C3 The Marriage Annulment

Heaving with exertion... Heaving with exertion...

Thud, thud, thud... Thud, thud, thud...

At that moment, in the heart of the forest, Ling Yunfan, clad in black and hands wrapped in countless white bandages, was drenched in sweat that poured down like rain. He relentlessly attacked a colossal tree in front of him, which seemed as if forged from steel. His slender hands, which appeared fragile enough to snap, launched strike after strike. Though the blows seemed forceful, each impact only caused the Giant Iron Tree to shudder slightly, shedding its nearly withered black leaves.

While attacking, a cyclone-like, almost transparent entity within him tirelessly absorbed the Cosmic Spiritual Force from the surroundings. This was due to Ling Yunfan consuming two Azure Essence Grasses given by his father before this cultivation session, accelerating his training pace. Such results would not be possible with ordinary cultivation practices.

Time ticked by, and Ling Yunfan felt an abundance of Cosmic Spiritual Energy amassing within him. It had reached a level sufficient for his dantian to expand and fortify his body, poised for a breakthrough in his cultivation level.

However, just as he was on the cusp of success, the Cosmic Spiritual Energy that had been gathering inside him vanished in an instant, as if it had never existed.

"Damn it!"

Bang!

Overcome with rage, Ling Yunfan summoned all his strength and delivered a fierce punch to the Giant Iron Tree. As a Body Refining Level Two warrior, coupled with his relentless dedication, his strength of 1,200 pounds left a mark on the forest's toughest Xuan Iron Tree, causing its iron-like branches to tremble.

The effects of the Azure Essence Grass, which could hasten cultivation speed, lasted only four hours. Now, its benefits had worn off. Aware of this, Ling Yunfan slumped to the ground, his gaze fixed on his bleeding hands, lost in thought. His eyes, brimming with defiance, showed no sign of pain from his wounds.

Despite the setback, Ling Yunfan wasn't disheartened, having faced this scenario countless times before. Initially, it even drove him to lose his temper. Yet, with each repetition, he grew accustomed to it. After venting his frustration, he would resume his cultivation. He knew the outcome, but his unwavering belief that perseverance would eventually be rewarded by the heavens kept him going. One day, he was certain, he would break through his cultivation barrier and reclaim the glory of his past.

"Mr. Yunfan."

As Ling Yunfan prepared to resume his cultivation, a soft voice tinged with excitement reached him from behind.

Recognizing the voice as that of his cousin Ling Hong, Ling Yunfan swiftly softened his fierce expression and turned around, greeting her with a smile.

"Mr. Yunfan, the Patriarch and two elders have summoned you to the Liu Qingfeng Lotus Inn," Ling Hong said warmly, having caught her breath.

"Understood, I'll head there right away!" Ling Yunfan replied, then promptly set off without another word.

Ling Hong watched him depart so abruptly with a touch of displeasure, but all she did was stamp her foot lightly before hurrying after him.

......

"Niece Xueer, such audacity! It appears the letter you sent was indeed truthful. My son Yunfan truly does not match up to a distinguished lady like yourself. Now that you're here, there's little more to discuss. Even if I were to refuse, it would be futile, wouldn't it?" Elsewhere in the inn, Ling Tianba, seated and shaking with rage, had just finished speaking. He unleashed the formidable aura of a Mystic Fifth Level Profound Cultivator.

"Master Ling is refreshingly direct!" Ye Hao, clad in a grey robe and previously silent, couldn't hide his delight. He stepped forward to Lee Xueer's side, countering Ling Tianba's aura with his own Mystic Fifth Level might. With an apologetic grin, he added, "Hahaha... Master Ling, Elder Bai Mu Bing from our Dragon Universe Sect mentioned that such abrupt actions are quite rude, so as a gesture of goodwill, we've brought these modest offerings."

Having said that, he pulled out three ginseng roots from his pocket, each seemingly infused with blood. The abundant spiritual energy and faint luster emanating from them made it clear at a glance that these were Hundred-year Blood Ginsengs of the high-level Profound Rank. Such a spiritual medicine was immensely beneficial for martial artists' cultivation. The powerful vitality and rich spiritual energy contained within could be divided among Body Refining Stage martial artists, allowing them to reach the Essence Gathering Stage within two months.

Moreover, consuming Hundred-year Blood Ginseng could extend one's lifespan by a year. Despite its potent effects, it was an exceedingly rare spiritual medicine, and its cost was correspondingly steep. To put it into perspective, the Ling Family could only afford to purchase a maximum of five roots with their current wealth.

"And here are two Essence Gathering Pills." While Ling Tianba and the others marveled at the sight of the Hundred-year Blood Ginsengs, Ye Hao produced two deep red boxes from his pocket. He opened them to reveal two pill-sized, slightly pinkish, transparent pills that radiated an astonishing spiritual force.

The onlookers, aside from Ling Tianba, had their eyes widen in astonishment at the sight of Ye Hao's offerings. Their gazes, filled with unabashed greed, were fixed on the two Essence Gathering Pills and the Hundred-year Blood Ginsengs, unable to look away.

"I assume everyone here is acquainted with these two high-level Profound Rank Essence Gathering Pills, correct? Crafted by the esteemed Yuan Qing of the Dragon Universe Sect, their medicinal benefits are well-known, so I'll spare you the details. What are your thoughts?" Ye Hao asked, a hint of pride in his voice as he observed the two elders' reactions.

"Hold on, I don't accept this agreement!" At that moment, Ling Yunfan's voice echoed from outside the firmly locked door.

Bang!

With the sound of his voice, the door burst open from a forceful kick. A light from outside illuminated the entrance, revealing a young man with delicate features, dressed in simple black attire, his face marked by an air of indifference. He stepped inside.

Ling Yunfan, now in the room, picked up the annulment papers from the table under the astonished gazes of those present.

"Step back, Fann," Ling Tianba quickly called out, his expression showing a trace of concern.

"Father, as the person directly involved, I believe it's more appropriate for me to handle this. After all, she is my fiancée. As such, it's only right that I take part in resolving this matter," Ling Yunfan responded calmly, disregarding Ling Tianba's plea.

"Yeah, Uncle Tianba, I also think it's best for Yunfan to handle this himself since it's his personal matter after all. We're outsiders in this situation, and any action should really have his consent." Ling Hong chimed in with a smile playing on her lips as she caught up to the conversation.

She then turned her gaze, filled with disdain, toward Lee Xueer, who sat on the chair with the poise of a princess. Dressed in a pink gown that accentuated her slender figure and striking features, Lee Xueer certainly looked the part of a captivating beauty. However, to Ling Hong, she appeared nothing more than a clown in a pretty disguise.

"Let's just leave it to Fann to deal with," Ling Tianba decided firmly, ignoring the reluctant looks from the two elders beside him.

The elders, though somewhat resentful, knew they had to comply with the family head's decision and managed to suppress their discontent.

"You want to break off our engagement? Fine, I'll oblige. Today, I, Ling Yunfan, will divorce you. Being tied to a woman like you has been nothing but uncomfortable!" Ling Yunfan declared with a sardonic grin, having received his father's nod of approval.

"Boy! Do you realize your words could bring ruin to your entire family?" As Ling Yunfan's declaration hung in the air, shock registered on the faces of Ling Tianba and the others, while Ye Hao, with a face darkened by rage, unleashed the formidable might of a Mystic Fifth Level Profound Cultivator, bearing down on Ling Yunfan like a colossal mountain.

"Ah!"

Overwhelmed by the immense pressure of a Mystic Fifth Level Profound Cultivator, Ling Yunfan found himself powerless to resist. Though his strength slightly exceeded that of an average Body Refining Level Two warrior, he was now facing a being whose cultivation surpassed his own by nearly two entire realms. Resistance was futile, and he was swiftly brought to his knees, collapsing under the unbearable force.

Unaffected by Ye Hao's oppressive aura, Lee Xueer remained seated, her poise unshaken. She couldn't help but find the man before her somewhat laughable. As a woman, the notion of a man wanting to divorce her should have been upsetting, and the thought of the gossip it would generate made her blood boil with indignation.

As Ling Yunfan was on the verge of collapsing under Ye Hao's oppressive force, a massive phantom tiger materialized before him, unleashing a thunderous roar. The tiger's sonic assault shredded the nearby wooden furniture as if it were mere paper, and the pressure bearing down on Ling Yunfan vanished in an instant.

"Father's Profound Rank Middle Level martial skill, the Tiger's Roar, truly is formidable," Ling Yunfan remarked with astonishment, having regained his footing. He eyed the spectral tiger confronting Ye Hao, clearly taken aback by its sudden appearance.

"Master Ling, are you certain you want to allow Young Master Yunfan to continue this reckless behavior?" Ye Hao, his face darkening as his influence was effortlessly countered, posed the question with a dire tone. "Should Elder Bai Mu Bing of the Dragon Universe Sect take offense and lay blame upon Young Master Ling and Ling Yunfan, it could spell disaster for both the Ling Family and Young Master Yunfan."

Hearing the veiled threat in Ye Hao's words, Ling Tianba hesitantly withdrew his martial skill, his commanding presence dissipating. He found himself in a quandary; supporting Ling Yunfan's actions was crucial to uphold the family's honor, yet the repercussions could lead to the Ling Family's expulsion from Swallow Azure City.

"I never retract my words, and I detest anyone who threatens those close to me," Ling Yunfan declared, his voice heavy with indignation. Despite his hands bleeding from the intensity of his grip, reopening wounds that had begun to heal, he showed no concern for his injuries. He swiftly penned a declaration on a sheet of paper: "Ling Yunfan divorces Lee Xueer."

"Here, take this!" Without hesitation, he thrust the paper at them, his eyes blazing with fury as he glared at Lee Xueer, akin to a volcano on the brink of eruption.

The sudden exchange left both Ye Hao and Lee Xueer speechless, casting a hush over the entire scene.

"Hahaha…" As Lee Xueer glanced at the eight blood-red characters scrawled across the paper, she didn't show the slightest hint of rage. Her face was etched with scorn as she retorted, "What makes you think you can divorce me? Is it because of your oh-so-impressive Body Refining Level Two prowess?"

At her words, Ling Hong, a close ally of Ling Yunfan, was instantly consumed by anger, her body shaking uncontrollably.

"I may not be as strong as you now, but just give me two years. I swear I'll surpass you and take you down with my own hands!" Ling Yunfan, too, could no longer bear the disgrace being thrown at him. With that, a thunderous roar burst forth within the confines of the inn.

Despite hearing Ling Yunfan's defiant declaration, Lee Xueer maintained her aloof demeanor, seemingly indifferent to the world around her. Yet, a fierce murderous intent now flickered in her calm eyes as she stared down at Ling Yunfan. "Fine, very well! You're courting death, and I'll grant it. I'll take your divorce letter, but don't think for a second that I acknowledge it. Your demise in two years will serve to cleanse the stain of today's humiliation."

With that, she turned to Ye Hao, whose face was dark as storm clouds, and signaled their departure. Together, they strode out of the inn.

Thud!

No sooner had they left than Ling Yunfan felt a sudden weakness wash over him. His vision blurred, and he collapsed to the floor like a fallen leaf.