Volume 1, Chapter 12: The Struggle of Liu Ruyan!

A sense of profound satisfaction washed over Ye Feng.

To hear such a sound from Liu Ruyan, who was usually so aloof and imperious, was proof enough that she was truly desperate. However, there was only one mid-grade spirit artifact, and he could only give a gift every three days. Naturally, he had to prioritize someone who offered more meaning and greater returns.

Besides, Su Yun’er had not disappointed him in the slightest. By giving her just one mid-grade spirit artifact, he had already received sufficient gratitude and reciprocation. How could Ye Feng possibly show favoritism to Liu Ruyan in this matter?

Liu Ruyan’s voice echoed throughout the private room; it was so sharp that even those outside the building could hear her cries. She was utterly distraught.

A mid-grade spirit artifact! A treasure far beyond her comprehension—even if all the gifts Ye Feng had given her in the past were added together, they would not come close to this. Yet, such a treasure had slipped right through her fingers! Her eyes were bloodshot, and tears welled up in them. She could not forgive herself, and she could forgive Ye Feng even less.

"Ye Feng, you must be joking, right?" Liu Ruyan asked, her voice choked with sobs.

Ye Feng responded with a smile: "Senior Sister Ruyan, how could this be a joke? It’s just a gift, is it really worth getting so worked up over? Besides, you were the one who agreed that I should give a gift to Senior Sister Yun’er. If one neglects an honored guest, one must naturally show some gesture. I have you to thank for the reminder, Senior Sister Ruyan!"

Hearing this, Liu Ruyan felt as if she couldn't breathe. She opened her mouth to speak, but didn't know where to begin. After a long moment, she finally managed to choke out: "But that is a mid-grade spirit artifact! You just gave away something so valuable, just like that?"

Ye Feng remained calm, smiling as he replied, "Senior Sister Ruyan, I still understand the principle that the value of a gift lies in the intention, not the object. Although I know you were afraid I might offend Senior Sister Su Yun’er, fortunately, she clearly likes this treasure very much. And while this 'Unparalleled Elegance' might be a bit risqué, I can guarantee that its defensive capabilities and quality are impeccable. This is all thanks to Yun’er’s generosity; otherwise, how could I have felt comfortable giving this spirit artifact away?"

The more Liu Ruyan listened, the more she fell apart. *He’s already calling her 'Yun’er'? Did he even listen to a word I said?*

*Argh! This is so infuriating! Why is this Ye Feng so dense?!*

Liu Ruyan screamed internally. In all the time she had known Ye Feng, he had never given her such a valuable gift. Now, this treasure had instantly fallen into the hands of Su Yun’er—her supposed best friend, but in reality, her rival. She truly could not accept this. For two years, Ye Feng’s relentless gift-giving had made her feel proud and even a bit arrogant, but this single gift had completely shattered her defenses.

"Junior Brother, you know yourself that this item is so suggestive. By giving it to Su Yun’er just like that, doesn't it make you look frivolous? If this gets out, won't your reputation be ruined? Even if you don't care about your own reputation, you should at least consider Senior Sister Su Yun’er!"

Ye Feng couldn't help but sneer at these words. *What reputation?* He was already known by everyone as a pathetic "simp"—what more was there to lose? Suppressing his laughter, he said slowly, "Senior Sister, you are right. I did have those concerns as well. Ever since I obtained this treasure, I have often been conflicted. Before, I was indeed worried that Senior Sister Yun’er might look down on me. But fortunately, she really likes this item. And if it weren't for this treasure, Senior Sister Su Yun’er and I wouldn't have become such close confidants. If I was being presumptuous by giving her gifts before, given our current relationship, this gift will only become a beautiful tale. As for the malicious slander of others? Hmph! It only proves their envy and jealousy."

With every word Ye Feng spoke, Liu Ruyan felt more and more humiliated. Was she saying that the reason she didn't get this "Unparalleled Elegance" was because she acted too prudish in front of Ye Feng? She thought back carefully. It seemed she had indeed said some things before he gave away that spirit wine. Could it be that those words were what led to Ye Feng’s misunderstanding?

She didn't want to be taken advantage of, but if it meant getting a mid-grade spirit artifact, what was a little disadvantage? A mid-grade artifact! Such an exaggerated treasure was worth several years of accumulation for an ordinary cultivator. Such a precious thing, and Ye Feng had given it away so casually. And this treasure should have been hers!

Liu Ruyan was filled with regret; her guts were practically turning green. However, Ye Feng’s logic was watertight, and she could find no opportunity to argue further. She could only turn her gaze toward her best friend, Su Yun’er. She was caught in the classic dilemma: she hated to see her friend suffer, but she hated even more to see her succeed.

If she had managed to narrowly edge out Su Yun’er with Ye Feng’s simping, then this single gift had opened an insurmountable chasm between them. The reluctance in Liu Ruyan’s heart was plain to see. She forced herself to say to Su Yun’er: "Yun’er, although this 'Unparalleled Elegance' is a mid-grade spirit artifact, it is truly too flashy and risqué. I advise you to be cautious. Moreover, you and Junior Brother Ye Feng have only just met; accepting such a valuable gift is truly inappropriate. Why don't we return it to Ye Feng?"

Su Yun’er had long since rolled her eyes at Liu Ruyan in her mind. Now that such a precious treasure had fallen into her hands, how could she possibly give it back? Furthermore, this artifact was linked to whether she could obtain the inheritance in the Mortal Dust Fairy’s cave dwelling; even if she had to throw away her dignity, she would hold onto it tightly! A treasure worth over three hundred low-grade spirit stones, and Liu Ruyan wanted her to return it? *She must be dreaming!*

Su Yun’er sneered inwardly, but on the surface, she said gently, "Sister Ruyan, since Junior Brother Ye Feng has already given me this gift, it wouldn't be right for me to decline. As for its value, of course I am aware of it. It is precisely because I keep it in my heart that we have become such close confidants! If there are any opportunities in the future, I will definitely think of Junior Brother Ye Feng first. I remember you telling me before, Ruyan, that you and Junior Brother Ye Feng were merely mutual admirers and had no other relationship. If that’s the case, surely you wouldn't mind me being his close confidante, would you?"

Liu Ruyan was in total despair. With the two of them singing from the same hymn sheet, she had become the third wheel. She was the one who had met Ye Feng first, for heaven's sake! She regretted bringing Su Yun’er along so much. If not for her, she wouldn't have ended up a laughingstock.

Liu Ruyan felt miserable. Meanwhile, Ye Feng said solemnly to Su Yun’er, "Senior Sister Yun’er, I think Senior Sister Ruyan is right!"

Liu Ruyan’s eyes lit up immediately, thinking Ye Feng had finally come to his senses. Just as she was about to say something, Ye Feng continued: "Although the gift I gave you is nothing worth mentioning, it is still a mid-grade spirit artifact and might attract the covetous eyes of others. So, Yun’er, it would be best if you bind it with your blood as soon as possible."

Upon hearing this, Su Yun’er nodded immediately. Ignoring Liu Ruyan’s expression, she blushed slightly and said to Ye Feng, "I will refine it now. I wonder if you have a place where I might have some privacy?"