Chapter 21: The War God's Probing

Encouraged by Ye Feng’s words, Bai Weiwei felt a surge of motivation. She longed to throw herself into the business of making money, determined to earn enough as soon as possible to secure her brother’s release from prison. This was precisely what Bai Shouqi had hoped Ye Feng would do: build a commercial empire, become the new world’s richest person, and never forget the brother still languishing behind bars—if the chance arose, he was to buy his freedom.

Ye Feng climbed to the third floor alone and chose a room at random. The furniture had been cleared out; not even a bed remained. However, for Ye Feng, who had long grown accustomed to the harsh life in prison, this meager environment meant nothing. By comparison, freedom was the most precious treasure of all. A humble dwelling is glorified by the virtue of its occupant.

Ye Feng sat cross-legged on the floor and began his daily cultivation. His entire body was bathed in a golden glow. From his Grandmaster, Ye Feng had inherited half of the Heavenly Tome and half of his cultivation base. Because Ye Feng’s foundation was still shallow, he could not yet fully absorb the terrifying power of his master’s cultivation. Consequently, the Grandmaster had sealed that power within the half of the Heavenly Tome, allowing Ye Feng to release and absorb a portion each day—accumulating strength bit by bit, a source of infinite benefit. That half of the Heavenly Tome remained hidden within Ye Feng’s consciousness.

Just as Ye Feng was deeply immersed in his practice, the sound of rustling grass drifted from outside.

"Someone else is here?" Ye Feng’s expression tightened. He sensed that this visitor was extraordinary; even the way they approached the mountain stirred the surrounding vegetation, setting the wind and trees in a state of agitation. "Could it be someone sent by the Cui family?"

Compared to the previous Taoist Master Yu, this mysterious visitor possessed a far greater level of strength.

"The residence above the clouds has a new master, does it?" A resonant voice suddenly echoed from outside the villa. Though it came from a great distance, it rang clearly in his ears.

"The battle just now was truly earth-shattering—most impressive!" the voice continued. "I, Li Yubai, happen to live nearby. Might you come out for a meeting?"

Li Yubai? The name sounded familiar to Ye Feng, but he couldn't quite place it at the moment. If Jin Luyi had been present, she would have recognized the visitor immediately as her foster father, the War God of Youzhou, Li Yubai.

"Elder Li!" Bai Weiwei’s voice rang out from outside. It seemed he really was a neighbor, and she had gone out to greet him. "It’s so late, why have you come?"

Li Yubai smiled gently. "I sensed some activity here, so I came to check on things. Are you alright?"

"I’m fine," Bai Weiwei replied, shaking her head.

"Who is staying inside?" Li Yubai asked with curiosity.

"He was sent by my brother to protect me," Bai Weiwei answered truthfully.

"Oh..." Li Yubai nodded, then chuckled. "It seems someone has come to take over my watch. Ha ha..."

Li Yubai had once owed Bai Shouqi a favor, and after Shouqi was imprisoned, he had moved nearby to keep watch over the villa. Thanks to the formidable reputation of the War God of Youzhou, the villa and Bai Weiwei had lived in peace for years. Occasionally, impolite debt collectors like Young Master Cui would appear, but Bai Weiwei simply ignored them. Had she ever called out, Li Yubai would have arrived instantly to ensure her safety.

"Thank you, Elder Li, for all your care over these years," Bai Weiwei said with sincere gratitude. Without the protection of the War God of Youzhou, she would have struggled to survive.

"Since your brother has sent someone else, I am free to leave at any time," Li Yubai said calmly, his tone shifting. "However, before I go, I must test whether this person is qualified to take my place!"

With that, Li Yubai struck a palm toward the room on the roof where Ye Feng was staying. Instantly, a gale erupted, and dust filled the air.

"Elder Li! Please, show mercy!" Bai Weiwei was startled to see him launch an attack. She knew Ye Feng was formidable, but he was now facing a renowned War God of the Great Xia—the very ceiling of human strength. This was no mere match for the likes of Taoist Master Yu.

*Crack!*

With a thunderous sound, the roof was pierced through by the force of the palm strike, leaving a gaping hole. Seeing this, Ye Feng did not dare to be slow. He quickly formed a hand seal, thunder crackling between his palms as he launched a counter-strike.

*Boom!*

Another massive explosion followed. Two terrifying forces collided within the room, ripping the roof entirely off the structure. Ye Feng felt a sinking sensation; the power of that palm strike had nearly shattered the floor beneath his feet. Simultaneously, the lightning in Ye Feng’s palms surged forth, rebounding against the force of the strike.

Outside the villa, Li Yubai, though he had withdrawn his hand in time, was still buffeted by the counter-attack and forced back several steps, his arm tingling with numbness.

"A fine Palm Thunder technique indeed!" Li Yubai exclaimed in admiration. "A truly formidable successor!"

"Young lady, the man your brother sent is certainly capable! I can leave with peace of mind now... Ha ha, farewell!"

With a laugh, Li Yubai, who had come in haste, departed just as swiftly, drifting away into the night.