Outside the fire domain, more than a hundred riders were guarding Ji Ziyue. Ye Fan reckoned that with someone of Hua Yunfei’s scheming nature, he would certainly not make a rash move and leave behind any evidence.

Ji Ziyue stood quietly before the solitary grave — like an immortal of the heavenly realm who had accidentally fallen into the mortal world. Like thin clouds veiling a bright moon. Like a gentle breeze brushing over jade flowers. She gathered in herself all that was refined and beautiful.

A light breeze passed. Within the first layer of the fire domain, scarlet flames blazed.

At this moment, the small golden lake at Ye Fan’s brow — deep as an abyss — gave form to his divine sense, which condensed into a slender thread and transmitted: “The linen-robed man who once hunted you down took orders from Hua Yunfei.”

The divine sense transmission complete, Ye Fan turned and plunged deep into the fire domain. He trusted that if Ji Ziyue were on her guard, it would be very difficult for the other party to find an opening.

He went directly to the seventh layer of the fire domain, brought forth his cauldron, and collected the five-colored cloud-flames. The terrifying fire energy flowed like a stream — like a river — steadily pouring into the cauldron.

About to leave, he wanted to prepare some means of preserving his life. Not to temper the cauldron, but simply to store the flames within it. Even if contained within the Wheel Sea, they would cause him no harm.

In the end, five-colored cloud-flames filled the cauldron to its brim, not the faintest bit of space remaining to be used. With the primal energy of all things sealing the cauldron’s mouth, Ye Fan drew it within his body.

When he finally left the fire domain, Ye Fan cast a long, deep gaze back at it — then turned north and sped away.

A few days later, Ye Fan learned of news that filled his heart with surprise and delight.

The Northern Region was now in constant turmoil, all of it owing to “source” — and many cultivators from the Southern Region wanted to try their luck there.

Yao Guang Holy Land and the Ji Family had already been sending powerful cultivators in batches to the Northern Region half a year ago. They stood supreme in the world, their depths unfathomable, and with their domain gates open, they could cross directly to the Northern Region.

But for wandering cultivators, it was considerably more troublesome. To reach the Northern Region at a minimum required years of flight. For this reason, most people could only seek other methods — such as paying a substantial price to use a passage through a domain gate.

Half a month later, Ye Fan arrived at the Carefree Sect. It was said that this place had formed where two dragon veins converged — mountain peaks stood in rows like dragon bones, stretching on and on, with strange trees and rare grasses everywhere, majestic yet not lacking in beauty.

Within this region, it was a super-level great power second only to the holy lands — comparable to the Great Mystery Sect. Now it was entering the height of its glory, with powerful cultivators within it as numerous as clouds.

Ye Fan had come here to “smuggle across.” Based on what he had learned, for a substantial price one could use their domain gate to cross through the void.

Outside the mountain gate, there were no fewer than a thousand people waiting.

“Brother, you’re so young — you want to go try your luck in the Northern Region too?” A large man with a face full of bristling beard asked.

“Indeed — I want to give it a try.” Ye Fan replied.

“The journey is long and the Northern Region is dangerous. You’re so young — better not to take the risk.” A gaunt and withered elder offered this counsel.

Among the thousand or more people, there were men and women both, their cultivation levels difficult to discern — varied and uneven.

The mountain gate opened wide, and several cultivators walked out. At their head was a middle-aged man, his complexion waxy-yellow, his steps curiously light and drifting.

“I must say, everyone here is truly fortunate — this may very well be the last time. The sect leader emerged from seclusion and, upon learning of all this, was quite displeased.”

A stir of discussion went through the crowd. Many people felt a sense of relief.

One by one the people stepped forward. Without need for the yellow-faced man to say much, they presented their treasures. To cross through the void required enormous payment — there was no way around it.

“A weapon belonging to a Life Spring cultivator — you dare present this?” The yellow-faced middle-aged man gave a contemptuous glance and turned the first cultivator away outright.

“Please make an exception, senior.” That cultivator pleaded again and again. “I have been refining this weapon for more than a decade — it is the most precious item on my person.”

“Even if you refined it for a hundred years, it would be no use. To say nothing of you — even if it were a weapon forged by a Far Shore realm cultivator, if it were an ordinary item, we would not accept it.” The yellow-faced middle-aged man showed a look of disdain.

This cultivator was deeply unwilling, but dared say nothing more, and withdrew in dejection.

The second cultivator presented a bronze mirror — full of an ancient air, yet with some flaws: three cracks ran across its surface.

“We do not accept substandard goods!”

“But this is a weapon refined by a cultivator at the peak of the Dao Palace — its power is overwhelming.” That cultivator carefully explained.

“No matter how fine the weapon, once fatal cracks appear, it has become scrap. What use is it? Even if you nurture it for a hundred years, it cannot be restored.” The yellow-faced middle-aged man showed an impatient expression, waved his hand, and had him leave.

“One Crimson Moon Fruit!” The third cultivator stepped forward, presenting a jade box. Upon opening it, a round, crimson fruit was revealed — shaped like a crescent moon, its color crystal and limpid, its fragrance striking the nose.

A glint of covetousness flashed in the yellow-faced middle-aged man’s eyes. “Snap!” He snapped the jade box shut. “A rarely seen spirit fruit — you may pass.”

“One piece of Radiant Purple Copper Essence!”

After several consecutive people had failed to pass, the ninth person presented a piece of purple copper with glimmering specks of light dancing across it.

“True Radiant Purple Copper Essence! Renowned cultivators who have cultivated to the third secret realm need precisely this kind of weapon-refining material most — you may pass.” The yellow-faced middle-aged man’s eyes burned with eagerness. Reluctantly he handed the copper essence to the person beside him and let that cultivator through.

To use this passage required an enormous price to be paid. More than half the people were rejected, their offered treasures and spirit medicines deemed insufficient.

“It doesn’t even go directly to the Northern Region — and they’re still asking for a price this astronomical!” Those who were turned away were very displeased, grumbling among themselves.

Outside of the holy lands, no sect could cross directly to the Northern Region. Even so, many wandering cultivators came here to make use of the passage.

When it was Ye Fan’s turn, he produced a piece of divine iron — white as mutton-fat jade, no bigger than a dragon’s eye. The yellow-faced middle-aged man was instantly startled, jumping to his feet, his eyes overflowing with greed. Voice trembling, he said: “This… could it be… the legendary divine iron?”

The small iron piece, white as jade, drew the gazes of many people. The yellow-faced middle-aged man held it in his hands, examining it again and again. Finally he let out a long sigh. “What a pity — it has been ruined in the refining. The divine essence has dissipated. What a waste of a heavenly treasure!”

“Senior, is this piece of iron of sufficient value?” Ye Fan asked.

This was a piece of divine iron that Crow Daoist had ruined in his refining. Though Ye Fan had not entered the eighth layer of the fire domain himself, he had brought forth his cauldron and, with enormous effort, managed to retrieve those snow-white pieces of iron from the cave’s mouth.

Upon careful examination, he found they were indeed ruined — the essence stored within had nearly dried up, no longer the peerless rarity they once were.

“Do you have any more divine iron like this?” The yellow-faced middle-aged man asked Ye Fan.

Ye Fan shook his head. “How could I possibly possess such divine iron? I only happened upon this piece by chance in an ancient cave.”

The yellow-faced middle-aged man felt a deep sense of regret. His waxy-yellow face shifted through a series of expressions. “Though it is ruined, it is still a fine item. For a renowned cultivator refining a weapon, incorporating it could enhance the quality — consider yourself cleared to pass.”

Half an hour later, it was fully concluded. Of the thousand or more wandering cultivators, only four hundred or so were allowed through — each having paid an astronomical price.

“Three days from now, come here. Those who are late will be left behind.” The yellow-faced middle-aged man had them leave their markings, then rose and walked back toward the mountain gate.

Crossing the void was not a simple undertaking. The Dao patterns had to be inscribed carefully, without the slightest flaw — otherwise accidents were very likely to occur. With this many wandering cultivators using the passage, the Carefree Sect dared not take it lightly, and every time they needed to spend several days in preparation.

“Brother Huang, good to see you’re well.” Several figures descended from the sky.

That yellow-faced middle-aged man’s surname was Huang — matching his complexion rather well. Hearing this, he turned around with a smile. “Ah — it’s the Ji Family’s fine young cultivators. Come to check again?”

“We wouldn’t dare call ourselves fine — we’re nothing but errand-runners.” One of the young men stepped forward. “We act on orders. We have no choice.”

The yellow-faced middle-aged man smiled broadly and was very courteous. “All the people set to cross the void this time are here. There are absolutely no great demons among them — if you don’t believe it, come look for yourselves.”

Over these past several months, the Ji Family had swept across the Southern Region in fury, slaying dozens of great demons in their pursuit of the Peacock King and Crow Daoist — to no avail thus far.

“Brother Huang, please don’t misunderstand — we’re just having a casual look around.” Even the Ji Family had no desire to offend a great power like the Carefree Sect.

The Ji Family’s several young cultivators scanned through the several hundred people one by one. Finding no demonic presence, they cupped their hands and departed.

Ye Fan had already readied himself for a fight. Seeing this, he let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Shortly after, the crowd dispersed. Ye Fan walked at a leisurely pace, keeping his distance from the Ji Family’s people to avoid crossing paths.

“Please wait, young friend.” Barely a dozen or so li away, a voice transmitted from behind — the yellow-faced middle-aged man was wearing a false smile as he caught up.

“Is something the matter, senior?” Ye Fan asked without letting his expression change.

“Young friend — are you truly certain you have no more of that divine iron, white as mutton-fat jade?” The yellow-faced middle-aged man fixed his gaze on him.

“I only happened to pick up one piece in an ancient cave.”

“That’s reasonable enough — with your level of cultivation, there’s no way you could have obtained such a peerless rarity.” The yellow-faced middle-aged man nodded. “Then take me to that ancient cave to have a look.”

Ye Fan immediately frowned. “That cave is far too distant — it would take days of flight to reach it. I’m afraid I cannot comply, junior.”

The yellow-faced middle-aged man’s face darkened. “I’m only asking you to guide the way — do you not want to go to the Northern Region anymore?”

This was a genuine petty villain — making threats without the slightest attempt at concealment.

“The void crossing is in three days. If I take senior there, I will certainly miss the opportunity.” Ye Fan replied calmly.

“If you take me, there will be other opportunities.”

Ye Fan inwardly felt contempt. It had clearly been stated that this was the last time — and yet this fellow was truly shameless.

Seeing Ye Fan say nothing, the yellow-faced middle-aged man’s expression grew dark. “That kind of divine iron is very important to me. Today you must take me there.”

“I truly cannot manage to do both at once.” Ye Fan refused.

“You refuse a toast only to drink a forfeit!” The yellow-faced middle-aged man said coldly. “Don’t make me use force.”

Ye Fan had all along been concealing his divine power fluctuations, manifesting only at the Life Spring realm. He sensed that the other party was at the peak of the Far Shore realm. He nodded his head and said: “Very well — I’ll lead the way.” With that he flew forward.

The yellow-faced middle-aged man retracted his cold killing intent, nodded with satisfaction, and put on a false smile. “That’s more like it. I won’t treat you poorly.”

Seeing that there was no one to the left or right, Ye Fan flew forward another several dozen li, then stopped and stood in midair.

“Why have you stopped?” The yellow-faced middle-aged man’s expression was unfriendly, killing intent rising once more.

“Sending you on your way!” Ye Fan replied.

The incomplete form of the Void Great Hand Seal manifested. A massive black hand blotted out the void and came crashing down.

Smack!

The yellow-faced middle-aged man was directly smashed to pieces in midair — unable to let out even a single grunt. Against a petty villain like this, Ye Fan had no desire for prolonged entanglement. A single palm to slap him dead was enough.

Far away in the distance, several people simultaneously changed expression — it was the few Ji Family young disciples who had left not long ago. They immediately cried out in alarm.

“The fluctuations of the Void Great Hand Seal!”

“No — it isn’t the genuine Void Great Hand Seal. The force pattern is chaotic!”

Three days later, Ye Fan returned to the Carefree Sect and entered the great sect together with those several hundred people.

Where two dragon veins converged, strange peaks stood side by side — the momentum majestic and imposing, yet not without a certain beauty.

The several hundred people were led into a mountain valley. The terrain there was open and spacious, with a great altar built within it — the very place for opening the domain gate.

“Everyone — safe travels!” A Carefree Sect elder called out in a loud voice.

The several hundred people ascended the high platform one after another, about to open the domain gate and cross through the void.

Ye Fan let out a long breath. At last he was about to leave the Southern Region — to completely shake off all his troubles.

“Wait!” At that very moment, a great shout suddenly came from outside the Carefree Sect. Dozens of figures came flying in rapidly.

The domain gate had not yet been opened. Those figures arrived in the blink of an eye.

Most of these dozens of people were elderly, each one vigorous and spirited, radiating a presence that sent hearts trembling, their life force as vast as an endless ocean — none of them ordinary experts.

Beside them, several Carefree Sect elders accompanied them, flying together to this place.

“Our apologies, everyone.” These people were quite courteous and did not carry themselves with overbearing arrogance. They clasped their hands to all present, and in particular repeatedly apologized to the Carefree Sect’s elders.

Ye Fan’s face went green on the spot. The Ji Family’s people had arrived — a full twenty or more aged cultivators, among whom he recognized a familiar face: Ji Hui.

But what alarmed Ye Fan the most was the elder in the very center — empty as a deep abyss, profound as the boundless sea, utterly unreadable.

“Could this possibly be a great figure?” Ye Fan felt a wave of foreboding.

“Are you Elder Ji Changkong?” A Carefree Sect renowned cultivator stepped forward, gazing at the Ji Family elder in the center with a look of uncertainty.

“It is this old one.”

The Carefree Sect’s people showed expressions of surprise. One of them said: “We’ve heard that Elder Ji Changkong has been in seclusion for several decades — we didn’t expect you to emerge again and honor our Carefree Sect with your presence. Allow me to inform the sect leader.”

“No need for that — we will leave immediately.” The elder in the center apologized once more, then offered an explanation.

The Ji Family had found traces of Crow Daoist. Not only had the Ji Family’s Holy Lord gone out in person — a full six Supreme Elders had been mobilized, intent on slaying the old Daoist. Ji Changkong was one of these Supreme Elders. While passing through this place, they had received a report: an unnamed cultivator had here unleashed an incomplete form of the Void Great Hand Seal.

This filled the Ji Family’s people with an ominous premonition. They had long suspected that Ye Fan might have passed the Great Void Art and other techniques to the Peacock King and other demonic cultivators.

Upon receiving this news, they halted midway and came here to investigate. Happening upon the Carefree Sect opening its domain gate, they made a series of connections in their minds and came rushing over.

“We only wish to have a look — we will leave immediately.” The Ji Family’s Supreme Elder, his divine eyes blazing as lightning, personally swept through the crowd.

Ye Fan cursed inwardly. How was he to escape from within the Carefree Sect? Restrictions were in place on all sides, and the Ji Family’s people blocked the direction of the mountain gate — his heart turned completely cold.