Ding Fan pondered for a moment; it was time to go out. Not only did he need to purchase blue crystal stones, but he also needed to visit Brother Long Ren, as the month was quickly passing, and Ding Fan naturally couldn't let his brother down. Moreover, buying blue crystal stones wasn't that easy.

It's not like you can buy enough blue crystal stones just because you have an abundance of spirit stones. This material is crucial for setting up formations, extremely rare, and not commonly found. After all, it's a precious material used for formations. Even in the shops of the city, buying some blue crystal stones isn't an easy task.

Furthermore, Ding Fan needed a large quantity of blue crystal stones because they were to be used to repair the ancient formation techniques, making it even more difficult to purchase so many blue crystal stones.

Although the Dayang Sect currently occupies the position of the Heavenly Pool, a naturally secluded location, Ding Fan wasn't at ease without formations to protect the sect. Even if other cultivators didn't discover them, there was no guarantee powerful Yuan Beasts wouldn't. Previously, the Heavenly Pool was protected by an ancient Mysterious Thunder Formation that kept both cultivators and Yuan Beasts at bay.

Ding Fan knew that those powerful Yuan Beasts wouldn't discover this place for a while, but with the frequent activities of Dayang Sect disciples nearby, it was only a matter of time before a powerful Yuan Beast would discover that the ancient Mysterious Thunder Formation was no longer present. By then, powerful Yuan Beasts would become a significant security threat to the sect.

Therefore, reinforcing those ancient formations was essential for the sect.

Additionally, Ding Fan was constantly worried about Gusu Qingwen's well-being. Without having found Gusu Qingwen yet, Ding Fan could never rest easy. Although Gusu Qingwen's cultivation on Earth was not bad, in the entire Cultivation World, her cultivation was evidently not sufficient.

The Cultivation World is a place where survival relies on the strength of one's fists, fraught with dangers. How could Ding Fan not worry about Gusu Qingwen's safety?

Previously, Ding Fan had heard about an auction in Lan City that featured a timing artifact. He thought it might be a clue left by Gusu Qingwen, but after going to Lan City, he neither found Gusu Qingwen nor learned of her whereabouts, leaving him disappointed but determined not to give up searching for her.

Even though the Cultivation World was vast, Ding Fan resolved to search every corner of it to find Gusu Qingwen's whereabouts.

Additionally, Ding Fan wanted to go out to gather more information about the recent movements of the Wild Wolf Gang. Evidently, some of the Wild Wolf Gang's actions left Ding Fan baffled. His hatred for the Wild Wolf Gang was certain, but their recent activities were quite perplexing.

Previously, they attempted to control all alchemists in Dancheng, or destroy the entire city if they couldn't. If it hadn't been for Ding Fan discovering and promptly dismantling the enormous destruction array the Wild Wolf Gang had set up in Dancheng, the city might not have existed now.

Subsequently, Ding Fan wanted to annihilate all of the Thirty-Six Caverns' existence. Up until then, he hadn't even heard of the Thirty-Six Caverns, indicating it was a highly secretive and powerful entity, arguably one of the top forces on the Donglai Continent. Regarding hidden forces, the Thirty-Six Caverns would undoubtedly be the largest on the Donglai Continent.

The Wild Wolf Gang managed to find the location of the Thirty-Six Caverns' annual sect master meeting and had even convinced many sect masters beforehand. If on that occasion, Ding Fan hadn't been coincidentally present to unravel those advanced array formations, the Thirty-Six Caverns might not still be around...

All these things related to the Wild Wolf Gang made Ding Fan feel some trepidation about the gang's strength. Clearly, this Wild Wolf Gang's power was not something your average sect could contend with. Just considering the existence of the Thirty-Six Caverns, any sect would be too afraid to provoke them. Yet, the Wild Wolf Gang was able to confront them, almost succeeding. With such strength, how could Ding Fan not be concerned?

Even if the Dayang Sect developed for another year or two, it might still not be a match for the Wild Wolf Gang. Yet, Ding Fan felt the Wild Wolf Gang's strength was unbelievably formidable. Ultimately, the Wild Wolf Gang is just a newly risen sect, having quickly developed after wiping out the previous Dayang Sect.

Such a newly risen sect conducting so many unbelievable actions left Ding Fan with a constant sense of incredulity.

Even the Wild Wolf Gang's previous annihilation of the Dayang Sect left Ding Fan with many questions. Although he knew the gang managed to wipe out the Dayang Sect by bribing an elder who was crucial to the sect and had him destroy the sect's formations, leading to their success, Ding Fan couldn't understand what kind of immense benefits the elder received to betray the Dayang Sect, which had a much stronger foundation than the Wild Wolf Gang. This remained an unresolved question in Ding Fan's mind.

Sitting at a redwood tea table, Ding Fan gently lifted a teacup to his lips, took a light sip, and his face grew solemn as he pondered these questions but found no answers, leaving him a bit anxious and puzzled.

"Why are you unhappy? Isn't the Dayang Sect developing quite well now?"

Zhou Ruoran happened to open the door and walk in just then, noticing Ding Fan sitting there with a frown, lost in thought and looking downcast. She asked out of concern.

Looking at Zhou Ruoran, Ding Fan couldn't help but smile slightly, and the worries in his heart seemed to clear up significantly. Seeing the pure and exquisite, beautiful and intelligent Zhou Ruoran, Ding Fan's face showed a deep affection.

"It's nothing, just thinking about some things. I've been really busy lately and have somewhat neglected you. I'm sorry, Ruoran."

Ding Fan looked affectionate, apologizing slightly.

"How could that be? Recently, I've had some insights during cultivation, and my progress is quite significant. I'm pretty happy with it," Zhou Ruoran said with a smile. Although she missed Ding Fan very much, her recent cultivation indeed brought her joy, especially after Ding Fan gave her that bottle of Supreme Quality Medicine Pill.

In her cultivation, Zhou Ruoran advanced like a tiger with wings, progressing rapidly. In her heart, Zhou Ruoran aspired that one day she would catch up to Ding Fan, having the same level of cultivation and strength, so she wouldn't need Ding Fan to worry about protecting her but could protect him instead. Relying on her abilities to stay with Ding Fan forever, with no external factors hindering them.

Zhou Ruoran snuggled into Ding Fan's arms, and Ding Fan felt relieved hearing Zhou Ruoran's words, feeling even more affection towards her.

"If there's any difficulty in cultivation, feel free to ask me. Once the Dayang Sect becomes completely powerful, I won't go anywhere, just stay by your side, together forever..."

"Mmm mmm..."

Hearing Ding Fan's words, Zhou Ruoran too longed for that day...

...

After some affectionate moments, Ding Fan told Zhou Ruoran he had plans to go out soon. Though Zhou Ruoran felt a bit reluctant, she knew Ding Fan had important matters to attend and naturally agreed generously.

A few days later, Ding Fan left the Dayang Sect alone.

Currently, the Dayang Sect was managed by Wang Hu and other elders, and Ding Fan felt assured. Thus, Ding Fan walked out of his room one morning and headed down the mountain.

Upon reaching the entrance of the Dayang Sect, Ding Fan paused suddenly. He slightly turned his head, naturally noticing He Qianyao standing gracefully by the Heavenly Pool, her eyes fixed on him. After some thought, Ding Fan turned back to smile at He Qianyao.

During this return, Ding Fan didn't spend much time with He Qianyao. He felt the complexity of her emotions towards him but didn't dwell on it. He Qianyao was safe now, plus the Dayang Sect was developing fast. Ding Fan fulfilled some of the former sect leader's tasks, feeling no guilt.

Soon, Ding Fan withdrew his smile and walked straight out of the sect, heading down the mountain...

Watching Ding Fan's smile, He Qianyao initially wanted to return a smile but didn't know why she couldn't. Filled with thoughts of Ding Fan, words failed her, leaving her silently praying for Ding Fan's well-being, hoping for a smooth journey down the mountain this time...

Zhou Ruoran had already cultivated some Divine Sense, and evidently witnessed the scene between He Qianyao and Ding Fan, feeling it in her heart. She understood He Qianyao's feelings for Ding Fan, not harboring any resentment. After a long time of interacting with He Qianyao, Zhou Ruoran knew she was a good girl; Ding Fan was just too outstanding, deeply attracting her. Yet, neither of them acted out of line.

Even secretly, Zhou Ruoran knew that even if Ding Fan accepted her in the future, she wouldn't strongly oppose. After all, Ding Fan was indeed too outstanding, monopolizing such a man seemed selfish and perhaps impossible. Ding Fan's heart not only accommodated herself but also Ye Ningbing and Gusu Qingwen.

Zhou Ruoran was aware that Ding Fan was going down the mountain to search for Gusu Qingwen. She considered them very dear sisters, and with Gusu Qingwen not yet found, Zhou Ruoran felt worried for her, naturally supporting Ding Fan's search...

...

Wang Hu, unknown when, had been observing brother Ding Fan, feeling envious. Not only did sister-in-law admire brother immensely, but He Qianyao also favored him deeply, stirring an unexplained sourness in Wang Hu's heart...

Though envious of brother Ding Fan, Wang Hu felt more gratitude and admiration for him. He hadn't seen any cultivator more exceptional than brother Ding Fan; likely, in the entire Cultivation World, few could match him. Such a person naturally attracted women's affections...

"Assemble! Start training!"

Wang Hu retracted his gaze, watching brother leave, and regained his focus. Standing seriously in the Cultivation Plaza, he trained the many disciples before him sternly.

Wang Hu's attention remained on the Dayang Sect. As a former Dayang Sect disciple, restoring the sect and eliminating the Wild Wolf Gang was his indispensable duty. Grateful to brother Ding Fan beyond words, he knew leading the Dayang Sect to prosperity was a way to repay brother Ding Fan's kindness.