Yang Fan's Dilemma

"Is this the **Heavenly Vessel**?" 

Yang Fan gazed at the massive structure before him, an overwhelming sense of his own insignificance washing over him. Amidst the roaring river, the waters parted as the iron-clad vessel emerged, its surface cloaked in a soft blue glow, exuding an air of mystery and solemnity. 

Around him, the cultivators displayed a spectrum of reactions: some were deep in contemplation, others brimmed with wonder, while a few remained unfazed, as if such spectacles were part of their daily lives. Yang Fan understood that this "Heavenly Vessel" was, in truth, a unique magical artifact capable of navigating perilous stretches of the **Qingjiang River**, where ordinary boats dared not tread. 

As he scrutinized the **Heavenly Vessel**, he noted that its enormous hull was sheathed in a layer of extraordinary metallic material, likely sourced from the refinement of artifacts in the realm of cultivation. Even this scant amount of refining material would constitute a small fortune. Though merely a magical instrument, he anticipated its value would far surpass that of an ordinary spiritual artifact.

Bathed in moonlight, the vessel shimmered with a soft luster, embodying an earthy and unpretentious beauty. Stretching thirty zhang in length and spanning over ten, it appeared to boast three levels, though two additional layers lay hidden beneath. The layout aboard was exceedingly simple, yet the construction of the various rooms and pavilions possessed a distinct charm, echoing an ancient elegance.

Setting aside the vessel's sheer size, the accommodations offered a comfortable sanctuary. He observed an elder gripping a sword-shaped token, its spiritual light flickering, deftly maneuvering the grand vessel as it approached the riverbank with a deliberate grace. Coming to a halt several dozen zhang from shore, the vessel paused, for any closer would likely jeopardize its buoyancy.

Yang Fan scrutinized the elder across the water, surmising his cultivation level. He deduced that this man must be the eldest of the **Heavenly Vessel's** seven brothers, perhaps having entered the **Consolidation Stage**.

With a sudden motion, the previously aloof young man flung forth an object, which transformed into a long, azure board, floating atop the river. Yang Fan surmised that this too was a magical artifact of unique function.

"Everyone prepare to board! First, purchase the spirit talismans: a single spirit stone for a shared cabin, three for a single room, and five for a luxury suite," the young man announced coldly, brandishing a collection of talismans—each distinguished by their hue: blue, silver, and gold.

This was Yang Fan's first experience aboard such an artifact, and he was taken aback by the myriad rules. However, the cultivators around him appeared unfazed, eagerly stepping forward to acquire their talismans, with lines forming as the transactions unfolded.

"Yang, how about we share a luxury suite? I'll cover the spirit stones as compensation for your earlier healing," suggested the **Colorful戒和尚**.

"Um…" Yang Fan hesitated, his reluctance stemming not only from the monk's lascivious reputation but also from a desire for solitude, a personal preference rooted in his secretive nature.

At that moment, a delicate figure draped in white approached, her voice gentle. "Yang, you should board first. Given that you treated my wounds, I cannot accept your spirit stones." 

It was, of course, **Li Yue Shuang**.

"Very well… then I shall accept your kindness," Yang Fan replied, grateful for the opportunity to evade the monk's persistent offers. A private room was precisely what he preferred.

"Damn this kid…" the monk thought, a twinge of jealousy surfacing. He sighed, "What makes this pretty boy so endearing?" 

Indeed, in terms of appearance, Yang Fan was strikingly handsome, enough to eclipse the charms of any infatuated maiden. Yet, his most potent allure lay not in his looks, but in an innate warmth that effortlessly endeared him to others, evoking feelings of affection and closeness. Coupled with his identity as a healer, he commanded an impressive presence that made it difficult for others to harbor ill intentions.

"After you, dear healer…" Li Yue Shuang motioned for Yang Fan to join her at the azure board, then whispered, "Just wait a moment." 

With that, she approached the young man from earlier, smiling as she spoke. "**Huang Lao Liu**, I would like a talisman for a luxury suite."

The young man appeared momentarily taken aback. "What is the reason for this?" His gaze swiftly landed on Yang Fan, standing a short distance away.

**Xing Lao Er** interjected, "This is Yang, a skilled healer who recently tended to my sister's wounds."

"Oh?" The young man's eyes flicked toward Yang Fan, a fleeting chill crossing his expression. "Since he is a friend of my sister, let him have a talisman for the luxury suite." 

The flicker of animosity in the young man's eyes, though transient, did not escape Yang Fan's keen senses. 

"He is a healer?" The elder's brows furrowed slightly, and he stroked his beard thoughtfully as he appraised Yang Fan. "To be so young…" 

"**Yuan Lao**, his medical skills are indeed extraordinary," Li Yue Shuang replied, accepting the talisman with a gleam of delight as she returned to Yang Fan's side.

The elder turned to **Xing Lao Er**, a puzzled expression on his face. "What is the situation here?" 

"Here's what happened…" Xing Lao Er recounted the events that had transpired in the hall.

After a moment's reflection, the elder communicated discreetly, "This individual's identity is unclear; he may possess the legacy of a renowned master. Exercise caution but do not offend him." 

"Understood." The trio exchanged understanding glances, though the young man still harbored a dismissive demeanor.

Yuan Lao regarded Yang Fan as he ascended the **Heavenly Vessel** with Li Yue Shuang, murmuring to himself, "It has been nearly twenty years since the last successor of **Yao Xian Gu** tragically fell. This young man, possessing such remarkable medical skills at his age, may well be among the newly cultivated successors of **Yao Xian Gu**. Yet I've heard that they recently produced a prodigious talent—a woman…"

"Curious…" Yuan Lao pondered for a moment, yet no clarity emerged from his thoughts.

Meanwhile, Yang Fan followed Li Yue Shuang, stepping onto the floating azure board as he ascended the **Heavenly Vessel**. 

Once on the deck, he surveyed his surroundings, feeling as if he had entered a lavish inn. 

"This is your talisman. Take it and enter the first room on the left," Li Yue Shuang said matter-of-factly as she handed him the talisman.

"Thank you, Miss," Yang Fan replied with a faint smile, taking the talisman and proceeding to the indicated room.

Upon reaching the door, he noticed a layer of enchantment surrounding the room. Not being a novice in the ways of cultivation, he summoned a jade talisman, bypassed the barrier effortlessly, and opened the door to enter.

Li Yue Shuang approached the entrance, speaking softly. "Do you recall what I mentioned earlier?" 

"About that…" Yang Fan hesitated before shaking his head. "I apologize, Miss Li, but I will likely wander alone in the world henceforth, saving lives and seeking the elusive path to immortality. It is best to leave this matter aside." 

"Hmph." Li Yue Shuang let out a soft huff. "How amusing that you wish to play the gallant while shying away from the entanglements of desire after having taken advantage of me before."

Yang Fan couldn't help but smile wryly. The words spoken during their prior encounter had left him deeply conflicted. This woman indeed wished to share an intimate night with him.

"This matter is absolutely out of the question…" he asserted firmly, his expression resolute. "If you insist, I will disembark immediately." 

At his words, Li Yue Shuang's face paled slightly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She bit her lip, declaring, "I know your heart cannot be retained. If you would only stay with me for a single night, it would be enough. For I fear I may never see you again…" 

Yang Fan sensed the sincerity behind her words, an unexpected revelation of his own allure.

"Should I consider her offer?" A fleeting impulse stirred within him; he was, after all, an eighteen-year-old youth. Yet in an instant, a vision crossed his mind—a maiden radiating the fragrance of blossoms, ethereal and elusive amidst a soft, verdant ambiance. She wore a white veil that obscured her features, her enchanting silhouette dancing in his memory, with bright eyes resembling flowing water, her silky hair cascading gracefully, and an immaculately green gown sweeping the floor. Her melodious voice lingered sweetly in his ears...

**Bang!** 

Yang Fan shut the door firmly, exhaling a long sigh. It took him a considerable time to regain his composure.

"The **Xian Hong Jue** has granted me the chance of immortality, altering my very essence, allowing me to draw the attention of earthly women. If I cannot curb such temptations, I will surely attract a ceaseless stream of admirers in the future…" 

He murmured to himself, closing his eyes to contemplate a strategy to navigate this unexpected situation.