my mentor, it'll be an act of disrespect, betrayal, heartlessness, and treachery toward him. I will never betray my ancestor. I won't change my mind even if you grant the celestial palace to me."

Ye Fan's tone was firm, not allowing any room for negotiation.

Upon hearing his refusal, Jian Boyou didn't get angry. Instead, he laughed and said, "I didn't expect this from you. You're quite loyal and righteous. Fine, I won't force you. Since you are unwilling to accept me as your mentor, you may leave. I, Jian Boyou, will wait here for the next destined person to arrive. When the time comes, I will have my successor kill you. You are Chu Yunyang's successor, and if my disciple defeats you, it'll be as if I have defeated Chu Yunyang myself. Thus, you must stay alive until my successor appears."

Jian Boyou laughed arrogantly. Since he couldn't take Ye Fan as his disciple, he would have to resort to another method to get back at Chu Yunyang.

"Don't worry. I'll be waiting. However, I fear that your legacy will be cut short when the time comes since your disciple will die by my sword," Ye Fan sneered, not bothering to exchange pleasantries with Jian Boyou before turning around and walking away.

After saying that, he turned and walked away.

"Ye Fan, please don't go..."

Duanmu Wan'er, however, watched with urgency.

She wanted to persuade Ye Fan to stay, but he had already left the palace, seemingly unwilling to linger for even a second longer.

Duanmu Wan'er sighed resignedly. "Ye Fan is being too impulsive."

Actually, she felt that Ye Fan could have accepted Jian Boyou's request first.

Jian Boyou had long since fallen, and his soul remnant probably wouldn't last much longer.

Moreover, the power of his soul remnant could only manifest within the celestial palace.

In the future, after Ye Fan gained control of the celestial palace and even the skills of the sword deity, he could do whatever he wanted after leaving the place.

Jian Boyou, trapped in the celestial palace, could do nothing against him.

Unfortunately, Ye Fan was not even willing to agree verbally.

"Young lady, and you are?"

Once Ye Fan left, Jian Boyou finally noticed a young lady standing nearby.

He took a glance, and was instantly taken aback.

The young lady was certainly not an average human.

"Mr. Sword Deity, my name is Duanmu Wan'er. I have a somewhat presumptuous request that I wonder if you will agree to?" Duanmu Wan'er asked politely.

"Oh? What kind of request?" The Mundane Sword Deity raised an eyebrow and asked curiously.

"Since your celestial palace has numerous pavilions and houses, I reckon most rooms are probably unused. I wonder if we can borrow them for a while? I promise I won't damage even a single blade of grass or tree in the celestial palace. We will absolutely not trespass into the rooms you forbid us to enter," Duanmu Wan'er pleaded.

Jian Boyou chuckled lightly. "You sure know how to scheme, young lady. My celestial palace is a treasure filled with aura. Anyone who stays here for a long time can even prolong their life. Why should I lend it to you? You're neither my disciples nor part of my family," Jian Boyou questioned directly.

However, it seemed Duanmu Wan'er had anticipated his question and promptly pulled out a piece of leaf.

"Mr. Sword Deity, do you know what this is?"

Initially, Jian Boyou was taken aback, but then, with a casual wave of his hand, the leaf floated toward him.

"This is a leaf from the Universe Tree! How did you come by such a thing?"

Jian Boyou was stunned.

The Universe Tree was a divine tree.

It was undoubtedly a rare species to come across in the cultivation world.

The Universe Tree was immensely powerful, but at the same time, a priceless treasure, especially the fallen leaves and branches. They possessed the effect of nourishing one's soul.

Many beings of the Celestial Realm dreamed of acquiring a Universe Tree, using its branches and trunk to forge their second body.

Not only could it greatly enhance one's strength, but it also increased the chances of survival in the treacherous Celestial Realm.

"Mr. Sword Deity, you should be aware of this too, right? The wonder of the Universe Tree. If you agree to my terms, I'll use the leaves of the Universe Tree to nurture your soul, prolonging the existence of your soul remnant. In truth, the world outside this celestial palace is akin to the end of the world. Only by staying in this celestial palace can Ye Fan avoid perishing in the apocalypse. Don't you still want your disciple to defeat Yunyang's descendants? If Ye Fan were to die in the apocalypse, I'm afraid your wish may never come true," Duanmu Waner persuaded logically and emotionally, gently driving him to accept her

terms.

After a moment of silence, Jian Boyou suddenly burst into laughter.

"You're indeed exceptionally clever, young lady. You have a keen insight into people's hearts and minds. What a pity! Such a good young lady, pining for a loser. Chu Yunyang's descendant is one lucky fellow." "All right. I promise you, young lady. You're free to roam the entire celestial palace, apart from certain areas. However, I'm warning you that the forbidden areas are all rigged with traps. You're to die a terrible death if you force your way in. It's in your best interest to keep your people in check."

In the end, Jian Boyou fell for Duanmu Wan'er's persuasion and agreed to her request.

"Thank you, Mr. Sword Deity. I understand."

With a heart full of joy, Duanmu Waner ran out to find Ye Fan.

"Ye Fan, Mr. Sword Deity has agreed. He agreed to us temporarily residing in the celestial palace! This place is fully equipped and elegantly designed. I'm sure your loved ones will find joy and peace during their stay here. Ye Fan, you can bring your family over now," Duanmu Wan'er happily announced.

Actually, the abode earlier could also serve as an accommodation.

However, it was too cramped and dim. Any average person living there for a long period might develop mental health issues.

Thus, Duanmu Waner thought about finding a more suitable paradise for Ye Fan's family and friends to stay on a long-term basis.