Shrouding the Heavens - Chapter 249

In front of the young cultivators of Quzhou, Ye Fan killed eight True Disciples from Flickering Light and the Ji Family. This news spread like wildfire, causing quite a stir.

Quzhou was abuzz with activity. Everyone was shocked. The Ji Family dispatched numerous strong individuals to this oasis, and the divine body Ji Haoyue also came in person. Additionally, someone spotted the Flickering Light Saint Heir.

Both of these individuals were enveloped in halos, attracting attention wherever they went. They were figures of the younger generation who stood at the Peak in the Eastern Wastelands. Yet now, for a young man named Ye Fan, they both arrived in Quzhou, naturally surprising everyone.

Soon, more news came out: the Flickering Light Sacred Lady Yao Xi had also arrived and appeared in Chaoyang City, making it a place where winds and clouds converged, drawing the eyes of many.

All of Quzhou was in motion, and the surrounding oases also received the news. People discussed incessantly, all talking about Ye Fan.

"This young man has no master and doesn’t belong to any Great Sect, yet he crossed the void alone from the southern region to the northern region; truly, he has some means."

"He acquired the Great Void Art from the Ji Family and even burned one of their Grand Elders to death; truly unbelievable!"

The deeds of Ye Fan’s past were spread, leaving people even more shocked, finding it hard to believe.

"Being a sacred body, his future cultivation path will be extremely difficult. Who knows how far he can go."

As this information spread, many people sighed. Such a physique seemed like a Magic Spell; no matter how close one’s comprehension was to that of Immortals or demons, one would be trapped within this fleshly prison, the path ahead filled with despair.

"However, such a physique is worth studying. I think all the great Sacred Lands would be interested."

"He possesses a cauldron made of Origin Qi; such a treasure would make all great sects envious. Even if the Ji Family does not act, his future situation is worrying."

"What a pity for the sacred body, a Magic Spell difficult to break. His lifetime achievements might have already reached their end!"

Some people lamented, feeling that this young man’s future path was almost severed and that it was impossible for him to cross the ’heavenly chasm’ left by Ancient Desolation.

He had dared to wield a blade against the Ji Family. People had initially expected a supreme figure to rise in the future, but who would have thought he possessed such a physique.

Since Ancient Desolation, endless ages have passed, and no one has ever been able to break the Magic Spell. The once-invincible sacred body has actually been reduced to a wasted physique. I truly don’t know when a miracle will occur.

People went from initially discussing Ye Fan’s deeds to later discussing the sacred body; no one had faith in him. They believed he was merely an abnormal oddity that would quickly wither; this physique, they thought, had no future.

「At this moment, Ye Fan and Tu Fei had already left the region of Quzhou.」

"How about it? You’re quite a renowned figure now. Everywhere we go, people are talking about you." Tu Fei sat astride a green-maned lion, flying over the desolate, reddish-brown earth.

"Standing at the crest of a wave is not a good thing. Without some special means, even life will be threatened." Ye Fan wasn’t regretful; he had acted to bring shame to the Ji Family’s face.

He wore purple clothes, looking quite different from before. Gone was his delicate appearance, replaced by strong eyebrows and bright eyes, full of heroic spirit. His aura had changed greatly; even if he met acquaintances, he wasn’t worried about being recognized. He had no mount, striding through the void, his speed equally swift.

The big black dog had also taken to the sky. It wasn’t flying on its own, however; after much pestering, it had wheedled the Five-Colored Jade Boat out of Ye Fan. The boat had been modified to look like a turtle shell, and its colors had turned a dingy black.

Tu Fei laughed, "In the surrounding regions of Quzhou, you’re a celebrity. All cultivators talk about you. If something even bigger happens next time, I think it will spread to the sacred city, and that would be quite lively."

"What’s this? Back in my days of ruling the world, everyone across the Eastern Wastelands knew of me," interrupted the big black dog.

"What exactly is its background? I really want to find an opportunity to stew it!" Tu Fei gritted his teeth, transmitting his voice to Ye Fan in secret.

"Drop it. Why worry about a mangy-tailed dog?" Ye Fan advised and then asked, "Where exactly does the Green Flood Dragon King reside?"

"Very far. Even flying at full speed would take more than ten days," Tu Fei replied.

The northern region was really vast and boundless; some sects were so distant from each other that reaching them could take a year or even half a year of flight. Fortunately, the Green Flood Dragon King’s secluded place wasn’t that distant.

"What exactly are you planning to do?" Tu Fei didn’t believe Ye Fan was looking for an old friend.

"To take refuge. The Ji Family is chasing me all over the world. It’s really unsafe outside." Ye Fan couldn’t tell the truth. This time, I might offend the demon clan, he worried.

"I must remind you, you have a cauldron forged from Origin Qi. Going to the Green Flood Dragon King will most likely cause some ripples."

"Are you suggesting that the Peacock King and the others will make a move?" Ye Fan furrowed his brows.

Yan Ruyu had an Extreme Dao Holy Weapon left by the demon race’s Great Emperor, and even the Peacock King didn’t eye her possessions but rather protected her. Would he make a move for the Extreme Dao Material I have?

"The Peacock King and the Green Flood Dragon King are certainly not such people, but for other demon clans, it’s hard to say. After all, in the demon clan, there are all kinds of Demon Cultivators." Tu Fei, despite his big mouth, was very serious at this moment. He said, "If it weren’t for my grandfather possessing a peak weapon, even I might be tempted by your Profound Yellow Root."

"What, your family possesses a peak weapon?" The big black dog’s eyes widened suddenly. "You’re bluffing! There are only a few such pieces in the Eastern Wastelands. How could your family possibly have one?"

"Go cool off somewhere!" Tu Fei was filled with aversion to this big dog.

Ye Fan furrowed his brows. Since he arrived in the northern region, he hadn’t gone to the Peacock King precisely because he feared the demon clan would have designs on his treasured possessions.

After all, when he burned the Ji Family’s Grand Elder in the southern region, the Mystic Yellow Cauldron had already been exposed.

But now, he had no choice; he had to go there, despite the potential life-threatening danger.

I want to rescue Pang Bo and can’t delay any longer, fearing I will never see this friend again.

Although the demon clan members said that in the end, Pang Bo might achieve completion, receiving immense benefits, and the mysterious presence occupying his body would vanish.

However, I don’t believe them.

You can’t fully trust what the demon clan says. I don’t want Pang Bo to gamble with his life; I have to save him.

In the past, when I was in the southern region, I lacked the ability; even a random Demon Cultivator could have subdued me. Now, although my strength is still insufficient, I can no longer wait.

Yan Ruyu once said everything would conclude within a few years, with at most a year or half a year before everything settled.

Now, even though my strength is still lacking, I can only fight with my life. I don’t want to regret it for the rest of my life.

Even if it means facing life-threatening danger and potential death, I still have to act. I can’t bear to lose this friend.

「Half a month later, they arrived here.」

Yunze State, true to its name, was filled everywhere with great marshes and misty waters, like stepping into a water town.

This oasis was vast, stretching over ten thousand li, ranking among the top few dozen oases in the northern region.

Ye Fan marveled at this vast land. Compared to the land on the other side of the Starry Sky, it was virtually impossible to comprehend, like a legend.

Yunze State didn’t resemble the northern region’s typical landscape; it was lush and verdant, teeming with life. Aside from trees, there was water, with springs every hundred steps and a river every ten li.

High mountains stood tall, with vast waterfalls covering them entirely, a white expanse.

Endless great plains were green and lush. Besides the towering Ancient Trees, large rivers surged everywhere, crisscrossing like Azure Dragons dividing the land.

Large lakes were everywhere, connected into vast expanses, as far as the eye could see.

Everywhere were great marshes, everywhere was mist; this was truly the homeland of water.

"The Green Flood Dragon King... one hears that name and thinks of a flood dragon achieving the Dao. Choosing such a water-rich state isn’t surprising," muttered the big black dog.

"Don’t talk nonsense!" Ye Fan glared at him.

Now that they had reached Yunze State, they were in the Green Flood Dragon King’s domain. Should certain Demon Cultivators overhear them, there might be trouble.

"The Green Flood Dragon King is a demon clan senior sovereign. After transforming into human form, he has existed for over a thousand years, with an unfathomable cultivation base. Indeed, one must be cautious with words and actions in this place," Tu Fei said gravely.

「Two days later, they arrived at the Green Flood Dragon King’s secluded dwelling.」

Tu Fei took out a jade pendant, engraved with the character ’Tu.’ It was carved by the seventh great bandit, Flickering Light Sacred Master, and contained his imprint inside.

He activated this jade, and instantly, a flash of brilliance erupted, and the scenery before them changed dramatically. They entered a strange space.

The mountains towered magnificently, with abundant waters, lush trees, and thick mist. Eighty-one great rivers ran through here, and there were dozens of lakes.

"A space created by ancient sages!" A glint of wisdom flashed in the big black dog’s eyes.

"You sure know a lot." Tu Fei glared at it with annoyance.

"Who goes there?!" A voice shouted from a distant immortal mountain shrouded in mist.

"Friends. My name is Tu Fei. I have visited here before," Tu Fei replied.

Several figures descended. The men were handsome, the women enchanting, all exuding a demonic aura as they approached.

"So, it’s the descendant of the esteemed Flickering Light Sacred Master." After examining the jade pendant, they allowed the group to proceed.

This space was a world unto itself, vast and boundless. Passing the waterfall zone, more splendid sights appeared ahead.

On mountain peaks, before waterfalls, pavilions and palaces could be seen everywhere.

Ancient Vines and old trees, strange flowers and exotic grasses—they were everywhere in abundance.

"So you are the descendant of the Tu Family. You haven’t been here in quite a long time, have you?"

Along the way, elder demon clan members they recognized greeted them, and Tu Fei respectfully responded to each.

"Haha... Brother Tu has arrived! I’ve truly missed you." A young demon clan man with a few figures flew over and landed.

He was burly, dressed in blue iron armor, with a robust physique brimming with explosive power. His eyes were as bright as stars, shining brilliantly. Most fascinating were the pair of Dragon Horns in his azure hair, crystalline and radiant.

This was a flood dragon!

In the Eastern Wastelands, devoid of True Dragons, flood dragons are undoubtedly considered a royal family among the demon clan.

This young man must hold an extraordinary status, Ye Fan realized.

"Brother Qingyi, you look even more impressive than before," Tu Fei said, approaching with a smile.

Indeed, this was the descendant of the Green Flood Dragon King, named Qingyi, revered as the Green Robed Little Flood Dragon King.

"And this is..."

"This is Ye Fan. Lord Peacock King thinks highly of him," Tu Fei introduced.

Divine Light flashed in the Green Robed Little Flood Dragon King’s eyes. He laughed heartily, "I know! I’ve long heard of your great name. You even burned the Ji Family’s Grand Elder to death—truly a young hero."

Beside him, a few other demon clan figures all looked over, each with a peculiar glint in their eyes.

"Please, come in. This is not a place for conversation." The Green Robed Little Flood Dragon King chuckled and clapped his hands. A colossal Immortal Crane flew over, its wings spanning over thirty meters. It carried them skyward. After flying for over twenty li, it stopped and landed on a picturesque immortal mountain.

Here, every peak had vast palaces. The Green Robed Little Flood Dragon King led them to one of his own Palaces.

Ascending the enormous stone steps and entering the palace, the Green Robed Little Flood Dragon King said, "I have another distinguished guest here as well."

"Who is it?" Tu Fei asked.

"He is the Peak expert of the younger generation of our demon clan—the Golden-winged Little Peng King."

Hearing these words, Tu Fei was taken aback. "Is he a descendant of the Peng King?" he asked.

"Indeed. He is a descendant of the demon clan’s sovereign Peng King from the Central Eastern Desolate. His cultivation base is unfathomable. This time he came to the northern region to attend the Yaochi Grand Gathering, and he also intends to meet the Flickering Light Saint Heir," the Green Robed Little Flood Dragon King replied.

Ye Fan was shocked. The Flickering Light Saint Heir was almost invincible among their generation, yet this Golden-winged Little Peng King wanted to challenge him. It was clear how terrifying his cultivation base must be.

"I’ve long heard of the Golden-winged Little Peng King’s great name. I didn’t expect him to be in the northern region," Tu Fei said.

Within the magnificent palace, with its decorated beams and painted columns, it was resplendent and majestic. Clouds billowed on the ground, and beautiful demon clan women stood on either side, as if they had entered the legendary Ancient Heavenly Court of the demon clan.

Several young demon clan members sat inside. One of them had incredibly sharp eyes, with fair skin and golden hair draped over his shoulders, shining like the sun—extraordinarily heroic.

"This is the Golden-winged Little Peng King," the Green Robed Little Flood Dragon King introduced.

The golden-haired man stood up and nodded towards them.

Afterward, the Green Robed Little Flood Dragon King introduced Tu Fei and Ye Fan.

Upon hearing Ye Fan’s name, two piercing rays of Divine Light shot out from the Golden-winged Little Peng King’s eyes, soul-stirring.

"Are you the Ye Fan wanted by the Ancient Nobility, the Ji Family?"

Ye Fan nodded. Being hunted by an Ancient Nobility was indeed influential; even the Golden-winged Little Peng King, who had just arrived in the northern region, had learned about it.

SHING!

The light from the golden claws was blinding as they grabbed towards Ye Fan. It was extremely terrifying—this was the claw of a Peng bird!

It was a giant claw manifested by the Golden-winged Little Peng King, covering the great hall, seemingly able to tear through the void, enveloping Ye Fan beneath it.

BOOM!

A flash of azure light—the Green Robed Little Flood Dragon King intervened, blocking the enormous Peng claw. "Brother Peng, what is the meaning of this?"

Tu Fei also reacted, saying angrily, "Golden-winged Little Peng King, what do you mean by this?"

The powerful divine sense within Ye Fan’s brow was ready to burst out. He had genuinely felt the threat of death; that claw of the Golden-winged Little Peng King had been aimed at his life.

The Golden-winged Little Peng King’s golden hair danced as he said nonchalantly, "I wish to borrow an artifact from him."

"If you wish to borrow an artifact, you can say so. But why immediately try to take someone’s life?" Tu Fei questioned.

"What do you wish to borrow?" Ye Fan asked coldly.

"I wish to borrow the Profound Yellow Root for a while!" The Golden-winged Little Peng King stood with his hands behind his back, looking down at Ye Fan. His words were overbearing, leaving no room for refusal.

"And what if I refuse?" I never expected that, having just arrived here, someone would demand the cauldron cast from Origin Qi, Ye Fan thought, surprised.

"Then I shall take it myself!" the Golden-winged Little Peng King said coolly, not even sparing Ye Fan a glance, his posture one of absolute self-importance.

"Brother Peng, you’re going too far. Brother Ye is my guest, after all," the Green Robed Little Flood Dragon King frowned.

"What guest? ’Those not of our race must have different hearts’!" The Golden-winged Little Peng King stared at Ye Fan as if he were looking at a dead man.

"What do you mean?" Tu Fei questioned loudly.

"Of course, that doesn’t include you!" The Golden-winged Little Peng King, hands clasped behind his back, swept a glance over Ye Fan. "A mere Desolate Ancient Wasted Body. If killed, so be it. What use is there in keeping him alive?"

"You..." Tu Fei’s eyebrows shot up.

"The Profound Yellow Root, this holy divine relic, I am determined to have it!" The Golden-winged Little Peng King was almost devoid of human compassion.

"Brother Peng, this isn’t right..." The Green Robed Little Flood Dragon King furrowed his brows.

"I’ll give you two choices." The Golden-winged Little Peng King, utterly devoid of human emotion, stared at Ye Fan and said coldly, "One, leave the Profound Yellow Root, and I’ll spare your life. Two, I’ll take it myself and end your life!"

Tu Fei was furious. He had never seen someone so unreasonable. Even though he knew the Golden-winged Little Peng King roamed the Central Eastern Desolate, invincible among his peers, he couldn’t contain his anger.

Ye Fan’s brow throbbed; his divine sense formed an inch-long golden sword, ready to be unleashed at any moment.

"Don’t try to fight me, or you will die without a whole corpse!" The Golden-winged Little Peng King, tall and imposing, exuded a frenzied killing intent as he loomed over Ye Fan.