Setting up a Spirit Gathering Array wasn’t difficult for Jiang Feng, but it required immense mental effort. Given his current cultivation level, containing all the spiritual energy released by the Hundred-Fruit Tree within the courtyard without leakage was a monumental task.
After embedding the final piece of jade into the soil, Jiang Feng finally exhaled a long-held breath. He had been working tirelessly since late last night, and now, the array was finally complete.
The moment the Spirit Gathering Array activated, Jiang Feng stood in the backyard, quietly sensing the changes. As expected, the spiritual energy in the air gradually grew denser.
However, due to the limited size of the Hundred-Fruit Tree, the amount of spiritual energy it released was minimal. Filling the entire courtyard would take a considerable amount of time.
Moreover, restricted by his current cultivation, Jiang Feng couldn’t yet set up a full containment barrier. Some of the spiritual energy would inevitably leak out. Still, even with these limitations, he was quite satisfied.
Jiang Feng sat cross-legged in the backyard, circulating his internal energy. Only when his stomach growled loudly did he realize he hadn’t eaten or drunk anything since yesterday—whether while inspecting the house, purchasing jade, or gambling on stones.
He chuckled wryly. It seemed he would have to endure such mundane concerns for a long time to come. After tidying up slightly, he left the courtyard to find something to eat.
Just as he stepped into the house, he heard a surprised voice from outside the backyard: “Huh? The air here feels so fresh! What kind of tree is this? It looks so familiar…”
Then, with a soft creak, the backyard door was pushed open by a delicate, fair hand. A petite figure tiptoed inside, her large eyes darting around cautiously. Seeing no one in the yard, she quickly scurried toward the Hundred-Fruit Tree.
Standing beneath it, she gasped. “Ah! Isn’t this a Bitterwood Tree? Grandpa said this species went extinct on Earth! How is there one here—and so big, too!”
She circled the tree thoughtfully. “Grandpa said this tree is incredibly rare. Its fruit can be used in medicine, with effects powerful enough to revive the dead and regrow flesh from bones. Even a single leaf is worth a fortune. Did Grandpa get it wrong, or am I mistaken? He spent decades searching and never found a trace. How did I stumble upon one so easily? I should take a few leaves back to show him. If this really is a Bitterwood Tree, I’ll be rich!”
Without hesitation, she reached out to pluck a leaf. Inside the house, Jiang Feng frowned. He hadn’t expected someone else to discover the tree so soon after he did. Seeing her attempt to take a leaf, his expression darkened further. She must already know what this tree is.
Without a second thought, Jiang Feng lunged forward like a shadow. If this person truly recognized the Hundred-Fruit Tree’s value, he wouldn’t hesitate to silence her permanently to keep its existence a secret.
Just as the girl stood on tiptoe to grab a leaf, a chilling gust of wind made her shiver. She turned—only to see a massive fist hurtling toward her face. A shrill scream tore from her throat.
Jiang Feng hadn’t expected to strike so easily. He had put his full strength into the punch. But the moment he heard her scream and saw her face, his heart lurched. Mid-swing, he twisted his fist aside, redirecting the blow to her shoulder.
BAM!
The impact sent her flying. She crashed to the ground, unconscious.
Jiang Feng strode over, staring silently at the unconscious woman.
It was none other than Pei Ruoxi—the same “madwoman” he’d met at Yanjing University’s library. They had only crossed paths once, yet here she was, disrupting his plans.
He couldn’t help but feel a mix of amusement and frustration. Had it been a stranger, male or female, he wouldn’t have hesitated to kill. But this girl? She was just an ordinary person, likely a student at Yanjing University—hardly a ruthless villain.
This left him conflicted. Should he eliminate her while she was vulnerable?
Before he could decide, a soft groan escaped her lips. Her large eyes fluttered open, and the moment she saw Jiang Feng looming over her, she shrieked and scrambled backward like a startled rabbit.
“Pretty boy?! Why is it you?!”
Pretty boy?
Jiang Feng suppressed a sigh, ignoring the nickname. What puzzled him was how she had regained consciousness so quickly after his punch.
Pei Ruoxi, meanwhile, had no patience for his thoughts. She jumped to her feet, hands on her hips, and yelled, “Hey! What’s wrong with you?! So what if I scolded you at school? You didn’t have to hit me that hard! If not for my treasure, I’d be dead right now!”
Jiang Feng studied her, his voice calm but probing. “Why are you here?”
“None of your business!” She snorted, rubbing her sore backside. The fall had been brutal. Glaring, she demanded, “You just tried to murder me! How are you going to make up for this?”
Jiang Feng ignored her theatrics. His hand shot out, aiming for her chest.
Pei Ruoxi’s eyes widened. “Pervert! R@pe! Help—!” She stumbled back, flailing wildly.
But Jiang Feng was faster. His fingers hooked into her collar, yanking it aside—not to assault her, but to examine the small jade Buddha pendant resting against her skin.
The moment he touched it, the jade Buddha emitted a faint green glow, repelling his hand with a defensive pulse. Jiang Feng’s left hand flicked out, neutralizing the energy. His expression darkened.
This was no ordinary trinket. It was a magical artifact—one with automatic protective abilities. No wonder she had survived his strike unharmed.
“Where did you get this jade Buddha?” he demanded.
“Like I’d tell you!” she snapped, still fuming. At first, she’d thought he was trying to strip her, but now it was clear he was after her pendant. Is he blind to women, or just an idiot?
Her indignation faded as realization struck. He’s no idiot. He knows exactly what this pendant is.
The jade Buddha had been a gift from her grandfather—a sacred artifact obtained from a revered monk. She had worn it since childhood, and few knew of its existence. Yet Jiang Feng’s intense focus told her he recognized its value.
Clutching the pendant protectively, she hissed, “Give it back!”
Jiang Feng swatted her hand away. “Tell me its origin.”
“Why should I?! Who do you think you are? Let go, or I’ll call the police!”
Unfazed, Jiang Feng pried the pendant from her grip. The jade grew scalding in his palm, as if resisting him.
“You trespassed into my home. Consider this confiscated as compensation,” he said coldly.
This girl not only possessed a guardian artifact but had also identified the Hundred-Fruit Tree. By all logic, she couldn’t be allowed to leave. Yet killing her wasn’t an option. Taking the pendant would have to suffice as punishment.
“Trespassing?! I just wanted a couple of leaves! Since when is that a crime?” Pei Ruoxi protested, eyes blazing.
Jiang Feng ignored her. “Get out.”
“Not without my pendant!” She stomped her foot. “If you don’t return it, I’ll report you!”
“Go ahead,” he said indifferently.
Pei Ruoxi paused, then smirked. “And what if the police find out about your… little secret?”
“What did you say?” Jiang Feng’s eyes flashed dangerously.
In an instant, his hand clamped around her throat, his voice icy. “Explain. Now.”