A Dish Best Served Cold (The Man In Rage)

"Zhang Nanhai?" Ye Fan repeated the name.

He remembered this name.

When Ye Fan reached the Universe Tree back then, all the martial artists across the globe had already given up on fighting for the survival of mankind.

Only this man named Zhang Nanhai was still striving, seeking the light of hope in the darkness, exhausting all his strength to find a way for humanity to survive.

"Yeah, I know him. He was indeed a hero. Regardless of whether he'd succeed or not, he indeed had made an attempt. He already surpassed countless people in this world by doing this alone. But still, I stand by what I said. The might of the Universe Tree was beyond any human's ability to resist. As long as Zhang Nanhai remains limited by his identity as a human, I'm afraid he'd still have a difficult time resisting the Universe Tree." Ye Fan spoke in a deep voice.

Jiang Yuqing, however, began sneering.

"I knew you would say that. When faced with the achievements of others, instead of admiration, you respond with belittlement and denial. To put it bluntly, you're just upset because you think Nanhai stole your thunder and took away the glory that belonged to you. So, you didn't think highly of Nanhai, doubted him, and belittled him. Also, deep down, I bet you're hoping for Nanhai to fail, right? Ye Fan, although we haven't interacted much, this still doesn't deter me from getting to know you. I've already told you, you lack the broad-mindedness to embrace the world. Your impoverished upbringing has limited your vision and breadth of mind. Nanhai's success sparked jealousy in your heart. That's why you belittled the achievements of Nanhai and thought the Titan Formation wouldn't be able to deal with the Universe Tree. But do you know? Nanhai's Titan Formation is already the strongest formation in the world. The titans he creates with this formation are invincible. Even the combined force of the strongest masters on the Sky Ranking cannot triumph over the titans! And of course, I believe they can also defeat you!"

Jiang Yuqing spoke fervently, addressing Ye Fan with determination and righteousness.

"Yuqing, shut up! If you continue to speak to your cousin like this, get out of here!" Ye Xilan was furious, for her daughter had gone overboard with her words.

Even she, as Jiang Yuqing's mother, couldn't stand what she said.

Jiang Yuqing abruptly stood up pouted indignantly. "Hmph! Mom, you can silence me, but can you silence the public, too? While everyone around the globe is striving to face the apocalypse, Ye Fan is contemplating escape. After the public finds out, Ye Fan will certainly be nailed to the pillar of shame in human history humiliation because he's a coward!"

After Jiang Yuqing finished speaking, she ran off with reddened eyes.

"You brat! You're p*ssing me to death!" Ye Xilan and Jiang Yang were trembling with anger.

After scolding her daughter, Ye Xilan quickly apologized to Ye Fan. "Ye Fan, don't take it to heart. Yuqing is spoiled because of me. I'll certainly teach her a lesson when she comes back."

Ye Fan appeared calm. "Aunt Xilan, it's all right, I don't mind. Besides, she's right. I'm indeed a deserter in terms of this matter."

"Ye Fan, don't say that. Everyone makes different choices. Some people disregard their family's wellbeing, focusing only national affairs. Such people are considered heroes. Yet, there are others who hold their family dear and prioritize them over the whole world. There is no right or wrong. It all comes down to personal choice. Others have no right to guilt-trip you into choosing otherwise. For example, to me, Yuqing holds the utmost importance in my heart. I wouldn't care if the world were to crumble. All I want is for her to be happy," comforted Ye Xilan.

She then continued, "By the way, I will talk to your mother about this. As for your uncle and I, I'm afraid we won't be able to go with you. As you can see, Yuqing is determined to stay. Regardless of whether the Earth would be destroyed, no matter how many years remain until the end of the world, all I want in my final moments is to spend time with my family. So, Ye Fan, thank you for your offer."

Wearing a smile, she seemed to have already come to terms with the harsh reality and chose to face death calmly.

All she desired was to spend the rest of her days with the people she loved.

Upon hearing this, Ye Fan knew that any further persuasion would be futile since she had made up her mind.

Therefore, he respected his aunt's decision.

"Aunt Xilan, I have some matters to attend to, so I must take my leave now. Please take good care of yourself. If you ever want to leave, feel free to call Li Er anytime. He'd arrange for your departure." After finishing his meal, Ye Fan didn't linger any longer.

Time was limited. He needed to be on his way to meet other people and carry out the remaining tasks.

"Ye Fan, take good care of yourself too." Ye Xilan and Jiang Yang stood outside the door and waved Ye Fan goodbye.

In fact, they were aware deep down that each goodbye might very well be a farewell since the threat of doomsday loomed over everyone.

After leaving his aunt's house, Ye Fan hurried off to the Xu residence.

At the entrance of the villa stood Xu Lei, who had declined all social engagements on this particular night.

She was dressed in her finest attire, her makeup meticulously applied. Standing outside, she resembled the most beautiful princess, awaiting her prince.

She remained there until, as promised, the young man from her memories appeared in her line of sight.

"Ye Fan!" The moment Xu Lei caught sight of that familiar silhouette, her heart surged with joy. Her eyes welled up with tears as she ran toward the young man of her dreams, disregarding everything else. Although Ye Fan was now famous and known by the whole world, what truly left a mark in Xu Lei's heart was how Ye Fan shielded her when the Chu family bullied her when they were young.

Some bonds were meant to last a lifetime.

"Ye Fan, you're finally here. I miss you so much!" Xu Lei clung tightly to Ye Fan, her face wet with tears as she expressed her longing and love for him.

Ye Fan remained silent and reciprocated the hug, holding the girl dearly in his arms.

After all these years, the whole world underwent various transformations, and even the people around him were ever-changing. Xu Lei was the only person who didn't change.

Wrapping his arm around the young woman's waist, Ye Fan lifted her and stepped into the Xu residence.

On the top floor of the mansion, Ye Fan sat on the couch, gazing at the city's myriad of lights outside through the floor-to-ceiling window.

Xu Lei nestled comfortably in Ye Fan's embrace, feeling at ease in his presence.

"Ye Fan, Li Er has already told me everything. I've made the arrangements. Tonight, we can set off for India." Xu Lei spoke softly.

However, Ye Fan found himself hesitating at that moment.

All of a sudden, he began to doubt his own decision.

"Lei, are you truly willing to give up everything you have here and leave with me?" he asked.

Xu Lei said with a smile, "Ye Fan, you are everything to me. As long as I can be with you, I don't care where we are."

Ye Fan tenderly caressed Xu Lei's charming face.

"Before I came here, I visited my aunt's house. I have a cousin who called me a coward, a deserter for not saving the world. I'm thinking whether I made a mistake. Am I wrong to take you guys with me? Should I have stayed to weather the storm with the others?" Ye Fan spoke softly, feeling troubled.

"Ye Fan, you did nothing wrong. You are not a coward, nor are you a deserter. You've already done more than enough for this world. Back then, if it hadn't been for you, Chu Sect would have already thrown the world into chaos. Likewise, if it weren't for you, the Symborsus would have already destroyed this world. Back then, the entire world saw you as a demon, driving you into a corner. If someone else were in your shoes, they would have already lost hope in humanity. But you didn't. You continued to treat the world with the utmost kindness. Even if you've reached the pinnacle of success and have become invincible, you still haven't settled the score with those who were unkind to you in the past. You've already done your best. If you could only save a small group of people in this world, you don't have to feel guilty about choosing to give this chance of survival to your family."