Right before the eyes of Qu Province’s young cultivators, Ye Fan had killed eight true-transmission disciples of Yao Guang and the Ji Family. The news spread as if it had grown wings, flying outward swiftly and stirring up considerable unrest.
Qu Province was in turmoil; hearts trembled throughout. The Ji Family dispatched numerous powerful experts to this oasis. The Divine Body, Ji Haoyue, arrived in person. There were even those who reported spotting the Yao Guang Holy Son.
Both of these individuals were wreathed in an aura that drew attention wherever they went — figures standing at the absolute pinnacle of the Eastern Desolation’s younger generation. And now, because of a single young man named Ye Fan, both had come to Qu Province at the same time. That in itself was enough to astonish anyone.
Soon, another piece of news spread — Yao Guang’s Holy Maiden, Yao Xi, had also arrived, appearing in Chaoyang City. Her presence made this place a gathering of extraordinary figures, drawing the eyes of many from far and wide.
All ten directions of Qu Province were stirring; the surrounding oases also received word, and everywhere people were discussing Ye Fan.
“This young man has no master and belongs to no great sect. He crossed the void alone from the Southern Region all the way to the Northern Region — he clearly has some real ability.”
“He obtained the Ji Family’s Great Void Technique and even burned one of their Supreme Elders to death — truly unbelievable!”
Word of Ye Fan’s past deeds spread, and people were even more astonished — finding it all rather difficult to believe.
“As one with the Ancient Sacred Body, the cultivation road ahead will be extremely difficult. One wonders how far he will be able to go.”
When this piece of news circulated, many people sighed. That kind of constitution was like a curse — however near-divine or near-demonic one’s comprehension might be, one would ultimately be locked within the cage of this physical form. The path ahead was despairing to contemplate.
“However, such a constitution is worth studying. I imagine all the great Holy Lands are interested.”
“He possesses a cauldron forged from the Primordial Source Root of All Things — a treasure like that would make every great sect envious. Even without the Ji Family making a move, his future situation is worrying.”
“What a pity — the Ancient Sacred Body. That unbreakable curse. This person’s achievements in this life are all but at their limit already!”
Some expressed regret, feeling that this young man’s road ahead was essentially cut off — unable to ever cross the “chasm” left behind by the ancients.
“He dared to raise a blade against the Ji Family. One had hoped a supreme figure might rise in time — only to find he has that kind of constitution.”
“Since the ancient age, across endless ages, no one has ever broken the curse. The Ancient Sacred Body — once unrivaled beneath heaven — yet reduced to a crippled form. Who knows in what year, in what age, a miracle might come to pass.”
People began by discussing Ye Fan’s deeds but ended up talking about the Ancient Sacred Body. Not a single person was optimistic about him — all felt this was a strange aberration flowering out of season, soon to wither. A constitution like this had no future.
At this moment, Ye Fan and Tu Fei had already left the territory of Qu Province.
“Well? You’re quite the famous figure now — talk of you everywhere we’ve gone.” Tu Fei sat astride a cyan-maned lion, flying over the desolate, reddish-brown plains below.
“Standing at the tip of the wind and at the peak of the waves is no good thing. Without some special ability, your very life would be under threat.” Ye Fan had no regrets — he had struck precisely to humiliate the Ji Family.
He was dressed in purple robes, his appearance entirely different from before. Gone was the delicate, refined look — now he had sword-like brows and starlit eyes, exuding a heroic, forceful bearing. His temperament had completely transformed. Even if he ran into someone who knew him, he needn’t worry about his disguise slipping. He had no mount, traveling the void on foot, but his speed was still considerable.
The large black dog had also taken to the air — though not through its own flight. After much coaxing and badgering, it had obtained the five-colored jade vessel Ye Fan had seized, and had modified it until it resembled something like a tortoiseshell. Its color had changed to a dull, murky black as well.
Tu Fei laughed: “In the areas surrounding Qu Province, you’re quite a celebrity now. Every cultivator is talking about you. If you can make an even bigger scene next time, I think word will reach the Sacred City — now that would be something interesting.”
“What does that count for? In the days when this king roamed the world unrivaled, there was no one in all of the Eastern Desolation who didn’t know the name of this king.” The large black dog cut in.
“What in the world is its background? I genuinely want to find an opportunity to stew it.” Tu Fei gritted his teeth and transmitted privately to Ye Fan.
“Let it go. Why bicker with a baldy-tailed dog?” Ye Fan replied, then asked: “Where exactly does the Azure Flood Dragon King live?”
“Extremely far away — even flying at full speed, I estimate it would take more than ten days.” Tu Fei replied.
The Northern Region was truly vast beyond measure, boundless and immense. Some sects were separated by distances that required a year or more of flight to traverse. Fortunately, the Azure Flood Dragon King’s dwelling was not quite that remote.
“What exactly are you planning to do there?” Tu Fei didn’t believe for a moment that Ye Fan was simply going to visit old friends.
“To take refuge. The Ji Family is hunting me across the world — it’s simply not safe out here.” Ye Fan could not speak the truth. This time, he feared he would end up offending the demon clan as well.
“I should point out — you have a cauldron forged from the Primordial Source Root of All Things on you. Going to the Azure Flood Dragon King’s place will very likely stir up trouble.”
“You mean the Peacock King and the others might make a move?” Ye Fan frowned.
Yan Ruyu carried a transcendent sacred weapon left by a demon clan great emperor, yet the Peacock King had not set his sights on it — he had even stepped forward to protect her. Would he act against Ye Fan over the transcendent-level material on his person?
“The Peacock King and the Azure Flood Dragon King are certainly not that kind of person. But the other demon clan members — that’s harder to say. There are all sorts of demon cultivators.” Tu Fei, though habitually loose-lipped, was being entirely serious now. “If my family didn’t have a transcendent-level weapon, I might well be tempted by the yellow-black source root on you myself.”
“What — your family has a transcendent-level weapon?” The large black dog’s eyes immediately went wide. “You’re blowing hot air. There are only a handful in all of the Eastern Desolation. How could your family possibly have one?”
“Go cool off somewhere else!” Tu Fei had nothing but contempt for this dog.
Ye Fan frowned. Ever since he had arrived in the Northern Region, the reason he hadn’t gone to the Peacock King was precisely because he feared the demon clan might develop designs on the treasure on his person.
After all, when he had used fire to destroy the Ji Family’s Supreme Elder back in the Southern Region, the cauldron forged from yellow-black primordial energy had already been exposed.
But now, he had no choice left — he had to make this journey, even if it meant risking his life.
He wanted to rescue Pang Bo. He could not delay any longer. He was afraid he might never see his friend again.
Although the demon clan had said that in the end Pang Bo might well be spared, that he would receive great benefit, and that the mysterious presence that had entered his body would fade away and vanish —
Ye Fan did not believe them.
He could not trust the demon clan’s words entirely. He refused to let Pang Bo gamble with his life. He had to get him out.
In the past, back in the Southern Region, he had lacked the ability. Any random demon cultivator could have subdued him then. Even now his strength was clearly still insufficient — yet he could no longer keep waiting.
Yan Ruyu had once said that everything would reach its conclusion within the coming years. Time was too pressing. At most another year or half a year remained before the dust would settle.
At this point, Ye Fan knew his strength was still not enough — yet he had no choice but to stake everything on one throw. He did not want to carry the regret of this for the rest of his life.
Even if it meant danger. Even if it meant facing death. He would still act. He did not want to lose this friend.
Yunze Province — its name matched its landscape. Everywhere one looked were great marshes, water mist drifting in all directions, as if they had arrived in a land of waterways.
Half a month later, they arrived.
This oasis was vast — spanning something on the order of ten thousand li. Among the many oases of the Northern Region, it ranked among the top several dozen.
Ye Fan marveled. This land was truly immense. Compared to the land on the other side of the starry sky, it was almost beyond comprehension — like something out of myth.
Yunze Province bore no resemblance to the typical landscape of the Northern Region. It was lush and vibrantly green, full of life — almost nothing but trees and water. Springs every hundred steps, rivers every ten li.
Towering mountains rose up, and great cascading waterfalls covered the mountain bodies entirely in white.
The endless plains were a deep, rich green. Aside from the ancient trees reaching to the heavens, rivers rushed and churned everywhere, crossing one another in all directions like serpentine dragons dividing the earth.
Massive lakes appeared at every turn, stretching as far as the eye could see.
Vast marshes covered the land and water mist hung everywhere — this was truly the homeland of water.
“The Azure Flood Dragon King — just from the name one can tell it’s a flood dragon that attained the Dao. Choosing a water-rich province like this is no surprise.” The large black dog muttered.
“Don’t say careless things!” Ye Fan shot it a glare.
Now that they were in Yunze Province, they were on the Azure Flood Dragon King’s territory. If some demon cultivator overheard, it would likely bring trouble.
“The Azure Flood Dragon King is a senior expert of the demon clan. After taking human form, he has lived for over a thousand years, with unfathomable cultivation. One must indeed be careful with words and conduct here.” Tu Fei said gravely.
Two days later, they arrived at the Azure Flood Dragon King’s dwelling.
Tu Fei brought out a jade pendant inscribed with the character for “Tu” — carved by the seventh great bandit, Tu Tian, who had sealed his personal imprint within.
He brought this jade piece forward; in an instant a flash of light passed, and the scene before them transformed entirely. They stepped into an unfamiliar space.
The mountains were imposing, the marshes plentiful, the trees ancient and dense, and water vapor permeated the air. Eighty-one great rivers ran through this place, and there were no fewer than dozens of lakes.
“A space opened by a sage of antiquity!” A flash of sharp light passed through the large black dog’s eyes.
“You know quite a lot.” Tu Fei said without enthusiasm, giving it a white-eyed look.
“Who’s there?!” A shout came from an immortal mountain ahead, wreathed in cloud and mist.
“Friends. My name is Tu Fei. I’ve been here before.” Tu Fei replied.
Several figures descended — the men handsome, the women alluring, each carrying a trace of demonic energy. They came walking forward.
“Ah, it is the descendant of Senior Tu Tian.” They examined the jade pendant and allowed the group to proceed.
This space was a self-contained world, expansive and vast. Past the waterfall zone, the scenery ahead grew more beautiful.
Atop mountain peaks, before waterfalls — pavilions and terraces, palace halls and tower galleries could be found everywhere.
Ancient vines and old trees, rare flowers and exotic herbs — everywhere one looked.
“So it’s the Tu Family’s descendant — it’s been a long time since you’ve come here.”
Along the way, older-generation demon clan members who recognized them greeted them. Tu Fei responded to each with respectful courtesy.
“Haha — Brother Tu has come! How I’ve missed you!” A young male demon clan member, accompanied by several figures, came flying down and landed on the ground.
He was tall and powerfully built, wearing azure iron armor, his physique vigorous and filled with explosive energy. His eyes gleamed like stars, brilliant and radiant. Most striking of all — among his azure hair grew a pair of dragon horns, crystalline and lustrous.
This was a flood dragon!
In the Eastern Desolation, where no true dragons existed, flood dragons were unquestionably considered a royal clan among the demon kind.
Ye Fan knew at once that this young man must hold an exceptional position.
“Azure Yi, you grow more impressive each time I see you.” Tu Fei greeted him with a smile and stepped forward.
Sure enough — this was a descendant of the Azure Flood Dragon King. His name was Azure Yi, and he was honored with the title of Little Azure Flood Dragon King.
“And this is…?”
“This is Ye Fan. The Peacock King holds him in high regard.” Tu Fei introduced him.
The Little Azure Flood Dragon King’s eyes flashed with a glint of divine light, and he laughed broadly: “I know — I’ve long heard of your name. To think you actually burned a Ji Family Supreme Elder to death. A hero truly rises from the young!”
Beside him, several other demon clan figures all looked over, each revealing a look of unusual interest.
“Please, come inside — this is no place for conversation.” The Little Azure Flood Dragon King smiled and clapped his hands. An enormous immortal crane flew over — its wingspan stretching over thirty meters — and carried the group into the sky, flying some twenty-odd li before descending, landing within a beautiful and graceful immortal mountain.
Here, every mountain peak was graced with expansive palace halls. The Little Azure Flood Dragon King brought them to one of his own palaces.
Ascending the great stone steps and entering the hall, the Little Azure Flood Dragon King said, “I have another honored guest here.”
“Who?” Tu Fei asked.
“The supreme powerhouse of our demon clan’s younger generation — the Golden-Winged Little Peng King.”
Tu Fei was instantly taken aback. “Could he be a descendant of the Peng King?”
“Indeed — he is the descendant of the Peng King, a great demon clan expert of the Eastern Desolation’s central region. His cultivation is profoundly formidable. He has come to the Northern Region this time for the Yaochi Grand Gathering, and also to face the Yao Guang Holy Son in battle.” the Little Azure Flood Dragon King said.
Ye Fan was inwardly startled. The Yao Guang Holy Son was virtually unmatched among his generation — and yet this Golden-Winged Little Peng King dared to challenge him. One could only imagine how terrifyingly powerful he must be.
“The name of the Golden-Winged Little Peng King has long reached my ears. I didn’t expect him to have come to the Northern Region.” Tu Fei said.
Inside the grand and magnificent palace hall — beams intricately carved, pillars gilded brilliantly, clouds of mist swirling along the floor, beautiful demon clan women standing in rows on either side — it felt as though they had stepped into the legendary ancient demon celestial court of myth.
Several young demon clan members were seated inside. One of them had incomparably sharp eyes, a fair complexion, and golden hair spilling over his shoulders — brilliant as sunlight, extraordinarily heroic.
“This is the Golden-Winged Little Peng King.” the Little Azure Flood Dragon King introduced him.
The golden-haired young man rose and gave them a nod.
The Little Azure Flood Dragon King then introduced Tu Fei and Ye Fan.
When the Golden-Winged Little Peng King heard Ye Fan’s name, two blinding beams of divine light instantly shot from his pupils — soul-shaking in their intensity.
“Is this the Ye Fan that the ancient Ji Family is trying to apprehend?”
Ye Fan gave a nod. To be hunted by an ancient family had apparently made quite the impression — even the Golden-Winged Little Peng King, who had just arrived in the Northern Region, had already heard of it.
Swish!
A golden claw blazed with piercing radiance, reaching for Ye Fan — terrifyingly swift. This was the claw of a roc!
The Golden-Winged Little Peng King had manifested an enormous claw, which covered the entire hall. It seemed capable of rending the void apart, enveloping Ye Fan beneath it.
Bang!
A flash of azure — the Little Azure Flood Dragon King struck, blocking the enormous peng claw. “Brother Peng, what is the meaning of this?”
Tu Fei also snapped to attention, fury rising: “Golden-Winged Little Peng King, what do you think you’re doing?”
Ye Fan’s brow trembled. His powerful divine consciousness stood ready to burst forth at any moment. Just now he had genuinely felt the presence of death — that claw from the Golden-Winged Little Peng King had been aimed at his life.
The Golden-Winged Little Peng King’s golden hair drifted in the air, utterly unconcerned. “I wish to borrow something from him.”
“If you want to borrow something, you can say so. But why go straight for someone’s life?” Tu Fei demanded.
“What do you want to borrow?” Ye Fan asked coldly.
“I wish to borrow the yellow-black source root!” The Golden-Winged Little Peng King stood with his hands behind his back, looking down at Ye Fan — his words imperious, as if they brooked no refusal.
“And if I refuse?” Ye Fan had not expected that the moment he arrived, someone would already be demanding the cauldron forged from the Primordial Source Root of All Things.
“Then I will take it myself!” the Golden-Winged Little Peng King said lightly, not even deigning to give Ye Fan a direct look — utterly self-sovereign in bearing.
“Brother Peng, you’re going too far. Ye Fan is my guest, after all.” The Little Azure Flood Dragon King frowned.
“What guest? Those not of our kind have different hearts!” The Golden-Winged Little Peng King stared at Ye Fan as if looking at a dead man.
“What do you mean by that?” Tu Fei demanded.
“Of course — that doesn’t include you!” The Golden-Winged Little Peng King stood with his hands behind his back, swept a glance at Ye Fan, and said: “A mere Ancient Crippled Body — killing him is nothing. Why keep him alive?”
“You…” Tu Fei’s brows shot up in fury.
“The yellow-black source root — I will have it!” The Golden-Winged Little Peng King was utterly unreasonable.
“Brother Peng, this isn’t right of you…” The Little Azure Flood Dragon King frowned.
“I’ll give you two choices.” The Golden-Winged Little Peng King showed not a flicker of human warmth. He stared at Ye Fan, cold and merciless: “One — leave behind the yellow-black source root, and I will spare your life. Two — I take it myself and end your life.”
Tu Fei was livid. He had never seen anyone so utterly devoid of reason. Though he knew the Golden-Winged Little Peng King swept through the Eastern Desolation’s central region unrivaled among his generation, the anger still surged up irresistibly.
Ye Fan’s brow trembled. His divine consciousness had already taken the form of an inch-long golden sword — ready to be launched at any moment.
“Don’t try to fight me. If you do, you won’t leave with your body intact!” The Golden-Winged Little Peng King towered above them, eyes blazing with murderous intent, staring down at Ye Fan from above.