"This..."
Upon seeing the dazzling light emanating from within the box, everyone subconsciously held their breath.
As Fang Junxue fully opened the box, a fiery red fruit appeared before them.
Judging by its appearance, the fruit resembled a common tomato. The only difference was that this fruit emitted a blinding red glow.
Furthermore, everyone present could clearly feel that since the box was opened, a pleasant fragrance seemed to permeate the air, giving a sense of vibrant vitality.
"Is this..." Nangong Li stared for a long time, then his eyes widened in shock as he looked at Fang Junxue, "Could this be the Crimson Heart Fruit!"
Crimson Heart Fruit?
Upon hearing this, everyone's brows furrowed.
This...
They had never heard of it!
However, it was not surprising that ordinary people had not heard of it. For, only those who were ancient martial artists had a chance to learn about the Crimson Heart Fruit.
Legend had it that the Crimson Heart Fruit contained immense vitality. If consumed by an ordinary person, it could at least extend their lifespan by ten years.
For ancient martial artists, besides improving their physical functions, the most important benefit of consuming a Crimson Heart Fruit was that it could directly help them break through bottlenecks and reach the next realm during early stage breakthroughs.
This effect was present until they reached the King of Martial Arts realm.
Imagine, when an ancient martial artist was in the late stage of the Martial Master realm, and directly consumed a Crimson Heart Fruit. They could then easily ascend to the King of Martial Arts realm and become a powerful figure.
This showed the terrifying nature of the Crimson Heart Fruit.
...
After Nangong Li uttered the words "Crimson Heart Fruit," he wished he could slap himself. Such crucial information had been inadvertently leaked by him.
He could foresee that once others got wind of this, the Fang family would be at the center of a vortex.
But at this point, there was no turning back. He could only explain the uses of the Crimson Heart Fruit.
Even if he didn't say it now, the news would likely not remain a secret for long.
"This... this is too miraculous!"
After hearing Nangong Li's explanation, everyone exclaimed.
The mere fact that it could extend life by ten years was enough to drive people mad.
"Girl Fang, where did you find this Crimson Heart Fruit?" Nangong Li asked.
He asked this question out of concern for Fang Junxue. After all, with such a divine item appearing from her, it would naturally attract the attention of those with ulterior motives.
Therefore, with everyone present, it was better to clarify things to perhaps reduce unnecessary trouble.
Fang Junxue was astute. After understanding the uses of the Crimson Heart Fruit, she had already anticipated what lay ahead.
Thus, in just a few minutes, she had already prepared her explanation.
"This Crimson Heart Fruit was given to me by an old monk when I was paying respects to a Buddha statue," Fang Junxue said with a calm expression. "He said I had a connection with it, so he gave me two."
Fang Junxue's words were delivered calmly, but they agitated everyone present.
She actually possessed two of these divine items.
Therefore, when everyone looked at Fang Junxue again, their eyes were tinged with a hint of greed.
But Fang Junxue's next words were like a splash of cold water on them.
"I did indeed have two, but..." Fang Junxue scanned the crowd, her lips parting slightly, "I have already consumed one."
Then, before anyone could react, Fang Junxue quickly took a few steps in the courtyard and continued, "It is precisely because of its efficacy that my hidden ailment was cured."
Fang Junxue's action undoubtedly confirmed her words.
After all, everyone present was well aware of the injury on Fang Junxue's leg.
Therefore, upon learning that the other fruit had already been consumed, their gaze shifted back to the box in Nangong Li's hand.
While the news of Fang Junxue's recovery was enough to shock everyone present, their entire attention was now focused on the Crimson Heart Fruit in Nangong Li's hand.
Thus, in a sense, Fang Junxue's return did not arouse their suspicion.
This!
Was exactly what Fang Junxue desired.
It had to be said that in such a short period, Fang Junxue not only placed herself in a safe position but also cleverly lowered their guard.
This showed how formidable Fang Junxue was, capable of influencing the youth of Nangong Yi and others.
And among those present, the only one who could see through all of this was likely Ye Ming.
Because only he could be indifferent to the Crimson Heart Fruit.
"Amazing!"
Looking at the girl who had returned to his side, Ye Ming sighed softly in her ear.
Feeling the warmth from his breath by her ear, two blushes crept onto Fang Junxue's cheeks, making her look captivatingly alluring.
But fortunately, everyone's attention was on the Crimson Heart Fruit, and no one noticed this enchanting scene.
"Good! Since it is Girl Fang's gesture, this old man will accept it," Nangong Li said with a smile.
At this moment, he had to accept the Crimson Heart Fruit. Otherwise, Fang Junxue would be in great trouble.
"Alas!" Nangong Li sighed inwardly, "I fear there will be no more peace from now on."
But Nangong Li did not know that what would truly disturb his peace was yet to come.
Just as everyone was harboring their own thoughts, Ye Ming walked out, also holding a small box, and said to Nangong Li with a smile, "Grandpa Nangong, this is my filial gift to you."
However, his smile held a hint of ill intention.
Because he had already guessed that one Crimson Heart Fruit had given Nangong Li a headache. He wondered how Nangong Li would feel when his congratulatory gift was revealed.
"No choice, for the plan to proceed smoothly, I'll have to trouble you, Grandpa!" Ye Ming was already silently mourning for Nangong Li.
Because his actions were not intended to place the Nangong family in a predicament, but rather to make the entire Minghai City, and even Tian'an Province, become the center of a storm.
"Oh! What have you prepared, kid?" Nangong Li looked at Ye Ming, who was full of smiles, and a bad premonition arose.
But others did not think so. Even a divine item like the Crimson Heart Fruit had appeared, so no matter what Ye Ming gifted, it would only be a show of extravagance.
"Seeing how confident Brother Ye is, it must be a divine item comparable to the Crimson Heart Fruit!" Lin Zifeng said loudly, looking at Ye Ming.
However, the sarcasm in his words was likely discernible to everyone present.
"Hahaha!"
Upon Lin Zifeng's remark, many people burst into laughter.
Nangong Qianyu, seeing Lin Zifeng deliberately provoking, could not stand it and was about to step forward to argue when Fang Junxue, standing beside him, smiled and shook her head, "Trust him, he can handle it."
Hearing Fang Junxue's words, Nangong Qianyu glanced at Ye Ming in the arena and retracted his alluring long legs that were already in motion.
Ye Ming, seeing Lin Zifeng trying to stir up trouble, would naturally not let him off.
"Of course, unlike some people who have nothing good to offer and can only bark from the sidelines," Ye Ming retorted directly.
"Ye, you're looking for death!" Lin Zifeng, insulted publicly by Ye Ming, could not swallow this insult.
"Oh! You're angry! You're angry!" Ye Ming looked at the approaching Lin Zifeng and said directly, "If you're not convinced, how about we make a bet?"
A bet?
"What's the bet?" Lin Zifeng stopped, staring intently at Ye Ming.
"It's a bet on what's inside my box," Ye Ming held up his box and then said, "If what's inside is better than the Crimson Heart Fruit, I win. Otherwise, you win, how about that?"
"As for the stakes! Since you like to bark so much, then let's hear a couple of dog barks."
"You..."
Lin Zifeng's face turned ashen, his gaze as fierce as if it could kill.
But he did not lose his reason because of this.
To compare with the Crimson Heart Fruit!
This...
Logically speaking, divine items like the Crimson Heart Fruit are already extremely rare. Yet Ye Ming wanted to compare it with the Crimson Heart Fruit. What kind of rare treasure would have to be in his box to win?
But seeing Ye Ming's calm and composed demeanor, Lin Zifeng hesitated.
"What, scared?" This time, it was Ye Ming's turn to mock. "Alas! Seeing that you've already admitted defeat, then forget it!"
"Fine! I'll bet with you," Lin Zifeng gritted his teeth and accepted Ye Ming's wager.
Lin Fengxuan, who was about to step forward to stop his son from accepting the bet, was still a step too late.
"Idiot!" Lin Fengxuan's face also turned grim.
He then glanced at Ye Ming again, his brow furrowed, lost in thought.
"Good!" Ye Ming smiled triumphantly.
Seeing this smile, Lin Zifeng suddenly regretted it.
He knew he had fallen into a trap.
Then, in front of everyone, Ye Ming slowly opened the box.
However, to everyone's surprise, they expected to see scenes of colorful light or flowing brilliance. But even when Ye Ming had completely opened the box, no such spectacle appeared.
Because inside the box, there was only a piece of old white jade.