On the enormous platform like a severed mountain peak, each stone table was enveloped by primordial chaos energy, hazy and indistinct. The fragrance of tea drifted all the way down to those below.

Many people raised their cups, exchanging nods with one another. This was a rare opportunity. The powerhouses below all inwardly lamented — divine tea brewed with the essence of the Origin of the Dao was enormously beneficial to one’s cultivation, and such an opportunity was one that could be encountered but never sought.

“Child, why aren’t you drinking?” Xinlan asked Ji Chengdao, her voice filled with warmth and affection.

“Not interested.” Ji Chengdao shook his head. This was the honest truth — it wasn’t as though he hadn’t seen such things before. Back in the Celestial Court, there had been several pieces of it, used in ways that were beyond extravagant — in a word, wasteful to an outrageous degree.

“The Origin of the Dao is one of the rarest treasures of all ages. Many great sages of antiquity drew upon it to advance in their cultivation. If you have the fortune to obtain it, at minimum you will become a quasi-Emperor in the future.” The Nine Tribulations Daoist spoke.

A stone person’s eyes opened and closed, brilliant light radiating from them. Both of his arms had grown flesh and blood, and the sound of blood flowing within his body was not concealed in the slightest — it was like a vast ocean undulating, with murderous intent flickering beneath the surface.

Everyone knew that the Sacred Spirit lineage held a great vendetta against Ye Fan’s faction. The two sides had fought and campaigned against each other countless times, and the number of Sacred Spirits that had fallen was impossible to count.

Even Ye Fan’s senior disciple Ye Tong had the power to slay the supremely powerful Scorching Flame Sacred Spirit, leaving behind a fearsome legend that made countless people on the One True Path deeply wary.

“A little brat who knows nothing — and talks this big!” The Great Mighty Sacred Spirit said with cold indifference.

He had spent ten years in the Imperial Pass gaining Dao enlightenment and believed he might soon be taking the step toward quasi-Emperor. He would be ascending to an even higher level. In the near future, he intended to move against Ye Tong and Yang Xi. Now that Ji Chengdao had arrived, he had also become a target. Were it not for the Divine Sovereign’s presence, he might very well have made a cold and merciless move already.

Ji Chengdao watched him raise his teacup, and a trace of a peculiar smile crossed his face.

“Children of the Celestial Court really do have such a narrow perspective,” someone mocked quietly from the side.

Even more people raised their cups, inclining them toward Emperor Tian in gratitude, casting looks of strange light toward Ji Chengdao. Though no one said anything, their expressions said everything.

Ji Chengdao was also smiling. He treated the teacup on the stone table as though it didn’t exist, never even glancing at it twice, completely indifferent.

“Young people are always hot-blooded and impulsive, always feeling they’ll one day become the number one person in the world. But a hundred years later, when they look back, they discover that once upon a time, a cup of Dao-enlightenment source tea was placed right before them — and they simply let it pass them by.” A powerhouse of the Violent Dragon Race commented sardonically, shaking his head as he spoke. Then he tilted his head back and drained the divine tea in a single gulp, savoring the aftertaste with evident satisfaction.

“Little brat, perhaps your Celestial Court has some worthwhile things, but none of them can compare with the Origin of the Dao. Miss today’s opportunity and you’ll never see it again in your lifetime.” Another Dragon Roc Great Sage sneered.

Those on the platform were all supremely arrogant. Yet if anyone in the current world were to speak of powerhouses, they would inevitably bring up the name of Ye Fan — even now that he was effectively spent and broken, his name would still be invoked. People said that if his affliction had never occurred, he would certainly have stood above all others, with very few able to match him.

Such talk naturally made those who had walked the Emperor’s Road and were supremely confident in themselves very unhappy. Some, openly and others covertly, harbored a certain enmity toward Ye Fan’s Celestial Court faction.

“The Celestial Court — that name truly conveys a grand ambition. One can only wonder whether the power to back it up exists. In the future, surely many fellow cultivators will go to find out.”

“Indeed — not just anyone can use such a name!”

Once one person spoke, others naturally followed, and many showed open hostility.

“An ignorant junior who only knows how to talk tough!”

“Perhaps this thing could cure the Holy Body Ye Fan’s affliction. Little brat, if you begged Brother Emperor Tian for it, he might send you a little to go heal your uncle by marriage.” Someone laughed loudly.

Having said this, everyone without exception drank down the divine tea, then settled into meditation, their bodies radiating brilliant treasure-light as thousands upon thousands of strands of Dao laws radiated outward from them.

They were all people who knew the value of what they had. Knowing the divine tea brewed with the Origin of the Dao was genuine and untampered with, they naturally seized the opportunity to sink into a state of sudden enlightenment, hoping to achieve a great gain.

Those above on the platform made cold and cutting remarks, one after another showing expressions of mockery. The Divine Sovereign made no move to intervene — he left Ji Chengdao to face it all on his own.

Ji Chengdao was also smiling. He treated the teacup on the stone table as a non-entity and did not spare it a second glance, utterly unconcerned.

“Young people always have hot blood rushing to their heads. They always think they’ll one day become the number one person under heaven — but a hundred years later when they look back, they realize there was once a cup of Dao-enlightenment source tea right before their eyes, and they let it go just like that.” A powerhouse of the Violent Dragon Race mocked, shaking his head as he spoke, then tilted his head back and drained the divine tea, revealing an expression of savoring the aftertaste.

“The so-called Celestial Court — that name has quite the audacious grandeur. But who knows whether it has the substance to back it up. Surely in the future many will go to find out.” The Little Imperial Lord of the Celestial Court spoke casually. Given his background and status, these words carried something of a sting.

“Fortunately, we are doing quite well,” came the reply from those behind — from among Celestial Court’s group — accompanied by cold smiles and peculiar expressions that made the Little Imperial Lord feel rather uneasy. Something had instinctively told him something had happened. The more they smiled, the less settled he felt. And especially when he caught the Black Emperor’s greedy gaze and saw its white, gleaming teeth, the Little Imperial Lord became even more agitated — had they set their eyes on him as a fat sheep for the slaughter?

Ye Fan had not come here to kill, nor was he in the mood for it. He had come primarily to check that several of his disciples and old friends were safe, and standing now at a different vantage point, looking back — he felt strangely detached from it all.

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

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

“That battle has nothing worth sharing. It was pure blood and killing. Those who are interested will only understand it when they face it themselves, life against life.” Ye Fan said.

This caused everyone’s breathing to momentarily catch. There was clearly something to fall back on — even with his cultivation lost, even as a half-broken body, he remained this imposing, making all who heard him wary.

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

“Please don’t speak that way — the Holy Body has made great contributions. People far and wide are grateful to him for his kindness. Saying that would earn 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 anyone harming him.” One of the Dragon Roc clan, with a humanoid form and divine and demonic wings on its back, spoke coldly.

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

It was safe to say that if one were to rank who possessed the most bewitching charm and appearance on the Emperor’s Road, she would absolutely be in the top five — she had a genuine following and extraordinarily high popularity.

This woman was normally 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 coming here to befriend all the heroes was more significant than her ambition for the Emperor’s Road itself — she was making preparations for her future.

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

At this moment, everyone suddenly fell silent simultaneously, for they suddenly noticed that the big black dog was squinting sideways at them with a look of lofty superiority over all living beings — remarkably similar to the way one looks at a group of country bumpkins.

Everyone felt that something was off. This ingrate — no, this dog who whites its eyes at everyone — what was it about to do?

Suddenly, a sharp aura pierced people to the bone. They discovered that Ye Fan had vanished from where he stood, appearing directly before the Great Mighty Sacred Spirit. He seized the Sacred Spirit’s arm, 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 cracked apart, and with a miserable howl, he crashed off the high platform and tumbled repeatedly. He had asked Ye Fan to show two moves or else get out. And indeed, truly only two moves were needed — and he was left with his body broken and his immortal platform destroyed.

Ye Fan stepped forward again, and everyone’s expression changed. The aura had been too oppressive — the Great Mighty Sacred Spirit had been about to take the step into the quasi-Emperor realm, yet he had been destroyed without any suspense whatsoever.

“Ahh—!”

A Dragon Roc Great Sage screamed in agony. Ye Fan kicked apart its magical treasure, and its body was sent flying, smashed into four or five pieces by that kick through the air, 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 a ghostly white as she cried out in alarm. Ye Fan had grabbed her by the collar and hoisted her up — the posture was ungainly, like a war god lifting a tiny chick.

“Pop!”

A burst of blood-light exploded. Ye Fan’s palm-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. Too overwhelming — without a shred of doubt or suspense. Had everyone just lost confidence in an instant? Was this really a half-broken Holy Body? His cultivation gone, yet still this terrifying.

The great devil of the Emperor’s Road — the slayer who blocked all heroes’ paths!

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 because Ye Fan’s cultivation had disappeared, you lowlifes could run wild as you pleased? I’ve come now, so all of you get out of my way!”

In the midst of the crowd’s silence — not even the crows daring to make a sound — a voice like a thunderclap rang out, so powerful that people’s ears and hearts ached and their immortal platforms nearly cracked apart. Rolling demonic energy surged and boiled, flooding into the Cloud-Piercing Tower.

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

His arms were thicker than two of anyone else’s legs bound together. His muscles were powerful and strong, gleaming with ancient bronze light. 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 so long!” Pang Bo roared, striding forward with great steps, his tiger-fierce eyes containing warm tears — genuine emotion flowing freely.

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

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

Pang Bo swept him up in a bear hug — his body was simply too large. Ye Fan gave him a punch; the metallic clang that rang out proved him worthy of the title of Demon Sovereign’s Treasure Body, true to his name.

“Who the hell dares to plot against Ye Fan, who dares to disrespect him — ask me, Pang Bo, whether I’ll stand for it! Anyone who doesn’t want to die, get out of my way — I’ll blast you all into 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 he’s about to crush us all until we can’t breathe.

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

“I was at the Blood-Colored Battlefield — just got back to the city. Wild Man, whoever challenged our people — suppress 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 holding the Imperial Lord’s youngest son.

“Don’t kill me — I come from the Celestial Court.” He had already been stunned silly. Ye Fan’s power was extraordinary — absolutely touching the threshold of quasi-Emperor, or perhaps already there. How else could he cut down peak Great Sages like slicing vegetables?

“You are very noisy. Just a moment ago you were showing off without end — you deserve a beating!” The Black Emperor poked its large head in and said.

“Slap!”

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

“You — how dare you treat me this way!” Xuan Yu roared in fury, nearly choking from sheer 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 entirely appropriate. Go back and tell your father — today we are correcting his child’s upbringing on his behalf.” Li Tian said.

Xuan Yu spat out a mouthful of blood — a great surge of indignation 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, yet he had been treated as a junior. The shame and humiliation were unbearable.

Unless one’s realm was high enough, one could not be this bold and self-assured. Thinking to that conclusion, his body suddenly went cold — could it be… the Holy Body had truly become a quasi-Emperor? Had the conjecture proven 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 — it 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 dismissively: “The good things they never learn from — just determined to bring trouble on themselves, deliberately asking us to discipline them.”

“Master!”

Someone called out. Two figures appeared side by side — it was 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 endured countless trials of life and death, and it had been far from easy.

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

“Master — I never thought 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. This made everyone’s expression change drastically.

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

“Yao Guang, Yin Tiande — if you still want to fight me, come. Divine Sovereign — I won’t waste words. Release little Chengdao’s mother and bring her back. Don’t force me to make a personal trip to the Divine Race.”

Ye Fan’s words were simple, and his voice was not especially 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 grown so long, and that figure was beyond catching up to.

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

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 struggled to survive with a destroyed body, had not reached the end of his road. He had pressed onward, singing triumphantly forward, 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.