Ye Fan had appeared in the world — and the Imperial Pass was shaken!

On the highest floor of the Cloud-Piercing Tower, atop the platform like a severed mountain peak, a group of people were stunned. This was absolutely the most weighty matter in ten years’ worth of records.

The one who had once fought to the death against ancient supremes in the Life Forbidden Zone had returned — and what did this signify? No matter how one looked at it, it was unsettling and cause for wariness.

Gaze after gaze fell upon him — familiar and unfamiliar alike — with killing intent like an ocean, battle-spirit soaring to the clouds.

Ye Fan had reappeared. It felt as though the entire world had become his enemy.

He faced it calmly. He had experienced far too much on the battlefield — had once fought to the death against the Stone Emperor and the Lord of Reincarnation, supreme Emperor-gods both. By now, even encountering someone stronger than himself would not cause him any great inner turbulence.

“I say — why are all of you being so enthusiastic? It’s been a few years since Ye Fan here has sparred with you, but this is a bit much, isn’t it? We only just met.” The big black dog stood with its hands clasped behind its back, standing upright on two legs. Below the waist it wore golden underpants made of cloud-serpent skin; above, a silver vest made of flood-dragon hide — altogether shining with dazzling radiance.

It continued: “Such enthusiasm — we really have nothing to offer you. How about this: we’ll send you those few basins of what you regard as divine treasure — the Origin of the Dao tea.”

Damn!

Many people lost their minds. This dog was absolutely hateful. Every time it opened its mouth it ruined an entire road and ruined people’s mood. It had achieved a certain mastery in the art of “destroying without cease.”

“Come, come, come — here’s to a happy reunion! New friends and old friends alike, please drink this cup of wine — wrong, I mean tea. What a joyful encounter! I am truly overjoyed, I’ve missed you all so dearly!”

Good god — it was deliberately poking at every sore spot. Everyone wanted to skin it alive. Today was destined to go down as the world’s greatest joke — this dog had ruined an entire road, and it would likely be recorded in the annals of history, with those present becoming the laughingstock of future generations.

Everyone’s faces cycled through green, then white, then back again. With a swish, someone struck out — unable to endure this infuriating great black dog any longer. A flying blade transformed into a streak of demonic light and slashed downward.

Light flickered, and Ye Fan moved, extending two fingers to catch the blade, letting it tremble between them, unable to advance a single fraction.

“Brother Ye — it has been many years since we last met, and today we see each other again.” Yao Guang wore a warm smile on his face. He was undeniably a beautiful man, like a son of the sun god. His entire person radiated a particular brilliance — even the tips of his hair were streaming with golden light.

Behind him, Mo Wen Tian stood expressionlessly, a fierce gleam occasionally flickering in his eyes. Ye Fan had once captured him and put him to work as a laborer. Though he had been spared his life, his road ahead had in effect been severed.

“Fellow Daoist — weren’t you ill? You have an affliction that should be properly healed with rest. How is it you have returned to the One True Path?” someone asked.

“Mm, quite right — with an injury you should rest well. We all hope you recover soon — hahaha…” someone laughed loudly.

It sounded like an expression of concern, but the implication was perfectly clear — insincere, the words laced with barbs. The cold, dismissive smiles on their faces further confirmed the true sentiment behind them.

“I grew tired of staying in one place. One does eventually have to come out for a walk — otherwise one truly does waste away completely. And I came to see old friends and new ones alike.” Ye Fan replied plainly.

“Elder Ye Fan, do please take care of yourself. This One True Path is a dangerous place. I feel you should convalesce somewhere safe for a thousand or several hundred years, and when you have truly recovered your cultivation, make a strong and powerful return — at that point, who could contend with you? Ha — young ones like myself would simply step aside.”

“Your cultivation hasn’t recovered yet and you’ve already come — isn’t that a bit too impatient?” Someone was very direct, not even bothering to conceal it, though they were carefully watching the hand in which Ye Fan had caught the flying blade.

“The Celestial Court — I trust it has been doing well these years? With such a bold and ambitious name, I imagine it must have the substance to match.” The youngest son of the Celestial Court’s Imperial Lord said with a light smile. Given his background and origin, these words carried something of a sting.

“Fortunately, doing quite well, thank you.” From behind, the Celestial Court’s group replied coldly, their expressions carrying a strange amusement that made the Little Imperial Lord feel rather unsettled. His instincts told him something had definitely happened. The more they smiled, the less settled he felt — especially when he caught the Black Emperor’s greedy gaze and its gleaming white teeth, which made him even more irritated. Were they treating him as a fat sheep to be fleeced?

Ye Fan had come here with no intention to kill, nor was he in the mood for it. His primary purpose was to check on several of his disciples and old friends and ensure they were safe. Standing now at a different vantage point and looking back, he felt strangely bored by it all.

Of course, if anyone provoked him, he would naturally show no mercy.

“People say the Holy Body is extraordinary — that in his time he had the ambition to fight to the death against the supreme beings in the Life Forbidden Zone. I wonder what role he actually played in that battle. Fellow Daoist Ye — would you be willing to share something of your experience?” someone asked.

“That battle has nothing worth sharing — it was pure blood and killing. Those who are curious will only understand it when they face death themselves.” Ye Fan said.

This made everyone’s breath briefly catch. He had something to fall back on — even with his cultivation gone, even as a half-broken body, he remained this imposing, making everyone wary.

“Don’t talk about useless things. Since you’re here, show us a few moves — otherwise get out early!” The Great Mighty Sacred Spirit’s insolence was sky-high, primarily because he had a belly full of rage to vent — having drunk the foot-washing water, he felt his lungs about to burst with fury. And he still couldn’t do anything to that dog.

“Please don’t put it that way — the Holy Body has made great contributions, and people everywhere are grateful for his benevolence. Saying that would give you the reputation of mistreating a hero.” The Imperial Lord’s son spoke blandly, without particular emotion.

“Indeed — whatever one may say, the Holy Body of the human race has no small fame. Everyone owes him respect. There is no justification for harming him.” One of the Dragon Roc clan with a humanoid form and divine-demonic wings on its back spoke coldly.

“Everyone, please take it easy. Even if there are disputes and you wish to exchange pointers, don’t harm our heroic figure. He is a Holy Body — he cannot afford to be injured.” A woman of the Fox Clan spoke — a true fox spirit, beguiling and charming in every possible way, her allure legendary on this road.

If one were to rank those whose charm and appearance were most renowned on the Emperor’s Road, she would absolutely be in the top five, with a genuine following and extraordinarily high popularity.

Ordinarily, this woman was someone no one dared to offend or insult — for there were several major-powerhouse-level figures who would stand up for her. In truth her own cultivation was also formidable, though her purpose in befriending all the heroes here was more important to her than competing on the Emperor’s Road itself. She was making preparations for the future.

“Everyone, please say a little less.” The Immortal Maiden Qingshi said with a bitter expression. She too was a peerlessly beautiful immortal maiden, welcomed here by all. She had dealings with Ye Fan before and knew well how he operated — now that he had arrived, he would absolutely show no fear toward any of the assembled heroes.

At this moment, all of them simultaneously fell silent. For they suddenly noticed that the big black dog was squinting sideways at them with an air of looking down from on high — remarkably like the way one regards a group of country bumpkins.

Everyone sensed that something was wrong. This ungrateful creature — this dog who whites its eyes at everyone — what was it about to do?

Suddenly, a sharp aura pierced through to the bone. They discovered that Ye Fan had vanished from where he stood, appearing directly before the Great Mighty Sacred Spirit. He seized one of the Sacred Spirit’s arms and with a crack, blood sprayed out as the arm was torn free.

“Pop!”

Then Ye Fan flicked a finger against the Great Mighty Sacred Spirit’s skull. The immortal platform within fractured apart. With a miserable cry, the Sacred Spirit crashed off the high platform, tumbling over and over. He had told Ye Fan to show “two moves” or else get out — and indeed, truly only two moves: and his body was broken, his immortal platform destroyed.

Ye Fan stepped forward again, and everyone’s expression changed. That aura had been too oppressive — the Great Mighty Sacred Spirit had been a hair’s breadth from stepping into the quasi-Emperor realm, yet he had been crushed without a shred of suspense.

“Ahh—!”

A Dragon Roc Great Sage screamed. Ye Fan kicked apart its magical treasure, and its body was sent flying, smashed apart by that airborne kick into four or five pieces, mixed with a great spray of blood raining outward — clearly it too was destroyed.

“No, please!” The enchanting Fox Clan woman’s face drained to ghostly white as she cried out. Ye Fan had grabbed her by the collar and hoisted her up — the posture was ungainly, like a war god lifting a little chick.

“Pop!”

A burst of blood-light exploded. Ye Fan’s fingers exerted force, and she burst apart on the spot, becoming a cloud of blood mist — yet another powerful figure destroyed.

This scene stunned everyone present. Too overwhelming — without a shred of suspense. Everyone’s confidence collapsed in that instant. Was this truly a half-broken Holy Body? His cultivation gone — yet still this terrifying.

The great devil of the Emperor’s Road — the one who blocked and slew all heroes!

Ye Fan had come, and risen again. Everyone understood — this was a declaration. Another era had arrived, and it would belong to the Holy Body Ye Fan.

“Who the hell dares to bully my brother! You thought that since Ye Fan’s cultivation had vanished, you worthless lot could run rampant as you pleased? I’ve come now — all of you get out of my way!”

In the silence of the crowd — not a crow daring to make a sound — a voice like rolling thunder rang out, so powerful it made people’s ears and hearts ache, their immortal platforms nearly cracking open. Surging demonic energy boiled up and flooded into the Cloud-Piercing Tower.

A figure like an iron tower appeared. He stood nearly a zhang and a half in height — impossible to tell whether he was of the human race or a great celestial demon. He was built so massively it inspired awe.

His arms were thicker than two ordinary people’s thighs bound together. His muscles were powerful and strong, gleaming with ancient bronze radiance. His head was full of dense black hair, cascading like a waterfall. His pair of eyes shone like divine lanterns — brilliant and intimidating.

“Demon Sovereign Pang Bo!”

Quite a few people cried out in recognition, calling out his identity.

“Ye Fan, you’ve finally come — you’re still alive! You’ve made me wait and hurt for so long!” Pang Bo roared, striding forward, his tiger-fierce eyes holding warm tears — genuine emotion flowing freely.

They came from the same homeland and had been the best of friends. After ascending to the starry heavens, their sincere friendship had been tested through life and death together. That friendship, steeped in blood and tears and heat, was the most genuine of all.

Ye Fan was also moved. He went to meet him. After all they had endured, being able to meet alive again was truly no easy thing.

Pang Bo swept him up in a bear hug — his body was simply too enormous. Ye Fan gave him a punch; the metallic clang rang out, and he was indeed worthy of the title of Demon Sovereign’s Treasure Body.

“Who the hell dares to plot against Ye Fan, who dares show him disrespect — ask me, Pang Bo, if I’ll stand for it! Anyone who doesn’t want to die, get out of my way — I’ll blast you all to dust!” After the two separated, Pang Bo roared.

Everyone was dumbstruck. Many thought to themselves: brother, first get a clear picture of the situation — it isn’t that we want to bully anyone. This Holy Body is rising again and is about to press us all until we can’t breathe.

“Big demon fellow — you’ve finally arrived!” Dongfang Ye laughed loudly and moved forward.

“I was at the Blood-Colored Battlefield — just got back to the city. Wild Man, whoever challenged our people — subdue and kill them all!” Pang Bo spoke with domineering authority.

Ye Fan smiled, shook his head — but also made his move. In an instant he vanished, tearing through the void, and came back carrying the Imperial Lord’s youngest son.

“Don’t kill me — I come from the Celestial Court.” He had already been stunned senseless. What level of power had Ye Fan just displayed? Absolutely touching the threshold of quasi-Emperor, or perhaps already there. How else could he cut down peak Great Sages as easily as slicing vegetables?

“You are very noisy. Just a moment ago you were showing off endlessly — you deserve a beating!” The Black Emperor poked its large head over and said.

“Slap!”

Ye Fan held him suspended horizontally in the void and brought his palm down, smacking his backside just as one would discipline a naughty, unruly child.

“You — how dare you treat me this way!” Xuan Yu roared in fury, nearly choking on pure indignation. He was the youngest son of the Celestial Court’s Imperial Lord — who had ever dared humiliate him like this?

“As your uncle, disciplining you is perfectly appropriate. Go back and tell your father — today we are correcting his child’s conduct on his behalf.” Li Tian said.

Xuan Yu spat out a mouthful of blood — a great surge of fury that had injured his spirit. He was at the absolute pinnacle of the Great Sage realm in its most extreme sublimation state. And his age was older than Ye Fan and the others by some margin, yet he had been treated as a junior. The humiliation was unbearable.

Unless one’s realm was high enough, no one could be this bold and self-assured. Thinking to that conclusion, his body suddenly went cold — could it be… had the Holy Body truly become a quasi-Emperor? Had the conjecture come true?

Not just him — everyone’s head spun at once, all of them standing in a daze. The half-broken Holy Body had actually crossed that threshold — this would absolutely send shockwaves through the entire ancient road!

“Young nephew — do you submit or not?” Li Heishui asked.

Pang Bo, having grasped the situation, dealt him several more slaps before finally waving a hand: “The good things you never learn, and you’re determined to bring trouble on yourselves, deliberately inviting us to discipline you.”

“Master!”

A shout rang out. Two figures appeared side by side — Ye Tong and Yang Xi. They had also returned from the trial grounds, and both were indescribably excited.

Their bodies were stained with blood — clearly they had just come through life-or-death battles. From the Feixian Battlefield to here, they had survived countless trials of life and death, and it had been far from easy.

Now, seeing Ye Fan again — the marks of time were written on both of them, yet both had also grown tougher and more resilient. Without that resilience, neither would have survived to this day.

“Master — I never imagined we’d meet again so soon! Have you recovered? How about our master and disciples sweep this entire road clean?” Yang Xi, who always said what was on her mind, blurted it out in a great shout — making every single person’s expression change drastically.

“Good — we’ve had a small reunion of sorts.” The Black Emperor said, looking genuinely gratified. Ye Tong, Ji Chengdao — all these children had been raised and trained under its watch.

“Yao Guang, Yin Tiande — if you still want to fight me, you’re welcome to come. Divine Sovereign — I don’t want to waste words. Release little Chengdao’s mother and return her to us. Don’t force me to personally pay a visit to the Divine Race.”

Ye Fan’s words were simple, his voice not particularly loud — yet every single person’s heart pounded violently upon hearing them, nearly leaping from their throats.

Emperor Tian’s face was ashen, his hand clutching the Origin of the Dao. He looked back — and time seemed to have collapsed in an instant. Yet the road had already stretched so far, and that figure was beyond catching up to.

The hand holding the Origin of the Dao trembled faintly. For the first time in his life he felt this utterly powerless. A quasi-Emperor — someone had actually crossed that threshold while half-broken. The conjecture had come true.

Not just him — the Immortal Maiden Qingshi, Xinlan, and the others also wore expressions of profound complexity. None of them had expected it — Ye Fan, who had barely survived with a destroyed body, had not reached the end of his road. He had pressed onward, singing triumphantly all the way, ascending to the absolute pinnacle. The Great Demonic God grew even quieter. Every former acquaintance opened their mouths, and found they had not a single word to say.