chǔ shī xiōng zǒu hòu ， lǐ fán huí xiǎng zhe duì fāng de huà ， liǎn shàng wán wèi de shén qíng 。
楚师兄走后，李凡回想着对方的话，脸上玩味的神情。
After Chu Senior Brother left, Li Fan reflected on what the other party had said, his expression playfully amused.
xiǎng qǐ jì yì zhōng ， jī jiā sì hū hái yǒu xǔ duō bèi sòng rù bù tóng zōng mén de tóng líng rén 。 lǐ fán jī hū kě yǐ kěn dìng ， shén me duō nián zài méi yǒu lián xì ， bù guò shì zhàng yǎn fǎ bà le 。
想起记忆中，姬家似乎还有许多被送入不同宗门的同龄人。李凡几乎可以肯定，什么多年再没有联系，不过是障眼法罢了。
Recalling the memories, it seemed that Ji Family had sent many of their peers to different sects. Li Fan was almost certain that claims of long-term disconnection were merely a facade.
jī zhào xuàn dìng rán shì jī jiā pài wǎng tiān jiàn zōng de jiàn dié 。
姬兆炫定然是姬家派往天剑宗的间谍。
Ji Zhaoyuan was undoubtedly an agent dispatched by Ji Family to Tian Jian Sect.
huò xǔ yòng “ jiàn dié ” èr zì ， bìng bù tuǒ dāng 。 yīn wèi tiān xià shāng huì ， gēn tiān jiàn zōng bìng méi yǒu shí jì de duì lì guān xì 。
或许用“间谍”二字，并不妥当。因为天下商会，跟天剑宗并没有实际的对立关系。
Perhaps using the term "agent" wasn't entirely appropriate because there was no actual opposition between the World Trade Association and Tian Jian Sect.
“ xíng shāng tiān xià ， gè zhǒng jī mì xiāo xī zhì guān zhòng yào 。 kǒng pà jiù shì kào zhe zhè zhǒng shǒu duàn ， jī jiā cái néng xùn sù zhī dào xuán huáng jiè fā shēng de gè zhǒng shì ， cóng ér móu lì 。”
“行商天下，各种机密消息至关重要。恐怕就是靠着这种手段，姬家才能迅速知道玄黄界发生的各种事，从而牟利。”
"The business of traversing the world, various confidential intelligence is crucial. It's likely that Ji Family relies on such means to quickly gather information about what happens in the Xuanhuang Realm."
“ zhè me kàn lái ， tiān jiàn zōng duàn zào liè jiè shén bīng de xiāo xī ， wèi bì huì nào dé rén jǐn jiē zhī 。 bì jìng zuò dì qǐ jià 、 wéi lì shì tú ， cái shì shāng rén běn xìng 。”
“这么看来，天剑宗锻造裂界神兵的消息，未必会闹得人尽皆知。毕竟坐地起价、唯利是图，才是商人本性。”
"This suggests that news of Tian Jian Sect forging裂界神兵 might not be widely known. After all, sitting and reaping profits is the nature of merchants."
“ tài yuán jīng jīn ……”
“太元精金……”
"Taiyin Essence Gold..."
lǐ fán yǎn jīng wēi mī 。
李凡眼睛微眯。
Li Fan's eyes narrowed.
xiǎng yào zhōng jié yǔn xiān jìng chǎng jǐng ， jiù yào zhǎo dào wéi chí zhè piàn yí niàn shí kōng de zhǔ rén ， bìng jiě jué tā de zhí niàn 。
想要终结陨仙境场景，就要找到维持这片遗念时空的主人，并解决他的执念。
To end the陨仙境 scene, one must find the owner of this lingering spatial realm and resolve his执念.
cóng mù qián zhǎng wò de xiàn suǒ lái kàn ， sì hū jī zhào xuàn jiù shì mù biāo duì xiàng 。
从目前掌握的线索来看，似乎姬兆炫就是目标对象。
From the current clues, Ji Zhaoyuan seemed to be the target.
“ tā de zhí niàn shì shén me ？”
“他的执念是什么？”
"What is his执念?"
lǐ fán xīn shén chén diàn ， huí xiǎng zhe fù zhuó shēn qū de gè zhǒng qíng gǎn 。
李凡心神沉淀，回想着附着身躯的各种情感。
Li Fan settled his mind, recalling various emotions attached to the body. When he thought of Ji Family, deep-seated resentment and a desire for revenge were敏锐ly captured by Li Fan.
dāng huí yì qǐ jī jiā de shí hòu ， mái cáng hěn shēn de yuàn hèn 、 bào fù qíng xù ， mǐn ruì de bèi lǐ fán bǔ zhuō dào le 。
当回忆起姬家的时候，埋藏很深的怨恨、报复情绪，敏锐的被李凡捕捉到了。
"Was it because he was forced to leave home from a young age, thus harboring resentment?"
“ cóng xiǎo bèi pò lí jiā ， yīn ér xīn shēng yuàn duì zhī qíng me 。”
“从小被迫离家，因而心生怨怼之情么。”
"Let's try this out."
“ kě xiān shì yī shì 。”
“可先试一试。”
His thoughts raced, and in an instant, Li Fan had already devised a way to retaliate against Ji Family.
sī niàn jí zhuǎn ， lǐ fán shùn jiān jiù yǐ jīng xiǎng dào le bào fù jī jiā de fāng fǎ 。
思念急转，李凡瞬间就已经想到了报复姬家的方法。
The next day, Li Fan contacted Chu Senior Brother again.
dì èr tiān ， lǐ fán zài dù lián xì shàng le chǔ shī xiōng 。
第二天，李凡再度联系上了楚师兄。
"Oh, Ji Junior Brother finally came to your senses?" The other party seemed excited.
“ ó ， jī shī dì nǐ zhōng yú xiǎng tōng le ？” duì fāng xiǎn de yǒu xiē xīng fèn 。
“哦，姬师弟你终于想通了？”对方显得有些兴奋。
Li Fan nodded.
lǐ fán diǎn le diǎn tóu 。
李凡点了点头。
"That's right. We're all family; there's no grudge that can't be resolved. I'll prepare and head back to the World Trade Association headquarters with you."
“ zhè cái duì ma ， dōu shì yī jiā rén ， nǎ yǒu shén me guò bù qù de chóu yuàn 。 wǒ zhè jiù zhǔn bèi yī xià ， yǔ nǐ yì qǐ huí 【 tiān xià shāng huì 】 zǒng bù 。”
“这才对嘛，都是一家人，哪有什么过不去的仇怨。我这就准备一下，与你一起回【天下商会】总部。”
"Don't forget me if you become the sect leader," Chu Senior Brother, who had previously been haughty, now seemed somewhat fawning.
“ dào shí hòu rú guǒ shī dì nǐ chéng gōng dāng shàng zhǎng mén ， kě bù yào wàng le wǒ a 。” chǔ shī xiōng yī gǎi zhī qián de zhǐ gāo qì áng ， shèn zhì biàn dé yǒu xiē chǎn mèi 。
“到时候如果师弟你成功当上掌门，可不要忘了我啊。”楚师兄一改之前的趾高气昂，甚至变得有些谄媚。
Not long after, using the search for Taiyin Essence Gold as an excuse, they left Tian Jian Sect's mountain gate and headed towards Ji Family.
mò guò duō jiǔ ， yǐ wài chū xún zhǎo 【 tài yuán jīng jīn 】 wèi lǐ yóu ， liǎng rén biàn lí kāi le tiān jiàn zōng shān mén ， cháo zhe jī jiā ér qù 。
没过多久，以外出寻找【太元精金】为理由，两人便离开了天剑宗山门，朝着姬家而去。
To avoid arousing suspicion, following Chu Senior Brother's suggestion, they took a detour.
wèi le bì miǎn bié rén chá jué ， zài chǔ shī xiōng de jiàn yì xià ， hái tè yì rào lù le yī fān 。
为了避免别人察觉，在楚师兄的建议下，还特意绕路了一番。
Half a month later, they finally arrived at their destination—a city made entirely of top-grade spirit stones, floating above a bustling market. Merchants and cultivators came and went, and everyone looked envious when they saw the spirit stone city in the sky.
bàn gè yuè hòu ， zhōng yú dào dá le mù dì dì 。
半个月后，终于到达了目的地。
The World Trade Association had an array to prevent flying and required payment for entry into the market.
yī zuò wán quán yóu jí pǐn líng shí dǎ zào de tiān shàng zhī chéng 。
一座完全由极品灵石打造的天上之城。
Entering the market, extremely pure spiritual energy greeted them. It was even more potent than what could be found at Tian Jian Sect.
piāo fú zài yī zuò fán huá fāng shì de shàng fāng 。 lái wǎng xiū shì 、 shāng fàn luò yì bù jué ， zài tái tóu kàn jiàn tiān kōng zhōng líng shí zhī chéng de shí hòu ， yǎn zhōng wú yī bù lù chū xiàn mù zhī qíng 。
漂浮在一座繁华坊市的上方。来往修士、商贩络绎不绝，在抬头看见天空中灵石之城的时候，眼中无一不露出羡慕之情。
Chu Senior Brother couldn't help but praise, "Truly fitting as the world's premier trade association."
tiān xià fāng shì yǒu zhèn fǎ lǒng zhào ， xiū shì wú fǎ fēi xíng ， bìng qiě xū yào jiǎo nà yí dìng de fèi yòng ， cái néng jìn rù 。
天下坊市有阵法笼罩，修士无法飞行，并且需要缴纳一定的费用，才能进入。
Leading Li Fan through countless shops, they arrived before a magnificent mansion with the words [Ji Xing Tianxia] inscribed on its plaque.
tà bù zǒu jìn fāng shì zhōng ， jí wéi jīng chún de líng qì pū miàn ér lái 。 bǐ qǐ tiān jiàn zōng zhōng ， hái yào gèng shèng jǐ fēn 。
踏步走进坊市中，极为精纯的灵气扑面而来。比起天剑宗中，还要更胜几分。
As Li Fan and Chu Senior Brother approached, a mid-ranking spirit practitioner in fine robes stepped forward to block them.
chǔ shī xiōng bù yóu chēng zàn dào ：“ bù kuì shì tiān xià dì yī shāng huì ， jiù shì qì pài 。”
楚师兄不由称赞道：“不愧是天下第一商会，就是气派。”
"Have you two come with an invitation?"
dài zhe lǐ fán chuān guò wú shù diàn pù ， lái dào fāng shì zuì zhōng yāng de huī hóng fǔ dǐ miàn qián 。
带着李凡穿过无数店铺，来到坊市最中央的恢弘府邸面前。
Chu Senior Brother snorted coldly, "Invitation? What eyesight! Going home doesn't require one!"
shàng miàn pái biǎn shàng ， kè zhe 【 jī xíng tiān xià 】 sì gè dà zì 。
上面牌匾上，刻着【姬行天下】四个大字。
The robed spirit practitioner was momentarily stunned. After closely examining Chu Senior Brother, he said unhappily, "Why are you looking at me?" pointing to Li Fan.
kàn jiàn lǐ fán èr rén kào jìn ， mén kǒu jiù yǒu yī wèi shēn chuān jǐn yī de jīn dān xiū shì shàng qián lán zhù 。
看见李凡二人靠近，门口就有一位身穿锦衣的金丹修士上前拦住。
The robed spirit practitioner then turned his gaze towards Li Fan.
yī liǎn hé qì de shuō dào ：“ liǎng wèi dào yǒu kě yǒu qǐng tiē ？”
一脸和气的说道：“两位道友可有请帖？”
Without anger, but with a furrowed brow, as if pondering something.
chǔ shī xiōng lěng hēng yī shēng ：“ qǐng tiě ？ zhēn méi yǎn lì jìn ！ huí zì jǐ jiā yào shén me qǐng tiě ？”
楚师兄冷哼一声：“请帖？真没眼力劲！回自己家要什么请帖？”
After a moment, he showed surprise.
jǐn yī xiū shì dāng jí lèng zhù ， zǐ xì dǎ liàng le yǎn chǔ shī xiōng 。
锦衣修士当即愣住，仔细打量了眼楚师兄。
"Please wait for a moment."
“ kàn wǒ gàn shén me ？ shì wǒ shēn biān zhè wèi ！” tā miàn sè bú yuè ， zhǐ zhe lǐ fán shuō dào 。
“看我干什么？是我身边这位！”他面色不悦，指着李凡说道。
He hurriedly entered the Ji Family residence.
jǐn yī xiū shì zhè cái zhuǎn guò mù guāng 。
锦衣修士这才转过目光。
Shortly after, an elderly man with a square face led a group of spirits out.
méi yǒu nǎo nù ， ér shì méi tóu wēi zhòu ， sì hū zài sī suǒ zhe shén me 。
没有恼怒，而是眉头微皱，似乎在思索着什么。
His eyes landed on Li Fan. The square-faced spirit practitioner's expression remained unchanged.
piàn kè hòu ， miàn lù jīng róng 。
片刻后，面露惊容。
"How dare you return, Zhaoyuan? Have you broken the sect rules and been expelled?" He didn't show any joy at seeing his long-lost son but instead rebuked him harshly.
“ liǎng wèi hái qǐng shāo děng piàn kè 。”
“两位还请稍等片刻。”
Chu Senior Brother was about to intercede when Li Fan directly retorted, "Who are you? I don't remember you after being away for so long!"
shuō zháo huāng máng zǒu rù jī fǔ zhī zhōng 。
说着慌忙走入姬府之中。
The square-faced spirit practitioner's face flushed red with anger.
bù duō shí ， jiù yǒu yī wèi guó zì liǎn de zhōng nián xiū shì shuài lǐng zhe yī duì xiū shì zǒu le chū lái 。
不多时，就有一位国字脸的中年修士率领着一队修士走了出来。
His aura seemed like a volcano about to erupt.
mù guāng luò zài lǐ fán shēn shàng ， guó zì liǎn xiū shì kàn bù chū shén qíng biàn huà 。
目光落在李凡身上，国字脸修士看不出神情变化。
The Ji Family spirits behind him all wore strange expressions as they sized up Li Fan.
“ zhào xuàn ， nǐ zěn me huí lái le ？ mò bú shì fàn le mén guī 、 bèi zhú chū shān mén le ？” méi yǒu qīn rén jiǔ jiàn de xǐ yuè ， ér shì zhí jiē chì zé dào 。
“兆炫，你怎么回来了？莫不是犯了门规、被逐出山门了？”没有亲人久见的喜悦，而是直接斥责道。
Li Fan remained unafraid and took a deep breath, releasing over a hundred different-colored sword qi that surrounded them.
chǔ shī xiōng zhèng yù dǎ yuán chǎng ， què tīng lǐ fán zhí jiē huí duì dào ：“ nǐ shì nǎ wèi ？ lí jiā tài jiǔ ， méi yìn xiàng le ！”
楚师兄正欲打圆场，却听李凡直接回怼道：“你是哪位？离家太久，没印象了！”
Seeing the impending conflict, Chu Senior Brother hurriedly said, "Misunderstanding! Don't get too hasty!"
guó zì liǎn xiū shì bó rán sè biàn ：“ nì zi ！ zěn me gēn nǐ diē shuō huà ne ！”
国字脸修士勃然色变：“逆子！怎么跟你爹说话呢！”
"I am a true disciple of Tian Jian Sect, Chu Zongyin. We have a mission to complete and passed through this market. Since it's still Ji Junior Brother's home, I decided to drop by," he quickly explained.
lǐ fán mī qǐ yǎn ， miàn sè bù biàn ：“ zěn me zhèng míng ？”
李凡眯起眼，面色不变：“怎么证明？”
Ji Zhaoyuan's father paused at the mention, then looked at the hundred sword qi surrounding Li Fan, his eyes showing surprise.
guó zì liǎn xiū shì miàn páng shùn jiān zhǎng de tōng hóng 。
国字脸修士面庞瞬间涨的通红。
He slowly reined in his aura and said with a snort, "Come inside!"
shēn shàng wēi yā rú tóng huǒ shān bān jiù yào bào liè kāi lái 。
身上威压如同火山般就要爆裂开来。
Chu Zongyin breathed a sigh of relief as he pulled Li Fan into Ji Family residence.
gēn zài tā shēn hòu de jī fǔ xiū shì quán dōu miàn lù gǔ guài zhī sè ， dǎ liàng zhe lǐ fán 。
跟在他身后的姬府修士全都面露古怪之色，打量着李凡。
Navigating through twists and turns, they eventually arrived at a private hall deep within the residence.
ér lǐ fán yě shì yí rán bù jù ， qīng hū kǒu qì ， dùn shí shàng bǎi dào bù tóng yán sè de jiàn qì shǎn yào fēi chū ， huán rào zuǒ yòu 。
而李凡也是怡然不惧，轻呼口气，顿时上百道不同颜色的剑气闪耀飞出，环绕左右。
Ji Zhaoyuan's father sat above, dismissing everyone else. He asked in a low voice, "Speak, what is your purpose for coming here?"
yǎn kàn shuāng fāng jiù yào dǎ qǐ lái ， chǔ shī xiōng lián shēng shuō dào ：“ wù huì ， wù huì ！ dōu bié chōng dòng ！”
眼看双方就要打起来，楚师兄连声说道：“误会，误会！都别冲动！”
Chu Zongyin was about to reply when Li Fan stopped him.
“ wú nǎi tiān jiàn zōng zhēn chuán dì zǐ ， chǔ zōng yǐn 。 cǐ fān gēn jī shī dì yǒu rèn wù wài chū ， lù guò tiān xià fāng shì 。 xiǎng dào zhè lǐ hái shì jī shī dì de jiā ， suǒ yǐ jiù dǎ suàn shùn biàn huí lái kàn kàn 。” tā máng bù dié jiě shì qǐ lái 。
“吾乃天剑宗真传弟子，楚宗尹。此番跟姬师弟有任务外出，路过天下坊市。想到这里还是姬师弟的家，所以就打算顺便回来看看。”他忙不迭解释起来。
"You're not qualified yet. Let the patriarch handle it!" Li Fan said expressionlessly.
jī zhào xuàn de fù qīn wén yán ， wēi wēi yī dùn 。 yòu kàn le yǎn huán rào zài lǐ fán shēn biān de nà shàng bǎi dào jiàn qì ， mù lù yì sè 。
姬兆炫的父亲闻言，微微一顿。又看了眼环绕在李凡身边的那上百道剑气，目露异色。
Returning to Ji Family, his long-dormant memories seemed to be slowly awakening.
huǎn huǎn jiāng qì shì shōu qǐ ， tā hēng le yī shēng ：“ jìn lái ba ！”
缓缓将气势收起，他哼了一声：“进来吧！”
Li Fan knew that before him was Ji Zhaoyuan's father, Ji Shiwén, merely a manager of the World Trade Association market with no real power in Ji Family.
chǔ zōng yī zhè cái sōng le kǒu qì ， lā zhe lǐ fán ， gēn zhe jìn rù le jī fǔ zhī zhōng 。
楚宗依这才松了口气，拉着李凡，跟着进入了姬府之中。
The true ruler of Ji Family was the patriarch, Ji Wanshan, who had already achieved dao union and founded the World Trade Association. His true cultivation was beyond comprehension.
yī lù qū zhé qián xíng ， zuì zhōng lái dào le shēn chù de jiān tīng zhī nèi 。
一路曲折前行，最终来到了深处的间厅之内。
"You..." Ji Shiwén's eyes flashed with uncontainable anger.
jī zhào xuàn de fù qīn duān zuò shàng fāng ， bǐng tuì zhòng rén ， chén shēng wèn dào ：“ shuō bà ， nǐ men cǐ xíng qián lái ， suǒ wèi hé shì ？”
姬兆炫的父亲端坐上方，屏退众人，沉声问道：“说罢，你们此行前来，所谓何事？”
But seeing Li Fan's emotionless gaze, he couldn't help but shiver.
chǔ zōng yī zhèng yù huí huà ， què bèi lǐ fán lán zhù 。
楚宗依正欲回话，却被李凡拦住。
After much deliberation, he finally suppressed his rage.
“ nǐ hái bù gòu gé 。 ràng lǎo zǔ lái ba ！” lǐ fán miàn wú biǎo qíng de shuō dào 。
“你还不够格。让老祖来吧！”李凡面无表情的说道。
"Wait here."
huí dào jī jiā ， chén fēng de jì yì sì hū yě zhèng zài zhú jiàn sū xǐng 。
回到姬家，尘封的记忆似乎也正在逐渐苏醒。
He snorted and stomped the ground, transforming into a streak of light that flew to the spirit stone city in the sky.
lǐ fán zhī dào yǎn qián zhè wèi jī zhào xuàn de fù qīn ， jī shì wén ， bù guò shì fù zé tiān xià fāng shì de zhǔ guǎn ér yǐ 。
李凡知道眼前这位姬兆炫的父亲，姬士文，不过是负责天下坊市的主管而已。
"Ji Junior Brother, he is your father. Are you sure this is...?" Chu Zongyin whispered.
zài jī jiā bìng méi yǒu duō dà de shí quán 。
在姬家并没有多大的实权。
Li Fan smiled, "Doing this makes us seem more confident."
jī jiā zhēn zhèng de zhǎng quán zhě ， nǎi shì lǎo zǔ 【 jī wàng xiān 】。
姬家真正的掌权者，乃是老祖【姬望仙】。
Seeing Li Fan's indifference, Chu Senior Brother chuckled awkwardly and didn't dare say much more.
ruò gān nián qián ， jiù yǐ jīng shì hé dào xiū shì ， yī shǒu dǎ zào chū tiān xià shāng huì ， zhēn shí xiū wèi bù kě chuǎi duó de jī wàng xiān 。
若干年前，就已经是合道修士，一手打造出天下商会，真实修为不可揣度的姬望仙。
While waiting, Li Fan noticed that the patterns in the hall seemed familiar.
“ nǐ ……” jī shì wén yǎn shén shǎn guò yī sī nán yǐ è zhì de nù yì 。
“你……”姬士文眼神闪过一丝难以遏制的怒意。
"Hmm? They seem similar to the World Trade Association's emblems in reality. But there are some differences."
bù guò kàn dào lǐ fán nà háo wú gǎn qíng 、 gēn zì jǐ duì shì de mù guāng ， xīn zhōng jìng rán bù yóu dǎ le gè duō suo 。
不过看到李凡那毫无感情、跟自己对视的目光，心中竟然不由打了个哆嗦。
Li Fan pondered within himself.
chén yín xǔ jiǔ ， zuì zhōng tā hái shì jiāng nù qì yā xià 。
沉吟许久，最终他还是将怒气压下。
"It seems they have a connection."
“ nǐ men zài zhè lǐ děng zhe 。”
“你们在这里等着。”
Not long after, Ji Shiwén returned.
tā hēng le shēng ， jiǎo měng dì duò dì ， huà zuò yī dào liú guāng ， fēi dào tiān shàng de líng shí zhī chéng qù le 。
他哼了声，脚勐地跺地，化作一道流光，飞到天上的灵石之城去了。
"Follow me," he said grimly.
“ jī shī dì ， tā bì jìng shì nǐ de fù qīn 。 nǐ zhè me zuò ， shì bú shì ……” chǔ zōng yǐn xiǎo shēng de wèn dào 。
“姬师弟，他毕竟是你的父亲。你这么做，是不是……”楚宗尹小声的问道。
In the end, Li Fan and Chu Senior Brother were led into a private chamber where Ji Zhaoyuan's father sat.
After Chu Senior Brother left, Li Fan reflected on what the other party had said, his expression playfully amused.
Recalling the memories, it seemed that Ji Family had sent many of their peers to different sects. Li Fan was almost certain that claims of long-term disconnection were merely a facade.
Ji Zhaoyuan was undoubtedly an agent dispatched by Ji Family to Tian Jian Sect.
Perhaps using the term "agent" wasn't entirely appropriate because there was no actual opposition between the World Trade Association and Tian Jian Sect.
"The business of traversing the world, various confidential intelligence is crucial. It's likely that Ji Family relies on such means to quickly gather information about what happens in the Xuanhuang Realm."
"This suggests that news of Tian Jian Sect forging裂界神兵 might not be widely known. After all, sitting and reaping profits is the nature of merchants."
"Taiyin Essence Gold..."
Li Fan's eyes narrowed.
To end the陨仙境 scene, one must find the owner of this lingering spatial realm and resolve his执念.
From the current clues, Ji Zhaoyuan seemed to be the target.
"What is his执念?"
Li Fan settled his mind, recalling various emotions attached to the body. When he thought of Ji Family, deep-seated resentment and a desire for revenge were敏锐ly captured by Li Fan.
"Was it because he was forced to leave home from a young age, thus harboring resentment?"
"Let's try this out."
His thoughts raced, and in an instant, Li Fan had already devised a way to retaliate against Ji Family.
The next day, Li Fan contacted Chu Senior Brother again.
"Oh, Ji Junior Brother finally came to your senses?" The other party seemed excited.
Li Fan nodded.
"That's right. We're all family; there's no grudge that can't be resolved. I'll prepare and head back to the World Trade Association headquarters with you."
"Don't forget me if you become the sect leader," Chu Senior Brother, who had previously been haughty, now seemed somewhat fawning.
Not long after, using the search for Taiyin Essence Gold as an excuse, they left Tian Jian Sect's mountain gate and headed towards Ji Family.
To avoid arousing suspicion, following Chu Senior Brother's suggestion, they took a detour.
Half a month later, they finally arrived at their destination—a city made entirely of top-grade spirit stones, floating above a bustling market. Merchants and cultivators came and went, and everyone looked envious when they saw the spirit stone city in the sky.
The World Trade Association had an array to prevent flying and required payment for entry into the market.
Entering the market, extremely pure spiritual energy greeted them. It was even more potent than what could be found at Tian Jian Sect.
Chu Senior Brother couldn't help but praise, "Truly fitting as the world's premier trade association."
Leading Li Fan through countless shops, they arrived before a magnificent mansion with the words [Ji Xing Tianxia] inscribed on its plaque.
As Li Fan and Chu Senior Brother approached, a mid-ranking spirit practitioner in fine robes stepped forward to block them.
"Have you two come with an invitation?"
Chu Senior Brother snorted coldly, "Invitation? What eyesight! Going home doesn't require one!"
The robed spirit practitioner was momentarily stunned. After closely examining Chu Senior Brother, he said unhappily, "Why are you looking at me?" pointing to Li Fan.
The robed spirit practitioner then turned his gaze towards Li Fan.
Without anger, but with a furrowed brow, as if pondering something.
After a moment, he showed surprise.
"Please wait for a moment."
He hurriedly entered the Ji Family residence.
Shortly after, an elderly man with a square face led a group of spirits out.
His eyes landed on Li Fan. The square-faced spirit practitioner's expression remained unchanged.
"How dare you return, Zhaoyuan? Have you broken the sect rules and been expelled?" He didn't show any joy at seeing his long-lost son but instead rebuked him harshly.
Chu Senior Brother was about to intercede when Li Fan directly retorted, "Who are you? I don't remember you after being away for so long!"
The square-faced spirit practitioner's face flushed red with anger.
His aura seemed like a volcano about to erupt.
The Ji Family spirits behind him all wore strange expressions as they sized up Li Fan.
Li Fan remained unafraid and took a deep breath, releasing over a hundred different-colored sword qi that surrounded them.
Seeing the impending conflict, Chu Senior Brother hurriedly said, "Misunderstanding! Don't get too hasty!"
"I am a true disciple of Tian Jian Sect, Chu Zongyin. We have a mission to complete and passed through this market. Since it's still Ji Junior Brother's home, I decided to drop by," he quickly explained.
Ji Zhaoyuan's father paused at the mention, then looked at the hundred sword qi surrounding Li Fan, his eyes showing surprise.
He slowly reined in his aura and said with a snort, "Come inside!"
Chu Zongyin breathed a sigh of relief as he pulled Li Fan into Ji Family residence.
Navigating through twists and turns, they eventually arrived at a private hall deep within the residence.
Ji Zhaoyuan's father sat above, dismissing everyone else. He asked in a low voice, "Speak, what is your purpose for coming here?"
Chu Zongyin was about to reply when Li Fan stopped him.
"You're not qualified yet. Let the patriarch handle it!" Li Fan said expressionlessly.
Returning to Ji Family, his long-dormant memories seemed to be slowly awakening.
Li Fan knew that before him was Ji Zhaoyuan's father, Ji Shiwén, merely a manager of the World Trade Association market with no real power in Ji Family.
The true ruler of Ji Family was the patriarch, Ji Wanshan, who had already achieved dao union and founded the World Trade Association. His true cultivation was beyond comprehension.
"You..." Ji Shiwén's eyes flashed with uncontainable anger.
But seeing Li Fan's emotionless gaze, he couldn't help but shiver.
After much deliberation, he finally suppressed his rage.
"Wait here."
He snorted and stomped the ground, transforming into a streak of light that flew to the spirit stone city in the sky.
"Ji Junior Brother, he is your father. Are you sure this is...?" Chu Zongyin whispered.
Li Fan smiled, "Doing this makes us seem more confident."
Seeing Li Fan's indifference, Chu Senior Brother chuckled awkwardly and didn't dare say much more.
While waiting, Li Fan noticed that the patterns in the hall seemed familiar.
"Hmm? They seem similar to the World Trade Association's emblems in reality. But there are some differences."
Li Fan pondered within himself.
"It seems they have a connection."
Not long after, Ji Shiwén returned.
"Follow me," he said grimly.
In the end, Li Fan and Chu Senior Brother were led into a private chamber where Ji Zhaoyuan's father sat.