"Princess! Xiao Fang! You're finally back!"
Soon, a large group of Celestial Medicine Clan members rushed over upon hearing the news, clustering around the Celestial Medicine Princess and Xiao Fang. They came forward one by one to hug the princess tearfully; the scene was extremely lively.
"These are all Celestial Medicine Beings!"
Ye Yunfei stood to the side, his gaze growing somewhat heated.
Among them, some older Celestial Medicine Beings emitted waves of intoxicating medicinal fragrance that would make one swoon.
The medicinal value of these Celestial Medicine Beings was immeasurable!
"If I could capture all these Celestial Medicine Beings, I could absolutely refine a cauldron of great medicine!" Ye Yunfei mused to himself.
However, every single Celestial Medicine Being before him possessed human-like thoughts and emotions, their behavior no different from humans. How could Ye Yunfei bear to strike?
Moreover, this was the Celestial Medicine Clan's territory; Ye Yunfei understood he wasn't necessarily a match for these Celestial Medicine Clan members.
Thus, Ye Yunfei only entertained the thought and took no action.
The Celestial Medicine Clan was a very special type of medicinal herb. Their value increased as their years of growth accumulated.
"Young man, thank you so much!
From now on, you are the great benefactor of our clan!
These are your rewards. Please accept them!"
The Celestial Medicine Patriarch arrived before Ye Yunfei, speaking gratefully.
*Whoosh whoosh…*
He waved his sleeve, sending over a hundred space rings and five jade vials flying out, landing before Ye Yunfei.
This was the reward he had promised Ye Yunfei earlier.
"No need for formalities," Ye Yunfei said indifferently.
"Princess, don't neglect that young master; he is your savior," Xiao Fang suddenly whispered into the Celestial Medicine Princess's ear at that moment.
"You're right.
Xiao Fang, come with me to thank that young master!" the Celestial Medicine Princess quickly said.
"Princess, what do you think of this young master?
Does he suit your fancy?
I think this young master is excellent. His Formations skill is even higher than Lan Tianluo's grandfather's. Where can you find a young man like him?
Why don't I ask the Patriarch to act as matchmaker, to bring you two together and have you marry him?" Xiao Fang whispered.
"Xiao Fang! What nonsense are you talking!
Who says I want to marry!" The Celestial Medicine Princess stomped her foot in anger.
"Oh?
Princess, have you forgotten? Weren't you the one who said in that valley that if a man could save you, you'd be willing to marry him.
Besides, this young master is so outstanding, you wouldn't find someone like him even with a lantern!" Xiao Fang covered her mouth and giggled.
"Xiao Fang, if you keep talking nonsense, I'll ignore you!
Besides... this young master might not even fancy me." The Celestial Medicine Princess couldn't help but blush, letting out a soft, coquettish scold. She also secretly stole a quick glance at Ye Yunfei.
Because back when she was being coerced by Lan Tianluo in that valley, she had indeed said such words.
"My princess is a famously great beauty. What man in the world wouldn't desire her?
Princess, don't worry, leave it to me!
Let's go over!" Xiao Fang grabbed the princess's hand and pulled her toward Ye Yunfei.
"Xiao Fang! Don't cause trouble!" the Celestial Medicine Princess exclaimed in shock and shyness, but still allowed herself to be pulled half-willingly by Xiao Fang until they stood before Ye Yunfei.
"Young master, this little maiden was trapped within that formation for a very long time, believing there was no chance she would ever return to her clan again. I never imagined you would extend aid and rescue this little maiden.
This little maiden has no way to repay such a great favor. Please accept my bow!"
The princess, with a faint blush on her face, gave Ye Yunfei a graceful bow.
She possessed a slender figure, a slim waist, skin as fair as fine jade, and her body was vaguely enveloped by a divine halo, giving her an illusory, dream-like sense of mystery. She gave off the impression of a goddess descending from heaven.
"No need for formalities.
I promised your Patriarch I would save you; naturally, I would do so," Ye Yunfei said indifferently.
"Young master, may I ask you a question?" Xiao Fang suddenly interjected.
"Oh? What question?" Ye Yunfei was slightly surprised.
"Xiao Fang…" the Celestial Medicine Princess was shocked and hurriedly pinched Xiao Fang's back.
"Young master, are you already married?" Xiao Fang asked.
"Not for the time being," Ye Yunfei was taken aback, then answered directly.
"Then what do you think of my princess?" Xiao Fang pressed on.
"This…" Ye Yunfei was momentarily unsure how to answer.
"Xiao Fang, I'm ignoring you!" The Celestial Medicine Princess was extremely bashful, stomping her foot as she spoke.
*"Master, I can tell!
This Celestial Medicine has taken a fancy to you!"*
At that moment, Hu Miao sent a Sound Transmission to Ye Yunfei.
*"Hu Miao, don't talk nonsense.
I already have Qing Luo.
Moreover, matters of romance are not what I pursue."* Ye Yunfei replied via transmission.
"Young master! Young master!..." Xiao Fang called out upon seeing Ye Yunfei remain silent.
"Ahem...
The princess's appearance is peerless, her temperament extraordinary; she is naturally excellent," Ye Yunfei gave an ambiguous answer.
"If that's the case, young master, would you be willing to marry my princess?" Xiao Fang asked.
"This…" Ye Yunfei was completely stunned.
"Xiao Fang!" The Celestial Medicine Princess was extremely embarrassed.
The Celestial Medicine Patriarch stood to the side, hearing Xiao Fang's conversation with Ye Yunfei. He did not stop them, but instead watched Ye Yunfei with an expectant gaze.
"My heart is set solely on the martial path, so I'm not considering matters of romance for the time being," Ye Yunfei answered.
"Young master…" Xiao Fang still wanted to say more.
"Xiao Fang, don't speak any more nonsense!
Young master, don't pay her any mind; this is just how she is, always speaking carelessly.
Please don't mind her," the Celestial Medicine Princess said.
"It's fine.
I won't mind," Ye Yunfei nodded.
"My task is complete; it's time for me to leave," Ye Yunfei said, feeling somewhat awkward as he looked toward the Celestial Medicine Patriarch.
"Young man, you're leaving?
Why not stay with us for a few days? I will host a banquet in your honor!" the Celestial Medicine Patriarch said.
"The reason I entered this Small World was originally to gain experience. Naturally, I must use the time efficiently and explore other places," Ye Yunfei said.
"So that's the case.
Young man, let me tell you about the origin of our Small World.
In fact, our Small World is merely a spatial fragment, originally belonging to a corner of a notoriously dangerous Forbidden Land in another world.
Later, a terrifying war broke out; a corner of that Forbidden Land was shattered, drifting deep into space until it eventually crashed into your universe, becoming a Small World.
Approximately every six hundred years, the spatial barrier between our Small World and your universe opens once, forming a passage.
Then, living beings from your universe travel along that passage to enter this Small World to search for treasures and seek adventure."
The Celestial Medicine Patriarch explained to Ye Yunfei.
Having saved the princess, the Patriarch was extremely grateful to Ye Yunfei and had already begun treating him as one of his own, holding nothing back.
"Mm-hmm," Ye Yunfei nodded upon hearing the Patriarch's words.
In truth, while within the Nine-Headed Blood Territory, an elder had already told Ye Yunfei about the origin of this Small World.
That elder was a member of the Burial Clan.
"Young man, there are some places within this Small World that are extremely dangerous, hiding unknown perils.
Though I have lived in this Small World for a very, very long time, there are many places I absolutely dare not approach.
So you must be careful!" The Celestial Medicine Patriarch urged with concern.
"Thank you for the reminder. I'll be careful," Ye Yunfei nodded.
"Young man, you must remember: there are two most dangerous entities within our Small World.
The first is a headless knight.
This headless knight appears periodically, wandering throughout the Small World.
Wherever this headless knight goes, no one dares to obstruct him; all retreat far away. Otherwise, the only outcome is death!
The second is a hunchbacked old man carrying a stone coffin on his back.
This hunchbacked old man and that headless knight are equally dangerous existences; they are the two most terrifying presences within our Small World whom you absolutely must not provoke!
You must remember: if you encounter them, retreat immediately. Do not hesitate for even a moment, or the consequences are unimaginable!" The Celestial Medicine Patriarch warned solemnly.
"Good.
I've committed it to memory," Ye Yunfei nodded, feeling somewhat grateful.
It was evident the Patriarch's concern for him was genuine.
"I have a Herbal Compendium here.
I'll give it to you.
Your Celestial Medicine Clan cultivates all kinds of herbs, extracting and absorbing the essences of herbs with different attributes to cultivate and improve.
This Herbal Compendium contains detailed information on numerous herbs from throughout the world. I believe it will be useful to your clan."
Ye Yunfei pointed his finger, and a cluster of light composed of Soul Power information flew out, landing before the Patriarch.
"A Herbal Compendium?
Actually, I've dabbled in many herbs; I don't really need...
Hiss!
Young man! The variety of herbs cataloged in your Herbal Compendium is so vast and rich!
Moreover, its explanation of the properties of each herb is so profound and thorough!
It's simply astonishing!"
The Patriarch initially smiled faintly, indicating he wasn't particularly in need of any herbal compendium. But when his Soul Power perceived the cluster of information Ye Yunfei had sent over, he was stunned on the spot, gasping in shock.
"Though I am of the Celestial Medicine Clan and have lived for countless years, the herbal knowledge I possess is childish and laughable compared to this Herbal Compendium!
Young man, the Herbal Compendium you've gifted is far too precious for my clan!
From now on, it will be our clan's treasure!
Our Celestial Medicine Clan is certain to experience a tremendous leap forward in overall strength thanks to this Herbal Compendium!"
After cautiously storing away the cluster of Soul Power information, the Patriarch gave Ye Yunfei a deep bow and declared loudly.
"No need for such formality.
Alright, it's time for me to depart," Ye Yunfei smiled faintly.
Then, he turned to leave.
"Young master… you're really leaving?"
The Celestial Medicine Princess couldn't help but call out softly, her beautiful eyes holding obvious reluctance.
"Yes, I'm leaving," Ye Yunfei replied.
"Will we be able to meet again in the future?" the princess asked, her tone carrying a sense of anticipation.
"This… it depends on fate.
If there's fate, I'm sure we'll meet again," Ye Yunfei pondered for a moment before answering.
"If we do meet again someday, I hope you won't forget this little maiden," the Celestial Medicine Princess sighed softly.
"Don't worry, I won't forget," Ye Yunfei said.
*"Master, this Celestial Medicine truly has feelings for you!"*
Hu Miao transmitted with a laugh.
"Young man, I'll gift you five more vials of herbal essence. This herbal essence is all produced during my breakthroughs and level upgrades."
The Patriarch flicked his fingers, sending five jade vials flying out to land before Ye Yunfei.
"Thank you, Patriarch," Ye Yunfei replied, somewhat excited, and hurriedly collected them.
The herbal essence produced when this Celestial Medicine Patriarch experienced breakthroughs and upgrades was far too precious!
"Alright, young man, I'll escort you down the mountain now."
The Patriarch exerted his abilities, conjuring a long, multicolored bridge that carried Ye Yunfei out of the palace, swiftly descending toward the foot of the mountain.