“Han Yishui, what do you mean by this?” Elder Wu Qingfeng’s expression was somber.
“I believe I have already made myself quite clear.” Han Yishui’s hair was white as snow, his complexion fair. His eyes were narrow and his lips thin, giving him an air of cold cunning. He picked up the teacup on the stone table, took a light sip, and said: “Elder Wu, why must you be like this?”
Elder Wu Qingfeng stepped several large paces forward and said in a stern voice: “Han Yishui, do not go too far!”
“Am I not speaking the truth? He is nothing more than an insignificant ordinary person, and he dares come to our Lingxu Cave Paradise to demand sacred artifacts — those are the effects left behind by our sect disciple Pang Bo, and they have nothing to do with him whatsoever.” Han Yishui remained unruffled from start to finish, sipping his fragrant tea. He cast a cold glance at Ye Fan and said: “Leave at once. This is not a place where you belong.”
“Crack!”
Elder Wu Qingfeng could no longer contain himself. He slammed his palm down and shattered the stone table. “Han Yishui, you have gone too far! Since you refuse to be reasonable, let us settle this with strength!”
Of the two other elders seated nearby, one quickly tried to smooth things over. “Elder Han, I think it’s best to let it go. They’re just a few broken copper artifacts — there’s nothing worth studying in them. Return them to the child and be done with it.”
The other elder, however, sided with Han Yishui. “That is not quite right. The bronze artifacts may be damaged, but it is evident they are weapons that once housed terrible divine power. Even though they are broken, careful study of them may still yield results.”
Han Yishui’s expression turned cold. He looked at Ye Fan and said: “Do you truly want these things?”
“They are my own belongings — why should I not want them?” Ye Fan was undaunted. He was also a Divine Bridge realm cultivator and had absolutely no regard for Han Yishui’s fearsome expression.
“Ha ha ha…” Han Yishui suddenly burst out laughing. “Good — you have guts. You remind me of myself in my youth. Very well — I won’t make things difficult for you. Boy — bring all those items here, and fetch some jewels and treasures for him as well.”
A nearby attendant boy gave a word of acknowledgement and quickly disappeared into the depths of the valley.
At this moment, Han Yishui wore a smile as he clasped his hands and offered Wu Qingfeng a bow of apology. “You know my temperament — whenever I encounter a sacred object, I always want to study it thoroughly. Since there’s nothing much to be gained from studying it further, I’ll return them to him. You and I have been acquainted for decades — there’s no need to come to blows.”
Elder Wu Qingfeng’s expression relaxed, and he sat down on a nearby stone stool. An attendant brought a new stone table and set out fresh tea, and the unpleasantness of a moment ago was swept entirely away.
Shortly after, an attendant brought the Great Thunder Sound Temple bronze plaque, the ancient bronze lantern, the bodhi-bead necklace, and the Vajra pestle — as well as some clothing — and also presented a selection of pearls and precious jade as a gift.
“Thank you, Elder Han.” Ye Fan clasped his hands in a bow.
“I shall take my leave then. I will come again another day to trouble you.” Elder Wu Qingfeng stood and, together with Ye Fan, walked out of the valley. The other two elders also rose and made their farewells.
A young man of about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years of age walked into the pavilion. “Master, did you not say those worn-out bronze artifacts were quite remarkable and had an extraordinary origin? Why have you returned them to that ordinary person?”
“Would you have me fight to the death with Wu Qingfeng?” Elder Han swept him with a glance, sipped his tea, and said blandly: “As you yourself said — he is nothing more than an ordinary person.”
“Master’s meaning is…” Two gleams of sharp light suddenly flashed in the young man’s eyes. “I understand. I will go entrust this matter to Li Yun and Li Lin — there will be no trace left behind, and Elder Wu Qingfeng will never know.”
Han Yishui said nothing. His expression was perfectly composed. He continued to drink his tea, admiring the exotic flowers and rare plants just outside the pavilion.
The young man offered a respectful bow and then turned and strode away. But it was not long before he came hurrying back, and he brought Li Yun and Li Lin with him.
“Master, that ordinary person is suspicious.”
Han Yishui looked at Li Yun’s badly swollen face and Li Lin’s pale complexion, and immediately sensed something had happened. “You got into a fight with someone?”
Li Lin and Li Yun flushed crimson, deeply ashamed. They briefly described what had just transpired.
When Han Yishui finished listening, he shot to his feet, his teeth clenched. “It was he who killed my grandchild!”
“Killed by him…” The three nearby individuals all revealed expressions of shock.
“I have already gathered some information. The one thing I could not understand was this: Yu’er was together with several Spring of Life realm cultivators at the time — and this person is an ordinary person with no strength to cut them down.” Han Yishui slammed his palm down and shattered the stone table, his expression dark as standing water. “Now I understand — it was him… it must have been him!”
The young man of about twenty-seven or twenty-eight standing nearby shouted loudly: “I will go avenge Feiyu!”
Li Yun and Li Lin both wore expressions of profound shock. They had never imagined that Ye Fan was responsible for the deaths of Han Feiyu and four Spring of Life realm cultivators a year ago.
“Kill him — he must be killed!” Han Yishui’s expression was grim and fearsome.
“This kid has been hiding himself deeply indeed.” Li Yun felt a chill run down his spine. Li Lin was equally shaken, her face pale with lingering fear.
Han Yishui paced back and forth several times, then stopped. He turned to the young man of about twenty-seven or twenty-eight and said: “Go summon your senior-most martial brother, and call the others as well. Do not hold back. The moment that young man leaves the Lingxu Cave Paradise, kill him on the spot for me!”
“Do we really need to alarm First Senior Brother just to kill him? I can bring a few people and that will be more than enough.”
Elder Han fixed him with a cold glance. “This person cut down Spring of Life realm cultivators a year ago. You have not yet broken into the Divine Bridge realm — without your First Senior Brother present, I cannot be at ease.”
“Is he really that fearsome?”
“I would prefer he were nothing more than an ordinary person. But in truth, this young man is far from simple. If he were not so young in years, I would even suspect he has already broken into the Divine Bridge realm.”
Hearing this, all three nearby individuals drew a sharp breath.
Han Yishui’s expression was unsettled. Finally, he raised his head abruptly. “Also summon your Second Senior Sister — tell her not to remain in seclusion any longer.”
“What?!” The young man of about twenty-seven or twenty-eight was greatly startled. “First Senior Brother and Second Senior Sister are both Divine Bridge realm powerhouses — one of them is more than enough. There is no need for both.”
“Have her go out together with your First Senior Brother. Only with two Divine Bridge realm powerhouses present will I feel at ease. And not only that — this time I want all ten of you martial siblings to go!” Han Yishui’s expression was dark and overcast, his look terrifying. “Never underestimate an opponent. Even a lion uses its full strength to catch a rabbit. If you are going to kill, kill thoroughly — give him absolutely no chance to escape!”
“All ten of our greatest disciples are going?” The young man was genuinely stunned.
Han Yishui swept him with a glance. The young man immediately bowed respectfully and hurried off to summon his senior martial brothers and sisters.
“You two — go along and broaden your horizons.” Han Yishui glanced at Li Yun and Li Lin and said blandly.
The two of them answered yes with nervous compliance.
Before long, a man of about fifty years of age and a woman of about forty, leading eight cultivators in their mid-thirties, arrived outside the pavilion. They bowed to Han Yishui and said in unison: “Greetings, Master!”
“You already know what needs to be done. I do not want him to live!” Elder Han’s killing intent was bone-chilling.
Back at Elder Wu Qingfeng’s residence, the old man urged: “Child, do not leave just yet. In a few days I will personally see you off. I am a little uneasy.”
“There is no need to worry about me — nothing will happen.”
“I hope nothing will too, but…” Elder Wu Qingfeng shook his head, seeming to want to say more, but ultimately said nothing.
In the end, Ye Fan left a letter for the elder, then departed with an unhurried step.
Ye Fan walked out of the mountain range on foot. He cast one last glance back, then decided that he would leave the Yan nation behind for good from this day forward.
“Yaochi Holy Land, Grand Primordial Ancient Mine, Jiang Family…” Ye Fan’s heart and mind had already floated away to that distant land.
Suddenly, twelve beams of divine rainbow light came streaking toward him, rapidly appearing before him and blocking his path.
“Li Lin, Li Yun — you two have found reinforcements and intend to come after me?” Ye Fan calmly looked up at the figures in the sky.
“Those two don’t have that kind of standing.” The man at the very center, about fifty years of age, was gazing steadily at him.
Ye Fan seemed to recall something in that instant. Two beams of divine light shot from his eyes. “It is Han Yishui who sent you!”
“You’re no fool.” Beside him, the woman of about forty let out a cold laugh. “Do you have any last words you want to leave behind? Say them quickly — we’ll send you on your way.”
“All of this over a few bronze artifacts — he truly is ruthless and vicious beyond measure.” Ye Fan’s expression immediately turned cold.
“It is not only the matter of those bronze artifacts — the account of you killing Han Feiyu also needs to be settled.”
“I had meant to leave the Yan territory in peace and quiet. It seems I am now destined to stir up a storm.”
“Ha ha ha…” Quite a few people in the sky burst out laughing. “Who do you think you are? Death is at your door and you’re still dreaming — truly laughable.”
“I can’t imagine why Master would have us all go out together. Ten great experts to surround and kill a little kid like this — it really is…”
“First Senior Brother or Second Senior Sister could each poke him to death with one finger. Why make such a show of force? Master is really making a mountain out of a molehill.”
“Two Divine Bridge realm powerhouses plus eight Spring of Life realm cultivators — ten great experts coming after me. You truly think highly of me.”
Saying this, Ye Fan looked over toward Li Yun and Li Lin in the distance. “And those two are not counted in that number yet.”
“Stop talking — hurry up and kill him. Who is going to do the deed?”
Among Han Yishui’s ten greatest disciples, several looked upon Ye Fan with contempt, utter disdain written on their faces. Not a single one of them had even considered personally making a move.
“Sixth Junior Brother — a few of you go kill him so we can head back earlier.”
“Li Lin, Li Yun — you two also step forward and assist.”
This was the command given by the two Divine Bridge realm cultivators at the front. They felt there was absolutely no need for them to personally take action.
At that very moment, Ye Fan spoke. “You might as well all come at once.” And as he said it, he slowly rose into the air.
“He is indeed not simple — Master was right. Everyone be careful.” One of them called out a warning.
The two cultivators who had reached the Divine Bridge realm still paid no heed, commanding the others to step forward. They still showed no intention of making a move themselves.
Ye Fan swept his gaze across them all and let out a sigh. “I truly do not want to kill anyone…”
“Such arrogance!”
“Death is at your door and you still dare to speak such wild words — you really don’t know how to write the word ‘death’!”
Ye Fan wore a faint smile as he shook his head and advised: “You had all better go back. Tell Han Yishui that since he is so set on killing me, he is welcome to come himself. Why send his ten greatest disciples to die needlessly?”
“You…” Even the two Divine Bridge realm cultivators were enraged. Powerful energy fluctuations surged out from within them as they slowly pressed forward — about to bring out their weapons and personally cut Ye Fan down.
“It seems nothing I say will make you retreat. In that case — I will send you all on your way.” Ye Fan’s smile did not diminish, yet his entire bearing underwent a profound transformation.
“Attack together and kill him!” The two Divine Bridge realm cultivators sensed something wrong and shouted for everyone to attack simultaneously.
“Too late — none of you are going anywhere!” In that instant, divine power surged through Ye Fan’s entire body. Golden divine flames blazed with a roar. His entire person blazed like a brilliant golden sun, and the sounds of rolling thunder and crashing waves rang out.
Ye Fan appeared as though he had donned a golden divine armor — a deity of war. His black hair danced wildly, lightning coiled about him, and boundless divine radiance engulfed him entirely.
“Boom!”
Ye Fan’s physical body unleashed a powerful energy shockwave. Without bringing out any weapon, he charged bare-handed toward the two Divine Bridge realm cultivators. The terrifying momentum immediately caused the color to drain from every face, and all of them struck out with full force.
The two Divine Bridge realm cultivators’ hearts seized with dread. The male cultivator brought out a blood-colored demonic saber — deep crimson, as though dripping with blood. It sliced through the sky and erupted with endless bloody light, like a surging river of blood, hacking down toward Ye Fan.
Ye Fan charged forward bare-handed. His entire body shone crystalline and brilliant with treasure-like radiance; his flesh was as though cast from divine iron. His speed was inconceivably fast. With a resounding “clang,” he caught the blood-colored demonic saber with a single hand and gripped it firmly. He then exerted force with both hands simultaneously.
“Clang!”
Bloody light erupted across the sky. He snapped in two the weapon that the Divine Bridge realm cultivator had brought forth, divine golden light radiating from his body. In an instant he surged forward, threw out his fist, and it was as though golden waves surged across the sky.
“Bang!”
His speed was too fast. His physical body had grown to an inconceivably powerful degree. His golden fist shattered that Divine Bridge realm male cultivator into pieces in a single blow, blood spraying in all directions.
“First Senior Brother!” Everyone cried out, feeling a chill wash over their entire bodies.
All of this had happened in the blink of an eye — no one could intervene. Ye Fan’s powerful sacred body blazed with divine radiance, his terrifying golden fists unstoppable. He possessed speed and strength beyond compare.
“Hiss!”
The female Divine Bridge realm cultivator brought out a silver jiao-dragon shear — shaped like two silver jiao-dragons clasped together — and sent it grinding toward Ye Fan to cut him down.
In this moment, Ye Fan was as though surrounded by a golden ocean. Golden light glimmered in his pupils, divine power surging with violent force. He did not dodge, directly swinging his golden fist to meet the attack.
“Boom!”
It was as though a golden river were rushing forward as he swung his fist. The rolling golden tide crashed into the silver jiao-dragon shear, unleashing a terrifying sound. The silver jiao-dragon shear shattered in an instant, breaking into more than a dozen pieces that tumbled down from the sky.
“Bang!”
Simultaneously, Ye Fan transformed into a streak of golden light and surged forward. His golden fist completely shattered the female cultivator, and a rain of blood fell in all directions.
It was an absolute spectacle — an incomparable display of combat power. Ye Fan was like a golden war god, killing both Divine Bridge realm cultivators bare-handed.
All of this had occurred in a single instant, leaving no time for anyone to react. Only at this point did the weapons brought out by the others arrive — yet Ye Fan had already taken up a position in a different part of the sky, golden divine light blazing like flames around him.
He had consumed two varieties of sacred medicine and undergone complete physical rebirth twice. His physical shell was immaculate and without blemish, crystalline and luminous, comparable to a divine weapon’s blade in its strength. He had deliberately wanted to test just how powerful his flesh and blood had become, and the result had left him highly satisfied — he could match sacred artifacts bare-handed.
Everyone was stunned. The two Divine Bridge realm cultivators had been killed bare-handed by Ye Fan. Where could any of them find the will to fight? They were so frightened their souls nearly left their bodies, and immediately they all scattered in flight, trying to escape.
Ye Fan brought out the violet-copper mirror. Purple mist swirled about it, and in an instant the mirror’s surface blazed with a radiance comparable to the sun in the sky, its divine violet brilliance sweeping in all directions.
“Hiss, hiss, hiss!”
Wisps of light smoke rose, and one body after another fell from the sky.
“Ahh…”
Screams rose and fell in succession. Not a single person managed to escape. The gap between the Spring of Life realm and the Divine Bridge realm was like a chasm as wide as the heavens. Even both Divine Bridge realm experts had been shattered by Ye Fan’s golden fists — how much less resistance could the others offer? They could not withstand the violet-copper mirror’s assault at all.
Including Li Lin and Li Yun, all twelve cultivators perished here — a complete annihilation.
“The violet-copper Eight Trigrams Mirror forged by a cultivator who transcended the Other Shore realm is truly extraordinary…” Ye Fan murmured to himself, putting away the violet-copper mirror. The golden divine flames on his body quickly faded, and his golden fists and crystalline skin gradually returned to a normal, unremarkable state. The tremendous aura was completely restrained.
He became once again a fine-featured young man — the picture of a harmless boy from next door, a smile on his face, relaxed and composed.
“Han Yishui, you sent out your ten greatest disciples — they were no small force, and anyone else would surely have died. What a pity you encountered me.” Ye Fan murmured, then said: “Since you wanted to kill me, I have nothing left to hold back.”
Ye Fan wasted no time. He moved swiftly toward the Lingxu Cave Paradise, arriving before the mountain gate in short order, and then simply walked straight in. The disciples guarding the gate recognized him and offered no obstruction.
“Not stirring up trouble does not mean I am afraid of trouble. I had meant to leave the Yan territory in peace. Han Yishui — since you want to kill me, today I will come to your door myself.”
At this moment, Han Yishui felt a growing unease in his heart, a constant sense that something had gone wrong. He waited a long time without seeing his disciples return, and he grew agitated. Just then, he sensed something was not quite right. It seemed as though a peculiar aura had appeared in the valley. He jerked his head up and looked out ahead.
He saw, standing before the pavilion — he did not know when this had happened — a youth of about fourteen years of age. This young man was showing a mouthful of snow-white teeth, smiling brilliantly at him.
“You…” Han Yishui stumbled back several paces. He knew that things had taken a terrible turn. The young man before him was far from simple — even more troublesome than he had imagined.
“Where are they?” Han Yishui asked, not yet willing to give up.
“You mean your ten greatest disciples? I sent them on their way.”
“You…” Blue veins stood out on Han Yishui’s forehead.
Ye Fan’s smile was brilliant. “I will send you on your way to reunite with them.”
In that instant, Ye Fan’s entire bearing underwent a transformation once more. It was as if a golden ocean had enveloped his body, accompanied by countless bolts of lightning. Divine radiance blazed magnificently, and a terrifying wave of energy rolled out from him.