A Dish Best Served Cold (The Man In Rage)

On the summit of Mount Yunding, the grand mansion still stood tall and unwavering. The lush trees and vibrant flowers had flourished, creating a dense canopy that adorned the surroundings. During the chaotic period of the Chu Sect's upheaval, Chu Yuan, accompanied by the formidable masters of the Chu Sect, had besieged Mount Yunding, nearly reducing it to ruins. After the fierce battle, the mountain was left in ruins.

However, with the passage of several years, the scars of war had all but disappeared.

Mount Yunding had undergone a transformation, presenting a completely new appearance.

The verdant hills retained their timeless beauty, basking in the warm hues of countless sunsets. Ultimately, the outcomes of success or failure seemed insignificant in the grand scheme of things. Truly, what significance did Ye Fan's triumph from years ago hold?

It amounted to nothing more than a brief respite, a few years of teetering on the edge of survival.

While narrowly evading one catastrophe, they were inexorably hurtling toward destruction in the face of the looming next calamity.

Ye Fan often found himself contemplating his existence, a ceaseless cycle of striving, cultivating, and battling.

Driven by vengeance against Chu Yuan and the desire to dismantle the Chu Sect, his struggles extended to fierce confrontations with Symborsus and the ongoing challenges posed by the Universe Tree. He pondered that once he fulfilled all his duties, he could finally dedicate himself entirely to his family.

Alas, as one wave subsided, another swiftly emerged.

Years ago, Ye Fan had made a promise to his wife-a commitment to accompany her to witness the Northern Lights, to marvel at mountains, rivers, lakes, and seas. Yet, as of now, that promise remained unfulfilled.

It seemed increasingly likely that it might never come to pass because, in a few short years, the very existence of this world could be in jeopardy.

As the saying goes, "a familiar scene may stir up one's past memories and feelings."

Ye Fan found himself overwhelmed with myriad emotions, particularly as he pushed open the grand doors of the mansion once more, greeted by a scene that stirred indescribable emotions within him. When the mansion underwent renovations years ago, Ye Fan specifically instructed Li Er to preserve the original arrangement of displays and decorations.

Consequently, as he stepped back into the mansion, the surroundings mirrored the time when he shared it with Qiu Mucheng.

In a trance, Ye Fan felt as though he could vividly recall every moment spent with Qiu Mucheng here.

Unfortunately, many years had passed, everything had undergone profound changes, and while objects remained, people did not.

"Who is it?"

"Who dares to intrude upon the Mount Yunding Villa?"

"Which insolent trespasser dares to enter Mr. Chu's former residence?"

A sudden burst of angry voices echoed from outside.

Shortly after, Li Er, accompanied by several formidable masters, burst into the mansion.

Upon laying eyes on Ye Fan, Li Er felt his body stiffen. "M-Mr. Chu? You've... returned?"

Li Er found it difficult to believe what he was seeing. He rubbed his eyes vigorously, and only after confirming that it was indeed Ye Fan, did he dare to speak, his voice trembling.

After all, his last encounter with Ye Fan occurred nearly four to five years ago.

In comparison to the past, it was evident that Li Er had aged somewhat. However, Ye Fan remained unchanged, as if time had left no mark on him.

Overwhelmed by emotions, Li Er immediately knelt down.

As the threat of doomsday loomed over everyone, a profound sense of dread gripped them, as if they stood on the precipice of an abyss.

Yet, in the presence of the man before him, the fear gripping Li Er's heart simply dissipated.

Over the years, they had faced numerous trials with Ye Fan.

History and experience had repeatedly shown that as long as Chu Tianfan was present, he could shatter any shackles and break free from any cage. The deep-seated sense of security was beyond anyone else's capability. It was an emotion known as the feeling one gets after encountering Ye Fan. At that moment, Li Er was on the brink of tears.

"Why are you crying? You're almost fifty years old. The sun, moon, mountains, and rivers are all still intact, aren't they? And I'm still alive, aren't I?" Ye Fan remarked.

In the presence of an old friend, an indescribable familiarity surged within Ye Fan, leading him to engage in playful banter with Li Er.

Amidst tears and sniffles, Li Er expressed his emotions to Ye Fan, saying, "Mr. Chu, you've been gone for such a long time. I had almost given up hope of your return." "True. My solitary training this time lasted quite a while," Ye Fan responded.

"Mr. Chu, now that you're back, do we still need to relocate? Can you deal with the Universe Tree?" Li Er asked.

Throughout the years in Ye Fan's absence, Li Er faithfully adhered to the instructions Ye Fan had given him before he departed.

Consequently, over the past four to five years, Li Er had been steadily advancing the migration mission according to Ye Fan's directives.

At present, most of Ye Fan's relatives and friends had relocated outside the Folo Palace in India and would be able to enter the secret realm at any moment.

Despite this progress, Li Er couldn't shake the desire to stay on Earth.

Regardless of how magnificent foreign landscapes might be, they could never surpass the significance of one's hometown.

The profound attachment to one's homeland, ingrained in the bones of the Chinese people, resonated deeply with Li Er. Unfortunately, he had yet to receive the answer he hoped for.

"Let's proceed with the plan. In the battle against the Universe Tree, humanity still has no chance of victory," Ye Fan stated, his words carrying considerable weight.

Despite spending numerous years in solitary training beneath the Universe Tree and enhancing his command over Celestial Cloud, the limitations preventing him from breaking through to the god realm remained insurmountable.

Duanmu Wan'er had previously asserted that, without entering the god realm, he stood no chance against the Universe Tree.

Furthermore, even attaining god realm status offered no certainty of defeating the formidable Universe Tree.

Upon hearing this, Li Er experienced a sudden wave of disappointment. With Ye Fan's directive, he had no choice but to persist with the project.

"However, Mr. Chu, it seems that some of your relatives and friends are reluctant to leave. No matter how much I pleaded, they were unwilling to cooperate," Li Er conveyed.

"You mean, the people at the Chu residence? Leave that to me," Ye Fan assured.

When he left, Tang Yun and Chu Lin were still at the old house. Knowing Tang Yun's temperament, unless Ye Fan intervened personally, there was no way Li Er could have persuaded her.

Li Er recounted the situation with a bitter smile. "Actually, it's your aunt's family who is involved. Initially, your aunt and uncle had already moved to India. However, their daughter, Jiang Yuqing, consistently refused to cooperate. She was determined to stay in China, in Yanjing. She even accused us of being escapists, cowards, and faint-hearted. Your aunt's family had to return from India to China to take care of their daughter."

"Oh? Jiang Yuqing? Aunt Xilan's daughter?" Ye Fan vaguely remembered the name, but not much else.

His childhood at his maternal grandfather's house had kept him isolated from his cousins.

During their youth, distinguished young ladies like Ye Yuyan and Jiang Yuqing paid little attention to Ye Fan.

Ye Yuyan, being Ye Tian's daughter, had more frequent encounters with Ye Fan. They became well-acquainted when she later joined the Green Dragon Force.

On the other hand, Ye Fan rarely crossed paths with Jiang Yuqing.

Despite the lack of familiarity, they were relatives from his mother's side, and Ye Fan couldn't simply ignore them.

"Is she in Yanjing? I'll personally handle it. I'll bring her to India. Meanwhile, get your friends and family ready to go. My main reason for returning this time is to guide all of you into the secret realm. We're running out of time," Ye Fan spoke urgently.

"Alright, Mr. Chu. I'll inform Chen Ao and the others to head to India as soon as possible and relocate their entire clans," Li Er respectfully responded before promptly attending to the task.

Ye Fan lingered for a moment at Mount Yunding Villa, leaving behind a note that read: "Mucheng, if you can read this, please hurry to the Folo Palace in India!" After completing the necessary arrangements, Ye Fan stood up and left.

Meanwhile, on the other side, Zhang Nanhai tirelessly searched for Ye Fan's whereabouts. After an unsuccessful search, he eventually returned to Yanjing. "Nanhai, where have you been?" Every day, Jiang Yuqing would come to Mount Yan in search of Zhang Nanhai. That day, she happened to encounter him.

"I went to look for your cousin, but I couldn't find him. Do you happen to know where he is, Yuqing? If you do, please tell me. I want to see him!" Zhang Nanhai exclaimed urgently. "My cousin? Are you referring to Ye Fan?" Jiang Yuqing was slightly surprised.